cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Improved Two-Dimensional Micromechanical Theory for Brittle Solids with Randomly Located Interacting Microcracks:

This paper presents applications of accurate orthogonal function approximation methods to the two-dimensional problems of brittle solids containing many randomly located (and possibly randomly oriented) and strongly interacting microcracks within the framework of micromechanics and ensemble-volume average approach. The randomly located and oriented two-crack interaction problems are solved by using the highly accurate Legendre and Tchebycheff orthogonal polynomials to any desired order. The complex stress potential method is subsequently employed to micromechanically derive microcrack opening displacements under complicated loadings due to microcrack interaction effects-including concentrated loadings, arbitrary loadings and polynomial loadings. Improved local ensemble-averaged and overall effective elastic compliances of brittle solids due to microcracks and their interactions are systematically constructed by using the pairwise microcrack interaction mechanism and the ensemble-volume average approach. A...
Identification of faulty processing elements by space-time compression of test responses

A novel approach to the identification of a faulty processing element, based on an analysis of the compressed response of the system, is proposed. The test response is compressed first in space and then in time, and a faulty processing element is identified by a hard-decision decoding of the corresponding space-time signature. The overhead analysis and the solution for the hardware minimization problem are presented for several important classes of systems. The proposed method results in considerable hardware savings. >
Fear and Misbehavior in a High School

Traditional studies of deterrence have investigated the impact of severity and certainty of punishment. This study considers the impact of these variables on misbehavior, and includes an analysis of legitimacy, seriousness of misbehavior, and fear of consequences. Although deterrence is usually investigated in the criminal justice system, a large public school was chosen for this investigation. Fourteen classes were sampled, with 271 students completing questionnaires on self-reported misbehavior and their perceptions about the control structure in the high school. Perceptions of school and classroom climate were found to predict misbehavior. Perceptions about punishment explained the fear of consequences. Severity and certainty of sanction were found to be less important in the explanation of fear than the perceived seriousness of misbehavior, legitimacy of rules, and the celerity of sanction. These findings have important implications for future research on deterrence.
On reliability modeling of variable link capacity networks

A method for evaluating the reliability of telecommunication networks when links have variable capacities is presented. Source-to-terminal success is defined as the ability to provide connectivity with a certain capacity. An algorithm to evaluate the performance index is presented. Implementation is carried out in C on a Gould UTX/32 computer, and the results are presented. >
Oncolytic measles virus targets high CD46 expression on multiple myeloma cells

Objective Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable B cell malignancy and novel therapeutics are urgently needed. Live attenuated measles virus (MV) has potent oncolytic activity against MM tumor xenografts. The virus is tumor selective and preferentially targets cells that express high levels of CD46 receptors. However, CD46 levels on MM have not previously been evaluated. In this study, we investigated the potential of CD46 as a target for MM therapy and correlated surface levels of CD46 on MM cells with their susceptibility to MV-induced cytopathic effects. Materials and Methods CD46 expression on neoplastic plasma cells (PCs) and nonplasma cells (NPCs) from 38 MM patients was analyzed by flow cytometry and receptor numbers were quantitated using BD QuantiBRITE PE beads. Results Results showed that malignant PCs expressed significantly higher levels of CD46 receptors compared to NPCs ( p Conclusion The present study establishes CD46 as a surface antigen that is expressed more abundantly on primary MM cells compared to normal hematopoietic cells of various lineages in the bone marrow, making CD46 a promising surface marker for targeted cytoreductive therapy of MM.
On the use and performance of explicit communication primitives in cache-coherent multiprocessor systems

Recent developments in shared-memory multiprocessor systems advocate using off-the-shelf hardware to provide basic communication mechanisms and using software to implement cache coherence policies. The exposure of communication mechanisms to software opens many opportunities for enhancing application performance. In this paper we propose a set of communication primitives implemented on a communication co-processor that introduce a flavor of message passing and permit protocol optimization. To assess the overhead of the software implementation of the primitives and protocols, we compare a PRAM model, a hardware cache coherence scheme, a software scheme implementing only the basic cache coherence protocol, and an optimized software solution supporting the additional communication primitives and running with applications annotated with those primitives. With the parameters we chose for the communication processor, the overall memory system overhead of the basic software scheme is at least 50% higher than that of the hardware implementation. With the adequate insertion of the communication primitives, the optimized software solution has a performance comparable to that of the hardware scheme.
Determination of Residual Surface Stresses Caused by Grinding in Polycrystalline Al2O3

Residual surface stresses introduced into polycrystalline Al2O3 during diamond grinding (320 grit) were examined by an X-ray direction technique commonly used for metals. Compressive stresses, estimated to be in the range 135 to 170 MPa and to extend 15 μm deep, were observed at the surface. It is believed that the compressive surface layer coincides with the plastic layer produced by the elastie/plastic interaction of the abrasive grains with the ceramic. The results are discussed with regard to the effect of the compressive layer on the extension of surface cracks.
Degradation of DDT and DDE by Cheese Microorganisms

SUMMARY Representative microorganisms of the diverse flora associated with several varieties of surface-ripened cheese were isolated. Species of streptococci, micrococci, yeasts and Gram-positive rods accounted for most of the isolates. These were incubated at 32°C in media containing 0.5 ppm lindane, p-p DDE, and p-p DDT. The pesticides were dissolved in a small amount of ethanol to facilitate incorporation into the media. Following incubation for 10 days, the concentrations of residual pesticides were determined by electron capture gas chromatography. The growth of streptococci and micrococci isolates did not apear to produce any changes in pesticide levels, though they apparently were uninhibited by the pesticides. However, the growth of other isolates dechlorinated p-p DDT. Moreover, aerobic growth of geotrichum species caused almost complete disappearance of the p-p DDT and p-p DDE peaks from the gas chromatograms. These results suggest the possibility that residues of DDT and DDE might be degraded if they are present in certain types of surface-ripened cheeses.
Matching and oddity learning in pigeons : effects of penalty time for incorrect responding

In simultaneous matching-to-sample and oddity-from-sample tasks, briefly delaying the offset of trial stimuli following an incorrect choice response was found to facilitate task acquisition (Experiment 1). Because thispenalty-time procedure also resulted in longer choice-response latencies, it was hypothesized that any procedure that increased response latency would facilitate task acquisition. However, in Experiment 2, no evidence of facilitation was found when a 2-sec pause was imposed prior to the choice response. The results of Experiment 3 suggest that penalty-time facilitation of acquisition was not due to either the added differential outcome on correct versus incorrect trials (i.e., incorrect choice responses do not darken the keys as do correct choice responses) or the aversive effects associated with trial prolongation (i.e., incorrect responses not only result in the absence of reinforcement but also delay the start of the next trial). Instead, results suggest that birds trained with the penalty-time procedure review the trial stimuli following an incorrect choice.
Interference in Clinical Laboratory Tests by Human Antibodies to Specific and Non-Specific Immunogens

© There are many types of endogenous antibodies in human serum that might interfere with laboratory testing. Kaplan and Levinson1 have made a plea to differentiate 2 such categories of endogenous antibodies, heterophile antibodies, and specific human anti-animal (immunoglobulins) antibodies (HAAAs). Historically, heterophile antibodies have been sheep cell agglutinins associated with mononucleosis. The authors point out that “hetero” and “phile” derived from the Greek mean “different” and “affinity” respectively, and that Taber’s Medical Dictionary2 defines them as an antibody response to an “antigen other than the specific one.” Specific HAAA would be made in response to a specific immunogen and would have a higher affinity than a heterophile antibody. Kaplan and Levinson1 go on to propose the use of “heterophile antibody” when there is no history of medicinal treatment with animal CE Update [immunology | molecular diagnostics] Interference in Clinical Laboratory Tests by Human Antibodies to Specific and Non-Specific Immunogens
Nitric oxide: a local signalling molecule controlling the activity of pre-autonomic neurones in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus.

Aim: The gas molecule nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to modulate autonomic function by acting both peripherally and centrally. Accumulating evidence indicates that the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus is an important locus mediating central NO actions on autonomic function, under both physiological and pathological conditions. However, the cellular targets and mechanisms mediating NO actions within the PVN are still poorly understood. Results: By combining in vitro patch-clamp recordings with neuronal tract tracing techniques, we show that neuronal excitability of autonomic-related neurones in the PVN is tonically inhibited by an endogenous NO input. Furthermore, immunohistochemical studies show that ∼25% of autonomic-related PVN neurones express neuronal nitric oxide synthase, suggesting that at least a proportion of them contribute to the cellular sources of NO within the PVN. Conclusion: In summary, this work suggests that NO modulation of the firing activity of autonomic-related PVN neurones constitutes an efficient mechanism mediated central NO regulation of autonomic function.
Optical and electronic properties of quantum dots with magnetic impurities

Abstract The article discusses some of the recent results on semiconductor quantum dots with magnetic impurities. A single Mn impurity incorporated in a quantum dot strongly changes the optical response of a quantum-dot system. A character of Mn-carrier interaction is very different for II-VI and III-V quantum dots (QDs). In the II-VI QDs, a Mn impurity influences mostly the spin-structure of an exciton. In the III-V dots, a spatial localization of hole by a Mn impurity can be very important, and ultimately yields a totally different spin structure. A Mn-doped QD with a variable number of mobile carriers represents an artificial magnetic atom. Due to the Mn-carrier interaction, the order of filling of electronic shells in the magnetic QDs can be very different to the case of the real atoms. The “periodic” table of the artificial magnetic atoms can be realized in voltage-tunable transistor structures. For the electron numbers corresponding to the regime of Hund's rule, the magnetic Mn-carrier coupling is especially strong and the magnetic-polaron states are very robust. Magnetic QD molecules are also very different to the real molecules. QD molecules can demonstrate spontaneous breaking of symmetry and phase transitions. Single QDs and QD molecules can be viewed as voltage-tunable nanoscale memory cells where information is stored in the form of robust magnetic-polaron states. To cite this article: A.O. Govorov, C. R. Physique 9 (2008).
Clinical decision rule for primary care patient with acute low back pain at risk of developing chronic pain

Abstract Background context Primary care clinicians need to identify candidates for early interventions to prevent patients with acute pain from developing chronic pain. Purpose We conducted a 2-year prospective cohort study of risk factors for the progression to chronic pain and developed and internally validated a clinical decision rule (CDR) that stratifies patients into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups for chronic pain. Study design/Setting This is a prospective cohort study in primary care. Patient sample Patients with acute low back pain (LBP, ≤30 days duration) were included. Outcome measures Outcome measures were self-reported perceived nonrecovery and chronic pain. Methods Patients were surveyed at baseline, 6 months, and 2 years. We conducted bivariate and multivariate regression analyses of demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables for chronic pain outcomes, developed a CDR, and assessed its performance by calculating the bootstrapped areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) and likelihood ratios. Results Six hundred five patients enrolled: 13% had chronic pain at 6 months and 19% at 2 years. An eight-item CDR was most parsimonious for classifying patients into three risk levels. Bootstrapped AUC was 0.76 (0.70–0.82) for the 6-month CDR. Each 10-point score increase (60-point range) was associated with an odds ratio of 11.1 (10.8–11.4) for developing chronic pain. Using a less than 5% probability of chronic pain as the cutoff for low risk and a greater than 40% probability for high risk, likelihood ratios were 0.26 (0.14–0.48) and 4.4 (3.0–6.3) for these groups, respectively. Conclusions A CDR was developed that may help primary care clinicians classify patients with strictly defined acute LBP into low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups for developing chronic pain and performed acceptably in 1,000 bootstrapped replications. Validation in a separate sample is needed.
Countering the false positive projection effect in nonlinear asymmetric classification

This work concerns the problem of asymmetric classification and provides the following contributions. First, it introduces the method of KDDA - a kernelized extension of the distance-based discriminant analysis technique that treats data asymmetrically and naturally accommodates indefinite kernels. Second, it demonstrates that KDDA and other asymmetric nonlinear projective approaches, such as BiasMap and KFD are often prone to an adverse condition referred to as the false positive projection effect. Empirical evaluation on both synthetic and real-world data sets is carried out to assess the degree of performance degradation due to false positive projection effect, determine the viability of some schemes for its elimination, and compare the introduced KDDA method with state-of-the-art alternatives, achieving encouraging results
Tritium Content of Clay Minerals

The presence, percentage, origins, and rate of formation of clay minerals have been important components in studies involving the geochemical and structural composition of waste-rock piles. The objective of the present study was to investigate the use of tritium as an indicator of the origin of clay minerals within such piles. Tritium values in pore water, interlayer water, and structural hydroxyl sites of clay minerals were examined to evaluate the origins of clay minerals within waste-rock piles located near Questa, New Mexico. Five clay minerals were identified: kaolinite, chlorite, illite, smectite, and mixedlayer illite-smectite, along with the hydrous sulfate minerals gypsum and jarosite. Analysis of waters derived from clay minerals was achieved by thermal reaction of dry-sieved bulk material obtained from the Questa site. In all Questa samples, the low-temperature water derived from pore-water and interlayer sites, as well as the intermediate-temperature water derived from interlayer cation sites occupied by hydronium and structural hydroxyl ions, show tritium values at or near modern levels for precipitation. Pore water and interlayer water ranged from 5.31 to 12.19 tritium units (TU) and interlayer hydronium and structurally derived water ranged from 3.92 to 7.93 TU. Tritium levels for local precipitation ranged from ~4 to 8 TU. One tritium unit (TU) represents one molecule of 3H1HO in 1018 molecules of 1H1HO. The elevated levels of tritium in structural sites can be accounted for by thermal incorporation of significant amounts of hydronium ions in interlayer cation sites for illite and mixed-layer clays, both common at the Questa site. In low-pH environments, such as those found within Questa waste-rock piles (typically pH ~3), the hydronium ion is an abundant species in the rock-pile pore-water system.
Clustering and Halo Occupation Distribution of Active Galactic Nuclei

We present the results of our series of studies on correlation function and halo occupation distribution of AGNs utilizing data the ROSAT All-Sky Survey (RASS) and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) in the redshift range of 0.07 DMH /h −1 M Θ ) ~ 12.4–13.4, (2) we found a dependence of the AGN bias parameter on the X-ray luminosity of AGNs, while the optical luminosity dependence is not significant probably due to smaller dynamic range in luminosity for the optically-selected sample, and (3) the growth of the number of AGNs per DMH (N (M DMH )) with M DMH is shallow, or even may be flat, contrary to that of the galaxy population in general, which grows with M DMH proportionally, suggesting a suppression of AGN triggering in denser environment. In order to investigate the origin of the X-ray luminosity dependence, we are also investigating the dependence of clustering on the black hole mass and the Eddington ratio, we also present the results of this investigation.
Identifying variations in adherence to the CDC sexually transmitted disease treatment guidelines of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Abstract Objective Neisseria gonorrhoeae is identified as a national challenge due to emerging antimicrobial resistance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sexually transmitted diseases (STD) Treatment guidelines are updated to address emerging concerns. The aims of this study were 1) to determine the proportion of cases that were adherent to two aspects of the treatment guidelines: antimicrobial treatment and follow-up recommendations and 2) to evaluate differences in adherence based on clinical location. Study design A retrospective review of medical records was performed for the first positive N. gonorrhoeae tests identified in subjects between May 2011 and December 2013 at a large urban academic medical centre. We hypothesised that provider adherence to STD treatment and prevention guidelines was better at STD specialised clinics than non-specialised settings. Methods Adherence to CDC STD treatment guidelines was determined for both treatment and prevention management. Demographic, testing differences, and appropriate treatment and follow-up between speciality and non-speciality clinics were evaluated using chi-squared, Fisher's exact, and Student's t -test, when appropriate. Results During the study period, 542/714 positive tests were analysed. Healthcare provider adherence to antimicrobial management guidelines was 82% during the study period. Adherence to the guidelines was 76% and 88% for the 2010 and 2012 time periods, respectively. Non-adherence to recommendations included lack of dual therapy for N. gonorrhoeae in speciality clinics and incorrect dose in non-speciality clinics. Appropriate preventive follow-up was identified in only 31% of cases. Both speciality clinics and non-speciality clinics had errors related to partner therapy. Conclusions Providers in speciality clinics were more adherent to the guidelines compared with providers at other clinical sites. Significant lack of adherence was identified in the follow-up management of N. gonorrhoeae . Evaluation of treatment errors may help improve medical management of N. gonorrhoeae .
Fatal carcinoma of the cervix; a study of 58 autopsies.

Abstract One learns best by studying mistakes. Prompted by this axiom we studied the autopsy material of 58 patients who died with carcinoma of the cervix at Milwaukee County Hospital from January, 1942, until January, 1954. We felt that perhaps a significant number might have had what we consider good therapy and died in spite of it, although, after sifting the material we found that there were too few patients, especially in Stages I and II (International) who had had adequate therapy (only 10). Therefore, we were unable to evaluate fully our own treatment in these relatively few cases. However, a number of interesting facts came to light. We have had too little experience with radical surgery for recurrent or radioresistant carcinoma of the cervix to have formed an opinion regarding its place in our armamentarium. Although we are not specifically looking for it, an implication arises from this study that seems to support the radical surgery enthusiast.
Impact of Empagliflozin on Blood Pressure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension by Background Antihypertensive Medication

In the EMPA-REG BP trial, empagliflozin 10 mg and 25 mg once daily reduced glycohemoglobin, blood pressure (BP), and weight versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Patients received placebo (n=271), empagliflozin 10 mg (n=276), or empagliflozin 25 mg (n=276) for 12 weeks (n=full analysis set). This present analysis investigated changes from baseline to week 12 in mean 24-hour systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in patients receiving 0, 1, or ≥2 antihypertensive medications and patients receiving/not receiving diuretics or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers. Compared with placebo, empagliflozin 10 mg and 25 mg reduced mean 24-hour SBP/DBP in patients receiving 0 (10 mg: −3.89/−2.58 mm Hg; 25 mg: −3.77/−2.45 mm Hg), 1 (10 mg: −4.74/−1.97 mm Hg; 25 mg: −4.27/−1.81 mm Hg), or ≥2 (10 mg: −2.36/−0.68 mm Hg; 25 mg: −4.17/−1.54 mm Hg) antihypertensives. The effect of empagliflozin was not significantly different between subgroups by number of antihypertensives for changes in SBP (interaction P value 0.448) or DBP (interaction P value 0.498). Empagliflozin reduced 24-hour mean SBP/DBP irrespective of diuretic or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker use, with no significant difference between subgroups by use/no use of diuretics (interaction P values 0.380 [systolic]; 0.240 [diastolic]) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (interaction P values 0.900 [systolic]; 0.359 [diastolic]). In conclusion, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension, empagliflozin for 12 weeks reduced SBP and DBP versus placebo, irrespective of the number of antihypertensives and use of diuretics or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01370005.
Assessing the national trends in colon cancer among Native Americans: A 12 year SEER database study.

Abstract Introduction Native Americans (NA) form a unique cohort of colon cancer (CC) patients among whom the variability in demographics and cancer characteristics remains unclear. Methods We abstracted the national estimates for NA with CC using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database. Trend analysis of incidence, variation in location and patient demographic analysis were performed. Results A total number of 26,674 NA with CC were reported during the 12-year study period. While the overall incidence of CC decreased by 12% during the study period, incidence increased by 38% in NA. Incidence of CC was more prevalent and higher increase (42%) seen in NA females than males (p = 0.02; 34%). Stage III tumors represented 29% of all CC, sigmoid colon the most common site location (38%) with 72% of all tumors being moderately differentiated. 55% tumors were localized in left, 36% in right and 9% in transverse colon. 92% of the NA were insured. Conclusion Incidence of CC continues to rise in NA with majority of CC presented at higher stage and moderate differentiation.
Intersections of Accountability and Special Education: The Social Justice Implications of Policy and Practice.

High-stakes testing accountability has wreaked havoc on America's public schools. Since the passage of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) in 2001, virtually every public school student has experienced the...
Evaluating Seeking Safety for Women in Prison: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective:This study assessed the effectiveness of Seeking Safety on depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with incarcerated women.Method:A randomized controlled trial (N = 40) was u...
Why non-monotonic logic?

Abstract The motivation for nonmonotonic logic is to produce a machine representation for default reasoning, broadly construed. In this paper we argue that all nonmonotonic logics have (by definition) inference rules that fail to preserve truth, and this fact leads to several undesirable features. In response to these problems, but recognizing the importance of the original motivation for nonmonotonic logic, we propose an alternative to nonmonotonic logic, which achieves nonmonotonicity of reasoning without abandoning in any way truth preserving inferences. This approach is based on a possible worlds framework, which we illustrate with a small Prolog program. Motivating this approach is an important distinction, which we believe the advocates of nonmonotonic logic to be ignoring: that between inferencing and making decisions, or equivalently that between inferencing and theory construction.
Longitudinal Cognitive Profiles in Diabetes: Results From the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center's Uniform Data.

Background Diabetes is a risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment and possibly for accelerated progression to Alzheimer disease (AD) and other dementias, though the trajectory of cognitive decline in general and in specfic cognitive domains by diabetes is unclear. Methods Using the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center's Uniform Data Det (NACC-UDS) to identify cohorts of elders with normal cognition (N = 7,663) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI, N = 4,114), we compared overall cognitive composite and domain specific sub-scores and their progression over time between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Results Diabetes was more common among those with MCI (14.7%) than among subjects who were cognitively normal (11.7%). In subjects who were cognitively normal, baseline cognitive composite scores, attention, and executive function sub-scores were lower in diabetics than non-diabetics (by 0.098, 0.066, and 0.015 points, respectively). Over time, cognitive composite score showed subtle worsening in non-diabetics (0.025 points every 6 months), with an additional worsening of 0.01 points every 6 months in diabetics compared to non-diabetics. In the MCI groups, baseline cognitive composite as well as attention and executive domain sub-scores were lower in diabetics than non-diabetics (by 0.078, 0.092, and 0.032 points, respectively). Over time, cognitive composite (by 0.103 points every 6 months) and all domain specific sub-scores showed subtle worsening in non-diabetics, but diabetics had significantly slower worsening than non-diabetics on both cognitive composite (by 0.028 points) and domain specific sub-scores. Discussion Among elders, diabetes may be associated with lower cognitive performance, primarily in non-memory domains. However it is not associated with continued worsening, suggesting a static deficit with minimal memory involvement. This data suggest that diabetes may contribute more to a vascular profile of cognitive impairment than a profile more typical of AD.
Iron-related gene variants and brain iron in multiple sclerosis and healthy individuals.

Abstract Brain iron homeostasis is known to be disturbed in multiple sclerosis (MS), yet little is known about the association of common gene variants linked to iron regulation and pathological tissue changes in the brain. In this study, we investigated the association of genetic determinants linked to iron regulation with deep gray matter (GM) magnetic susceptibility in both healthy controls (HC) and MS patients. Four hundred (400) patients with MS and 150 age- and sex-matched HCs were enrolled and obtained 3 T MRI examination. Three (3) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with iron regulation were genotyped: two SNPs in the human hereditary hemochromatosis protein gene HFE: rs1800562 (C282Y mutation) and rs1799945 (H63D mutation), as well as the rs1049296 SNP in the transferrin gene (C2 mutation). The effects of disease and genetic status were studied using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) voxel-based analysis (VBA) and region-of-interest (ROI) analysis of the deep GM. The general linear model framework was used to compare groups. Analyses were corrected for age and sex, and adjusted for false discovery rate. We found moderate increases in susceptibility in the right putamen of participants with the C282Y (+ 6.1 ppb) and H63D (+ 6.9 ppb) gene variants vs. non-carriers, as well as a decrease in thalamic susceptibility of progressive MS patients with the C282Y mutation (left: − 5.3 ppb, right: − 6.7 ppb, p
Plotting a Socially Responsible Course for Computers Using Cybersecurity as an Example

Moore’s law drove an information revolution that changed the world. But computers will need more than raw performance in the future. Because computers now act as agents for humans, new issues arise that can only be addressed if engineers coordinate with lawyers and businesspeople.
A wide-band piezoelectric energy harvester with adjustable frequency through rotating the angle of the jointed beam

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we investigate the effects of a jointed beam system on the performance of a piezoelectric energy harvester. An experimental model composed of three piezoelectric plates attac...
Exceptional Experiences Following Exposure to a Sham “God Helmet”: Evidence for Placebo, Individual Difference, and Time of Day Influences:

It has been claimed that applying weak complex electromagnetic patterns to the temporal lobes in a “God Helmet” stimulates the intrusion of right-hemispheric processes to awareness, resulting in ex...
Abstract 17064: Number of Circulating Progenitor Cells in Hypertensive Symptomatic Women With Non-obstructive CAD: a Substudy of NHLBI-Sponsored Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation-Cardiovascular Disease Cohort (WISE-CVD)

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) is associated with inflammation and loss of structural integrity and functional impairment of the vasculature and among women carries the highest attributable risk of mortality. Circulating progenitor cells (PCs) play a key role in endothelial homoeostasis and promote vascular repair. Reductions of circulating PCs and their functional activity are associated with cardiovascular risk factors, but the relation between HTN and PCs remains unclear. Objective: To test the hypothesis that numbers of circulating PCs are related to systolic blood pressure (SBP) in women with symptoms/signs of ischemic heart disease (IHD) without obstructive CAD. Methods: Circulating PC counts were measured using flow cytometry for expression of CD34, CD133, CXCR4 and VEGFR2 epitopes on CD45med mononuclear cells from peripheral blood of 285 women enrolled in the WISE-CVD cohort. Correlation analyses were conducted between SBP and circulating PC numbers. Results: The age of these women was 60±11 years (mean±SD), 34% had a history of HTN, 10% diabetes, 10% hyperlipidemia, and 7% smoking. Higher SBP correlated with lower circulating levels of CD34+ (r=-0.19, p=0.001), CD34+/CD133+ (r=-0.20, p=0.001), CD34+/CXCR4+ (r=-0.14, p=0.01), and CD34+/CXCR4+/CD133+ (r=-0.15, p=0.01). In multivariate analysis after adjusting for CAD, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and usage of antihypertensive medications, SBP remained significantly associated with lower CD34+ (beta coefficient= -2.95, p=0.004), CD34+/CD133+ (beta coefficient= -3.48, p Conclusions: Among women with symptoms/signs of IHD without obstructive CAD, there is a significant association between SBP and reduced fraction of circulating PCs. Less circulating PCs may contribute to impaired vascular repair among women with HTN. These findings merit further investigation in other cohorts.
Effect of occupant behavior and air-conditioner controls on humidity in typical and high-efficiency homes

Abstract Increasing insulation levels and improved windows are reducing sensible cooling loads in high-efficiency homes. This trend raises concerns that the resulting shift in the balance of sensible and latent cooling loads may result in higher indoor humidity, occupant discomfort, and stunted adoption of high-efficiency homes. This study utilizes established moisture-buffering and air-conditioner latent degradation models in conjunction with an approach to stochastically model internal gains. Building loads and indoor humidity levels are compared for simulations of typical new construction homes and high-efficiency homes in 10 US cities. The sensitivity of indoor humidity to changes in cooling set point, air-conditioner capacity, and blower control parameters are evaluated. The results show that high-efficiency homes in humid climates have cooling loads with a higher fraction of latent loads than the typical new construction home, resulting in higher indoor humidity. Reducing the cooling set point is the easiest method to reduce indoor humidity, but it is not energy efficient, and overcooling may lead to occupant discomfort. Eliminating the blower operation at the end of cooling cycles and reducing the cooling airflow rate also reduce indoor humidity and with a smaller impact on energy use and comfort.
Removal of Nitrogen from Hydrogen with Silica Gel at Low Temperatures

This paper gives the results of about twenty full scale purification tests made on the silica gel purifiers installed in the large CEL-NBS hydrogen liquefier for final purification of electrolytic hydrogen. These results are compared with predicted capacities made by W. T. Ziegler of the Georgia Institute of Technology, The increasing interest in purification of hydrogen for many uses, including liquefaction, prompted this evaluation program.
Physical activity behaviors of rural preschoolers

Purpose The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the physical activity and active play of rural preschoolers. Method A micro-ethnography approach using observation, photography, individual interviews, and focus groups led to five major themes describing preschool activity and play in the rural area. Findings The five major themes describing preschool activity and play in the rural area were Self-Reliance, Learning Through Play, One Big Rural Family, Rural Surroundings, and Money Matters. Conclusions Rural areas may not be as conducive to every day physical activity for children as traditionally believed. Nurses can apply these results when intervening to increase physical activity levels of preschool children.
Molecular Chaperones and Protection in Animal and CellularModels of Ischemic Stroke

Chaperones, including heat-shock proteins (Hsps) Hsp70, Hsp40 and GroEL, has been shown to protect from both global and focal ischemia in vivo and cell culture models of ischemia/reperfusion injury in vitro. While the mechanism of protection in part reflects chaperone functions (i.e., preventing abnormal protein folding or aggregation), work from our laboratory and others has implicated additional mechanisms including direct interference with cell death pathways, modulation of inflammation, and preservation of mitochondrial function. In this chapter we will first briefly introduce the Hsps, then describe the animal and cellular models of cerebral ischemia in which effects of Hsps have been studied, including reviewing methods used to overexpress Hsps. We will focus on the protective effect of overexpressing different Hsps against ischemic stroke and elaborate the potential mechanisms involved. Despite a great deal of study, much remains to be learned about the multifaceted effects of Hsps in cerebral ischemia. The endogenous stress response remains a model of cell protection with promise for the development of novel therapies for ischemic brain injury
Structure of the Mid-Norway Heidrun Field and its regional implications

Abstract Heidrun Field is formed by a trap-door structure located at the transition between the Nordland Ridge and Halten Terrace. Ample evidence exists for two major extensional events at Heidrun Field. Based upon seismic interpretation and regional constraints, a major extensional event occurred in mid-Permian(?) time. This event, which followed the NE trend already established in the Caledonian basement, created NE-striking tilted fault blocks. Displacement, which exceeds 500 m on some faults, occurs on east-dipping listric normal faults that may coincide with reactivated Caledonian thrusts. During latest Jurassic to Early Cretaceous time the second major extensional event (the late Kimmerian phase) occurred. Four coeval fault sets developed at this time: two NE-trending sets which in places involve reactivated mid-Permian(?) faults and two N-trending sets which are often antithetic to the NE-trending fault sets. The multiple fault sets most likely developed in response to three-dimensional strain caused by basement-controlled rifting. An ESE-WNW extensional direction for the event can be inferred from the orthorhombic symmetry of the four coeval fault sets. Apparently strain associated with late Kimmerian extension could not be accommodated entirely by reactivation of older NE-trending faults, thus resulting in the formation of the N-trending fault sets. Along the Nordland Ridge a minor component of sinistral displacement most likely accompanied late Kimmerian deformation based on the inferred extension direction, the pull-apart basin geometry of the Halten Terrace and observed minor strike-slip displacement.
A simple explicit homogenization solution for the macroscopic elastic response of isotropic porous elastomers

Abstract An approximate homogenization solution is put forth for the effective stored-energy function describing the macroscopic elastic response of isotropic porous elastomers comprised of incompressible non-Gaussian elastomers embedding equiaxed closed-cell vacuous pores. In spite of its generality, the solution — which is constructed in two successive steps by making use first of an iterative technique and then of a nonlinear comparison medium method — is fully explicit and remarkably simple. Its key theoretical and practical features are discussed in detail and its accuracy is demonstrated by means of direct comparisons with novel computational solutions for porous elastomers with four classes of physically relevant isotropic microstructures wherein the underlying pores are: (i) infinitely polydisperse in size and of abstract shape, (ii) finitely polydisperse in size and spherical in shape, (iii) monodisperse in size and spherical in shape, and (iv) monodisperse in size and of oblate spheroidal shape.
Unnamed Entity Recognition of Sense Mentions

We consider the problem of recognizing mentions of human senses in text. Our contribution is a method for acquiring labeled data, and a learning method that is trained on this data. Experiments show the effectiveness of our proposed data labeling approach and our learning model on the task of sense recognition in text.
Effectiveness of Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs for US Latinos at Improving Emotional Distress: A Systematic Review:

PurposeThis systematic review examined whether diabetes self-management education (DSME) interventions for US Latino adults improve general emotional distress (eg, depression symptoms) and/or healt...
Dynamic Transverse Stability for High Speed Craft

Even in calm water, high-speed vessels can display unstable behaviors, such as chine-walking, sudden large heel, and porpoising. Large heel results from the loss of transverse stability due to high forward speed. When a planing craft begins to plane, the hydrodynamic lift forces raise the hull out of the water, reducing the underwater submergence. The available righting moment due to the hydrostatic buoyancy is, therefore, reduced. As the righting moment due to hydrostatic buoyancy is reduced, the righting moment due to hydrodynamic effects becomes important. These hydrodynamic righting effects are related to the hydrodynamic lift. This paper explores the relationship between the hydrostatic righting moment, the hydrodynamic righting moment, and the total roll restoring moment of a planing craft operating at planing speeds. A series of tow tests using a prismatic hull with a constant deadrise of \(20^{\circ }\) measured the righting moment at various angles of heel and at various model velocities. The model was completely constrained in heave, pitch, sway, roll, yaw, and surge. The underwater volume is determined from the known hull configuration and underwater photography of the keel and chine wetted lengths. The results presented include the total righting moment with the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic contributions for various model speeds at two model displacements.
Reverse time adjoint migration

ABSTRACTFrom a mathematical perspective, it is desirable to apply the adjoint operator for back propagating the receiver wavefield for migration of data residuals for inversion. For frequency-domai...
In Vivo F-Actin Filament Organization during Lymphocyte Transendothelial and Interstitial Migration Revealed by Intravital Microscopy

Actin is essential for many cellular processes including cell motility. Yet the organization of F-actin filaments during lymphocyte transendothelial migration (TEM) and interstitial migration have not been visualized. Here we report a high-resolution confocal intravital imaging technique with LifeAct-GFP bone marrow reconstituted mice, which allowed visualization of lymphocyte F-actin in vivo. We find that naive lymphocytes preferentially cross high endothelial venules (HEVs) using paracellular rather than the transcellular route. During both modes of transmigration F-actin levels rise at the lymphocyte leading edge as the cell engages the TEM site. Once the lymphocytes breach the endothelium, they briefly reside in HEV pockets before crossing into the parenchyma. During interstitial migration dynamic actin-based protrusions rapidly form and collapse to help drive motility. Using a panel of inhibitors, we established roles for actin regulators and myosin II in lymphocyte TEM. This study provides further insights into lymphocyte TEM and interstitial migration in vivo.
Why Georgia? A Curious and Unappreciated Pioneer on the Road to Early Youth Enfranchisement in the United States

In 1943, Georgia’s constitution was amended to lower the voting age to eighteen, making it the first—and for twelve years, the only—state in the Union to establish a voting-age requirement below twenty-one. Despite being widely considered at the time by several national and state political actors, Georgia’s reform represents an important and unappreciated historical puzzle. First, few would regard mid-twentieth-century Georgia as being even modestly progressive, especially regarding voting rights. Second, there is no evidence that an organized group lobbied for the reform. Further, there is no reason why lowering the voting age was inherently unique to Georgia qua Georgia. Instead, this study offers a detailed historical analysis highlighting the dedication of its young governor, and argues that Ellis Arnall’s political entrepreneurialism coupled with growing intraparty factionalism in Georgian politics and strategic timing facilitated this rare instance of electoral progressivism in the Deep South.
What to Do? Predicting Coping Strategies Following Ingroup Members' Stereotypical Behaviors in Interracial Interactions.

The current studies examine how witnessing stereotype-confirming ingroup behavior affects black Americans’ interactions with white Americans. Across three studies, black Americans indicated metaper...
Improving transaction success rate in cryptocurrency payment channel networks

Abstract Blockchain-based cryptocurrencies has received a substantial interest in the last decade as Blockchain can ensure trust among users without relying on third parties. However, cryptocurrency adoption for micro-payments has been limited due to slow confirmation of transactions and unforeseeable high fees, especially in the case of Bitcoin. To this end, creating off-chain payment channels between users is proposed which enables instant and nearly free transactions without writing to blockchain. Off-chain channel idea is then extended to establish payment channel networks to scale the idea to allow payment routing among many users. However, due to the way these channels are designed, both sides of a channel have a fixed one-way capacity for making transactions. Consequently, if one side consumes the whole one-way capacity, the channel becomes non-transitive in that particular direction, which causes failures of payments that would like to pass through. Eventually, the network becomes partitioned with unevenly distributed funds. In this paper, we propose the adoption of three specific techniques that aim to increase the overall success rate of payments and address channel imbalance problem to keep the payment channel network sustainable in the long run. First, we show the effectiveness of balance-aware routing that better utilizes available funds in the channels. Second, we propose an efficient method for selection of the gateway (i.e., connection point) for a user by considering the gateway’s inbound and outbound capacity. It exploits the fact that end-users can connect the network through multiple gateways any of which can be used to initiate the payment. Finally, we propose proportional payment splitting method to further increase success rate especially for large transactions. We implemented the three approaches for assessing their effectiveness. Compared to existing approaches such as maximum flow or greedy, the proposed approaches can achieve much higher success rates with channels balanced better.