cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving the Mode-II interlaminar fracture toughness of polymeric matrix composites through additive manufacturing

Abstract Delamination is a common failure mode observed in fiber reinforced polymeric composites subjected to thermo-mechanical loads. Reinforcements at the interlaminar regions or in the through-thickness direction have been previously shown to improve the damage resistance and durability of these composites. In particular additive manufacturing (AM), also called 3D printing, has been shown to increase the interlaminar shear strength when used for custom printing of polymer reinforcements over carbon fiber prepreg prior to the layup process of layered composites. In this paper, printing of interlaminar polymer reinforcements using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique within AM is proposed for improving the interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon fiber laminates. The rationale behind this improvement in the interlaminar fracture toughness values due to printed polymer reinforcements (PPR) is investigated by elucidating the influence of varying the process parameters, such as print speed, spacing, and dimensions. An in-depth understanding of the bond quality between the prepregs and the printed polymers as well as the interlaminar fracture surfaces formed on the Mode-II fracture toughness values are established by developing an experimentally validated thermo-chemical finite element modeling framework.
Salt-sensitive (Rapp) rats from Envigo spontaneously develop accelerated hypertension independent of ovariectomy on a low-sodium diet.

Inbred salt-sensitive (SS) rats developed by John Rapp and distributed by Harlan (SS/JrHsd) were shown to model ovariectomy-induced hypertension because on a low-sodium (LS) diet, ovariectomized SS...
Prednisone Side Effects are Common and Associated with Unwillingness to Accept a Dose Increase: Survey Result from MGFA Registry (P6.443)

Objective: Study of prednisone use in myasthenia gravis (MG). Background: Prednisone is a first line immunomodulatory treatment for MG. There is currently no guideline for the use of prednisone in terms of therapeutic dose, dosing frequency or titration schedule. Short term and long term side effects are common with the use of prednisone, often a limiting factor in the treatment of MG. Design/Methods: The MG patient registry is a patient-driven, nationwide database with patients of age ≥18, diagnosed with MG and living in the US. Custom designed “prednisone-steroid use and MG” survey was administered to registry participants as part of semi-annual follow-up. Data were collected and analyzed. Results: Total 398 MG participants completed the survey (173 men/225 women). Among them, 299 reported current (174) and/or past (288) prednisone intake. Current prednisone dosage varied from 0.5 mg–75 mg (median 10mg, IQR 7–20). Current prednisone dosing frequency was daily in 132 (76%) and every other day in 31(18%). Peak prednisone dose was reported most commonly between 20 mg–60 mg (Median 50 mg, IQR 25–60). However, very high dose >60 mg daily was reported in 59 (20%). Prednisone dosing at the peak dosage was daily in 249 (83%) and every other day in 18 (6%). Prednisone side effects were reported in 264 (88%). Most commonly noted symptoms were weight gain 188 (63%) and increased appetite 138 (46%). Weight gain was most commonly reported as intolerable side effects (113, 38%). Women reported more intolerable side effects (4.1 vs 2.1 p Conclusions: Prednisone is commonly used in MG, with variable dosage and dosing frequencies reflecting the absence of standard guideline. Intolerable steroid side effects were more commonly reported among women and was associated with unwillingness to accept a dose increase. Further study is needed to guide steroid use in MG. Study Supported by: MG registry supported by Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA). Disclosure: Dr. Lee has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kaminski has nothing to disclose. Dr. Feese has nothing to disclose. Dr. McPherson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cutter has nothing to disclose.
Phantom Regulation: The New Supreme Court Algorithm Changing Executive Power

Supreme Court ‘back-door’ erosion of Chevron deference doctrine regarding cost and administrative discretion of executive branch issuance of regulations.
Teaching Clinical Psychology Trainees about Weight Bias

As an assistant professor who teaches clinical psychology trainees about social aspects of behavior, I devote one week to the topic of weight bias. In this class, I rely on the research literature ...
Comparison and characterization of discontinuous carbon fiber liquid-molded nylon to hydroentanglement/compression-molded composites:

This article looks at liquid molding of polyamide 6 (PA6) via vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) of discontinuous recycled carbon fiber composites. Its mechanical, thermal, and optical ...
Prenatal exposure to organophosphate esters and behavioral development in young children in the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Study.

Abstract Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are commonly used as plasticizers and flame retardants in consumer products, and exposure is relatively ubiquitous in most populations studied. This may be of concern as some OPEs may be neurotoxic, endocrine-disrupting, and interfere with behavioral development; however, observational evidence is limited. We used data from the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Study, a prospective birth cohort study, to investigate associations between maternal OPE metabolite concentrations during pregnancy and behavioral development in offspring. Women provided a urine sample during pregnancy that was analyzed for concentrations of OPE metabolites, including diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl phosphate) (BDCIPP), isopropyl-phenyl phenyl phosphate (ip-PPP), and 1-hydroxyl-2-propyl bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPHIPP). Offspring’s behavioral development was assessed by the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (2nd Edition) (BASC-2) at approximately 36 months. Linear regression was used to estimate associations between tertiles in specific gravity-corrected OPE metabolite concentrations and children’s scores on the BASC-2, adjusted for maternal age, maternal BMI, maternal race, maternal education, familial income, maternal depression, quality of the home environment, and sex. Higher BDCIPP concentrations were associated with higher scores on the Behavioral Symptoms Index (1st vs. 3rd tertile: β = 3.03; 95% CI = 0.40, 5.67) and Externalizing Problems (1st vs. 3rd tertile: β = 2.49; 95% CI: −0.12, 5.10) composites. Among BASC-2 scales, BDCIPP was most strongly associated with Withdrawal, Attention Problems, Depression, Hyperactivity, and Aggression. DPHP concentrations were also associated with higher scores on the Externalizing Problems and Behavioral Symptoms Index composites, but not as strongly as BDCIPP. Conversely, higher concentrations of ip-PPP were associated with fewer adverse behavioral symptoms, including an inverse association with the Internalizing Problems composite (1st vs. 3rd tertile: β = −3.74; 95% CI = −6.75, −0.74) and constituent scales. BCIPHIPP was not strongly associated with any measured behavioral outcomes. Our results suggest that greater maternal exposure to tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl phosphate) (TDCIPP, parent compound of BDCIPP) and, to a lesser degree, triphenyl phosphate (TPHP, parent compound of DPHP) during pregnancy is associated with adverse behavioral development in children. Our study contributes to the growing body of evidence pertaining to adverse developmental effects of prenatal OPE exposure and highlights the need for further research to characterize risks associated with this ubiquitous family of chemicals.
Naltrexone and Its Noroxymorphone Minor Metabolite – A Case Report

As part of substance use maintenance programs, individuals are monitored for sobriety through urine drug screens. A positive screen, and its confirmation and interpretation, can have devastating consequences, sometimes even leading to termination from the program and relapse. Naltrexone metabolism involves several steps and metabolites - one minor metabolite with very little mention in medical literature being noroxymorphone. This is also the final intermediate in the metabolic pathway of oxycodone; hence, detection is naturally presumed by clinicians to be attributed to oxycodone use. Through this case report, we alert clinicians that, depending on individual pharmacogenomics, it is possible to obtain a positive confirmation of this component alone (without any oxycodone pathway intermediates) with naltrexone administration.
Depomedroxyprogesterone acetate therapy for hot flashes in survivors of breast cancer: no unfavorable impact on recurrence and survival

Survivors of estrogen receptor–expressing breast cancer generally do not receive estrogen-based therapy for menopausal symptoms due to concern for provoking recurrence of disease. Single-dose depomedroxyprogesterone acetate has been shown to be among the most effective non-estrogen strategies for treatment of menopausal hot flashes, but long-term evidence for safety in survivors is lacking. We conducted an institutional review board approved, retrospective, case-control cohort study at a tertiary, academic referral center. Patients with estrogen receptor-expressing early-stage operable breast cancer who received depomedroxyprogesterone acetate for hot flashes between January 2005 and December 2012 were identified. We confirmed 75 patients who met strict inclusion criteria who were matched 1:1 with controls for age, stage of disease, HER2 status, and year of diagnosis. Overall survival, loco-regional recurrence-free survival, and progression-free survival assessments for cases were compared with controls. Median follow-up duration was 68.4 months in cases and 57.6 months in controls. Estimated local-regional recurrence-free survival at 10 years was 97% (95% CI, 92–100%) in cases and 98% (95% CI, 95–100%) in controls. Estimated progression-free survival at 10 years was 89% (95% CI, 80–100%) in cases and 83% (95% CI, 73–95) in controls. The majority (75%) of case patients experienced satisfactory relief of hot flashes from depomedroxyprogesterone injection. In this retrospective case-control study, we were unable to identify a detrimental effect of depomedroxyprogesterone acetate therapy for hot flashes in survivors of estrogen receptor–expressing breast cancer. Depomedroxyprogesterone acetate may be acceptable for management of hot flashes in this population.
Ally Competency and Self-Efficacy for Working with Undocumented Students

This longitudinal study investigated the outcomes of DREAMzone, an educational intervention designed to prepare higher education professionals to respond to the presence and needs of undocumented s...
A Proof of Levi's Extension Lemma

We give a short and self-contained proof of Levi's Extension Lemma for pseudoline arrangements.
SPONTANEOUS CORONARY ARTERY DISSECTION TREATED WITH PCI: MULTIDISCIPLINARY OUTPATIENT MANAGMENT OF COMPLICATIONS, CLINICAL PRACTICE CHALLENGES

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare condition affecting predominantly women. The guideline to treat is not clear. There is a growing recognition of SCAD as a cause of acute myocardial infarction, especially in younger women without traditional atherosclerotic risk factors. A 44
P018. Case Study of Heart Failure Exacerbation Management via Tele-Health

Background • 6.5 million American adults have heart failure • Advance Practice Providers (APP) can successfully manage CHF exacerbation via Tele-Health Case Study •HPI: 74-year-old male with a PMHx of ICM, HFrEF (EF 25-30%), HTN, HLD, obesity, OSA, hx of tobacco use and EtOH abuse. Cardiology consulted for worsening edema, weight gain, escalating SOB and DOE. • NP provided same day Tele-Health visit and diagnosed patient with CHF exacerbation. Treatment plan in alignment with Goal Direct Medical Therapy (GDMT) developed for inpatient diuresis. NP adapted plan for outpatient setting after patient refused admission citing concern for COVID-19. • Patient educated and performed in-home self-monitoring of weight and BP. Labs drawn in outpatient clinic. • NP tailored & provided close patient monitoring via weekly Tele-visits for 6-8 weeks thereafter bi-weekly visits and one F2F visit bundled with echocardiogram, additional PRN visits provided for symptomatic changes. Results Patient presented weighing 209lbs, diuresis to 180.8lbs (-28.2lbs) over 2 months. BNP decreased from 2534 to 496. Labs: Stable electrolytes/renal panel (K+4.2-4.9, Cr 0.99-1.21) throughout care. QoL: Minimal symptoms, no longer sleeping in recliner and improved energy level. Plan: Continue bi-weekly and PRN phone visits. Continue GDMT. Refers to cardiac catheterization and device/clinic for ICD/defibrillator evaluation. Conclusions This case occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The NP successfully provided outpatient management of a CHF exacerbation in accordance to GDMT via Tele-Health visits. To date patient is without hospitalization and symptomatically markedly improved. Overall optimizing patient safety, autonomy, and cost savings related to hospitalization.
Experimental results of electromechanical structure properties of noise and vibration on power transformers after lightning impulse test

Abstract Transformer damage due to lightning impulse wave may result in serious loss of profits, thereby compromising the reliability of power systems. Currently, there is limited studies on the effect of lightning impulse on the noise and vibration of power transformers. In line with this, this study proposed a single-phase transformer with a voltage specification of 345 kV (high voltage)/115 kV (low voltage) and a capacity of 200 MVA. The soft magnetic 27PH100 material with a low magnetostriction variation was selected as the core material for the design of a transformer with a significantly low noise and vibration that could be maintained even after repeated lightning impulse applications. First, the parameters of the core and coil with k-factor design of the transformer, which can withstand high electrical signals, such as lightning impulses and insulation damage, was established and tested. The deformation and modal shape of the core and winding were simulated by finite element analysis. Furthermore, sweep frequency response analysis was used to observe the structure of the core and coil without any deformation. Diagnosis gas analysis was adopted to analyze the oil in the tank of the transformer to avoid dielectric loss due to insulation damage. Temperature rise test was also used to verify the stability of the transformer performance under no-load and full-load conditions. Finally, the results of the continuous lightning impulse tests revealed that the transformer operated under a stable performance, while generating significantly low noise (
Permeability of Buccal Mucosa.

The buccal mucosa provides an alternative route of drug delivery that can be more beneficial compared to other administration routes. Although numerous studies and reviews have been published on buccal drug delivery, an extensive review of the permeability data is not available. Understanding the buccal mucosa barrier could provide insights into the approaches to effective drug delivery and optimization of dosage forms. This paper provides a review on the permeability of the buccal mucosa. The intrinsic permeability coefficients of porcine buccal mucosa were collected. Large variability was observed among the published permeability data. The permeability coefficients were then analyzed using a model involving parallel lipoidal and polar transport pathways. For the lipoidal pathway, a correlation was observed between the permeability coefficients and permeant octanol/water partition coefficients (Kow) and molecular weight (MW) in a subset of the permeability data under specific conditions. The permeability analysis suggested that the buccal permeation barrier was less lipophilic than octanol. For the polar pathway and macromolecules, a correlation was observed between the permeability coefficients and permeant MW. The hindered transport analysis suggested an effective pore radius of 1.5 to 3 nm for the buccal membrane barrier.
A full-factorial randomized controlled trial of adjunct couples HIV testing and counseling components addressing drug use and communication skills among sexual minority male couples.

Background The past decade has seen increasing attention directed to the development of HIV prevention interventions for male couples, driven by epidemiological data indicating that main or primary - rather than causal - partnerships account for a substantial number of HIV infections in this population. Couples HIV testing and counseling (CHTC) has emerged as a standard of care in the US. This protocol describes a study that aims to evaluate the efficacy of two adjunct components to CHTC - communication training (CT) videos and a substance use module (SUM) - to reduce drug use and sexual HIV transmission risk behavior. Methods Eligible couples must include one participant who is aged 17-29, HIV-negative, and reports recent drug use. Both partners must be aged 17 or older, identify as cismale (assigned male sex at birth and currently identify as male gender), and communicate in English. Couples are randomized post-baseline to one of four conditions (CHTC as usual, CHTC plus CT video; CHTC + SUM and CHTC + CT video + SUM) in a full-factorial design. Follow up assessments are completed at 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-months post baseline. Discussion Results of this trial will enhance the application of CHTC. If found effective, adjunct components would comprise a brief and scalable drug use intervention that could be readily integrated into existing HIV testing settings. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration; NCT05000866 ; completed August 3, 2021; https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/ Protocol version 1.0; September 1, 2021.
Comparison of Wear and Oxidation in Retrieved Conventional and Highly Cross-Linked UHMWPE Tibial Inserts.

Abstract Two groups of retrieved tibial inserts from one manufacturer's knee system were analyzed to evaluate the effect of a highly cross-linked bearing surface on wear and in vivo oxidation. The two groups ((1) conventional gamma-inert sterilized and (2) highly cross-linked, coupled with the same rough (R a =0.25) Ti-6Al-4V tray) were matched with statistically similar in vivo duration and patient variables. The retrieved inserts were analyzed for ketone oxidation and wear in the form of dimensional change. The difference in oxidation rate between highly cross-linked and conventional gamma-inert sterilized inserts did not reach statistical significance. Observations suggest that the majority of wear can be accounted for by the backside interface with the rough Ti-6Al-4V tray; however, wear measured by thickness-change rate was statistically indistinguishable between the two bearing materials.
Political Trust in Polarized Times.

As political trust levels continue to decline while levels of partisan polarization increase, we contend that more research is needed to explore the interaction between these two central features of contemporary American politics. Political scientists have debated whether explanations of political trust levels are best informed by the public’s assessment of the political system or of evaluations of individual politicians. In times when partisan polarization is a salient feature of the political arena, we contend that both are important. During highly polarized times, party and trust heuristics become heavily intertwined in the sense that people may continue to rely on their default trust evaluations of the political system but party as the source of government action becomes the major determinant of trust. We discuss how these dynamics influence two specific consequence of political trust—policy outcomes and support for democratic processes. We outline a theoretical framework informed by prior research concerning the dynamics of political trust and partisan polarization and their influence on policy outcomes. Finally, we offer empirical evidence obtained from an experiment that supports our contention that when partisan polarization is primed by the information environment, there are important consequences for support for democratic processes.
Textbook of Clinical Neurology

Part I: The Neurological Examination and Neuroanatomical Diagnosis. Levels of Consciousness and Attention. Sleep and Wakefulness. Mood, Emotion, And Thought. Praxis. Memory. Speech and Language. Cranial Nerve 1: Olfactory Nerve. Cranial Nerve 2: Optic Nerve and Afferent Visual Pathways. Cranial Nerves 3, 4, And 6: The Oculomotor System. Cranial Nerve 5: The Trigeminal Nerve. Cranial Nerve 7: Facial Nerve. Cranial Nerve 8: Vestibulocochlear System. Cranial Nerves 9 (Glosspharyngeal) and 10 (Vagus). Cranial Nerves 11 (Spinal Accessory) and 12 (Hypoglossal). Strength and Reflexes. Hypokinesia and Hyperkinesia. Coordination and Ataxia. Gait and Balance. Proprioception, Touch, And Vibration Sensation. Pain and Temperature. Autonomic Nervous System. Neurovascular System. Part 2: Diagnostic Ancillary Aids for Anatomic Localization. Neuroimaging. Electrophysiology. Body Fluids and Tissue Analysis. Cerebrospinal Fluid and Intracranial Pressure. Neurophysicological Testing. Part 3: Etiological Categories of Neurological Diagnoses. Developmental Structural Disorders. Degenerative and Compressive Structural Disorders. Storage Diseases: Lipidoses, Glycogenoses, And Leukodystrophies. Amino/Organic Acidopathies, Mitochondrial Enzyme Defects, And Other Metabolic Errors. Chromosomal Anomalies and Neurocutaneous Disorders. The Degenerative Dementias. Movement Disorders. Ataxias. Degenerative Motor, Sensory, And Autonomic Disorders. Inherited Muscle, Neuromuscular, And Neuronal Disorders. Endogenous Metabolic Disorders. Exogenous Acquired Metabolic Disorders of the Nervous System: Toxins and Illicit Drugs. Nutritional Deficiencies and Syndromes Associated with Alcoholism. Viral Infections. Non-Viral Infections. Transmissable Spongiform Encephalopathy. HIV and AIDS. Neurovascular Disorders. Primary Neurological Tumors. Metastatic Neoplasms and Paraneoplastic Disorders. Demyelinating Disorders of the Central Nervous System. Demyelinating Disorders of the Peripheral Nervous System. Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders. Traumati
De Medico: A Metapaedagogical Text

Every scholar who has commented on the audience for De medico has believed that the treatise was intended for the beginning medical student. But if the author's remarks are addressed to the medical student himself his instruction is little more than an induction into quackery, offering only the most superficial instruction in medical techniques. Reading the treatise as directed at the teacher of the beginning medical student rather than the student himself explains both this aspect of the treatise and also several textual cruces.
Direct contact droplet heat exchangers for thermal management in space

A liquid droplet heat exchanger for space applications is described which transfers heat between a gas and a liquid metal dispersed into droplets. The ability of the droplet heat exchanger to transfer heat between two media in direct contact over a wide temperature range circumvents many of the material limitations of conventional tube-type heat exchangers and does away with complicated plumbing systems and their tendency toward single point failure. Droplet heat exchangers offer large surface to volume ratios in a compact geometry, very low gas pressure drop, and high effectiveness. The application of the droplet heat exchanger in a high temperature Brayton cycle is discussed to illustrate its performance and operational characteristics.
Metabolism and cometabolism of halogenated C-1 and C-2 hydrocarbons

Publisher Summary Halocarbon biotransformations can generally be classified as substitutions, reductions, or oxidations. Reductions are typically mediated by reduced cofactors present under anaerobic environments; they proceed faster in more reduced environments with highly halogenated compounds; and they typically yield hydrogenolysis reaction products. Oxidations are typically mediated by nonspecific oxygenases; they proceed faster in more oxidative environments with less halogenated compounds; and they typically yield alcohols and organic acid reaction products. Reductions and oxidations of compounds, with more than 2 halogens per carbon atom, are typically co-metabolic, requiring prior or concurrent consumption of a growth or energy substrate for sustained transformation. In the absence of growth or energy substrates, co-metabolic transformations tend to slow down with time as a result of product toxicity. Halocarbon oxidations and reductions often yield reactive intermediates. These species can subsequently give rise to a spectrum of products via parallel and competing pathways. Some of the intermediates are of human health concern. Hydrolytic substitution reactions occur with compounds that have a few halogen substituents and are not sterically hindered. These reactions are often yield useful growth substrates, and they typically initiate complete metabolic pathways.
Giftedness as Property: Troubling Whiteness, Wealth, and Gifted Education in the US

The purposes of this article are to illumine the racist genealogy of gifted education policies and practices in the United States, to demonstrate how deficit discourses continue today, and to provide personal examples from the field of how educators can begin to question the status quo, resist taken-for-granted assumptions, and alternatively make substantive changes at the local level. I also aim to demonstrate how giftedness is an example of whiteness as property, or unearned white privilege, that, unintentionally or not, maintains a social caste system in schools.
Baryon Resonances in Nuclei

In the traditional picture, the nucleus is treated as a system of neutrons and protons. This picture is successful because the neutron and proton constituents are rather weakly bound in the nucleus, and the explicit presence of other objects such as mesons apparently can be neglected with appropriate renormalization of the properties of the nucleons. It is the purpose of today’s discussion to suggest that at higher energies such a picture may not be possible. Arguments will be given suggesting that the degrees of freedom associated with the baryonic resonances must be explicitly included for these particular properties. The first part of the talk will be concerned with the forces which bind the baryonic resonances to nucleons while the second part will review the present evidence for the role played by these resonances in high energy back scattering of protons on deuterons.
An Interview with Dr. Lyle Bachman

Teachers College, Columbia University Working Papers in TESOL & Applied Linguistics wouldBachman photo like to introduce The Web Journal Interview: a series of informal conversations with prominent figures in the field of TESOL and Applied Linguistics. For our inaugural interview, we had the honor of speaking with Dr. Lyle Bachman, who was recently awarded the International Language Testing Association (ILTA) “Lifetime Achievement Award” in language testing. Dr. Bachman spoke with assistant editors Yoko Saito and Elvis Wagner on the eve of the 2004 Language Testing Research Colloquium (LTRC) in Temecula, California.
Pregnancy Loss in the Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Definition of Syndrome: The diagnosis of the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, also known as lupus anticoagulant syndrome or Hughes’ syndrome, requires both clinical events and unequivocal demonstration of antiphospholipid antibody by either enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA) or a coagulation test positive for lupus anticoagulant (LAC). The antibody alone, in the absence of clinical symptoms, does not suffice for a diagnosis. Nonpathogenic antiphospholipid antibody, but not the syndrome, can be induced by drugs1 or by infections.2 Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome occurs in patients with no other diagnosis (primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, PAPS) and with systemic lupus erythematosus or other rheumatic disease (secondary APS). Preliminary criteria for the classification of the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome are listed in Table 1.3 These are classification criteria to be used to compare patient groups. Guidelines are useful for evaluating common manifestations and are not meant to be used in the diagnosis of individual patients. Other, less typical clinical and laboratory abnormalities may justify the diagnosis (Table 2). There are no age limits to the diagnosis and no specified interval between clinical event and demonstration of autoantibody, but symptoms and abnormal serology are usually simultaneously present.
Agile development meets strategic design in the enterprise

In this paper we present our approach to design and develop an enterprise email application called bluemail. We describe our development process that is orchestrated for fast, iterative deployments and aimed at offering increased transparency to our internal user community. We finish by discussing the relationship between iterative design and agile development practices.
Interview with Kandy Fong

Video interview and transcription of subject Kandy Fong, an early Star Trek vidder. Part of the OTW Oral History Project (http://transformativeworks.org/projects/oral-history).
Digital drug discovery

A report of the Cambridge Healthtech Institute conference 'Beyond Genome', San Franciso, USA, 13-16 June 2005.
Entropy bounds and second cohomology

When X is a finite complex and \(\pi_{1}X\) acts on \({\mathbb{R}}^2\) by translations we give criteria involving H2X for an equivariant map \(F : \tilde{X} \rightarrow {\mathbb{R}}^2\) to be onto. Following work of Manning and Shub, this leads to entropy bounds related to Shub’s entropy conjecture.
A time series analysis of aggregate business failure activity and credit conditions

Abstract The finance literature contains many studies that focus on explaining and/or predicting individual failures using firm-specific finacial data. In contrast there has been only a very modest amount of research into the relationships between aggregate failure activity and macroeconomic/market conditions. These studies, in addition, provide very limited insights into the structural (especially lead-lag) relationships between failure activity and macroeconomic/market conditions. This study employs a data-based multiple time series approach to develop an explanatory model for describing changes in aggregate failure activity relative to changes in financial markets variables during the 1950 through 1983 time period. It is our contention that failures are essentially a credit or money market conditions phenomenon. Results suggest that aggregate failure activity lags behind the volatility of interest rates and the cost of short-term credit. Furthermore, there is some evidence that aggregate failure activity also lags behind the availability of short-term credit.
Differential Individual Particle Analysis (DIPA): Applications in Particulate Matter Characterization

Operator-controlled and computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM) are used extensively to characterize particulate matter in environmental media. Analysis in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with chemical extraction is a potentially powerful tool that is capable of determining how various sample components are associated at the individual particle level. This involves initial characterization in a SEM, after which the material is exposed to a liquid or gas phase reaction for a specified time, and once exposure is concluded, the particles are reanalyzed in the SEM. This particle analysis by difference, or differential individual particle analysis (DIPA), possesses considerable potential for describing the behavior of environmental particles under changing chemical conditions. Here we describe DIPA applications with illustrative examples drawn from the analysis of particulate matter modified by reactions in a fluid environment. In situ DIPA permits the same particles to be analyzed in the SEM before and after modification. Repeated exposure to the same, or different modifying conditions, provides information on the time dependence of specific reactions. Significant numbers of particles can be analyzed using CCSEM, and the same particles can be analyzed after the reaction by accurate sample relocation in the SEM. Ex situ DIPA, which involves a bulk sample modification, uses CCSEM to characterize significant numbers of particles pre- and postreaction. The CCSEM approach is extremely efficient; recent developments in silicon drift detectors have increased the speed of characteristic X-rays detection, and very large numbers of particles can be analyzed in a short period of time.
Effect of Helmholtz Resonators on Boundary-Layer Turbulence

HELMHOLTZ resonators were investigated as a passive device for the purpose of modifying a turbulent boundary layer. Resonators, imbedded in a wall, also occur inadvertently when porous walls are used to reduce boundarylayer growth or as acoustic control devices in inlet ducts and combustors. In all cases it is of interest to know the effect of the resonators on the boundary layer. Helmholtz resonators are formed by cavities that are vented by a small orifice (see Fig. 1). They respond to excitation from the shear layer at the orifice as well as from incident acoustic waves. Previous experimental work '~4 has focused on the conditions for resonance in a single resonator. In the present study, a row of 10 resonators was positioned across the span of a wind-tunnel wall. Separate studies5'6 were conducted to determine the response of the resonator row to the boundary layer and the interaction that occurred between adjacent resonators. The relevant results are that peak response was achieved at a freestream velocity of 26.5 m/s, and the frequency and amplitude of the cavity pressure oscillations were 570 Hz and 143 dB (equivalent to 80% of the freestream dynamic pressure). In addition, adjacent resonators showed a strong antiphase locking with an average coherence coefficient of 70% and a phase lag of 150 to 180 deg. The phase locking between resonators was localized, and coherence decreased rapidly with resonators that were further away. Contents Experiments were conducted in a wind tunnel with a test section of 0.71 m x 1.0 m and 2.7 m long (28 in. x 40 in. x 9 ft). Ten resonators were formed with orifices of diameter D = 1.03 cm (0.406 in.) and 0.305 cm (0.120 in.) thickness. They were spaced 3.05 cm (1.20 in) on centers occupying the central 27.5 cm (10.8 in) of the 1.0 m (40 in.) span. At the location of the resonators, with flow parameters chosen to produce a resonant condition, the boundary layer had a thickness of d = 2.8 cm (1.1 in.), friction velocity UT = 1.0 m/s, and freestream speed of 26 m/s (58 mph). The corresponding Ret> was 5500. Measurement locations were chosen at the streamwise (X) positions X/D= -3,-0.5, 0.5, 3, 10,20,40, and 80 together with six spanwise (Z) positions, three directly in line with the resonator orifices and three half-way between the orifices. Laser velocimeter measurements of the streamwise and vertical velocity were obtained and processed to yield values of the
Renal TGF-β regulation in spontaneously diabetic NOD mice with correlations in mesangial cells

Renal TGF-β regulation in spontaneously diabetic NOD mice with correlations in mesangial cells. Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by excessive glomerular matrix accumulation, basement membrane thickening and sclerosis. Although it is clear that systemic metabolic disturbances precipitate such renal changes, the signals and pathways involved in this process are not fully elucidated. Recent evidence suggests that growth factors/cytokines are intimately involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Because of its prosclerotic properties, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a prime candidate mediator of diabetic nephrosclerosis. We examined perfused kidney tissues isolated from spontaneously diabetic, non-obese diabetic mice (NOD) for TGF-β content. By using murine isotype specific TGF-β probes, we demonstrate that within 5 to 10 days of hyperglycuria renal TGF-β2 mRNA and protein content increases. By immunohistochemical analysis, de novo TGF-β immunoreactivity was detected within both glomeruli and the interstitium. In order to determine the signals involved in promoting kidney TGF-β content in vivo , TGF-β regulation was examined in renal mesangial cells in vitro . Murine mesangial cells stimulated with glycosylated protein secrete bioactive TGF-β and demonstrate a disproportionate increase in the steady state levels of TGF-β2 mRNA. These data suggest that a major early renal response in NOD mice to hyperglycemia or to glycosylated proteins is characterized by increases in TGF-β2.
An Empirical Comparison of Approaches for Quantitatively Assessing the Content Adequacy of Paper-and-Pencil Measurement Instruments

Despite content adequacy being essential for valid measurement, a well-delineated quantitative method for its examination only recently has become available. Using this new approach, an empirical c...
The Enrollment Act and the 37th Congress

(1984). The Enrollment Act and the 37th Congress. The Historian: Vol. 46, No. 4, pp. 562-582.
Transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from mother to neonate

ISSUE: Possible transmission of MRSA from mother to 25-week gestation twin neonates weighing PROJECT: A mother gave birth via C-section to 25-week gestation twins. Within 72 hours post op, the mother developed MRSA bacteremia with no clearly identified source. The mother and babies were immediately placed in contact isolation. Staff wore gowns and gloves when handling each baby. Due to their low birthweight, the parents were not allowed to hold the babies, but were allowed to touch the babies without wearing gloves. The babies were fed breastmilk via feeding tube. At 12 days after birth, Baby A grew MRSA from a blood culture. At 14 days after birth, Baby B grew MRSA from a sputum and blood culture. Typing of the isolates by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) proved they were the same as the mother's. A review of literature is mixed regarding breastfeeding. A recent article suggested transmission of MRSA may occur through breastmilk. The breastmilk was cultured with no MRSA detected. It is also unknown as to whether or not transmission occurred at birth. A policy was developed to guide HCWs in the future management of this occurrence. The policy states that gown and gloves should be worn for each HCW and parental contact with the babies. Frequent hand hygiene is an essential component of the policy. Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding is left to the discretion of the physician based on the clinical picture of the infant. An educational sheet is given to parents to assist in their understanding of the risk and the precautions that must be taken to prevent transmission of MRSA from parent to baby. RESULTS: There have not been any similar situations in our facility previous to or since this initial occurrence. However, staff is now educated and informed and will be able to assist MRSA-positive parents in making an informed decision regarding their newborn. LESSONS LEARNED: Any family member having MRSA or a history of MRSA who has a baby in the NICU must use contact precautions when touching the baby. It is our responsibility as HCWs to educate and inform the parents of the possible risks and necessary measures for prevention of transmission.
Long-term Preservation of Bone Marrow

PRESERVATION of the functional integrity of cells stored at low temperatures has become routinely successful. Current efforts in cryobiology centre around improvement of the techniques, assessment of the physico-chemical alteration of cells by low temperatures, and evaluation of the length of time for which frozen cells will maintain their functional capacity. It has been reported, for example, that bull spermatozoa can be stored successfully at − 79° C for at least 7 years1, and that some human cell lines remain viable for 33 months2. During the course of experiments with various techniques for freezing and storing mouse bone marrow3, we froze a number of samples to be tested at long intervals. The present interim report describes the results of these experiments.
Demonstration of differences in vascular permeability in experimental tumors by use of 19F magnetic resonance imaging.

Rationale and Objectives. In vivo assessment of tumor vascular permeability may provide useful information for chemotherapy treatment planning or for the assessment of treatment effectiveness. We aimed to assess vascular permeability in two tumor sublines as well as changes in vascular permeability with tumor growth by using 19 F magnetic resonance imaging. Methods. An emulsion of perfluorotributylamine was used as a tumor extravascular contrast agent for 19 F MRI. The amount of emulsion that leaked into tumor interstitial space was analyzed qualitatively with imaging. A quantitative study of vascular permeability was done with a separate group of tumors by use of Evans blue dye. Results. One tumor type was more permeable to both perfluorotributylamine emulsion and Evans blue than was the second tumor type. The difference was attributed to a difference in surface area for exchange. In larger tumors of both types, pooling of large amounts of perfluorocarbon occurred and was assumed to be attributable to hemorrhage or blood flow stasis or both. Conclusion. 19 F MRI is capable of demonstrating the permeability of tumor vessels to macromolecular substances.
Sodium tracer diffusion in a sodium aluminosilicate glass

Abstract Sodium tracer diffusion coefficients, D N a * , have been measured using the radioactive isotope Na-22 in a commercial, ion exchangeable sodium aluminosilicate glass at different temperatures between about 200 and 400 °C. The activation enthalpy derived from sodium tracer diffusion data for the as-received glass samples was found to be about 75.5 ± 1.2 kJ/mol and the value of the logarithm of pre-exponential factor of the sodium tracer diffusion coefficient, log10 [ D N a ° / ( cm 2 / s ) ] , is − 2.58 ± 0.13. It was observed that pre-annealing the glass samples at the annealing point of 609 °C causes some reduction of the values of the sodium tracer diffusion coefficients. In addition, the glass samples investigated were found to take up water at 300 °C in wet air ( P H 2 O = 474 mbar). However, an influence of the uptake of water during diffusion-annealing in wet air on the diffusivity of sodium was not observed.
Studies with sputum: I. Initial observations on the chemical nature and blood group substance content of asthmatic sputum

Abstract 1.1. The significance in asthma of intrabronchial accumulation of a viscid mucus and previous studies on its chemical nature are briefly reviewed. 2.2. The present article describes the immunochemical methods applied to the analysis of a pooled ethanol precipitate of twenty-eight sputa obtained from asthmatic patients. 3.3. Confirming observations on epithelial mucus by other investigators, we found that asthmatic sputum contained hexosamine, n-acetylhexosamine, and fucose and that it was devoid of uronic acids and nucleoprotein. A major portion of the material appeared to be a carbohydrate linked to a protein having the characteristics of a mucopolysaccharide. 4.4. Fractionating procedures successful in isolating blood group substance were applied to the ethanol precipitates of sputum. An approximately 5 per cent yield of mucopolysaccharide closely resembling blood group substance chemically and possessing considerable blood group activity in hemagglutination inhibition studies was obtained. 5.5. The isolated mucopolysaccharides were soluble in water, they were viscous, and they differed electrophoretically from commercial A and B substances. 6.6. The studies to date point up the desirability of extending the observations by analyzing individual sputa from asthamtic subjects of known blood groups.
Pinacidil's Effects on Defibrillation Outcomes: Role of Increased Potassium Conductance Via the KATP Channel

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that the inhibition of potassium ion conductance decreases defibrillation threshold. We postulated that if potassium conductance is a primary mechanism affecting defibrillation threshold values, then increasing potassium ion conductance will increase defibrillation values. The primary objective of this study was to determine if the ATP-dependent potassium (K(ATP)) channel opener pinacidil would increase defibrillation threshold values. The second objective was to prove that the observed changes were due to potassium conductance by using the K(ATP) inhibitor, glyburide, to reverse the electrophysiologic actions of pinacidil. The third objective was to determine if the electrophysiology action sof pinacidil correlate with changes in defibrillation threshold value. METHODS AND RESULTS: Domestic farm swine (n = 14) were anesthetized and intubated. Subsequently, they were instrumented with monophasic action potential catheters and epicardial defibrillation patches. Defibrillation threshold values, action potential duration, effective refractory period, and ventricular fibrillation cycle length were determined at baseline and during treatment phase 1 and treatment phase 2. Pigs were randomized into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 6) received D(5)W in treatment phase one followed by D(5)W in treatment phase 2 and group 2 (n = 8) received pinacidil in treatment phase one followed by the addition of glyburide in treatment phase two. DFT(ED50) did not change at baseline, treatment phase one or treatment phase two for group 1 (10.5 +/- 2, 11.1 +/- 1.7, 10.5 +/- 1.0 J) or for group 2 (10.1 +/- 2.2, 11.4 +/- 4.2, 11.4 +/- 3.0 J). Electrophysiologic parameters )QRS, effective refractory period, action potential duration(90), and ventricular fibrillation cycle length) were not significantly changed from baseline in group 1. In contrast, effective refractory period, action potential duration(90), and ventricular fibrillation cycle length significantly decreased at all recorded sites after the administration of pinacidil in group 2 (range of 7-13%, 6-9%, and 12-17%, respectively). However, pinacidil did not change the basal level of dispersion in effective refractory period, action potential duration, and ventricular fibrillation cycle length during paced rhythm or ventricular fibrillation. Glyburide reversed pinacidil's electrophysiologic actions. CONCLUSIONS: Pinacidil does not alter defibrillation threshold, but it reduces effective refractory period, action potential duration, and ventricular fibrillation cycle length and does not increase electrical heterogeneity. Therefore, changes in potassium channel conductance as well as shortening repolarization are unlikely primary mechanisms for elevating defibrillation threshold.