cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polysubstance and alcohol dependence: Unique abnormalities of magnetic resonance-derived brain metabolite levels

Abstract Background Although comorbid substance misuse is common in alcohol dependence, and polysubstance abusers (PSU) represent the largest group of individuals seeking treatment for drug abuse today, we know little about potential brain abnormalities in this population. Brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies of mono-substance use disorders (e.g., alcohol or cocaine) reveal abnormal levels of cortical metabolites (reflecting neuronal integrity, cell membrane turnover/synthesis, cellular bioenergetics, gliosis) and altered concentrations of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The concurrent misuse of several substances may have unique and different effects on brain biology and function compared to any mono-substance misuse. Methods High field brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 4 T and neurocognitive testing were performed at one month of abstinence in 40 alcohol dependent individuals (ALC), 28 alcohol dependent PSU and 16 drug-free controls. Absolute metabolite concentrations were calculated in anterior cingulate (ACC), parieto-occipital (POC) and dorso-lateral prefrontal cortices (DLPFC). Results Compared to ALC, PSU demonstrated significant metabolic abnormalities in the DLPFC and strong trends to lower GABA in the ACC. Metabolite levels in ALC and light drinking controls were statistically equivalent. Within PSU, lower DLPFC GABA levels are related to greater cocaine consumption. Several cortical metabolite concentrations were associated with cognitive performance. Conclusions While metabolite concentrations in ALC at one month of abstinence were largely normal, PSU showed persistent and functionally significant metabolic abnormalities, primarily in the DLPFC. Our results point to specific metabolic deficits as biomarkers in polysubstance misuse and as targets for pharmacological and behavioral PSU-specific treatment.
The modified beachchair position for arthroscopic shoulder surgery: The La Jolla beachchair

Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder is usually performed in the lateral decubitus or beachchair position. The modified beachchair position described here allows arthroscopic procedures to be performed as in the lateral position yet maintains a semiupright orientation and permits conversion to open procedures as in the beachchair position. The results of this technique are reported for 50 consecutive patients with a variety of diagnoses. This modified beachchair position was found to be quickly and easily accomplished with a minimum of special equipment.
Analyzing the frequency shift of physiadsorbed CO 2 in metal organic framework materials

Combining first-principles density functional theory simulations with IR and Raman experiments, we determine the frequency shift of vibrational modes of CO${}_{2}$ when physiadsorbed in the isostructural metal organic framework materials Mg-MOF74 and Zn-MOF74. Surprisingly, we find that the resulting change in shift is rather different for these two systems and we elucidate possible reasons. We explicitly consider three factors responsible for the frequency shift through physiabsorption, namely, (i) the change in the molecule length, (ii) the asymmetric distortion of the CO${}_{2}$ molecule, and (iii) the direct influence of the metal center. The influence of each factor is evaluated separately through different geometry considerations, providing a fundamental understanding of the frequency shifts observed experimentally.
Spin systems on hierarchical lattices. II. Some examples of soluble models

Several examples are given of soluble models of phase-transition phenomena utilizing classical discrete spin systems with nearest-neighbor interaction on hierarchical lattices. These include critical exponents which depend continuously on a parameter, the Potts model on a lattice with two different coupling constants, surface tension, and excess free energy of a line of defects. In each case we point out similarities and differences with a corresponding Bravais-lattice model.
Pharmacogenomic-guided drug development: regulatory perspective

Pharmacogenetics (PGt) and now the more global term, pharmacogenomics (PGx), have come to the forefront after an evolutionary period of more than 30 years. Several transforming events in the past 5 years, not the least of which was the completion of the human genome sequence in 2001, have created an expectation that genetic and genomic information will produce sweeping changes in the practice of medicine and the prescribing of drugs. The almost daily press reports of new gene discoveries lend credence to the argument that personal genetic/genomic profiles will have a tremendous impact on health by the year 2010. This vision has not been without naysayers; however, we believe that the central issue is not whether PGt- or PGx-guided drug prescriptions will happen, but when and how.
Characterization of changes to the mechanical properties of arteries due to cold storage using nanoindentation tests.

Understanding the effect of cold storage on arterial tissues is essential in various clinical and experimental practices. Cold storage techniques could significantly affect the post-cryosurgical or post-cryopreservation mechanical behavior of arteries. Previously, arteries were considered homogenous and elastic and the changes in material properties due to cold storage were inconclusive. In this study, using a custom-made nanoindentation device, changes to the local viscoelastic properties of porcine thoracic aorta wall due to three common storage temperatures (+4, −20, and −80 °C) within 24 h, 48 h, 1 week, and 3 weeks were characterized. The changes to both elastic and relaxation behaviors were investigated considering the multilayer, heterogeneous nature of the aortic wall. The results showed that the average instantaneous Young’s modulus (E) of +4 °C storage samples decreased while their permanent average relaxation amplitude (G ∞) increased and after 48 h these changes became significant (10 and 13% for E and G ∞, respectively). Generally, in freezer storage, E increased and G ∞ showed no significant change. In prolonged preservation (>1 week), the results of −20 °C showed significant increase in E (20% after 3 weeks) while this increase for −80 °C was not significant, making it a better choice for tissue cold storage applications.
Correlations of placental perfusion and PlGF protein expression in early human pregnancy.

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate temporal correlations between maternal serum placenta growth factor levels and placental perfusion in early human pregnancies. Study design Systolic umbilical artery Doppler blood flow velocity indices at fetal and placental insertion sites were measured between 7 and 22 weeks of gestation from normal singleton pregnancies. Maternal serum placenta growth factor levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Maternal serum placenta growth factor levels showed an exponential increase at approximately 14 weeks of gestation. Placenta perfusion, as estimated by systolic Doppler blood flow indices, significantly increased with gestational age (P Conclusion The significant increase in serum placenta growth factor coincides with the increased perfusion of the maternal/fetal interface at approximately 12 to 14 weeks of gestation. Correlation of placenta growth factor expression and placental perfusion suggests that placenta growth factor may contribute to assuring adequate vascular development/function of the placenta early in gestation.
Endobronchial clear cell adenocarcinoma occurring in a patient 15 years after treatment for DES-associated vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Background. Clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA) of the vagina and cervix in young women is associated with prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES). Parenchymal pulmonary metastases are known to occur following treatment of the primary tumor. Most recurrences present within 2 to 3 years of the initial diagnosis. Case. This is a case report of a solitary endobronchial clear cell adenocarcinoma occurring 15.3 years after the initial diagnosis of DES-induced CCA. Conclusions. This case suggests that management of clear cell cancer survivors should involve long-term follow-up because of the potential for the appearance of a new focus of clear cell adenocarcinoma.
Photoluminescence and electro‐optic properties of small (25–35 nm diameter) quantum boxes

The luminescence and electro‐optic properties of buried 25–35 nm quantum boxes have been measured. The quantum boxes were defined by a combination of molecular beam epitaxial growth and regrowth, electron beam lithography, and dry etching. The photoluminescence from 35 nm boxes shows a blue shift of ∼15 meV compared to the bulk luminescence and an enhancement, taking into account the fill factor. An enhanced effective linear electro‐optic coefficient, rl, is observed for the quantum boxes.
Wildlife Responses to Long-Term Application of Biosolids to Grasslands in North Carolina

Abstract Applications of biosolids to grassland areas might alter the attractiveness of those habitats to wildlife. For the past 21 yr, biosolids have been applied annually to grasslands at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, Havelock, North Carolina. During 2003–2005, we conducted a study to determine if the long-term application of biosolids has altered plant communities and/or wildlife use of grassland areas. Ten circular 1.7-ha plots were established: five plots served as controls (untreated) and five plots were located in areas that received biosolids. We monitored vegetation growth, measured plant community composition, and observed all plots for wildlife activity during December 2003 through December 2005. Long-term application of biosolids to grasslands at MCAS Cherry Point has altered the botanical structure and composition of those areas. Plant communities in grassland areas receiving biosolids were taller ( P P P Lolium arundinaceum [Schreb.] S.J. Darbyshire), whereas control plots consisted of a diversity of grasses, forbs, and woody plants. We observed more ( P −1 using biosolids treatment plots (6.7 ± birds; x ¯ ± SE) than birds using control (2.6 ± birds) plots. Species-specific differences in use of biosolids and control grasslands did occur and was often related to season. We observed no differences in white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) use of biosolids and control areas when examining information from two types of deer surveys. Long-term biosolids application to cool-season grasslands alters plant communities and favors use of those areas by some grassland birds.
Organizational decision-making and energy conservation investments

Abstract Organizational decision making practices may lead firms to inappropriate levels of investment in energy efficiency, even from a self-interested perspective. Modern approaches to organizational decision making, such as the “garbage can” model, describe the realities of organizational decision making, in contrast to the simple unitary rational actor model's predictions, and clarify the findings of an evaluation of an energy audit program for organizations. Sensitivity to organizational realities by program designers will increase the likelihood of achieving desired levels of energy efficiency from organizations.
Differences in physician referral practices and attitudes regarding hereditary breast cancer by clinical practice location

Differences in physician referral practices and attitudes regarding hereditary breast cancer by clinical practice location
Biomechanical evaluation and management of the shock waves resulting from the high-heel gait: I — temporal domain study

Abstract This work analysed dynamic loading on the human musculoskeletal system while walking in high-heel-shoes. The effects of viscoelastic shoe shock absorbers on attenuation and dissipation of the high-heel-shoe-generated shock waves were also analysed. The results showed that heels higher than 12 mm actually increase the magnitude of the heel and metatarsal strike-initiated shock waves. Use of viscoelastic shoe insoles can reduce their amplitudes by as much as 29% for the 75-mm-high heel. The described methodology can be used for non-invasive, in-vivo evaluation of the shock absorbing capacity of a various high-heel shoes and viscoelastic insoles and heel plugs during walking. The main advantage of the presented technique is its capacity to account for a foot-heel plug or shoe insole interaction. The results of this study show that walking in high-heel shoes significantly increases the dynamic loading on the human musculoskeletal system, and that viscoelastic shock-absorbing devices can reduce this loading.
Blood flow restriction: the metabolite/volume threshold theory.

Traditionally it has been thought that muscle hypertrophy occurs primarily from an overload stimulus produced by progressively increasing an external load using at least 70% of one’s concentric one repetition maximum (1RM). Blood flow restricted exercise has been demonstrated to result in numerous positive training adaptions, specifically muscle hypertrophy and strength at intensities much lower than this recommendation. The mechanisms behind these adaptions are currently unknown but a commonly cited concept is that acute elevations of systemic hormones, specifically growth hormone (GH), play a large role with resistance training induced muscle hypertrophy, possibly through stimulating muscle protein synthesis (MPS). We hypothesize that the alterations in the intramuscular environment which results in the rapid recruitment of FT fibers, is the large driving force behind the skeletal muscle hypertrophy seen with blood flow restriction, whereas the external load and systemic endogenous hormone elevations may not be as important as once thought. It is further hypothesized that although skeletal muscle hypertrophy can be achieved at low intensities without blood flow restriction when taken to muscular failure, the overall volume of work required is much greater than that needed with blood flow restriction.
Spinnable carbon nanotube forests grown on thin, flexible metallic substrates

Towards the goal of providing a continuous process for the solid-state fabrication of carbon nanotube sheets and yarns from carbon nanotube forests, we report the growth of yarn-spinnable and sheet-drawable carbon nanotube forests on highly flexible stainless steel sheets, instead of the conventionally used silicon wafers. Sheets and yarns were fabricated from the 16 cm maximum demonstrated forest width, from both sides of a stainless steel sheet, and the catalyst layer was shown to be reusable, thereby decreasing the need for catalyst renewal during a proposed continuous or semi-continuous process where the stainless steel sheet serves as a moving belt to enable forest growth at one belt end and carbon nanotube yarn or sheet fabrication at an opposite belt end.
Camera-based visibility estimation: Incorporating multiple regions and unlabeled observations

Abstract This paper investigates image processing and pattern recognition techniques to estimate atmospheric visibility based on the visual content of images from off-the-shelf cameras. We propose a prediction model that first relates image contrast measured through standard image processing techniques to atmospheric transmission. This is then related to the most common measure of atmospheric visibility, the coefficient of light extinction. The regression model is learned using a training set of images and corresponding light extinction values as measured using a transmissometer. The major contributions of this paper are twofold. First, we propose two predictive models that incorporate multiple scene regions into the estimation: regression trees and multivariate linear regression. Incorporating multiple regions is important since regions at different distances are effective for estimating light extinction under different visibility regimes. The second major contribution is a semi-supervised learning framework, which incorporates unlabeled training samples to improve the learned models. Leveraging unlabeled data for learning is important since in many applications, it is easier to obtain observations than to label them. We evaluate our models using a dataset of images and ground truth light extinction values from a visibility camera system in Phoenix, Arizona.
Block-level 3D IC design with through-silicon-via planning

Since re-designing and re-optimizing existing logic, memory, and IP blocks in a 3D fashion significantly increases design cost, near-term three-dimensional integrated circuit (3D IC) design will focus on reusing existing 2D blocks. One way to reuse 2D blocks in the 3D IC design is to first perform 3D floorplanning, insert signal through-silicon vias (TSVs) for 3D inter-block connections, and then route the blocks. In this paper, we propose algorithms (finding signal TSV locations, assigning TSVs to whitespace blocks, and manipulating whitespace blocks) for post-floorplanning signal TSV planning in the block-level 3D IC design. Experimental results show that our signal TSV planner outperforms the state-of-the-art TSV-aware 3D floorplanner by 7% to 38% with respect to wirelength. In addition, our multiple TSV insertion algorithm outperforms a single TSV insertion algorithm by 27% to 37%.
Pregnancy detection and litter size classification by estrone sulfate measurements in swine under farm conditions

Abstract Previous studies indicated a high correlation between concentration of estrone sulfate (E1S) in serum and number of conceptuses in swine when killed in early gestation. Litter size at birth has been less correlated. Because litter size at birth is the ultimate goal for use of such correlations, we determined the feasibility of on-farm monitoring of E1S as an aid to management. Our approach was to obtain blood from mated sows and gilts at a stage of gestation when this high correlation exists, predict whether the animal was pregnant, and if so, predict the litter size, and check the accuracy of our predictions at farrowing under farm conditions. Blood was obtained from 148 sows and gilts on one day ranging from Day 20 to Day 26 following estrus. Concentration of E1S was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). When the concentration of E1S on Day 20, Day 21, Day 22, Day 23, Day 24, Day 25, or Day 26 was above 300 pg ml −1 , 300 pg ml −1 , 300 pg ml −1 ,300 pg ml −1 , 350 pg ml −1 , 400 pg ml −1 and 450 pg ml −1 , respectively, animals were considered pregnant, below that, not pregnant. The designation was correct in 126 cases (85%) based on records of estrus and farrowing. Twenty-one animals considered pregnant at Day 30 later were recorded as returned to estrus, whereas one animal classified and recorded as non-pregnant farrowed eight piglets. Concentration of E1S was used to classify animals as to estimated litter size. Animals with greater than 400 pg ml −1 , 500 pg ml −1 , 665 pg ml −1 , 850 pg ml −1 , 1040 pg ml −1 , or 1750 pg ml −1 E1S on Day 20, Day 21, Day 22, Day 23, Day 24, Day 25, or Day 26, respectively, were classified as having eight or more fetuses; those with less than these concentrations were classified as having seven or fewer fetuses. Litter size classification was correct in 73% of cases at birth (approximately 90 days later). Litter size was higher than predicted in 15% and lower than predicted in 12% of cases. Concentration of E1S in early gestation was thus strongly related to pregnancy and to litter size and, further, can be used in a predictive manner to assist with management decisions.
Lightweight object specification with typestates

Previous work has proven typestates to be useful for modeling protocols in object-oriented languages. We build on this work by addressing substitutability of subtypes as well as improving precision and conciseness of specifications. We propose a specification technique for objects based on abstract states that incorporates state refinement, method refinement, and orthogonal state dimensions. Union and intersection types form the underlying semantics of method specifications. The approach guarantees substitutability and behavioral subtyping. We designed a dynamic analysis to check existing object-oriented software for protocol conformance and validated our approach by specifying two standard Java libraries. We provide preliminary evidence for the usefulness of our approach.
Chronic conditions and household preparedness for public health emergencies: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2006-2010.

Introduction Individuals with chronic conditions often experience exacerbation of those conditions and have specialized medical needs after a disaster. Less is known about the level of disaster preparedness of this particular population and the extent to which being prepared might have an impact on the risk of disease exacerbation. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between self-reported asthma, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes and levels of household disaster preparedness. Methods Data were analyzed from 14 US states participating in the 2006-2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a large state-based telephone survey. Chi-square statistics and adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated. Results After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, as compared to those without each condition, persons with cardiovascular disease (aPR = 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.17) and diabetes (aPR = 1.13; 95% CI, 1.05-1.22) were slightly more likely to have an evacuation plan and individuals with diabetes (aPR = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.05) and asthma (aPR = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04) were slightly more likely to have a 3-day supply of prescription medication. There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence for all other preparedness measures (3-day supply of food and water, working radio and flashlight, willingness to leave during a mandatory evacuation) between those with and those without each chronic condition. Conclusion Despite the increased morbidity and mortality associated with chronic conditions, persons with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and asthma were generally not more prepared for natural or man-made disasters than those without each chronic condition. Ko JY , Strine TW , Allweiss P . Chronic Conditions and Household Preparedness for Public Health Emergencies: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2006-2010. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2014;29(1):1-8.
Importance of Photosynthetic Cotyledons for Early Growth of Woody Angiosperms

At various times after seed germination, epigeous cotyledons were excised or treated with DCMU (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea) to inhibit cotyledon photosynthesis of seedlings of Acer negundo L., Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh., Robinia pseudacacia L., and Ulmus americana L. In all species, DCMU inhibited expansion of cotyledons, elongation of roots, initiation of lateral roots, and expansion of foliage leaves. During the first 10 days after radicle emergence decotylization also variously inhibited growth of plant parts. Photosynthetic rates per cotyledon varied among species in the following order: Robinia pseudacacia > Ailanthus altissima≥Fraxinus pennsylvanica > Ulmus americana. The length of time that cotyledon photosynthesis contributed to growth of axial parts varied widely among species.
Miniaturized 20 GHz CPW quadrature coupler using capacitive loading

This paper describes coplanar waveguide (CPW) quadrature couplers that utilize metal–insulator–metal (MIM) capacitors at each corner, eliminating the need for air bridges and significantly reducing the coupler footprint. A 20 GHz coupler on high-resistivity silicon with branch lengths of 40° (660 μm) is presented—the area is 80% smaller than a conventional design. A measured insertion loss of ∼4.5±0.5 dB was achieved at 20 GHz. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 30: 3–5, 2001.
Effect of chronic administration of p-chlorophenylalanine on sexual receptivity of the female rat.

It has been postulated that in the female rat sexual receptivity is inhibited by serotonin. This hypothesis was examined by comparing the effects of estrogen and progesterone with the effects of estrogen plus pCPA, a depletor of brain serotonin, on the induction of sexual receptivity. Progesterone was found to facilitate the effects of estrogen on the induction of receptivity. pCPA which induced low levels of brain serotonin did not facilitate estrogen induced receptivity. It was concluded that no direct relationship exists between brain serotonin and receptivity.
Chemistry of Pacific pelagic sediments

Abstract The chemical and mineralogical composition of pelagic sediments from the East Pacific Ocean has been determined with the aim of defining the ultimate sources and the mechanisms of formation of the solid phases. The distribution of elements between sea-water, the pore solution and the various solid components of the sediments permits interpretations of the variations in time and space of the gross chemical composition of pelagic clays. For example, manganese, present in sea-water in a divalent form, is apparently oxidized at the sediment-water interface to tetravalent species which subsequently become a part of the group of ferromanganese oxide minerals which are found in the marine environment. It is suggested the rate of manganese accumulation in sediments is some function of the length of time the sediment surface is in contact with sea-water. The contribution of chemical species from the different geospheres is considered. The quantitative importance of pelagic clays in the major sedimentary cycle is studied on the basis of the distribution of the weathered igneous rock products between continental and pelagic deposits and sea-water. These analyses of a wide variety of pelagic clays allow a reformulation of the geochemical balance and it is concluded that pelagic clays account for approximately 13 per cent of the total mass of sediments produced over geologic time.
Stereological analysis of nutritive phagocytes and gametogenic cells during the annual reproductive cycle of the green sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis

Abstract. The germinal epithelium of sea urchin gonads contains two interdependent populations of cells: somatic cells called nutritive phagocytes (NPs) and germ cells—ovarian and testicular gonial cells and their derivatives, gametocytes and gametes. Annually, NPs vary their structure and function to produce a changing microenvironment for germ cells during gametogenesis and after spawning. Here, we describe seasonal changes in the NPs as they interact with germ cells during successive gametogenic stages in both sexes of the green sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis. Monthly samples were collected from the Gulf of Maine at a depth of 10 m and analyzed with light microscopy and stereology. Shorter day length and falling seawater temperatures were correlated with nutrient mobilization from NPs, initiation of gonial cell mitosis, and subsequent gametogenesis. During gametogenesis, NPs in both sexes were depleted of nutrients and eventually phagocytize residual ova or spermatozoa. Observations from this study are important for understanding both the cellular aspects of the reproductive biology of sea urchins and those environmental factors that affect the onset and progress of gametogenesis.
Development of Associations and Kinetic Models for Microbiological Data to Be Used in Comprehensive Food Safety Prediction Software

The objective of this study was to use an existing database of food products and their associated processes, link it with a list of the foodborne pathogenic microorganisms associated with those products and finally identify growth and inactivation kinetic parameters associated with those pathogens. The database was to be used as a part of the development of comprehensive software which could predict food safety and quality for any food product. The main issues in building such a predictive system included selection of predictive models, associations of different food types with pathogens (as determined from outbreak histories), and variability in data from different experiments. More than 1000 data sets from published literature were analyzed and grouped according to microorganisms and food types. Final grouping of data consisted of the 8 most prevalent pathogens for 14 different food groups, covering all of the foods (>7000) listed in the USDA Natl. Nutrient Database. Data for each group were analyzed in terms of 1st-order inactivation, 1st-order growth, and sigmoidal growth models, and their kinetic response for growth and inactivation as a function of temperature were reported. Means and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for prediction equations. The primary advantage in obtaining group-specific kinetic data is the ability to extend microbiological growth and death simulation to a large array of product and process possibilities, while still being reasonably accurate. Such simulation capability could provide vital ''what if'' scenarios for industry, Extension, and academia in food safety.
Adaptive Mo2N/MoS2/Ag Tribological Nanocomposite Coatings for Aerospace Applications

Reactively sputtered Mo2N/MoS2/Ag nanocomposite coatings were deposited from three individual Mo, MoS2, and Ag targets in a nitrogen environment onto Si (111), 440C grade stainless steel, and inconel 600 substrates. The power to the Mo target was kept constant, while power to the MoS2 and Ag targets was varied to obtain different coating compositions. The coatings consisted of Mo2N, with silver and/or sulfur additions of up to approximately 24 at%. Coating chemistry and crystal structure were evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), which showed the presence of tetragonal Mo2N and cubic Ag phases. The MoS2 phase was detected from XPS analysis and was likely present as an amorphous inclusion based on the absence of characteristic XRD peaks. The tribological properties of the coatings were investigated in dry sliding at room temperature against Si3N4, 440C stainless steel, and Al2O3. Tribological testing was also conducted at 350 and 600 °C against Si3N4. The coatings and respective wear tracks were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, profilometry, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and micro-Raman spectroscopy. During room temperature tests, the coefficients of friction (CoF) were relatively high (0.5–1.0) for all coating compositions, and particularly high against Si3N4 counterfaces. During high-temperature tests, the CoF of single-phase Mo2N coatings remained high, but much lower CoFs were observed for composite coatings with both Ag and S additions. CoF values were maintained as low as 0.1 over 10,000 cycles for samples with Ag content in excess of 16 at% and with sulfur content in the 5–14 at% range. The chemistry and phase analysis of coating contact surfaces showed temperature-adaptive behavior with the formation of metallic silver at 350 °C and silver molybdate compounds at 600 °C tests. These adaptive Mo2N/MoS2/Ag coatings exhibited wear rates that were two orders of magnitude lower compared to Mo2N and Mo2N/Ag coatings, hence providing a high potential for lubrication and wear prevention of high-temperature sliding contacts.
Affirmation as Inquiry

The value of social science supposedly derives from what it doubts; those doubts, however, may be its downfall [Siu, 1968: 365-366].
Picturing a Nation: Art and Social Change in Nineteenth-Century America

Examines six American artists: John Vanderlyn, George Caleb Bingham, Lilly Martin Spencer, Robert Duncanson, Seymour Guy, and William Harnett. This study describes how the images in their paintings both embraced and resisted the world around them - including its underlying social conflicts.
Aphthous stomatitis with involvement of attached gingiva.

Abstract Involvement of the attached gingiva by aphthous stomatitis is considered uncommon. This report presents two cases in which patients with aphthous stomatitis developed ulcers on multiple mucosal surfaces, including the attached gingiva. The gingival ulcers began on the marginal gingiva and enlarged to form V-or U-shaped ulcers on the attached gingiva. Other disorders producing gingival ulceration were excluded on the basis of history, clinical features, bacterial culture, viral culture, and biopsy with routine microscopic study as well as direct immunofluorescence.
Why we are so bad, and what we can do about it: On the state and civic virtue

The ‘80s were the decade in which scholars in such diverse fields as ethical philosophy, political science, and public administration rediscovered the importance of character in public life: what another generation called civic virtue. The ‘90s, I hope, will be the decade in which this insight passes from academic journals into the legislative and administrative arenas. Why is the subject so urgent? Reason one. As even James Madison, the theorist of “pitting ambition against ambition,” knew and admitted - and as recent ethical disasters in public life have reminded us - it is simply impossible to design an administrative system that will run both justly and efficiently without any need for civic virtue on the part of the people who run it. Reason two. It is one thing to talk about civic virtue; it is another to do something about it. The practical difficulties are enormous, and need to be both deeply studied and widely discussed. After all, civic virtue is a scarce commodity. To what extent can it be cult...
Antioxidant treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

In 90% of cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the cause is unknown. Although various mechanisms are likely involved in pathogenesis, evidence for the relevance of each to motor-neuron dysfunction and death has been limited to in vitro and animal studies. Oxidative stress has been implicated in ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases on the basis of its role in neuronal injury and as a common denominator of other mechanisms implicated in pathogenesis. 1 Despite a lack of evidence for beneficial effect in human studies antioxidant therapy is a mainstay of treatment because of its tolerability and low cost. Orrell and colleagues 2 systematically reviewed randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of antioxidant therapy in ALS. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Tracheostomy and ventilatory free survival at 12 months was the primary outcome; only three studies had sufficient data on this for metaanalysis. The reviewers did not find any benefit of antioxidant therapy in ALS. However, this review highlights the challenges, both intrinsic and iatrogenic, in ALS research and clinical care. Oxidative stress is widespread in the CNS, CSF, and peripheral circulation of patients with ALS. 3
The business value of information technology as measured by technical efficiency: Evidence from country-level data

The value of information technology (IT) in a business production process has long been a debatable issue. Explanation of the so-called ''productivity paradox'' has been one of the central topics in this arena. Much work has focused on firm-level analyses. This paper investigates IT contribution at a country level, using production theory in microeconomics. It negates the relationship between IT value and productivity based on grouping of countries, when the individual analytical method is applied and technical efficiency is used as the performance criterion. Findings obtained by applying stochastic production frontiers to a comprehensive country-level panel data set suggest that the IT contributions, as determined by the increase or decrease in the technical efficiency, to individual countries differ in magnitude from a production frontier to another, but are robust. It also shows that IT spending does not necessarily improve technical efficiencies of individual countries, regardless of whether they are developed or developing countries, and that given technological changes, the so-called productivity paradox may exist in a country, no matter whether it is a developed or developing nation. Finally, the significant implications of the findings are presented.
Immunization of mice with P6 of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae: kinetics of the antibody response and IgG subclasses.

Abstract The kinetics of the anti-P6 antibody response was characterized in three strains of mice of different haplotypes (Balb/c; H-2 d , C3H/H; H-2 k , SJL/J; H-2 s ). Anti-P6 antibodies were measured on a weekly basis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The primary response peaked 2 or 3 weeks after the initial injection with 40 μg of purified P6. The response remained at a plateau for 8–10 weeks. A maximum titer of 1:1,638,400 was attained and then steadily declined. To study the ability of P6 to generate a recall response, we opted to boost the vaccinated mice with a known subimmunogenic dose of live nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) bacteria. After the anti-P6 antibody titers in the primed animals had stayed at baseline levels for 2 weeks, the mice were injected intraperitonealy with 10 8 cfu of NTHI in sterile saline. This challenge with live NTHI bacteria induced a very rapid and strong secondary antibody response in all mice. Finally, we demonstrated that these murine anti-P6 sera were 100% bactericidal against three strains of NTHI when tested in a complement dependant bactericidal assay.
Mentoring Engineering Students: Turning Pebbles into Diamonds*

Mentoring differs from advising in that a personal relationship is established between the student and the professor, and this relationship may last for many years after the student's graduation. Very often it is difficult to define both what mentoring is and how a professor can become a good mentor to students. This paper describes some attributes of mentoring and suggests how one might become a good mentor to students.
Review of: News Media in the Arab World: A Study of 10 Arab and Muslim Countries, by B. Gunter and R. Dickinson, eds.

Gunter, B., & Dickinson, R. (Eds.). (2013). London, England: Bloomsbury, 208 pp., $110 (hardcover).When tumultuous revolts started to spread in the Arab world in the winter of 2010–2011, in what be...
Happiness and Human Flourishing in Kant's Ethics

Ancient moral philosophers, especially Aristotle and his followers, typically shared the assumption that ethics is primarily concerned with how to achieve the final end for human beings, a life of “happiness” or “human flourishing.” This final end was not a subjective condition, such as contentment or the satisfaction of our preferences, but a life that could be objectively determined to be appropriate to our nature as human beings. Character traits were treated as moral virtues because they contributed well toward this ideal life, either as means to it or as constitutive aspects of it. Traits that tended to prevent a “happy” life were considered vices, even if they contributed to a life that was pleasant and what a person most wanted. The idea of “happiness” (or human flourishing) was central, then, in philosophical efforts to specify what we ought to do, what sort of persons we should try to become, and what sort of life a wise person would hope for.
Volume changes on mixing two liquids: A review of the experimental techniques and the literature data☆

Abstract Various experimental techniques used for determining density of pure liquids and their mixtures and for volume changes on mixing (VE) are reviewed. Some guidelines are given for precise determination of VE and for correlating the data to a suitable smoothing function. The available literature data on VE for the test system cyclohexane + benzene is critically evaluated and a smoothing equation is given which represents the three best sets of VE data (a total of 164 points) for the test system, with a standard deviation of 0.0016 cm3 mol−1. A table gives smoothed VE data over the entire mole fraction range for about 1000 mixtures, most of them at more than one temperature, reported over the last ten years. Other important information included in the table is the method and temperature(s) of measurement, number of data points, and shape of the VE against mole fraction curve. Finally a brief summary is given of the noteworthy observations reported in the literature.
Object code optimization

Methods of analyzing the control flow and data flow of programs during compilation are applied to transforming the program to improve object time efficiency. Dominance relationships, indicating which statements are necessarily executed before others, are used to do global common expression elimination and loop identification. Implementation of these and other optimizations in OS/360 FORTRAN H are described.
Effect of particle statistics in strongly correlated two-dimensional Hubbard models

We study the onset of particle statistics effects as the temperature is lowered in strongly correlated two-dimensional Hubbard models. We utilize numerical linked-cluster expansions and focus on the properties of interacting lattice fermions and two-component hard-core bosons. In the weak-coupling regime, where the ground state of the bosonic system is a superfluid, the thermodynamic properties of the two systems at half filling exhibit very large differences even at high temperatures. In the strong-coupling regime, where the low-temperature behavior is governed by a Mott insulator for either particle statistics, the agreement between the thermodynamic properties of both systems extends to regions where the antiferromagnetic (iso)spin correlations are exponentially large. We analyze how particle statistics affects adiabatic cooling in those systems.
A Comparison of Adult Bereavement in the Death of a Spouse, Child, and Parent:

The Grief Experience Inventory (GEI) and the MMPI were used to assess bereavement reactions in 102 newly bereaved individuals; 107 controls were also assessed. Intensities of bereavement reactions were compared across three types of deaths experienced, i.e., spouse, child, and parent. Significantly higher intensities of grief were noted in parents surviving their child's death. A distinct number of physiological symptoms were noted in the bereaved group as compared to controls. Frequent church attenders were more likely to respond with higher optimism and social desirability but more repression of bereavement responses than were less frequent church attenders. Income did not appear to contribute negatively to bereavement itself but rather to the constellation of debilitating variables which surrounds those with low income. There were no differences in bereavement intensities between those who survived a chronic-illness death as compared with sudden death situations.
Mathematical modelling of ultrasonic wave scattering by sub-surface cracks

Abstract Scattering of ultrasonic signals by a sub-surface crack in a specimen which is immersed in a water bath has been analysed on the basis of a mathematical model, which accounts for: (1) signal transmission across the water-solid interface; (2) partial illumination of the crack; (3) the relaiton between the crack-opening displacement and the received transducer signal; and (4) an accurate mathematical computation of the crack-opening displacement in the frequency domain. The modelling from the specified initial electrical pulse to the measured scattered signal is completed by converting the frequency-domain results to the time domain. Results are presented for both the pulse-echo and the pitch-catch configuration, and for a number of crack orientations and crack depths.
Demonstration of HVAC chiller control for power grid frequency regulation—Part 2: Discussion of results and considerations for broader deployment

Secondary frequency regulation is an electric grid ancillary service that balances the electric power system supply and demand on short time intervals. A companion article (Su and Norford 2015) developed and experimentally demonstrated a practical controller to modify chiller power demand to provide secondary frequency regulation with sufficient performance to meet market qualification requirements. This article compares experimental results to model predictions and to other sources of secondary frequency regulation. Delay time, ramp-rate limits, minimum power, and variable coefficient of performance are identified as factors that contribute to chiller power transient behavior and should be considered when predicting performance. This article additionally introduces results from a second building to assess the applicability of similar chiller control strategies for other HVAC systems. The second building produced less positive results due to communication delays associated with a modified setup and due to...
Crises épileptiques en soins palliatifs

> M. J.K. est un homme de 65 ans atteint d’un cancer du poumon non a petites cellules au stade IV chez qui on a recemment diagnostique des metastases au cerveau. Il y a un mois, il a subi une radiotherapie du cerveau entier. Il prend une faible dose quotidienne de dexamethasone (4 mg), de
Influence of Alloy Microstructure on Oxide Growth in HCM12A in Supercritical Water

HCM12A is a ferritic-martensitic steel alloy envisioned for cladding and structural material in the Generation IV Supercritical Water Reactor (SCWR). This alloy was oxidized in 600oC supercritical water for 2, 4 and 6 weeks, and the oxide layers formed were analyzed using microbeam synchrotron radiation and electron microscopy. The oxide layers show a three-layer structure with an Fe 3O4 outer layer, an inner layer containing a mixture of Fe 3O4 and FeCr 2O4 and a diffusion layer containing FeCr 2O4 and Cr 2O3 precipitates along ferrite lath boundaries. The base metal microstructure has a strong influence on the advancement of the oxide layers, due to the segregation at the lath boundaries of chromium rich particles, which are oxidized preferentially.
Effects of Computer-Simulated Behavior Analysis on Pre-Service Teachers' Problem Solving

Undergraduate students (n = 64) enrolled in an educational psychology course were randomly assigned to groups (computer simulation, extended-instruction, problem solving, and control) to practice behavior management principles related to classroom problems. On the main dependent measure, applied problem-solving, the computer simulation group was the only group to show significantly higher level of performance on the total measure over the control group. For the targeted subskills within the applied measure, the simulation group scored significantly higher than all groups; the extended-instruction group scored significantly higher than the other two groups on the same measure. Measures of knowledge of psychological principles and of self-efficacy beliefs related to behavior management showed no differences among groups.
Computer-assisted design of butterfly bileaflet valves for the mitral position

This paper describes the application of computer testing to a design study of butterfly bileaflet mitral prostheses having flat or curved leaflets. The curvature is in the plane normal to the pivot axes and is such that the convex sides of the leaflets face each other when the valve is open. The design parameters considered are the curvature of the leaflets and the location of the pivot points. In this study, stagnation is assessed by computing the smallest value (over the three openings of the valve) of the peak velocity, and hemodynamic performance is judged by a benefit/cost ratio: the net stroke volume divided by the mean transvalvular pressure difference. Unlike the case of a pivoting single-disc valve, the inclusion of a constraint on the maximum angle of opening of the leaflets is found to be essential for adequate, competent performance. Results are presented with both 85° and 90° constraints, since best performance is achieved with the opening-angle constraint in this range. Asymmetry of leaflet ...