cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic transesophageal fine needle aspiration of mediastinal masses.

Several techniques are currently in widespread use for obtaining biopsy samples of mediastinal masses. These include fine needle aspiration under CT or fluoroscopic guidance, l bronchoscopic biopsy, transbronchial fine needle aspiration,2. 3 mediastinoscopy, the mini-anterior thoracotomy,4 and standard thoracotomy. However, each technique is limited in that certain areas of the mediastinum are inaccessible for biopsy or because thoracotomy may entail prolonged hospitalization and significant morbidity. In this report we describe nine patients in whom an endoscopic transesophageal approach was successfully employed to obtain diagnostic samples from mediastinal masses. This endoscopic approach, which we have termed endoscopic transesophageal fine needle aspiration (ETFNA), is a variation of previously described endoscopic fine needle aspiration methods which have been successfully used to sample malignancies in the upper gastrointestinal tract and in the rectum. Thus, previous reports have described the successful use of endoscopic fine needle aspiration to sample esophageal and gastric cancers,5. 6 infiltrating gastric cancers,7 and rectal cancers.s Kochhar et a1.s also described successful proctoscopic fine needle aspiration of digitally palpable metastases in the pouch of Douglas or rectovesical pouch.s To our knowledge, however, the present report is the first description of the use of endoscopic fine needle aspiration to sample mediastinal masses extrinsic to the esophagus.
Positive Family Social Support: Counteracting Negative Effects of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse to Reduce Jail Ex-inmate Recidivism Rates

The incarceration and recidivism rates in United States jails are marked by high mental health and substance use problems and racial disparity. Nearly 9 million people cycle through approximately 3,500 jails. For this longitudinal study to identify factors predicting recidivism, data came from a study of Allegheny County Jail inmates (N = 301) that concluded in 2008. Eligible participants were adult men, enrolled in jail collaborative services at recruitment, and were 30 days from release. Examinations were based on multinomial logistic regression methods; positive family social support was found to reduce the effect of factors known to predict higher recidivism rates: substance abuse, Black race, and younger age. Negative perceptions of the helpfulness and support of community-based services were counteracted by positive family social support. Policy and practice implications are discussed.
Mesoscale Convective Systems and Critical Clusters

Abstract Size distributions and other geometric properties of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), identified as clusters of adjacent pixels exceeding a precipitation threshold in satellite radar images, are examined with respect to a recently identified critical range of water vapor. Satellite microwave estimates of column water vapor and precipitation show that the onset of convection and precipitation in the tropics can be described as a phase transition, where the rain rate and likelihood of rainfall suddenly increase as a function of water vapor. This is confirmed in Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission radar data used here. Percolation theory suggests that cluster properties should be highly sensitive to changes in the density of occupied pixels, which here translates into a rainfall probability, which in turn sensitively depends on the water vapor. To confirm this, clusters are categorized by their prevalent water vapor. As expected, mean cluster size and radius of gyration strongly increase as the ...
Re–thinking Gregory of Nyssa: Introduction—Gender, Trinitarian Analogies, and the Pedagogy of The Song

This paper serves first as an introduction to the essays gathered in this collection on “Rethinking Gregory of Nyssa”. The critique of the so–called “de Regnon” paradigm for Nyssa’s Trinitarianism is laid out, and the significance for a new ecumenical rapprochement between East and West indicated. Some new principles are then outlined for reading Nyssa’s “spiritual” and exegetical corpus in tandem with his more polemical and apologetic writings on the Trinity, such that the Trinitarian themes in The Commentary on the Song of Songs, especially, along with their novel messages about “gender”, become seen as an intrinsic part of Nyssa’s contribution to Trinitarian theology.
Evidence for O-acyl cleavage during hydrolysis of 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine by the phospholipase A 2 of crotalus adamanteus venom.

Abstract 1. 1. Hydrolysis of 1,2-dipalmitoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphorylcholine by Crotalus adamanteus phospholipases Ag in the presence of H 2 8 O shows that the reaction proceeds by O-acyl cleavage. 2. 2. Attempts to demonstrate an acyl-enzyme intermediate by trapping experiments and exchange reactions were completely negative.
Multilocus minisatellite DNA fingerprinting and cooperative breeding

McRae and Amos (1999) make the valuable point that, when incest has occurred in cooperatively breeding birds, multilocus minisatellite DNA fingerprinting is limited in its ability to resolve parentage. Their general point is a good one, and one that they rightly point out has not been fully appreciated in studies of cooperative breeding. We nonetheless feel that they have overemphasized the problems associated with the application of multilocus minisatellite fingerprinting, as well as the advantages of using single-locus microsatellites. The main difficulty McRae and Amos (1999) identify is that, when an offspring (I) results from an incestuous mating between a mother (M) and her son (S), it will not be possible to exclude the paternal grandfather ( F) from paternity of I, by conventional band-matching analyses. If the son’s fatherF is the dominant male in the group, he may be “assigned” paternity despite the inability to exclude the son S. This will lead to underestimates of the actual rates of incest. This is a valid point worthy of attention. However, it is premature to abandon minisatellite DNA fingerprinting in these applications in favor of microsatellites because (a) except in populations with unusually low genetic polymorphism, it will usually be possible to determine when incest has not occurred (i.e., it will be possible to exclude S when he is not the father); (b) when mother-son incest has occurred, it will often be possible to exclude F by other (bandsharing) analyses, as McRae and Amos (1999) mention (again, the exceptions will be in populations with low genetic polymorphism), and (c) the conditions of low genetic polymorphism under which (a) and (b) represent difficulties can also affect the variability of microsatellite loci. We will remark on each of these points in turn.
Size fractionated complexation of Tc(IV) with soil humic acids at varying solution conditions

There are currently multiple U.S. Department of Energy sites with significant quantities of technetium-99 stored under a variety of conditions. While it is known that Tc in the VII oxidation state has a very high rate of environmental migration, little is known about the chemistry of the IV oxidation state, expected to occur under anoxic conditions. In this work, the binding of Tc(IV) with humic acid (HA) of varying sizes was studied using ultracentrifugation and total organic carbon analysis. A constant ratio HA-bound Tc(IV):HA concentration was observed for the 10–1,000 nm HA size range and it is independent of pH, ionic strength, background electrolyte and HA origin. HA zeta potentials were determined; the largest HA size fraction had a considerably less negative zeta potential than the smaller size fractions; the zeta potential of the colloidal size fraction (10–1,000 nm) was independent of solution conditions. 13C cross polarization magic angle spinning and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results indicate that solid filtrates of HA from two different origins have distinct spectra that were not altered with changes in solution conditions. This work shows that we are able to use zeta potential measurements to describe binding characteristics of HA with Tc(IV).
The role of verbalization in the Rorschach response process: a review

Traditional Rorschach theory has consistently overlooked the linguistic aspect of the response process. Most conceptualizations focus on the perceptual and cognitive aspects of the process, never examining the subject's need to find a linguistic representation for the inner, perceptual process. This review examines the traditional formulations and suggests that new research from information-processing, neuropsychological, and dual-coding memory theory paradigms offer new possibilities for Rorschach research that would incorporate an appreciation of the unique cognitive demand of the test--the linking of percept with language.
Self Esteem, Sex-Role Orientation, and Perceived Spouse Support for a Return To School:

Sixty mature women seeking continuing education counseling were given measures of self-esteem, sex role orientation, and spouse support (SS) for a return to school or work. Emotional SS was measured in terms of the frequency of the praise, encouragement and accomodation by the spouse. Instrumental SS was defined as the spouse's contribution to the total family output in the areas of housework, childcare, and social responsibilities. Women who were low on self- esteem or non-traditional in sex role orientation projected significantly greater in strumental SS upon their return to school than did women who were high on self- esteem or traditional in sex role orientation. Self-esteem and sex role orientation, however, were unrelated to the actual instrumental SS that the subjects reported receiving from their husbands.
Exciton induced photoemission in anthracene

Abstract The double quantum external photoemission of electrons into vacuum which occurs when single crystals of anthracene are illuminated with light of photon energy greater than 4 eV is shown to arise from the interaction of a Frenkel exciton (3.1 eV energy) with a bulk photo-generated electron to yield an emitted electron. This is demonstrated by a double light source experiment in which a second light beam of a 3.1 eV energy (393 nm), which in first order only produces Frenkel excitons, is simultaneously illuminated on the crystal surface which is photoemitting electrons by primary excitation with light in the energy range 4–5 eV. The effect of the former is to greatly enhance the photoemission of the latter by an amount which depends linearly on the number of added excitons. The observed double quantum photoemission is qualitatively similar to that previously reported for anthracene and which has been interpreted as being due to charge-transfer exciton annihilation. There is no need to postulate the participation of charge-transfer excitons to explain the double quantum photoemission of anthracene for excitation energies greater than 4 eV in our experiments.
Radar radial velocity variance measurements to decipher mountain-influenced Kelvin-Helmholtz waves, slope flows, and rotors

The variance of the radial velocity in a cloud radar's signature is an underused parameter. The parameter represents a combination of the effects of convective turbulence and mechanical mixing from wind shear. It's usefulness in deciphering laminar, sheared, and turbulent mountain-influenced airflows within clouds is demonstrated in this paper
Organizational resilience: Towards a theory and research agenda

In this paper we outline the contours of a theory of organizational resilience as well as a research agenda. First, we identify how the notion of resilience has become increasingly important to all organizations and argue that organization theory currently does not reflect its importance. Second we reconcile varying definitions of resilience to create a definition of organizational resilience. Third, we identify the affective, cognitive, relational, and structural mechanisms constitutive of organizational resilience. Fourth, we develop research questions regarding the antecedents and mechanisms of resilience.
DCLUE: A Distributed Cluster Emulator

Given the availability of high-speed Ethernet and HW based protocol offload, clustered systems using a commodity network fabric (e.g., TCP/IP over Ethernet) are expected to become more attractive for a range of e-business and data center applications. In this paper, we describe a comprehensive simulation to study the performance of clustered database systems using such a fabric. The simulation model currently supports both TCP and SCTP as the transport protocol and models an Oracle 9i like clustered DBMS running a TPC-C like workload. The model can be used to study a wide variety of issues regarding the performance of clustered DBMS systems including the impact of enhancements to network layers (transport, IP, MAC), QoS mechanisms or latency improvements, and cluster-wide power control issues.
Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on heart failure: a meta-analysis

Background Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀; also called ubiquinone) is an antioxidant that has been postulated to improve functional status in congestive heart failure (CHF). Several randomized controlled trials have examined the effects of CoQ₁₀ on CHF with inconclusive results. Objective The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of CoQ₁₀ supplementation on the ejection fraction (EF) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification in patients with CHF. Design A systematic review of the literature was conducted by using databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and manual examination of references from selected studies. Studies included were randomized controlled trials of CoQ₁₀ supplementation that reported the EF or NYHA functional class as a primary outcome. Information on participant characteristics, trial design and duration, treatment, dose, control, EF, and NYHA classification were extracted by using a standardized protocol. Results Supplementation with CoQ₁₀ resulted in a pooled mean net change of 3.67% (95% CI: 1.60%, 5.74%) in the EF and -0.30 (95% CI: -0.66, 0.06) in the NYHA functional class. Subgroup analyses showed significant improvement in EF for crossover trials, trials with treatment duration ≤12 wk in length, studies published before 1994, and studies with a dose ≤100 mg CoQ₁₀/d and in patients with less severe CHF. These subgroup analyses should be interpreted cautiously because of the small number of studies and patients included in each subgroup. Conclusions Pooled analyses of available randomized controlled trials suggest that CoQ₁₀ may improve the EF in patients with CHF. Additional well-designed studies that include more diverse populations are needed.
Functional gait assessment: concurrent, discriminative, and predictive validity in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods. Thirty-five older adults aged 60 to 90 years completed the Activitiesspecific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG), and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) during one session. Falls were tracked by having participants complete a monthly fall calendar for 6 months. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to determine concurrent validity among the ABC, BBS, TUG, DGI, and FGA. To determine the optimum scores to classify fall risk, sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR and LR) were calculated for the FGA in classifying fall risk based on the published criterion scores of the DGI and TUG and for the FGA, TUG, and DGI in identifying prospective falls. Receiver operator curves with area under the curve were used to determine the effectiveness of the FGA in classifying fall risk and of the DGI, TUG, and FGA in identifying prospective falls. Results. The FGA correlated with the ABC (r.053, P.001), BBS (r.84, P.001), and TUG (r.84, P.001). An FGA score of 22/30 provides both discriminative and predictive validity. The FGA (scores 22/30) provided 100% Sn, 72% Sp, LR of 3.6, and LR of 0 to predict prospective falls. Limitations. The study was limited by the length of time of follow-up and the small sample size that did not allow for evaluation of criterion scores by decade. Conclusions. The FGA with a cutoff score of 22/30 is effective in classifying fall risk in older adults and predicting unexplained falls in community-dwelling older adults.
Stomatal sensitivity to vapour pressure difference over a subambient to elevated CO2 gradient in a C3/C4 grassland

In the present study the response of stomatal conductance ( g s ) to increasing leaf-to-air vapour pressure difference ( D ) in early season C 3 ( Bromus japonicus ) and late season C 4 ( Bothriochloa ischaemum ) grasses grown in the field across a range of CO 2 (200‐550 m mol mol - 1 ) was examined. Stomatal sensitivity to D was calculated as the slope of the response of g s to the natural log of externally manipulated D (d g s /dln D ). Increasing D and CO 2 significantly reduced g s in both species. Increasing CO 2 caused a significant decrease in stomatal sensitivity to D in Br. japonicus, but not in Bo. ischaemum . The decrease in stomatal sensitivity to D at high CO 2 for Br. japonicus fit theoretical expectations of a hydraulic model of stomatal regulation, in which g s varies to maintain constant transpiration and leaf water potential. The weaker stomatal sensitivity to D in Bo. ischaemum suggested that stomatal regulation of leaf water potential was poor in this species, or that non-hydraulic signals influenced guard cell behaviour. Photosynthesis ( A ) declined with increasing D in both species, but analyses of the ratio of intercellular to atmospheric CO 2 ( C i / C a ) suggested that stomatal limitation of A occurred only in Br. japonicus . Rising CO 2 had the greatest effect on g s and A in Br. japonicus at low D . In contrast, the strength of stomatal and photosynthetic responses to CO 2 were not affected by D in Bo. ischaemum . Carbon and water dynamics in this grassland are dominated by a seasonal transition from C 3 to C 4 photosynthesis. Interspecific variation in the response of g s to D therefore has implications for predicting seasonal ecosystem responses to CO 2 .
Nucleotide composition analysis of tRNA from leukemia patient cell samples and human cell lines

Abstract A technique developed for analysis of less than microgram quantities of tRNA has been applied to the study of human leukemia. Leucocytes from peripheal blood and bone marrow samples of six, untreated leukemia patients and cells of five different established human cell lines were maintained for 18 hours in media containing (32P)-phosphate. Incorporation of radioactive phosphate into the cells from the patient samples was slightly less than that of the cell lines. Likewise, incorporation of (32P)-phosphate into the tRNA of the patient samples (approximately 5 x 106 DPM/mug tRNA) was also less then that incorporated into the tRNA of the cell lines. The major and minor nucleotide compositions of the unfractionated tRNA preparations from each patient sample and each cell line were determined and compared. Similarities and differences in the major and minor nucleotide compositions of the tRNA preparations are discussed with reference to types of leukemia and the importance of patient sample analysis versus analysis of cultured human cells.
Differences in the solution structures of the parallel β-helical pectate lyases as determined by limited proteolysis

The pectate lyase family of proteins has been shown to fold into a novel domain motif, the right-handed parallel beta-helix. As a means of gaining insight to the solution structure of the pectate lyases, the enzymes were subjected to limited proteolytic digestion by the endoproteases AspN, GluC and trypsin. The effects of proteolytic cleavage on enzymatic activity were determined, and the early products of proteolysis were identified by capillary electrophoresis, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and HPLC. A single peptide bond between Lys158 and Asp159 in pectate lyase B (PLb) was cleaved by both AspN and trypsin, with no detectable hydrolysis of PLb by GluC. Pectate lyase E (PLe) was hydrolyzed by trypsin between Lys164 and Asp165, a bond on an analogous loop structure found to be susceptible to proteolytic attack in PLb. AspN and GluC preferentially hydrolyzed peptide bonds (at Asp127 and Glu124, respectively) on another loop extending from the central beta-helical core of PLe. A single beta-strand of the central cylinder of the pectate lyase C (PLc) molecule was susceptible to all three proteases used. These data demonstrate that the most susceptible peptide bonds to proteolytic scission within the native enzymes lie on or near one of the three parallel beta-sheets that compose the core domain motif Despite the proximity of the proteolytic cleavages to the catalytic sites of the enzymes, significant retention of lyase activity was observed after partial proteolysis, indicating preservation of functional tertiary structure in the proteolytic products.
Mitosis method for directly calculating the interfacial free energy of nuclei

Nucleation from solution is an important first step in many natural and industrial phase transformations. In contrast to nucleation in pure component systems, the nucleation of solutes from solution remains a major challenge for simulation. The challenge stems from difficulty in inserting solutes to maintain an excess solute chemical potential in solution as the pre-critical nucleus grows. We present a ‘mitosis’ method to estimate the effective interfacial free energy of nanoscale nuclei in solution. The new method circumvents the need for controlling chemical potential by particle insertion, and thus it can provide insight on real crystal nucleation processes in explicit solvents. To test the new mitosis method, we demonstrate it on the Potts lattice gas model of nucleation from solution. This lattice model enables an alternative method for computing the interfacial free energy that has been used in simulations of nucleation in pure component systems. The two methods for computing the interfacial free en...
A revised account of initial mute swan (Cygnus olor) introductions to the northeastern United States

The success or failure of species introductions is linked to their location, date, size, and frequency. However, reliance on synthetic works to identify and quantify these factors can lead to errors if original sources are misinterpreted or misquoted. Furthermore, information cannot be verified if authors fail to cite their sources and repetition may lead to compounded errors that have implications for studies of invasion patterns and processes. Naturalized populations of mute swans (Cygnus olor) in the Atlantic Flyway, for example, are repeatedly attributed to two large introductions in New York State. Tracing this belief back to original reports and using additional historical records, this inquiry investigates the first introductions of mute swans in New York State and presents evidence for three initial sites. Newspapers are also recommended as a newly searchable archive of species introduction records.
Pseudobinary Phase Relations of Li2Ti3O7

The Li2O-TiO2 pseudobinary phase diagram was determined from 50 to 100 mol% TiO2 by DTA, microscopy, and X-ray analysis; Li2Ti3O7 effectively melts congruently at 1300° and decomposes eutectoidally at 940°C. A solid solution based on Li2TlO3 from 50 to ∼65 mol% TiO3 was observed to exist at >930°C. A new metastable phase was discovered with a composition of ∼75 mol% TiO2 and with a hexagonal unit cell (8.78 by 69.86 × 10−1nm). Discrepancies in the literature regarding some of these phase equilibria are reconciled.
Comprehensive hemodynamic assessment of 305 normal CarboMedics mitral valve prostheses based on early postimplantation echocardiographic studies.

Background Two-dimensional (2D) and Doppler-derived echocardiographic data on normal CarboMedics (CM) mechanical mitral valve prosthesis function have been reported but are limited. Methods Comprehensive retrospective 2D and Doppler echocardiographic assessment of 305 normal CM mechanical mitral valve prostheses (272 Standard and 33 Optiform) was performed early after implantation. The early postimplantation hemodynamic profiles of 80 patients were compared with profiles obtained by follow-up transthoracic echocardiography performed Results CM Standard and Optiform prostheses had similar hemodynamic profiles. With mean ± 2 SDs used to define the normal distribution of values for hemodynamic variables, the calculated normal range of values was as follows: mean gradient, 2 to 7 mm Hg; peak early mitral diastolic velocity, 1.3 to 2.4 m/sec; time-velocity integral (TVI) of the mitral valve prosthesis (TVI MVP ), 20 to 50 cm; ratio of TVI MVP to the TVI of the left ventricular outflow tract, 0.9 to 2.5; pressure half-time, 35 to 99 msec; and effective orifice area, 1.17 to 3.25 cm 2 . Patients with severe prosthesis-patient mismatch (indexed effective orifice area ≤ 0.9 cm 2 /m 2 ) had significantly higher mean gradients, peak early mitral diastolic velocities, TVI MVP , ratios of TVI MVP to the TVI of the left ventricular outflow tract, and pressure half-time values than values without severe prosthesis-patient mismatch, but none had pressure half-time values > 120 msec. Among the 80 patients with follow-up transthoracic echocardiography within 1 year after implantation, no significant differences were noted between early postimplantation findings and follow-up hemodynamic profiles. Conclusions This study establishes parameters (mean ± 2 SD) defining the distribution of findings for Doppler-derived hemodynamic data with normal CM mechanical mitral valve prostheses. Prostheses with hemodynamic values outside these parameters are likely dysfunctional; however, prosthesis dysfunction may be present even when hemodynamic values are within these ranges.
Evaluation of the injured runner: developing the clinical hypothesis

The etiology of running injuries is multifactorial in nature. These factors can be simplified into those related to structure, mechanics and dosage. In order to fully understand the cause of an injury, one must carefully assess each of these factors. This includes taking a thorough history, as well as an evaluation of runner’s structure and alignment. However, if the injury occurred during the running, then the runner should also be assessed while running. With information on structure, running mechanics and dosage, one can then develop a clinical hypothesis upon which the treatment is then based. This presentation will review the important components of an evaluation of an injured runner, as well as the development of the clinical hypothesis. The presentation will end with a case study, which will reinforce these concepts.
“Lost communication” the pilot to ATC communication solution

▪ Defense Department Training ▪ Homeland Security ▪ Emergency Response ▪ Police Activities ▪ Wildlife Management ▪ Economic Growth/Recovery ▪ Presently Fly With COA (264) ▪ 85 Applicants-82 Aircraft ▪ Millions of Hours in the NAS Last Year ▪ Small UAS Rule Making in Review to Publish Late Summer (90 days)
Factors associated with concordance and variability of sleep quality in persons with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.

Study Objectives: To describe the day-to-day variation in sleep characteristics and the concordance between nighttime sleep of persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and their family caregivers. Participants: N = 44 community-dwelling older adults with probable or possible AD and their co-residing family caregivers. Design: Participants wore an Actillume (Ambulatory Monitoring, Inc) for one week and completed an assessment battery to evaluate patient and caregiver mood, physical function, medication use, caregiver behavior management style, and patient cognitive status. Measurements and results: Actigraphically derived sleep measures included bedtime, rising time, total time in bed, total sleep time, number of awakenings, total wake time, and sleep percent (efficiency). For each sleep parameter, total variance was determined for between-subject variance and within-subject variance from day-to-day. Sleep concordance was examined using multinomial logistic regression to compare trichotomous patient-caregiver combinations of good and bad sleepers. For both patients and caregivers, between-subject daily variability accounted for more of the variance in sleep than within-subject variability. Patient depression and caregiver management style were significant predictors both for concordant poor sleep (both patient and caregiver with sleep efficiency <85%) and patient-caregiver sleep discordance. Conclusions : This study provides data that sleep disturbances for persons with AD and their family caregivers vary considerably night to night, and that poor sleep in one member of the caregiving dyad is not necessarily linked to disturbed sleep in the other. Understanding the complex interrelationship of sleep in AD patients and caregivers is an important first step towards the development of individualized and effective treatment strategies.
Recent advances in robust control, feedback and learning

As robust control theory has matured, a key challenge has been the need for a more flexible theory that provides a unified basis for representing and exploiting evolving information flows from models, noisy data, and more. Our work on unfalsified control is providing a foundation for the development of such a theory. The results of research in progress are expected to facilitate the design of feedback control systems with the ability to better exploit evolving real-time information flows as they unfold, thereby endowing control systems with the intelligence to adapt to unfamiliar environments and to more effectively compensate for the uncertain and time-varying effects, equipment failures and other changing circumstances.
On the Mean Velocity of Fully Developed Turbulent Pipe Flows

The profiles of the mean velocities of fully developed turbulent flows in a pipe are studied. The analysis uses the Reynolds-average equation for the mean axial speed, an extended form of Prandtl’s mixing-length model for the turbulent stress, and available experimental data from McKeon, Li, Jiang, Morrison and Smits (2004a) super-pipe experiments. We first estimate the mixing length as function of non-dimensional distance from the walls, , from a subset of the experimental data at several Reynolds numbers (Re) evenly spread in the range between 74,300 and 35.7 million. It is found that the non-dimensional mixing length curves are similar for all Re and may be represented to the leading order by an average polynomial model curve fit, . This curve is also corrected by the van Driest (1956) damping function. Then, to demonstrate the applicability of this new model curve, it is used in the Reynolds average equation written in terms of and , to calculate the mean velocity profiles and the friction factor at various Karman numbers, ~ y ) ( ~ ~ y l ave + u ~ y K . Note that K (and not Re) is the only parameter in the problem; it is determined by the given pressure gradient, pipe radius and fluid viscosity and density, and no additional empirical input is needed for the mean velocity calculation. Also, Re is a function of the average velocity and can be determined only after the mean velocity profile is calculated for a given K. The computed results show a very nice agreement with all the measured data of McKeon et al. (2004a) for a wide range of K, including all cases that were not used for the calculation of the average mixing length. It is also demonstrated that the present model accurately predicts the friction factor according to both Oregon and Princeton’s pipe facilities for a wide range of Re between 10 and 36,000,000, except for the transition region between 1,000 and 4,000. Moreover, the present approach demonstrates the universality of the profiles near the wall and of the profiles as function of away from the wall and around the
Platelet Blockade of Particle Absorption from the Peritoneal Surface of the Diaphragm

AbstractParticulate material is absorbed from the peritoneal cavity via respiration-induced gaps between mesothelial cells on the peritoneal surface of the diaphragm and is then collected into diap...
Assessing Systemic Risk

Far too many applications of Risk Analysis RA and Risk Management RM treat risks as though they are distinct and independent. Thus, risks are largely treated as though they can be evaluated and mitigated independently of one another. This paper takes a fundamentally different approach. The basic argument is that there are no such things as independent and separate risks. All risks are part of a larger system of interrelated issues, problems, and risks. Each risk is not only connected to all of the other risks that are parts of the system, but if only in part, each risk is responsible, in causing and triggering of all of the other risks. Using recent findings in the probability of implication Mitroff and Silvers, 2013, a simple mathematical treatment of the interconnectedness of risks is developed. The treatment is capable of being expanded indefinitely to include more complex situations. Finally, the mathematical treatment shows how risks and crises are interrelated.
Malignant transformation of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia with aberrant keratin expression

Malignant transformation of fibrous dysplasia (FD) is exceedingly rare, occurring in less than 1% of all FD cases, and has been described in both monostotic and polyostotic forms of this entity. We report a case of a large proximal femur mass arising in a 45-year-old man. The biopsy revealed a high-grade pleomorphic malignancy that focally expressed multiple keratins. Based on the presence of keratin immunoreactivity, the morphologic differential diagnosis included metastatic sarcomatoid carcinoma. However, review of the clinical information revealed a history of polyostotic FD, and imaging findings were compatible with malignant transformation of FD. The resected neoplasm was biphasic and composed of areas of conventional FD admixed with a high-grade pleomorphic malignancy. Activating GNAS mutations were identified in both components. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of keratin expression in malignant transformation of FD.
An AI stereotype catcher

Those who converse regularly with their smartphones know that the language skills of computing devices have emerged from a lengthy childhood. On page [183][1] of this issue, Caliskan et al. unveil a new language achievement of artificial intelligence (AI) ( 1 ). In large bodies of English-language text, they decipher content corresponding to human attitudes (likes and dislikes) and stereotypes. In addition to revealing a new comprehension skill for machines, the work raises the specter that this machine ability may become an instrument of unintended discrimination based on gender, race, age, or ethnicity. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aal4230
Tracking a system of multiple cameras on a rotating spherical robot

For many applications in the operation of a spherical robot, it is necessary to use optical devices to observe, track and monitor the robot's surroundings and environment. Estimating the rotation of a multiple camera system is crucial and can also be complex and computationally expensive. Demonstrating the multiple camera system with a shared central point can be simpler and require less computation. In this paper, we will demonstrate that a multiple camera system can be developed, an estimation of the movement of a wheel and sphere can be tracked, and the movement can be observed from a remote location.
Shame: The Emotional Basis of Library Anxiety

In 1986, Constance Mellon found that 75 to 85 percent of undergraduate students experienced library anxiety as well as shame about their anxiety. Fifteen years earlier, Helen Block Lewis began her groundbreaking research in shame theory. This paper explores the affective components of library anxiety using the pioneering research of Constance Mellon, Helen Block Lewis, and others. Two issues are discussed: 1) how unacknowledged, recursive shame or “shame about shame” creates painful, emotional states such as library anxiety; and 2) how to recognize and neutralize unacknowledged shame in library service interactions.
Glues, Inhalants, and Aerosols

This short chapter describes a heterogeneous group of industrial substances that share the ability to produce generalized CNS depression and signs of confusion through disturbances in physiological functioning within neurons.1–4 Although labeled as glues, solvents, and aerosols in prior editions of this text, in deference to the DSM-IV system, this update uses the more generic term of inhalants,5 reflecting the ability of these substances to be administered through inhalation via the lungs. Some other drugs are also inhaled, including tobacco and several agents discussed with the hallucinogens (e. g., amyl and butyl nitrite and nitrous oxide), but the clinical and biological effects of these other drugs make it more appropriate that they be discussed in chapters 8 and 12.
Mark-to-Market and the Widening Gap between Financial and Tax Accounting

In the wake of the recent financial meltdown, financial reporting under both North American generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and international financial reporting standards (IFRS) has involved renewed attention to the structures and constraints of “mark-to-market” and similar expressions of fair value accounting. Despite some significant opposition by banks and other financial institutions (and their political champions), mark-to-market has enjoyed a relatively high level of support by securities regulators and by the accounting profession. Meanwhile, mark-to-market as a tax accounting concept has recently been subjected to a sustained attack by the Internal Revenue Service, courts, and legislators. This paper examines the recent Treasury regulations, revenue rulings, court cases, legislative proposals and other legal regulatory and administrative promulgations and pronouncements that comprise this renewed opposition to mark-to-market, in an effort to identify and articulate this widening gap between financial and tax accounting in the United States. Inductive research methods include legal research and analysis, and case studies.
Social movements and corporate political activity: Managerial responses to socially oriented shareholder activism

Abstract Firms increasingly face socially oriented shareholder activists who seek to influence corporate policies and practices on a variety of issues. While extant scholarship acknowledges that firms can rebuff such external pressures, there is limited understanding of why they do so. Drawing on corporate political activity (CPA) and social activism scholarship, we hypothesize that politically active firms are more likely to fight such pressures and less likely to cooperate with social activists because CPA functions as a buffering and insurance-like mechanism that makes firms more disposed to resist such pressures. Focusing on the resolution stage of socially oriented proxy contests, we find evidence that for S&P 500 firms, politically active firms are more likely to challenge socially oriented shareholder proposals and less likely to arrive at agreements with social activists than their less politically active counterparts. Our findings contribute to and inform social activism and CPA scholarship.
Role of a Small Molecule in the Modulation of Cell Death Signal Transduction Pathways

Inflammasomes activate caspase-1 in response to molecular signals from pathogens and other dangerous stimuli as a part of the innate immune response. A previous study discovered a small-molecule, 4-fluoro- N'-[1-(2-pyridinyl)ethylidene]benzohydrazide, which we named DN1, that reduces the cytotoxicity of anthrax lethal toxin (LT). We determined that DN1 protected cells irrespectively of LT concentration and reduced the pathogenicity of an additional bacterial exotoxin and several viruses. Using the LT cytotoxicity pathway, we show that DN1 does not prevent LT internalization and catalytic activity or caspase-1 activation. Moreover, DN1 does not affect the proteolytic activity of host cathepsin B, which facilitates the cytoplasmic entry of toxins. PubChem Bioactivities lists two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), type-1 angiotensin II receptor and apelin receptor, as targets of DN1. The inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, phospholipase C, and protein kinase B, which are downstream of GPCR signaling, synergized with DN1 in protecting cells from LT. We hypothesize that DN1-mediated antagonism of GPCRs modulates signal transduction pathways to induce a cellular state that reduces LT-induced pyroptosis downstream of caspase-1 activation. DN1 also reduced the susceptibility of Drosophila melanogaster to toxin-associated bacterial infections. Future experiments will aim to further characterize how DN1 modulates signal transduction pathways to inhibit pyroptotic cell death in LT-sensitive macrophages. DN1 represents a novel chemical probe to investigate host cellular mechanisms that mediate cell death in response to pathogenic agents.
Associative Ligand Exchange and Substrate Activation Reactions by a Zero-Valent Cobalt Tetraisocyanide Complex

Tetraisocyanide complex Co(CNArMes2)4 (ArMes2 = 2,6-(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)2C6H3) serves as a crystallographically characterized, thermally stable isocyano analogue of the reactive binary carbonyl Co(CO)4. The enhanced stability of Co(CNArMes2)4 allows for a systematic investigation of its reactivity profile in an operationally convenient manner, which is not possible for transient Co(CO)4. Zero-valent Co(CNArMes2)4 undergoes ligand exchange reactions with a variety of 2e– donor, L-type ligands, including triphenylphosphine, tert-butylethylene, and phenylacetylene. Kinetic studies of ligand substitution of Co(CNArMes2)4 with phenylacetylene using UV–vis spectroscopy indicates an associative reaction mechanism. This is consistent with the mechanisms proposed for other isolable 17e– transition-metal carbonyls but contrasts with studies proposing zero-valent CoL4 complexes to react via dissociative reaction pathways. Zero-valent Co(CNArMes2)4 also reacts with elemental phosphorus and sulfur and with diphenyl disulfi...
Racial/ethnic differences in treatment recommendations: lifestyle changes and medication prescriptions for high cholesterol.

ABSTRACTObjective: High cholesterol is a common condition in the United States, affecting nearly one third of adults, and is a leading precursor to coronary heart disease. This study investigates r...
The fabrication of mechanoluminescent composites manufactured via the displaced foam dispersion technique

Mechanoluminescent (ML) phosphors are ideal components for the structural health monitoring (SHM) of in-service fibre-reinforced composites (FRCs); the integration of ML phosphors however, has prov...
Photo-transformation of aqueous nitroguanidine and 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one: Emerging munitions compounds.

Abstract Two major components of insensitive munition formulations, nitroguanidine (NQ) and 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO), are highly water soluble and therefore likely to photo-transform while in solution in the environment. The ecotoxicities of NQ and NTO solutions are known to increase with UV exposure, but a detailed accounting of aqueous degradation rates, products, and pathways under different exposure wavelengths is currently lacking. Here, we irradiated aqueous solutions of NQ and NTO over a 32-h period at three ultraviolet wavelengths (254 nm, 300 nm, and 350 nm) and analyzed their degradation rates and transformation products. NQ was completely degraded by 30 min at 254 nm and by 4 h at 300 nm, but it was only 10% degraded after 32 h at 350 nm. Mass recoveries of NQ and its transformation products were ≥80% for all three wavelengths, and consisted of large amounts of guanidine, nitrate, and nitrite, and smaller amounts of cyanamide, cyanoguanidine, urea, and ammonium. NTO degradation was greatest at 300 nm with 3% remaining after 32 h, followed by 254 nm (7% remaining) and 350 nm (20% remaining). Mass recoveries of NTO and its transformation products were high for the first 8 h but decreased to 22–48% by 32 h, with the major aqueous products identified as ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, and a urazole intermediate. Environmental half-lives of NQ and NTO in pure water were estimated as 4 and 6 days, respectively. We propose photo-degradation pathways for NQ and NTO supported by observed and quantified degradation products and changes in solution pH.
Access Control for Internet of Things Applications

Internet of Things (IoT) consists of multifarious devices communicating with each other, with the environment, and also with people to provide enhanced functionality and experience for the users. Security and privacy breaches in such smart environments can compromise the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of the users. The lack of well-defined security perimeters and qualified personnel to administer security in such complex environments make it even more necessary to come up with models and mechanisms for automatically protecting the generated data. We propose an access control model for IoT applications that utilizes attributes of users, resources, and environments to make access control decisions. Our model ties physical security with cyber security by using location and temporal information to make access control decisions. We briefly describe our model and how to analyze it and outline some open problems in enforcing such a model.
Change in neonatal resuscitation guidelines and trends in incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome in California.

To describe trends in the incidence and severity of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) around the release of revised Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) guidelines in 2016. The California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative database was queried for years 2013–2017 to describe the incidence and outcomes of infants with MAS. Results were analyzed based on both individual years and pre- vs. post-guideline epochs (2013–15 vs. 2017). Incidence of MAS decreased significantly from 2013–15 to 2017 (1.02 to 0.78/1000 births, p < 0.001). Among infants with MAS, delivery room intubations decreased from 2013–15 to 2017 (44.3 vs. 35.1%; p = 0.005), but similar proportion of infants required invasive respiratory support (80.1 vs. 80.8%), inhaled nitric oxide (28.8 vs. 28.4%) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (0.81 vs. 0.35%). While the study design precludes confirmation of implementation of the recent NRP recommendation, there was no increase in the incidence or severity of MAS following its release.