cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Fear of Fragmenting Stability: Limiting the Splinter Parties

When one’s goal is to overcome the tragedy of a recent past, then the more distant past not only instructs, it also haunts. National Socialist Germany had departed from the mainstream of Western civilization since the Enlightenment and subordinated all individual Germans’ needs, desires and rights to the demands of Nazi ideology. The Nazi state had conquered land in the name of racial survival. It had exterminated millions so that such a conquest would, in the end, prove meaningful for an Aryan race for whose sake any measures were legitimate. For the Western Allies, and for the Germans themselves, German surrender in 1945 meant the chance both to build a new society and polity and to reflect on how to avoid basing them on foundations that could lead to troubles similar to those from which the Nazis had benefitted in the early 1930s.
Commentary: How to encourage more diagnostics for infectious diseases

The right incentives would aid the development of tools to detect disease, says John Powers
Hooked on a feeling: Repetitive cognition and internalizing symptomatology in relation to autism spectrum symptomatology

Repetitive cognition, including rumination such as that seen in depression, has been shown to correlate with depression symptoms in both typically developing individuals and individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Repetitive cognition is more common in autism spectrum disorder than in typically developing peers, as is depression; thus, this study evaluated the role of repetitive cognition in relation between autism spectrum symptomatology and depressive symptomatology. In all, 200 typically developing adults completed self-report questionnaires measuring autism spectrum symptomatology, different forms of repetitive cognition (general perseveration and depressive rumination), depression, and rejection sensitivity. Perseveration was found to mediate the relation between autism spectrum symptoms and depression, and to partially mediate the relation between autism spectrum symptoms and rejection sensitivity. We conclude that it is of vital importance to consider cognition when considering depression in autism spectrum disorder.
Exhaustive mobile target search and non-intrusive reconnaissance using cooperative unmanned aerial vehicles

This paper presents a novel pattern for the trajectories that a team of cooperative unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) adopt to perform an exhaustive search of mobile targets in a specified area. The proposed moving pattern also creates a safe area into which no target is able to intrude. The Progressively Spiral Out (PSO) path is developed to describe the proposed moving pattern, which can be applied to any number of UAVs. It also shows that the radius of the resulting non-intrusive defensible border grows proportionally to the number of UAVs. The performance of the proposed PSO path is tested against a baseline raster path in simulation. The simulation results show that the PSO path outperforms the baseline path on both time to detection and successful rate of defending attacks toward the non-intrusive region.
Marginal En Bloc Resection of C2–C3 Chordoma with Bilateral Vertebral Artery Preservation and Mesh Cage Reconstruction with Review of Previously Published Cases

Background Chordomas arise from remnants of the notochord and occur throughout the neuroaxis. En bloc resection of chordomas can prove especially challenging in the upper cervical spine secondary to the unique structural anatomy and intimate relationship to the vertebral arteries and spinal cord. Case Description We describe the resection of a C2–C3 chordoma in a 55-year-old woman in 2-stage fashion with preservation of the vertebral arteries. First, a posterior instrumented fusion and removal of the posterior elements was performed, followed by an anterior transmandibular en bloc resection with cage reconstruction with kick-plate support achievable with off-the-shelf products. Conclusions Chordomas in the upper cervical spine pose a surgical challenge but are amenable to en bloc resection. With careful planning and intraoperative adaptability, the surgeon can achieve a suitable reconstruction with off-the-shelf products.
Anatomy of an interrupted irrigation season: Micro-drought at the Wind River Indian Reservation

Abstract Drought is a complex phenomenon manifested through interactions between biophysical and social factors. At the Wind River Indian Reservation (WRIR) in west-central Wyoming, water shortages have become increasingly common since the turn of the 21st century. Here we discuss the 2015 water year as an exemplar year, which was characterized by wetter-than-normal conditions across the reservation and, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, remained drought-free throughout the year. Yet parts of the reservation experienced harmful water shortages, or “micro-drought” conditions, during the growing season in 2015. In this assessment of the 2015 water year at the WRIR we: (1) describe the hydroclimatic and social processes under way that contributed to the 2015 water year micro-drought in the Little Wind Basin; (2) compare water availability conditions within and between other basins at the WRIR to illustrate how micro-droughts can result from social and environmental features unique to local systems; and (3) describe how a collaborative project is supporting drought preparedness at the WRIR. We combine a social science assessment with an analysis of the hydroclimate to deconstruct how shortages manifest at the WRIR. We provide insights from this study to help guide drought assessments at local scales.
Graph Bases and Diagram Commutativity

Given two cycles A and B in a graph, such that $$A\cap B$$ is a non-trivial path, the connected sum $$A\hat{+} B$$ is the cycle whose edges are the symmetric difference of E(A) and E(B). A special kind of cycle basis for a graph, a connected sum basis, is defined. Such a basis has the property that a hierarchical method, building successive cycles through connected sum, eventually reaches all the cycles of the graph. It is proved that every graph has a connected sum basis. A property is said to be cooperative if it holds for the connected sum of two cycles when it holds for the summands. Cooperative properties that hold for the cycles of a connected sum basis will hold for all cycles in the graph. As an application, commutativity of a groupoid diagram follows from commutativity of a connected sum basis for the underlying graph of the diagram. An example is given of a noncommutative diagram with a (non-connected sum) basis of cycles which do commute.
Changes to the administration of an adrenaline autoinjector in anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and immediate treatment is vital. Adrenaline is administered via intramuscular injection. EpiPen (Mylan UK) is an adrenaline autoinjector and, as of November 2017, its labelling instructions were updated to align with those of the US, Australia and some European countries. Changes include reducing the injection time from 10 seconds to 3, and the removal of the massage step following injection. The changes have been implemented to improve compliance and simplify the administration process. There has been no change to the ingredients of the EpiPen and the length of injection time will not alter its effectiveness.
Carbon Fiber Processing and Structure/Property Relations

Two varieties of carbon fibers dominate high performance composite applications: PAN-based and pitch-based. PAN-based carbon fibers tend to exhibit higher strengths (both tensile and compressive) than do pitch-based carbon fibers. Consequently, they are preferred in applications where strength is critical. Pitch-based carbon fibers develop higher lattice-dependent properties (modulus and thermal conductivity) and, thus, are used when stiffness or heat transfer limits composite performance. Since the effect of structure on properties is identical for all carbon fibers, the characteristic properties of PAN-based and pitch-based carbon fibers reflect fundamental differences in their structures. The internal structures of these two varieties of carbon fibers are, in turn, a direct result of the processes used to produce them.
Strength, deformation, fracture behaviour and ductility of aluminium-lithium alloys.

The ever increasing need for high strength, improved performance, lightweight and cost-effective materials has resulted in significant improvements and development of new aluminium alloys for structural applications. Lithium additions to aluminium have the potential for providing a class of high strength alloys with exceptional properties suitable for weight-critical applications. In this paper, published studies of composition-processing-microstructure relationships are discussed. Contributions to strength of the solid solution are discussed with reference to the presence of lithium in solid solution, the presence of coherent, ordered precipitates in the matrix and the co-precipitation of binary, ternary and more complex strengthening phases. Microstructural influences on strength are discussed with reference to metallurgical variables. These variables include the intrinsic microstructural features; the presence of dispersoids, the nature and type of matrix strengthening precipitates and the presence of denuded zones adjacent to grain boundaries. The extrinsic and intrinsic micromechanisms governing the deformation characteristics and fracture behaviour are critically examined with specific reference to ageing condition of the alloy, the matrix slip characteristics, and the nature, volume fraction and distribution of strengthening precipitates. The deleterious effects of strain localization and the exacerbating effect of precipitate-free zones are also highlighted. The micromechanics governing the fracture processes are examined and the sequence of events in the fracture process is reviewed in light of the specific role of several concurrent factors involving nature and volume fraction of second-phase particles, deformation mode, and dislocation-microstructure interactions. Past attempts made to improve the tensile ductility and mechanical response of these alloys are also examined so as to provide a better basis for understanding processing-microstructure-deformation interactions.
Autoimmune recognition profile of the alpha chain of human acetylcholine receptor in myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease with skeletal muscle weakness and easy fatigability due to autoantibodies directed against acetylcholine receptor (AChR) molecules at the motor endplates. The AChR consists of 2 alpha (α) subunits and one each of beta, gamma and delta subunit in a circular arrangement. Studies have shown that major populations of the autoantibodies are directed against extracellular domains of the α subunit which bears binding sites for the ligands and α-toxin (reviewed in Ashizawa and Appel, 1985; Atassi et al, 1987).
A Proposal for a New Vehicle-Based Carbon Tax (V-CART): Vehicle-Based Global Warming Policy and Green Criminology

In the late 1970s, the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards were created to reduce US dependency on foreign oil. Recently, the purpose of CAFE has been modified to help reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions among the US automobile fleet. This analysis draws upon green criminology to examine the drawbacks of CAFE to reduce CO2 emissions and proposes a vehicle-based carbon tax (V-CART) that offsets emissions with using carbon credits. The benefits and limitations of this alternative policy are discussed.
Catastrophic Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis Caused by Rare Black Fungi

Fungal infection of prosthetic heart valves is rare and can lead to severe complications including death. Dematiaceous mold, also known as “black fungi,” are an extremely rare cause of endocarditis that usually affect immunocompromised hosts. The infection is usually chronic and can lead to heart failure and embolic complications. These fungi have limited antifungal treatment modalities. We present a rare case of prosthetic aortic valve, root, and graft infection in an immunocompetent host that revealed itself through renal, mesenteric, and cerebral embolic phenomenon. The patient underwent removal and replacement of the aortic graft followed by small bowel resection for mesenteric infarction. Patient had a successful postoperative course and underwent a long-term antifungal treatment with amphotericin B and voriconazole.
First Assistant Impact on Early Morbidity and Mortality in Bariatric Surgery

Abstract Background The future of bariatric surgery depends largely upon how effectively residents and fellows are trained. The challenge is to assure patient safety during training. Our study compares the impact of first assistants on patient outcomes following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Methods A retrospective review of primary, elective RYGB and SG procedures performed in 2015 and 2016 from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) participant user files was performed. Patient cohorts were categorized by the level of training of the surgical first assistant (FA). Multivariate regression models were developed to determine the impact of the FA level on patient outcomes, adjusting for patient demographics and comorbid conditions. Results Compared to an attending weight loss surgeon as FA, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) fellows and general surgery residents were more likely to have an unplanned admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) within 30 days (OR1.422 95%CI 1.196,1.691; OR1.206 95%CI 1.034,1.406, respectively, p Conclusion The training level of the FA does not impact early patient mortality or reoperation rates following RYGB or SG. However, unplanned ICU admissions and readmissions within 30 days were significantly associated with surgical resident or MIS fellow FA’s. Further analysis is needed to understand this cause and effect, however this data provides direction to redesign residency and fellowship training.
Organic Linker Effect on the Growth and Diffusion of Cu Clusters in a Metal–Organic Framework

One reason that metal nanoparticles encapsulated in metal−organic frameworks are of interest is that confinement effects on the particle size and shape may lead to superior catalytic activity. The interior of a metal–organic framework has the potential to influence nucleation and aggregation of metal nanoparticles and to strongly affect their in situ shape and electronic properties. We apply density functional theory and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) to model the nucleation and diffusion of Cun (n = 1–19) clusters on the tetratopic 1,3,6,8-(p-benzoate)pyrene (TBAPy4–) linkers of NU-1000 frameworks. We find that Cu atoms and Cu clusters are stabilized by the TBAPy linker, especially by the edge site of aromatic rings. The stabilization increases when the Cu cluster interacts with two linkers. We identified the most favorable site for Cu cluster adsorption as the window site that connects the c pore and the triangular pore. A Pt atom is found to bind much more strongly than a Cu atom on the TBAPy link...
An obligation to colonize outer space

Abstract Colonizing outer space will prevent great cosmic catastrophes, eventually human extinction, while offering great advantages to humanity. I include establishing bases on the Moon, Mars, and other bodies in the solar system, perhaps terraforming some of them, as well as building the sorts of space colonies championed by Gerard O’Neill. This will bring clean energy to Earth and give us access to the resources of the solar system, while increasing our scientific knowledge of heaven and Earth. The harm this approach will prevent and the benefits it offers create a moral obligation to colonize space.
Does Insurance Coverage Affect Use of Tests and Treatments for Working Age Individuals With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the United States? Analysis of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2005-2014).

Abstract Objective Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is frequently seen as a work-related disorder. Few studies have examined the treatment of CTS by insurance coverage, and none have used a large, population-based dataset. This study examined the extent to which the use of CTS tests and treatments varied for those on workers’ compensation insurance (WCI) vs private insurance and Medicaid, controlling for patient and provider characteristics. Design Analysis of 10 years of data (2005-2014) from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Setting United States office-based physician practices. Participants Adults 18-64 years who had a physician visit for CTS (N=23,236,449). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures We examined use of 2 diagnostic tests, imaging and electromyography, and 7 treatments: casting, splinting, occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), carpal tunnel release surgery, steroid injections, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Results Individuals who sought care for CTS were more likely to be covered by private insurance (56.9%) than WCI (9.8%) or Medicaid (6.5%). The most commonly prescribed treatment for all types of insurance coverage was splints, followed by NSAID prescription, and OT or PT therapies. Steroid injections (1.2%) and CTS surgery (4.5%) were used significantly less than other treatment types. Patients on WCI were less likely to receive diagnostic tests, and more likely to receive OT or PT than those on other types of insurance coverage. Conclusion Patients with CTS who seek ambulatory care are most likely to be covered by private insurance. Insurance coverage appears to play a role in treatment and diagnostic choices for CTS.
THE NARRATIVE ACT: WITTGENSTEIN AND NARRATOLOGY

This essay uses the late work of Ludwig Wittgenstein to reformulate the traditional distinction between story and narrative discourse, or diegetic and extra-diegetic levels of narrative, as a distinction between story and narrative act. In describing the transformations performed by the narrative act, the author elaborates the principle of narrative uncertainty, which dictates that the more definite the account of story or plot, the more indefinite the account of the narrative act — and vice versa. In this conceptual framework, the essay then characterizes the narrative act as the differential, within a given fictional text, of two of more types of stories (or plots), and articulates the relationship between narrative act, narrator, and cultural context.
THE INCIDENCE OF STROKE WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER MITRAL CLIP A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Stroke is one of the potential complications of mitral clip (MC) procedure with a reported incidence of 0.2% to 2.8%. We studied the incidence of stroke at 30 days after a mitral clip (MC) by performing meta-analysis from previously published literature. Ovid, Medline, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane
A timetree for phytoplasmas (Mollicutes) with new insights on patterns of evolution and diversification.

The first comprehensive timetree is presented for phytoplasmas, a diverse group of obligate intracellular bacteria restricted to phloem sieve elements of vascular plants and tissues of their hemipteran insect vectors. Maximum likelihood-based phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequence data from the 16S rRNA and methionine aminopeptidase (map) genes yielded well resolved estimates of phylogenetic relationships among major phytoplasma lineages, 16Sr groups and known strains of phytoplasmas. Age estimates for divergences among two major lineages of Mollicutes based on a previous comprehensive bacterial timetree were used to calibrate an initial 16S timetree. A separate timetree was estimated based on the more rapidly-evolving map gene, with an internal calibration based on a recent divergence within two related 16Sr phytoplasma subgroups in group 16SrV thought to have been driven by the introduction of the North American leafhopper vector Scaphoideus titanus Ball into Europe during the early part of the 20th century. Combining the resulting divergence time estimates into a final 16S timetree suggests that evolutionary rates have remained relatively constant overall through the evolution of phytoplasmas and that the origin of this lineage, at ~641 million years ago (Ma), preceded the origin of land plants and hemipteran insects. Nevertheless, the crown group of phytoplasmas is estimated to have begun diversifying ~316 Ma, roughly coinciding with the origin of seed plants and Hemiptera. Some phytoplasma groups apparently associated with particular plant families or insect vector lineages generally arose more recently than their respective hosts and vectors, suggesting that vector-mediated host shifts have been an important mechanism in the evolutionary diversification of phytoplasmas. Further progress in understanding macroevolutionary patterns in phytoplasmas is hindered by large gaps in knowledge of the identity of competent vectors and lack of data on phytoplasma associations with non-economically important plants.
Animal Bodies and Human Minds: The Anatomy of the Brain and the Analogy of Nature

How did the widespread and lasting assumption of an analogy between animal and human bodies affect ideas about the mind-body relationship? In particular, how did seventeenth-century men of science justify their employment of animal brains to talk about human brains and minds? Galenic ideas of the structure of the brain, based on animals, gave way to a multiplicity of ideas about the relationship between the brain and the mind (or soul). The continued reliance on animal models would seem to conflict with a new emphasis on specifically human structures and behaviors. But at the same time anatomists and philosophers also looked anew at animal cognition. The work of Marin Cureau de la Chambre, Niels Stensen, and Thomas Willis reveals some of these new ideas and the tensions that resulted.
Computerized Operator Training: Continued Importance, New Opportunities, and the Human Factor

Computerized training simulators are a powerful tool to decrease the accident rate and improve process control effectiveness. The paper discusses the architectures of present-day training systems, describes the key features of their components, analyzes the content and main phases of a training simulator project and the requirements to its stakeholders. The focus is made on the application of training systems to adjacent process automation problems. Case studies presenting Honeywell’s experience in Russia are outlined, a short-term outlook is included.
Proteomic profiling enables prediction of novel senolytics from large-scale drug screens

Abstract Cellular senescence is the natural program by which cells enter a permanent cell cycle arrest in response to stresses including replicative exhaustion, oncogenic signaling, or DNA damage. Although senescence exerts beneficial effects by acting as a barrier against tumorigenesis, senescent cells can also drive chronic inflammation and age-related diseases through secretion of cytokines and other inflammatory proteins. Therefore, the identification of senolytic compounds that specifically eliminate senescent cells has become an area of great therapeutic promise. Here, we used mass spectrometry-based proteomics to identify senescence biomarkers in primary human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs), a model system for aging. By integrating proteomic data from replicative senescence, immortalization by telomerase reactivation, and drug-induced senescence, we identified a robust HMEC proteomic signature of senescence consisting of 57 upregulated and 29 downregulated proteins. This senescence signature identified both well-known senescence biomarkers, including downregulation of the nuclear lamina protein lamin-B1 (LMNB1), as well as novel biomarkers such as upregulation of the β-galactoside-binding protein galectin-7 (LGALS7). Then, we integrated our proteomic signature of senescence with large-scale drug screening databases to predict that EGFR inhibitors, MEK inhibitors, and dasatinib are novel senolytics in HMEC. Taken together, our results support that the combination of quantitative proteomics and public drug screening databases is a powerful approach to identify senescence biomarkers and novel senolytic compounds.
Superstring interactions in a pp-wave background II

In type-IIB light-cone superstring field theory, the cubic interaction has two pieces: a delta-functional overlap and an operator inserted at the interaction point. In this paper we extend our earlier work by computing the matrix elements of this operator in the oscillator basis of pp-wave string theory for all μp+α'. By evaluating these matrix elements for large μp+α' , we check a recent conjecture relating matrix elements of the light-cone string field theory hamiltonian (with prefactor) to certain three-point functions of BMN operators in the gauge theory. We also make several predictions for gauge theory.
Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Encephalitis Associated with Tall-cell Variant Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (P2.2-015)

Objective: N/A Background: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) encephalitis is an autoimmune mediated process characterized by psychosis, seizures, dyskinetic movements, and autonomic instability. Almost half of the reported cases are paraneoplastic and are often associated with an ovarian teratoma. There are no reported cases of anti-NMDA encephalitis related to thyroid tumor. We present a case of anti-NMDA encephalitis associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma in a woman who presented with headaches, myalgia and somnolence mimicking meningoencephalitis. Her titers and dyskinesias rapidly improved with tumor removal. Design/Methods: N/A Results: A 29-year old African female presented with fever, headache, myalgia, somnolence and behavioral changes. Initial evaluation was significant for lymphocytic pleocytosis with normal glucose and protein. Her symptoms worsened and she began to have severe encephalopathy, hallucinations, epileptic seizures, and multifocal dyskinesias involving the face and extremities. Infectious work-up was unremarkable. Whole-body CT with contrast and ovarian ultrasound were unremarkable for malignancy. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) showed a hypermetabolic thyroid nodule. Serum auto-antibodies to the NMDA receptor and thyroid peroxidase were detected. She was treated with intravenous high-dose steroids, plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, rituximab with no clinical or serological response. Fine needle aspiration of the nodule revealed papillary thyroid carcinoma. She underwent total thyroidectomy and pathology showed two foci of tall-cell variant papillary thyroid carcinoma. Serological, electrographic and clinical response followed shortly after tumor resection. Conclusions: This is a first reported case of NMDA encephalitis associated with papillary tall-cell thyroid carcinoma. A thorough malignancy screening should be completed for cases of anti-NMDA encephalitis. A whole body FDG-PET study should be considered in these patients to detect occult malignancy. Disclosure: Dr. Mahadeen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mullaguri has nothing to disclose. Dr. Newey has nothing to disclose. Dr. George has received research support from NICO.
Chapter 14 Progesterone action and receptors

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the biological actions of progesterone and progestin derivatives in normal physiology, cancer treatment, and contraception. Progesterone and estrogen act synergistically on the endometrial lining of the uterine cavity. In women following menses, the proliferative phase is under estrogen control and is characterized by true glandular growth. After ovulation, progesterone leads to further endometrial thickening characterized by an increase in cell size rather than number, increased tortuosity of the glands and arterioles, and glandular secretion. As the corpus luteum wanes, progesterone withdrawal and local prostaglandin synthesis lead to increased uterine contractility, vasospasm, endometrial desquamation, and bleeding. Progesterone also acts synergistically with estrogen in the normal development of the breast. Depending on the physiological state, progesterone may also antagonize estrogen action. Progesterone is a small, hydrophobic molecule that crosses the plasma membrane without impediment, and once inside the cells, binds tightly but reversibly to progesterone-receptor (PR) proteins. Binding of the hormone rapidly transforms the proteins by triggering a conformational change, so that they bind tightly to DNA and regulate the transcription of a small number of genes.
Heating and cooling of flocculated and non-flocculated slurries in tubular heat exchangers

The distinctly different turbulent heat transfer characteristics of flocculated kaolin slurries are compared with nonflocculated coal slurries via modified J-factor correlation forms for tubular exchangers. Both slurry types were statistically best-fitted with the approximate solution Bingham plastic flow model in preference to the local shear power law. In addition, the first known turbulent slurry heat transfer cooling results are presented along with the heating results. No distinction was made between heating and cooling correlation forms because of a random scatter of experimental points. Experimental results were interpreted as follows A. Flocculated kaolin slurries JH = (h/CpG) (C/K1)2;3= 0.027(DVρ/μLeBϕ)0.2 11%ω < %ω Solids < 24%ω Maximum Deviations: + 19.3%, − 17.8% B. Non-flocculated coal slurries Jw = (h/CpG)(CpμLeBϕ/kw)2/3e−Bϕ/4) =0.0285 (DVρ/ μLeBϕ)−0.2 13%w > %w Solids < 33.5%. Maximum Deviations: + 17.8%, - 11.1% On compare, dans le cas des echangeurs tubulaires, les caracteristiques nettement differentes du transfert turbulent de la chaleur par des suspensions floculees de kaolin avec celui obtenu avec des suspensions non floculees de charbon. Au point de vue des statistiques, les deux types de suspension s'accommodent le mieux a la solution approximative du modele decoulement plastique de Bingham et ce, de preference a la loi denergie relativement au cisaillement local. On presente, en outre, les premiers resultats connus du refroidissement dans le transfert turbulent de la chaleur des suspensions en meme temps que les resultats relatifs au rechauffement. On n'a fait aucune distinction entre les formules de correlation du rechauffement et du refroidissement, a cause de la dispersion aleatoire des points experimentaux. On interprete comme suit les resultats experimentaux: — A. Suspensions floculees de kaolin JH = (h/CpG) (C/K1)2;3= 0.027(DVρ/μLeBϕ)0.2 11%ω < %ω Solids < 24%ω Ecarts maximaux: + 19.3%, - 17.8% B. Suspensions non floculees de charbon Jw = (h/CpG)(CpμLeBϕ/kw)2/3e−Bϕ/4) =0.0285 (DVρ/ μLeBϕ)−0.2 13%w > %w matieres solides < 33.5%w Ecarts maximaux: + 17.8%, − 11.1%
Do Defaults on Payday Loans Matter

This essay examines the effect on a borrower’s financial health of failure to repay a payday loan. Recent regulatory initiatives suggest an inclination to add an “ability to pay” requirement to payday-loan underwriting that would be fundamentally inconsistent with the nature of the product. Because the premise of that regulation would be that borrowers suffer harm when they fail to repay such a loan, it is timely to examine the after-effects of such a default empirically. This essay examines that question using a dataset that combines payday borrowing histories with credit bureau information.The essay uses a difference-in-difference approach, comparing the credit-score change over time of those who default to the credit score change over the same period of those who do not default. The essay presents three principal findings. First, credit score changes for borrowers who default on payday loans differ immaterially from changes for borrowers who do not default on payday loans. Second, the fall in the year of the default plainly overstates the net effect of the default, because the credit scores of those who default on payday loans experience disproportionately large increases for at least two years after the year of the default. Third, the payday loan default cannot be regarded as the cause of the borrower’s financial distress; borrowers who default on payday loans have experienced disproportionately large drops in their credit scores for at least two years before their default.
Knowledge sifter: Agent-based ontology-driven search over heterogeneous databases using Semantic Web Services

Knowledge Sifter is a scaleable agent-based system that supports access to heterogeneous information sources such as the Web, open-source repositories, XML-databases and the emerging Semantic Web. User query specification is supported by a user agent that accesses multiple ontologies using an integrated conceptual model expressed in the Web Ontology Language (OWL). A collection of cooperating agents supports interactive query specification and refinement, query decomposition, query processing, as well as result ranking and presentation. The Knowledge Sifter architecture is general and modular so that ontologies and information sources can be easily incorporated. A proof-of-concept implementation shows how Knowledge Sifter can search geo-spatial ontology services such as the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and Princeton University’s WordNet as well as image databases including Lycos and TerraServer. Each Agent is implemented as a Web Service and the external sources are also accessed via Web Service Technology.
The use of mammographic equipment in mass disaster identification.

Because of its suitability for fine detail radiography, mammographic X-ray film and equipment was found to be well suited to identifying human remains through dental radiography.
Bank efficiency in South-Eastern Europe

Ilmestynyt myos Economics of Transition 2011 ; july. Julkaistu ainoastaan elektrosinena, julkaisussa virheellisesti myos paperisen version ISSN 0785-3572.
Assessing the significance of global and local correlations under spatial autocorrelation: A nonparametric approach

Summary. We propose a method to test the correlation of two random fields when they are both spatially autocorrelated. In this scenario, the assumption of independence for the pair of observations in the standard test does not hold, and as a result we reject in many cases where there is no effect (the precision of the null distribution is overestimated). Our method recovers the null distribution taking into account the autocorrelation. It uses Monte-Carlo methods, and focuses on permuting, and then smoothing and scaling one of the variables to destroy the correlation with the other, while maintaining at the same time the initial autocorrelation. With this simulation model, any test based on the independence of two (or more) random fields can be constructed. This research was motivated by a project in biodiversity and conservation in the Biology Department at Stanford University.
ACID-BASE CHEMISTRY OF [PCl2N]3

An understanding of the chemistry of [15NPCl2]3 is very important because this trimer is the major precursor to phosphazene polymers. In order to understand its sensitivity toward reaction conditions, [15NPCl2]3 has been synthesized and characterized by modern spectral techniques. The goal of the study was to detect reactive impurities in the trimer, impurities that may account for the irreproducibility of the ring opening polymerization. Reactions of [15NPCl2]3 with various acids and bases were conducted and the products have been characterized by multinuclear and variable temperature NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Particular attention was given to understanding the reactivity at the 15N site toward acid and base reagents.
Black hairy tongue syndrome.

Black hairy tongue (BHT) is a benign medical condition characterized by elongated filiform lingual papillae with typical carpet-like appearance of the dorsum of the tongue. Its prevalence varies geographically, typically ranging from 0.6% to 11.3%. Known predisposing factors include smoking, excessive coffee/black tea consumption, poor oral hygiene, trigeminal neuralgia, general debilitation, xerostomia, and medication use. Clinical presentation varies but is typically asymptomatic, although aesthetic concerns are common. Differential diagnosis includes pseudo-BHT, acanthosis nigricans, oral hairy leukoplakia, pigmented fungiform papillae of the tongue, and congenital melanocytic/melanotic nevi/macules. Clinical diagnosis relies on visual observation, detailed history taking, and occasionally microscopic evaluation. Treatment involves identification and discontinuation of the offending agent, modifications of chronic predisposing factors, patient’s re-assurance to the benign nature of the condition, and maintenance of adequate oral hygiene with gentle debridement to promote desquamation. Complications of BHT (burning mouth syndrome, halitosis, nausea, gagging, dysgeusia) typically respond to therapy. Prognosis is excellent with treatment of underlying medical conditions. BHT remains an important medical condition which may result in additional burden on the patient and health care system and requires appropriate prevention, recognition and treatment.
The Association of Intratumoral Germinal Centers with Early-Stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction Lung cancers can display immune cell infiltration although the role of an adaptive immune response in disease pathogenesis is unknown. To investigate the possibility of a functional humoral response to the tumor, we surveyed histologic sections from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors for germinal centers (GCs) and assessed whether there was an association between the presence of GCs and tumor stage. Methods Tumor sections from 91 patients with all stages of NSCLC were examined by a pathologist blinded to clinical data. GCs were identified by hematoxylin and eosin staining patterns and confirmed by immunohistochemical staining for B-cell markers, BCL-6 and CD21. The distribution of GCs within the tumor or the tumor margin was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the association between stage and presence of GCs. Results Thirty-five percent of all tumors evaluated contained GCs, and sections evaluated by immunohistochemistry showed positive staining for both B-cell markers. GCs were seen both within the tumor and the tumor margin, consistent with an immune response to antigen stimulation. Patients with stage I NSCLC had a higher prevalence of intratumoral GCs than patients with stages II to IV (Cochran-Armitage Trend Test p = 0.02011). There was no association of stage with GCs in the tumor margin. Conclusions Intratumoral GCs are associated with early-stage NSCLC. Further characterization of intratumoral GCs may lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on manipulation of the adaptive immune response.
Electrostatic frequency tuning of thermal piezoresistive MEMS resonators

This paper presents a new technique for electrostatic tuning of the resonant frequency of in-plane thermal piezoresistive microelectromechanical resonators. The tuning method is based on applying a DC bias voltage between the underlying SOI handle layer and the suspended resonant structure. The DC bias voltage produces an electrostatic force which causes the bending of the resonant structure in the out of plane direction. The resulting stress in the structure causes a shift in its resonant frequency. The experiments were taken place under both atmospheric pressure and partial vacuum. Maximum upward and downward frequency shifts of +580ppm and −430ppm have been demonstrated. As a side product, due to minimized air damping, more than 2X resonator Q improvement was observed while tuning the resonator frequency.
Thermal analysis for the residential base sample

Abstract Space-heating electrical load data is used with inside and outside air temperature data, collected as part of the End-Use Load and Consumer Assessment Program (ELCAP), to study the thermal performance of 127 residences. These homes are located in the Pacific Northwest, and are subject to a wide range of climates. The homes were selected to roughly represent the region's owner-occupied homes having permanently installed, electrical space-heating equipment. Several thermal performance parameters are computed from space-heating load data for each residence. These measures include annualized estimates for space-heating consumption under various assumptions, an as-observed heat loss coefficient ( UA ), and a building balance temperature difference. The mean as-operated, annualized estimated consumption for 127 Base Sample homes is 12 100 kWh/yr or 82.5 kWh/m 2 yr of conditioned floor area. The mean measured inside air temperature for these homes is 20.6 °C. The mean as-operated, annualized estimated consumption is somewhat lower than other consumption forecasts for single-family housing in the region. The as-observed UA s for the ELCAP Residential Sample indicate most homes are outperforming expectations based on ASHRAE-calculated UA s. This discrepancy points to some differences between as-observed efficiencies for several types of heating system and foundation combinations.
Benchmark calculations for electron collisions with zinc atoms

We present results from R-matrix (close-coupling) calculations for elastic scattering and electron impact excitation of Zn. The overall agreement between the predictions from two independent models, using either a semiempirical core potential or a recently developed B-spline approach with nonorthogonal orbitals, is very satisfactory. The latter method, however, yields particularly good agreement with the few existing experimental benchmark data for resonances at low incident energies.
Vocational and Leisure Interests: A Profile-Level Approach to Examining Interests

Although much attention has been devoted to examining the measurement of vocational interests, much less attention has been directed to studying leisure interests, despite suggestions for incorpora...
Vegetable oil cast resins via click chemistry: Effects of cross‐linkers

Polymerization of azidated castor, canola, corn, soybean, and linseed oils with two diynes under thermal click chemistry conditions (without a solvent or a catalyst) yielded fully cross-linked polymers (1–10) with similar density. The use of an aromatic diyne (1,4-diethynylbenzene) as a cross-linker resulted in polymers (1–5) that showed higher glass transition and strength and lower swelling, water absorption, and sol fraction than corresponding polymers (6–10) resulting from an aliphatic diyne (1,7-octadiyne). These polymers exhibited behaviors ranging from soft rubbers to hard plastics. Practical applications: Vegetable oil cast resins prepared by click chemistry are potentially useful electroinsulating materials as potting or encapsulating compounds since no by-products are generated.
Substrate specificity of bacterial DD-peptidases (penicillin-binding proteins)

The DD-peptidase enzymes (penicillin-binding proteins) catalyze the final transpeptidation reaction of bacterial cell wall (peptidoglycan) biosynthesis. Although there is now much structural information available about these enzymes, studies of their activity as enzymes lag. It is now established that representatives of two low-molecular-mass classes of DD-peptidases recognize elements of peptidoglycan structure and rapidly react with substrates and inhibitors incorporating these elements. No members of other DD-peptidase classes, including the high-molecular-mass enzymes, essential for bacterial growth, appear to interact strongly with any particular elements of peptidoglycan structure. Rational design of inhibitors for these enzymes is therefore challenging.
From Confinement to Creativity: Women’s Reconfiguration of the Prison and Mental Asylum in Salwa Bakr’s The Golden Chariot and Fadia Faqir’s Pillars of Salt

Confined in a women’s prison in modern Egypt for murdering her stepfather, Aziza, the central protagonist in Salwā Bakr’s al-Arabah al-dhahabiyyah lā tasad ilā al-samā [The Golden Chariot] spends her time fantasizing about a golden chariot and selecting qualified inmates to accompany her on her journey to the heavens. As part of her screening project, Aziza informally ‘interviews’ various women prisoners and solicits their stories. Because the prison inevitably forces these women to interact with one another, the exclusively women’s space becomes boundless as it creates a space for the women to compare stories—while simultaneously negotiating socio-economic differences and individual idiosyncrasies. Similar to Aziza and her fellow inmates, Maha and Umm Sad, the protagonists in Fadia Faqir’s Pillars of Salt share a room in a mental hospital in Jordan. And like Aziza and her fellow prisoners, Maha and Um Sad’s relationship is fraught with tension at the beginning. As the novel unfolds, they learn to co-exist and develop an intimate friendship that makes their existence more bearable. Maha and Umm Sad tell their stories to each other—and their private stories become windows into the outside world in which they used to live. In this study, I provide a textual analysis of the two novels, shedding light on how the prison and mental asylum in Bakr and Faqir’s works are transformed from sites of confinement into vehicles of social critique, refuges for female solidarity, and forums for creativity and self-expression.
Evaluation of Charlotte's proposed multihub transit service plan

In 1998 Charlotte, North Carolina, considered a one-half-cent sales tax to improve transit service. One element of the expanded transit system proposes six new employment-centered hubs in suburban Charlotte, served by local circulator bus service and interhub connections. The likely ridership and costs of the multihub-based system are assessed. Population demographics in the areas immediately surrounding each hub are estimated using TransCAD 3.1. Ridership is estimated using equations relating per-capita ridership rates to automobile ownership and service (vehicle revenue hours) for existing routes and empirical ridership rates per vehicle hour for express and local circulator service. Scenarios are then tested on various levels of increased service. Results show that the new service, by itself, will add little to system ridership but will substantially increase the system deficit: for instance, adding about 44 percent more service solely as new circulator and interhub connections would raise ridership 14...
Integrating a Graphical Instrument Development Environment with an Existing Applications Development Environment and Test Executive

This paper describes a graphical instrument-specific test development environment that generates standard-language test code or a test data file that can be used by virtually any applications development environment (ADE). Examples demonstrate where code is appropriate, where pure data is appropriate, and how each is used by the various available commercial ADE and test executive environments.
A Novel Non-wounding Transient Expression Assay for Cereals Mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens

A novel Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transient expression assay (AmTEA) was developed for young plants of different cereal species and the model dicot Arabidopsis thaliana. AmTEA was evaluated using five promoters (six constructs) and two reporter genes, gus and egfp. The constitutive 35S promoter and the promoter of the rice glutaredoxin gene showed gus and egfp expression in the cereals analyzed in the present study. A promoter for the DEAD-box RNA helicase family protein gene from Arabidopsis showed similar expression patterns of reporter genes in stable transgenic lines as well as in transient expression lines of Arabidopsis. Agrobacterium tumefaciens co-cultivation and plant incubation times were optimized using 35S and the rice expressed protein gene promoter (R2-273). The possibility of non-specific expression of the reporter genes was ruled out by using the antibiotic carbenicillin and the comparison of expression of the reporter genes driven by full-length and truncated R2-273 promoters. AmTEA considerably reduced time, space, labor, and cost requirements. Ease of use with stress treatments is another major advantage of this method. AmTEA can be automated and used for large-scale studies to decipher promoter and gene functions with the ultimate goal to enhance the performance of cereal crops against biotic and abiotic stresses.