cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The New Spirituality, or The Democratization of Divinity and Vice Versa (Has the New Age Come of Age?)

ABSTRACTAmerica and indeed the West have been witnessing the emergence of a new spirituality. Where once one looked for God beyond oneself, many now claim to have found God within. Perhaps contrary to initial appearances, the New Spirituality embraces many important tenets of older philosophic and spiritual traditions. But for this very reason (among others), the New Spirituality also stands in need of critique informed by those same traditions. This article explores the character and origins of the New Spirituality and attempts a critique from the perspective of Socratic or classical political philosophy. The effort at critique yields a certain appreciation, including the suggestion that the New Spirituality might help us gain access to certain elements of the classical tradition. But the critique also addresses a troublesome utopian temper that raises serious questions about the wisdom and goodness of this growing movement.
Feasibility of Using Half-Life Multipliers To Estimate Extended Withdrawal Intervals following the Extralabel Use of Drugs in Food-Producing Animals

Under the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994, veterinarians are legally allowed to use drugs in food-producing animals in an extralabel manner. This could potentially lead to violative residues in food of animal origin. It is therefore essential that an appropriately extended withdrawal interval be established. Ideally, these extended withdrawal intervals should be calculated on the basis of the tissue half-life of the drug in the target animal. However, these data are not readily available for all drugs of extralabel use in food-producing animals. For this reason, the use of a half-life multiplier has been proposed as a simple alternative method to estimate the effective tissue half-life of a drug. Extended withdrawal intervals, estimated using various half-life multipliers, were compared with the withdrawal intervals calculated using actual tissue half-lives. For the group of drugs investigated, a half-life multiplier of 5 resulted in estimates of extended withdrawal intervals that were potentially inadequate to prevent violative tissue residues for drugs that had relatively long tissue half-lives, high tolerances, or both. This is possibly because fewer half-lives are required for these drugs to reach the target tissue concentrations following administration at label doses. Use of a smaller half-life multiplier (in this case 3) is therefore suggested to ensure that extended withdrawal intervals are adequate to prevent violative tissue residues.
Infrared Reflection Spectra of Ga 1 − x Al x As Mixed Crystals

The infrared lattice-vibration spectra of ${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Al}}_{x}\mathrm{As}$ mixed crystals have been studied by measuring the room-temperature reflectivity at near-normal incidence in the 200-600-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ frequency range. Two distinct reststrahlen bands with frequencies near those of pure GaAs and pure AlAs were observed over the entire composition range investigated. Each band shifts to lower frequencies and decreases in amplitude as the concentration of the corresponding compound in the alloy is decreased. An analysis of the data using the Kramers-Kronig technique and classical dispersion theory gives the transverse and longitudinal mode frequencies. The changes of these mode frequencies with composition are interpreted on the basis of the random-element isodisplacement model.
MODEL STUDIES OF PROSTAGLANDIN BIOSYNTHESIS AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF CYCLIC PEROXIDES

Peroxy free radicals (R-0-0•) have been proposed as discrete intermediates in the conversion of fatty acids to prostaglandins as well as in the nonenzymatic autoxidation of lipids. The chemistry of unsaturated peroxy radicals has not, however, been explored in any detail in the past. We report here on simple chemical model studies of unsaturated peroxy free radicals. Peroxy radicals generated by hydrogen atom abstraction from hydroperoxides undergo cycli zation reactions to give monocyclic and bicyclic endoperoxides. These studies support the free radical mechanism of PG biosynthesis and suggest that monocyclic and bicyclic peroxides are formed in lipid peroxidation. These cyclic peroxides have important physiological activity, the bicyclic compounds being analogous to PGG and PGH. The monocyclic compounds have been shown to inhibit arachidonic acid induced aggregation of human platelets. Thus, not only bicyclic endoperoxides but also monocyclic peroxides may have physiological and pharmacological importance.
Matroids and Independence

Before we prove the correctness of the blue and red rules for MST, let’s first discuss an abstract combinatorial structure called a matroid. We will show that the MST problem is a special case of the more general problem of finding a minimum-weight maximal independent set in a matroid. We will then generalize the blue and red rules to arbitrary matroids and prove their correctness in this more general setting. We will show that every matroid has a dual matroid, and that the blue and red rules of a matroid are the red and blue rules, respectively, of its dual. Thus, once we establish the correctness of the blue rule, we get the red rule for free.
2 W Gate drive power supply design with PCB-embedded transformer substrate

As silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) devices become commercially available nowadays, high switching frequency operation becomes a popular way to increase the power converter efficiency and power density. A key trade-off of these gains is the increasing electromagnetic inference (EMI) noise. In order to attenuate the EMI noise from the power loop into the auxiliary sources, the isolation capacitance in the isolated gate drive power supply is expected to be as small as possible. To this end, a gate drive power supply dedicated to driving two 650 V GaN devices in a phase leg is presented with a PCB-embedded transformer as substrate, achieving an ultra-low inter-capacitance 1.6 pF, high efficiency 83% and high power density 72 W/in3. The power supply uses active-clamp flyback topology, switching at 1 MHz with soft-switching technique, and owns two isolated outputs, generating 1 W each. A PCB-embedded transformer is proposed, whose toroidal core and three windings are fully embedded into PCB, using standard lamination process, in favor of high-integration converter design.
Evolutionary Theory and Cooperation in Everyday Life

A rapid process of integration is taking place for theories of cooperation in both evolutionary biology and the human social sciences. It includes a return to the concept of social groups as like single organisms, which was once commonplace but was eclipsed by various forms of individualism that became dominant during the second half of the twentieth century. So far, the integration has taken place mostly within academia, but it is highly relevant to everyday life, as we show with our research on cooperation and its consequences at a city-wide scale in Binghamton, New York.
qF-SSOP: Real-time optical property corrected fluorescence imaging

Fluorescence imaging is well suited to provide image guidance during resections in oncologic and vascular surgery. However, the distorting effects of tissue optical properties on the emitted fluorescence are poorly compensated for on even the most advanced fluorescence image guidance systems, leading to subjective and inaccurate estimates of tissue fluorophore concentrations. Here we present a novel fluorescence imaging technique that performs real-time (i.e., video rate) optical property corrected fluorescence imaging. We perform full field of view simultaneous imaging of tissue optical properties using Single Snapshot of Optical Properties (SSOP) and fluorescence detection. The estimated optical properties are used to correct the emitted fluorescence with a quantitative fluorescence model to provide quantitative fluorescence-Single Snapshot of Optical Properties (qF-SSOP) images with less than 5% error. The technique is rigorous, fast, and quantitative, enabling ease of integration into the surgical workflow with the potential to improve molecular guidance intraoperatively.
Isolation, Enumeration, and Identification of Gram-Positive Cocci from Frozen Crabmeat.

Bacterial levels in frozen crabmeat samples were determined by plate counts using four staphylococcal isolation media incubated for 24, 48, and 72 h at 26 and 35°C. Staphylococcal counts determined by the spread-plate Food and Drug Administration Baird-Parker protocol incubated at 35°C for 48 h (FDABP48-35) served as the standard for comparison. When FDABP48-35 counts were compared to counts from 29 combinations of media, time of incubation, and incubation temperature, only FDABP and Borrego, Florido, Mrocek, and Romero (BFMR) counts, representing 11 combinations, were statistically comparable to FDABP48-35 counts. Cocci (91.5%) were the dominant bacterial type; gram-positive rods (8.3%) and gram-negative isolates (0.2%) were also detected. Isolates tested by the coagulase reaction were predominantly coagulase negative (CN) (97.7%). Of 100 isolates analyzed by the BIOLOG identification procedure, 62% were classified as Staphylococcus lentus , S. hominis , and S. epidermidis . Three isolates were identified as Staphylococcus aureus . These data indicate that species identification of staphylococci from crabmeat can assist in determining the source of contamination, and that staphylococcal isolates from crabmeat are more likely to be coagulase negative.
Touch Surgery: Analysis and Assessment of Validity of a Hand Surgery Simulation "App".

Background: Surgical educators are increasingly exploring surgical simulation and other nonclinical teaching adjuncts in the education of trainees. The simulators range from purpose-built machines ...
Occipital Neuralgia: Sonoanatomy and Sonopathology of the Occipital Nerves

Occipital neuralgia is defined as a unilateral or bilateral paroxysmal, shooting, or stabbing pain in the posterior part of the scalp, in the distribution of the greater, lesser, or third occipital nerves. It is commonly associated with tenderness over the involved nerve and sometimes accompanied by diminished sensation or dysesthesia in the affected area [1].
Unbalanced Random Effects Designs

To this point, our discussion of generalizability theory has been restricted to balanced designs. Doing so substantially decreases a number of statistical complexities, and even some conceptual ones. In practice, however, generalizability analyses with real data are often characterized by unbalanced designs. Unbalanced random effects designs are the subject of this chapter. Unbalanced mixed effects designs are treated using multivariate generalizability theory, which is discussed in Chapters 9 to 12.1 The discussion here of unbalanced random effects designs is relevant for both univariate and multivariate generalizability theory.
Bootstrap voting experts

BOOTSTRAP VOTING EXPERTS (BVE) is an extension to the VOTING EXPERTS algorithm for unsupervised chunking of sequences. BVE generates a series of segmentations, each of which incorporates knowledge gained from the previous segmentation. We show that this method of bootstrapping improves the performance of VOTING EXPERTS in a variety of unsupervised word segmentation scenarios, and generally improves both precision and recall of the algorithm. We also show that Minimum Description Length (MDL) can be used to choose nearly optimal parameters for VOTING EXPERTS in an unsupervised manner.
A Fiber Optic Laser Ultrasound Transducer using Candle Soot Nanoparticles/PDMS Composites

Laser ultrasound patch composed of candle soot nanoparticles and polydimethylsiloxane (CS/PDMS) composites showed high photoacoustic transducer efficiency than other carbon based composites. In this study, we report a single fiber optic laser ultrasound transducer for minimal invasive ultrasound imaging and therapy.
21.5 A 5G Sub-6GHz Zero-IF and mm-Wave IF Transceiver with MIMO and Carrier Aggregation

Now that 5G is transitioning from research to commercial products; fully functional systems are needed to detect issues with practical applications and real-life implementations. They are also needed to fine-tune the development of 3GPP standards as well as demonstrate interoperability and new-use cases in the field. 5G prototypes were demonstrated in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in real mobile device form-factors connecting to a real network. To enable these prototypes the IC building blocks were developed including modem, transceiver and phased-array front-ends for the new sub-6GHz band, 28GHz band and 39GHz band. In this paper we will focus on the transceiver block.
Open pilot trial of a brief motivational interviewing-based HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis intervention for men who have sex with men: preliminary effects, and evidence of feasibility and acceptability

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high-risk of HIV infection in the United States. Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has demonstrated efficacy in reducing HIV ...
INDOOR 3D INTERACTIVE ASSET DETECTION USING A SMARTPHONE

Abstract. Building floor plans with locations of safety, security and energy assets such as IoT sensors, thermostats, fire sprinklers, EXIT signs, fire alarms, smoke detectors, routers etc. are vital for climate control, emergency security, safety, and maintenance of building infrastructure. Existing approaches to building survey are manual, and usually involve an operator with a clipboard and pen, or a tablet enumerating and localizing assets in each room. In this paper, we propose an interactive method for a human operator to use an app on a smart phone to (a) create the 2D layout of a room, (b) detect assets of interest, and (c) localize them within the layout. We use deep learning methods to train a neural network to recognize assets of interest, and use human in the loop interactive methods to correct erroneous recognitions by the networks. These corrections are then used to improve the accuracy of the system over time as the inspector moves from one room to another in a given building or from one building to the next; this progressive training and testing mechanism makes our system useful in building inspection scenarios where a given class of assets in a building are same instantiation of that object category, thus reducing the problem to instance, rather than category recognition. Experiments show our proposed method to achieve accuracy rate of 76% for testing 102 objects across 10 classes.
Holographic waveguide HUD with in-line pupil expansion and 2D FOV expansion

A method of head-up display is presented that uses an in-line surface relief grating attached to a waveguide propagation head-up display to achieve a large field of view without the need for large-projection optics. Horizontal pupil expansion is achieved using an extraction hologram that is multiple times the size of the injection hologram and is recorded with modulated diffraction efficiency. Vertical pupil expansion is achieved by coupling the surface relief grating to the waveguide surface between the injection and extraction holograms. The grating replicates the beam along the propagation direction, which allows for a larger field of view at the extraction. Using this technique, both a Zemax OpticStudio computer model and a physical system demonstrator achieve a field of view of 16∘×14.25∘.
Students' High School Organizational Leadership Opportunities and Their Influences on Academic Achievement and Civic Participation.

The purpose of this quantitative study was to analyze high school leadership praxis for its inclusion of students in organizational leadership dialogue and decision-making and the influences of these factors on student achievement and civic participation. Survey questionnaire data were provided by 215 full-time enrolled undergraduate students from a public Southeastern university. Using social design theory and distributed leadership theory as the theoretical foundation, principal component analysis, regression analysis, and a t-test were conducted to develop a valid and reliable survey instrument and analyze the data. The components of organizational leadership dialogue and decision-making found to influence student achievement and civic participation were: providing students with opportunities to consider, discuss, and engage in dialogue concerning different stakeholders’ diverse views and values, and to have involvement in decision-making for the school; the school having an effective committee structure; school leaders facilitating effective communication; and stakeholders having an appropriate level of autonomy in decision-making.
New Perspectives on Unscheduled DNA Synthesis: Functional Assay for Global Genomic DNA Nucleotide Excision Repair

The unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) assay measures the ability of a cell to perform global genomic nucleotide excision repair (NER). This chapter provides instructions for the application of this technique by creating 6-4 photoproducts and pyrimidine dimers using UV-C (254 nm) irradiation. This procedure is designed specifically for quantification of the 6-4 photoproducts. Repair is quantified by the amount of radioactive thymidine incorporated during repair synthesis after this insult, and radioactivity is evaluated by grain counting after autoradiography. The results have been used to clinically diagnose human DNA repair deficiency disorders, and provide a basis for investigation of repair deficiency in human tissues or tumors. Genomic sequencing to establish the presence of specific mutations is also used now for clinical diagnosis of DNA repair deficiency syndromes. Few functional assays are available which directly measure the capacity to perform NER on the entire genome. Since live cells are required for this assay, explant culture techniques must be previously established. Host cell reactivation (HCR). As discussed in Chap. 28 is not an equivalent technique, as it measures only transcription-coupled repair (TCR) at active genes, a small subset of total NER. Our laboratory also explored the fluorescent label-based Click-iT assay that uses EdU as the label, rather than 3H thymidine. Despite emerging studies in the literature finding this assay to be useful for other purposes, we found that the EdU-based UDS assay was not consistent or reproducible compared with the 3H thymidine-based assay.
Connected Components on a PRAM in Log Diameter Time

We present an $O(\log d + \log\log_{m/n} n)$-time randomized PRAM algorithm for computing the connected components of an $n$-vertex, $m$-edge undirected graph with maximum component diameter $d$. The algorithm runs on an ARBITRARY CRCW (concurrent-read, concurrent-write with arbitrary write resolution) PRAM using $O(m)$ processors. The time bound holds with good probability. Our algorithm is based on the breakthrough results of Andoni et al. [FOCS'18] and Behnezhad et al. [FOCS'19]. Their algorithms run on the more powerful MPC model and rely on sorting and computing prefix sums in $O(1)$ time, tasks that take $\Omega(\log n / \log\log n)$ time on a CRCW PRAM with $\text{poly}(n)$ processors. Our simpler algorithm uses limited-collision hashing and does not sort or do prefix sums. It matches the time and space bounds of the algorithm of Behnezhad et al., who improved the time bound of Andoni et al. It is widely believed that the larger private memory per processor and unbounded local computation of the MPC model admit algorithms faster than that on a PRAM. Our result suggests that such additional power might not be necessary, at least for fundamental graph problems like connected components and spanning forest.
Liquid biopsy technologies based on membrane microfluidics: High-yield purification and selective quantification of biomarkers in nanocarriers

Liquid biopsy, screening cancer non-invasively and frequently by detecting and quantifying molecular markers in physiological fluids, would significantly improve cancer survival rate but it remains a distant goal. The key obstacles presented by the highly heterogeneous samples are rapid/high-yield purification and precise/selective marker capture by their antibody and oligo probes. As irregular expressions of these molecular biomarkers are the key signals, quantifying only those from the cancer cells would greatly enhance the performance of the screening tests. The recent discovery that the biomarkers are carried by nanocarriers, such as exosomes, with cell-specific membrane proteins suggests that such selection may be possible, although a new suite of fractionation and quantification technologies would need to be developed. Although under-appreciated, membrane microfluidics has made considerable contributions to resolving these issues. We review the progress made so far, based on ion-selective, track-etched, and gel membranes and advanced electrophoretic and nano-filtration designs, in this perspective and suggest future directions.
Localized Excitons in NbSe2-MoSe2 Heterostructures.

Neutral and charged excitons (trions) in atomically thin materials offer important capabilities for photonics, from ultrafast photodetectors to highly efficient light-emitting diodes and lasers. Re...
Trends in the Surgical Treatment of Articular Cartilage Lesions in the United States from 2007 to 2016.

Management of cartilage lesions of the knee can be complex, time consuming, and controversial, especially without a widely agreed upon “gold-standard” management. The PearlDiver database ( www.pearldiverinc.com , Fort Wayne, IN) was queried for surgical management of cartilage lesions specified by Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes: 29877, chondroplasty; 29879, microfracture/drilling; 29866, arthroscopic osteochondral autograft; 29867, arthroscopic osteochondral allograft; 27412, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI); 27415, open osteochondral allograft; or 27416, open osteochondral autograft. Procedures were categorized as palliative (chondroplasty), microfracture/drilling, or restorative (arthroscopic osteochondral autograft; arthroscopic osteochondral allograft; ACI; open osteochondral allograft; or open osteochondral autograft). Linear regression was performed to determine the significance of yearly trend across each procedure. From 2007 to 2016, a total of 35,506 surgical procedures were performed. The average yearly incidence was 7.8 per 10,000 patients. Overall, palliative techniques (chondroplasty) were more common (1.8:1 ratio for chondroplasty to microfracture and 34:1 ratio chondroplasty to restoration procedure). There was a trend of decreasing incidence of palliative procedures seen by a significant decrease in the ratio of palliative to microfracture/restorative procedures of 0.2512 each year from 2007 to 2016 (p < 0.001). This decrease followed a linear trend (R 2 = 0.9123). In 2013, the number and incidence of the palliative procedures declined below that of microfracture procedures, with microfracture being most common from 2013 to 2016. Palliative chondroplasty was no longer the most commonly performed procedure for cartilage lesions in the United States from 2007 to 2016, as more surgeons opted for microfracture procedures instead. Restorative procedures (ACI, osteochondral autograft transfer system) remained unchanged over the study period, in accordance with the sports medicine literature; however, early functional outcomes studies do show the equivalency and in some cases superiority compared with microfracture. This is Level III study.
Post-COVID 19 Investment opportunity and India: Measures Necessary to Establish India as a World Investment Hub

It is seen that besides single tax structure, reformed FDI approval process, reduced corporate tax, India has not been able to attract huge foreign investment inflows as expected and required. The COVID 19 catastrophe has brought hope, an opportunity before dispirited India to wrest investment from the firms moving out from the Chinese region due to China’s role in COVID – 19. Still, many have expressed the doubts that it is not certain that companies will shift India. Investors’ dissatisfaction against India which started over delay in implementing arbitration award, cancellation of 2G spectrum licences and retrospectively amending the tax law, were the previous challenges which India was facing. In this study, we would examine how to grasp that opportunity. Besides fulfilling other infrastructure requirements such as matching production cost, supply chain, the legal and regulatory requirements would also be checked. This study is required as presently India is a party to only 14 BITs and negotiations on future BITs is pending.
Using biodosimetry to enhance the public health response to a nuclear incident

Radiation Biodosimetry is a continually developing clinical diagnostic field, which focuses on biological markers that proportionally change in relationship to the amount of ionizing radiation absorbed. Examples of host marker response include changes in white cell count, specific proteins in circulation, RNAs in white blood cells, or chromosome fidelity in affected lymphocytes. Measurements of radiation biomarkers correlate with the approximate radiation dose absorbed and indirectly provide an assessment of the likelihood of developing acute radiation syndrome. The aim of this review is to summarize four biodosimetry programs that are in advanced development, later pipeline stages with funding from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), an agency under the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). With BARDA financial support, biodosimetry diagnostic assays in development will inform patient management, improve health and psychosocial outcomes, and save lives after a nuclear disaster. These tests include an SRI International developed rapid on-site screening test requiring only a finger stick of blood to triage those who have received little or no radiation from those who have received clinically significant levels of radiation and need further immediate patient management. In addition, multiple laboratory-based, high-throughput quantitative tests, currently under development by MRIGlobal, DxTerity, and ASELL, will more accurately define dose levels and possibly predict cellular and organ-damage and other longer-term effects of radiation. In the future, when clinical and analytical validation of these assays is complete, the data is reviewed by the FDA, and agency use status is obtained, rapid triage and laboratory-based biodosimetry test results will enable emergency medical teams to do the most good for the largest number of people after a nuclear blast.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices With Abandoned Leads.

Importance Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for many conditions. Conditional devices and novel protocols for imaging patients with legacy cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have increased access to MRI in patients with devices. However, the presence of abandoned leads remains an absolute contraindication. Objective To assess if the performance of an MRI in the presence of an abandoned CIED lead is safe and whether there are deleterious effects on concomitant active CIED leads. Design, setting, and participants This cohort study included consecutive CIED recipients undergoing 1.5-T MRI with at least 1 abandoned lead between January 2013 and June 2020. MRI scans were performed at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. No patients were excluded. Exposures CIEDs were reprogrammed based on patient-specific pacing needs. Electrocardiography telemetry and pulse oximetry were monitored continuously, and live contact with the patient throughout the scan via visual and voice contact was performed if possible. After completion of the MRI, CIED evaluation was repeated and programming returned to baseline or to a clinically appropriate setting. Main outcomes and measures Variation in pre- and post-MRI capture threshold of 50% or more, ventricular sensing 40% or more, and lead impedance 30% or more, as well as clinical sequelae such as pain and sustained tachyarrhythmia were considered significant. Long-term follow-up lead-related data were analyzed if available. Results A total of 139 consecutive patients (110 men [79%]) with a mean (SD) age of 65.6 (13.4) years underwent 200 MRIs of various anatomic regions including the thorax. Repeat examinations were common with a maximum of 16 examinations for 1 patient. There was a total of 243 abandoned leads with a mean (SD) of 1.22 (0.45) per patient. The mean (SD) number of active leads was 2.04 (0.78) and 64 patients (46%) were pacemaker dependent. A transmit-receive radiofrequency coil was used in 41 patients (20.5%), all undergoing MRI of the brain. There were no abnormal vital signs or sustained tachyarrhythmias. No changes in battery voltage, power-on reset events, or changes of pacing rate were noted. CIED parameter changes including decreased right atrial sensing in 4 patients and decreased left ventricular R-wave amplitude in 1 patient were transiently noted. One patient with an abandoned subcutaneous array experienced sternal heating that subsided on premature cessation of the study. Conclusions and relevance The risk of MRI in patients with abandoned CIED leads was low in this large observational study, including patients who underwent examination of the thorax. The growing aggregate of data questions the absolute contraindication for MRI in patients with abandoned CIED leads.
Effect of Ultra Fast Cooling on Precipitation Behavior of Cementite in Carbon Steels and Its Strengthening Effect

The effect of ultra fast cooling(UFC) during hot strip rolling on the precipitation behavior of cementite in carbon steels and its subsequent strengthening effect have been investigated by controlling the cooling temperatures for three carbon steels with 0.04%,0.17% and 0.5%C respectively.The results show that the refinement of ferrite grains and the reduction of pearlite lamellar spacing might mainly be responsible for the strengthening of the two steels containing 0.04%C and 0.5%C respectively,while no nano- scaled cementite precipitation formed.On the other hand,a large number of nano- scaled cementite precipitates with the size of 10~100 nm formed in the steel with 0.17%C.Therefore,the precipitation of the nanoscaled cementite precipitates could be realized by the UFC process for the plain carbon steel with 0.17%C but with no request for the addition of microalloying elements.Due to the precipitation strengthening of the nanoscaled cementite,the yield strength of the experimental steels with 0.17%C increased with the lowering the finish temperature of the UFC process gradually and typically reached an increment higher than 110MPa.A further thermo mechanical treatment(TMT) after UFC can increase evidently the dislocation density for cementite nucleation,and it will be a feasible way to realize the uniform precipitation of nano-scaled cementite entirely in the microstructure of the steel,thereby further enhancing the strengthening effect.After hot rolling with the UFC and TMT process,the yield strength of the 0.17%C steel may reach a level greater than 650 MPa,in other words,a net increment larger than 300 MPa may be ascribed to the precipitation strengthening effect of nano-scaled cementite.
Instability-Related Delamination Growth in Thermoset and Thermoplastic Composites

Mixed-mode crack propagation in compressively loaded thermoset and thermoplastic composite columns with an imbedded through-width delamination is investigated. Beam theory is used to analyze the geometrically nonlinear load-deformation relationship of the delaminated subregion. The elastic restraint model (ERM), combined with existing FSM modeling of the crack-tip region, yields expressions for the Mode I and Mode II components of the strain energy release rate G(I) and G(II) to predict the critical load at the onset of delamination growth. Experimental data were generated for geometries yielding a wide range of G(I)/G(II) ratios at the onset of crack growth. A linear mixed-mode crack growth criterion in conjunctuion with the ERM provides good agreement between predicted and measured critical loads for both materials studied.
Introduction to the Topic on Modeling Spatial Cognition

Our ability to process spatial information is fundamental for understanding and interacting with the environment, and it pervades other components of cognitive functioning from language to mathematics. Moreover, technological advances have produced new capabilities that have created research opportunities and astonishing applications. In this Topic on Modeling Spatial Cognition, research crossing a variety of disciplines and methodologies is described, all focused on developing models to represent the capacities and limitations of human spatial cognition.
Design and analysis of self-stabilizing sensor network protocols

A sensor is a battery-operated small computer with an antenna and a sensing board that can sense magnetism, sound, heat, etc. Sensors in a network communicate and cooperate with other sensors to perform given tasks. A sensor network is exposed to various dynamic factors and faults, such as topology changes, energy saving features, unreliable communication, and hardware/software failures. Thus, protocols in this sensor network should be able to adapt to dynamic factors and recover from faults. In this dissertation, we focus on designing and analyzing a class of sensor network protocols, called self-stabilizing protocols. A self-stabilizing protocol is guaranteed to return to a state where it performs its intended function correctly, when some dynamic factors or faults corrupt the state of the protocol arbitrarily. Therefore, in order to make a sensor network resilient to dynamic factors and faults, each protocol in the sensor network should be self-stabilizing. We first develop a state-based model that can be used to formally specify sensor network protocols. This model accommodates several unique characteristics of sensor networks, such as unavoidable local broadcast, probabilistic message transmission, asymmetric communication, message collision, and timeout actions and randomization steps. Second, we present analysis methods for verifying and analyzing the correctness and self-stabilization properties of sensor network protocols specified in this model. Third, using the state-based model and analysis methods, we design three self-stabilizing sensor network protocols, prove their self-stabilization properties, and estimate their performance. These three self-stabilizing protocols are a sentry-sleeper protocol that elects a sentry from a group of sensors at the beginning of each time period, a logical grid routing protocol that builds a routing tree whose root is the base station, and a family of flood sequencing protocols that distinguish between fresh and redundant flood messages using sequence numbers.
Ethnic differences in alcohol treatment outcomes and the effect of concurrent smoking cessation treatment.

The Timing of Alcohol and Smoking Cessation (TASC) Study tested the optimal timing of smoking cessation treatment in an alcohol-dependent population. Previously reported results suggest that providing concurrent smoking cessation treatment adversely affects alcohol outcomes. The purpose of this analysis was to investigate whether there are ethnic differences in alcohol and tobacco outcomes among a diverse sample of alcohol-dependent smokers using data from the TASC trial in which 499 participants were randomized to either concurrent (during alcohol treatment) or delayed (6 months later) smoking intervention. This analysis focused on smokers of Caucasian (n = 381) and African American (n = 78) ethnicity. Alcohol outcomes included 6 months sustained alcohol abstinence rates and time to first use of alcohol post-treatment. Tobacco outcomes included 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence. Random effects logistic regression analysis was used to investigate intervention group and ethnic differences in the longitudinally assessed alcohol outcomes. Alcohol abstinence outcomes were consistently worse in the concurrent group than the delayed group among Caucasians, but this was not the case for African Americans. No significant ethnic differences were observed in smoking cessation outcomes. Findings from this analysis suggest that concurrent smoking cessation treatment adversely affects alcohol outcomes for Caucasians but not necessarily for African Americans.
Assessing depression in community samples of children using self-report inventories: ethical considerations.

Although the methodological problems associated with the use of children's self-report depression inventories have previously been discussed in detail, the ethical problems related to the use of these instruments have been largely ignored. The primary purpose of this survey study was to determine how childhood depression researchers have prepared for and responded to children from community (i.e., nonclinic) samples whose nonanonymous scores on self-report depression inventories have indicated that they might be severely depressed or suicidal. Several recommendations, based upon (a) the results of this survey study, (b) the existing literature relevant to the ethical responsibilities of investigators who conduct research with children, and (c) our own experiences with these instruments and populations, are made to assist researchers in their attempts to use these inventories in an ethical manner.
Switching osmolyte strategies: response of Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus to changes in external NaCl

Abstract Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus , a thermophilic methanogenic archaeon, produces and accumulates β-glutamate and l -α-glutamate as osmolytes when grown in media with 1 M NaCl, a new zwitterionic solute, N ϵ -acetyl-β-lysine, is synthesized and becomes the dominant osmolyte. Several techniques, including in vivo and in vitro NMR spectroscopy, HPLC analyses of ethanol extracts, and potassium atomic absorption, have been used to monitor the immediate response of M. thermolithotrophicus to osmotic stress. There is a temporal hierarchy in the response of intracellular osmolytes. Changes in intracellular K + occur within the first few minutes of altering the external NaCl. Upon hypoosmotic shock, K + is released from the cell; relatively small changes occur in the organic osmolyte pool on a longer time scale. Upon hyperosmotic shock, M. thermolithotrophicus immediately internalizes K + , far more than would be needed stoichiometrically to balance the new salt concentration. This is followed by a decrease to a new K + concentration (over 10–15 min), at which point synthesis and accumulation of primarily l -α-glutamate occur. Once growth of the M. thermolithotrophicus culture begins, typically 30–100 min after the hyperosmotic shock, the intracellular levels of organic anions decrease and the zwitterion ( N ϵ -acetyl-β-lysine) begins to represent a larger fraction of the intracellular pool. The observation that N ϵ -acetyl-β-lysine accumulation occurs in osmoadapted cells but not immediately after osmotic shock is consistent with the hypothesis that lysine 2,3-aminomutase, an enzyme involved in N ϵ -acetyl-β-lysine synthesis, is either not present at high levels or has low activity in cells grown and adapted to lower NaCl. That lysine aminomutase specific activity is 8-fold lower in protein extracts from cells adapted to low NaCl compared to those adapted to 1.4 M NaCl supports this hypothesis.
Long-term follow-up of the surgical management of neuropathic arthropathy of the spine

Abstract Background Context No studies have discussed the long-term surgical management and outcomes of Charcot arthropathy of the spine. This case series presents nine patients treated over 30 years. The study hypothesis was that surgery would reduce instability, pain, recurrence, and the need for revision surgery in the long-term, given previous study findings of successful fusion of Charcot spine in the short-term. Purpose To evaluate the long-term outcomes of surgery for Charcot spine. Study Design/Setting Retrospective case series. Cases took place at Stanford University Medical Center and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Methods All patients had either complete paraplegia or dense paraparesis with both major motor and sensory deficits. Seven patients developed Charcot spine after spinal instrumentation for trauma, one after scoliosis repair for meningomyelocele, and one after spinal instrumentation for neuromuscular scoliosis caused by birth injury resulting in C6–C7 quadraplegia. Average time between initial instrumentation and development of Charcot spine was 7.6 years. Two patients underwent posterior fusion alone, six had anterior-posterior fusion, and one was managed with thoracolumbar orthosis. Results Average follow-up was 14.3 years. Revisions were necessary in 75% (6 of 8) of patients for complications including nonunion, new Charcot joints, recurrent hardware failure, and osteomyelitis. Achieving fusion often required multiple operations, and there were no deaths or neurologic complications. Conclusions Long-term follow-up showed a high rate of revision surgery. Solid fusions often resulted in late breakdown or new junctional Charcot arthropathies. Patients initially fused to the lumbar spine instead of the sacrum or pelvis had a higher rate of developing another Charcot joint. Fusion was often difficult with persistent nonunions and functional deficits because of decreased mobility. We recommend that Charcot spine well tolerated without skin, seating problems, or dysreflexia should be cautiously observed with conservative management. For surgical care, we recommend three-column stabilization with either combined anterior-posterior or all posterior approaches with anterior support to obtain and secure greater long-term stability.
The obstacle problem for Monge Ampere equation

We consider the following obstacle problem for Monge-Ampere equation \(\det D^2 u = f \chi_{\{u > 0\}}\) and discuss the regularity of the free boundary \(\partial \{u = 0 \}\). We prove that \(\partial \{u = 0 \}\) is \(C^{1,\alpha}\) if f is bounded away from 0 and \(\infty\), and it is C1,1 if \(f \equiv 1\).
Cold tolerance in tomato. I. Seed germination and early seedling growth of Lycopersicon esculentum

Tomato seed germination times were evaluated foi three “cold germinating”Lycopersicon esculentum Mill, accessions, PI 120256, PI 174263 and PI 341988 and a control breeding line, T3, at temperatures of 6 to 20°C. Accelerated failure analysis indicated that although PI 120256, 174263 and 341988 germinated more rapidly than T3 from 20 to 9°C, the minimum temperatures for germination were similar, and germination times of PI 120256 and 341988 were relatively more inhibited by progressively lower temperatures than was T3. Rapid germination of these three Pls at 10°C may not be due to cold tolerance, but to seed characteristics that promote rapid germination. Hypocotyl and root elongation over time were described by a three-parameter logistic equation; the growth rate parameter for hypocotyl elongation of all four genotypes was greatly inhibited from 20 to 15 and 10°C. Multivariate and univariate analyses of hypocotyl growth parameters indicated significant differences among accessions, but no significant genotype by temperature interaction. Rapid emergence reported for these Pis at 10°C is attributable to early germination, rather than rapid hypocotyl growth.
Eosinophilic cystitis and coexistent eosinophilic gastroenteritis in an infant.

This report describes the first documented case of eosinophilic cystitis and eosinophilic gastroenteritis occurring in a child.
Parental visiting of children in foster care: Current knowledge and research agenda

Abstract This article reviews research on the relationship between patterns of parental visiting of children in foster care, child-parent attachment, and the child's well-being and discharge from care. Caseworker practice concerning visitation is also examined. Gaps in knowledge are identified and suggestions for future research are offered.
Chondrogenesis in aggregates of embryonic limb cells grown in a rotating wall vessel.

Abstract Previous studies in this lab have shown that chondrogenesis is affected in growth plates of rats exposed to microgravity, and in micromass cultures of embryonic limb mesenchyme differentiating in space. In order to provide a three dimensional aspect not seen in the micromass system, and a tissue homogeneity not possible with explants of limb or limb elements, and to alleviate certain difficulties regarding crew time and stowage, we began culturing embryonic limb cells in Rotating Wall Vessels (RWV). First, these cells were attached to beads, and grown for up to 65 days in a type of RWV known as STLV at the Johnson Space Center. During this time, the cells and beads aggregated and the aggregates continued to increase in size, and differentiated into Alcian blue staining chondrocytes. Because our intent was to use these aggregates for implanting into bony defects in addition to their use in studies of chondrogenic regulation at 1g and μg, aggregates of these cells without beads were grown in the commercially available version of the STLV, and their ability to ossify when subcutaneously implanted assessed.
Vulvar venous malformations in an 11-year-old girl: a case report.

Abstract Background Unlike varicosities, which result from venous insufficiency, vascular malformations are developmental errors that do not regress. While these lesions are challenging to treat in most anatomic locations, genital venous malformations are particularly difficult problems for the gynecologist, urologist, or primary care physician who may identify them. The risk of surgical treatment has led to investigation of new therapeutic options for these vascular lesions. Case We describe an 11-year-old premenarchal female with bilateral, symptomatic vulvar venous malformations. These lesions were successfully treated with Doppler ultrasound-guided direct injection venography and ethanol sclerotherapy. Conclusion Direct injection venography with ethanol sclerotherapy is an attractive diagnostic and therapeutic option for management of vulvar venous malformations.