cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of a Josephson array in a resonant cavity

We derive dynamical equations for a Josephson array coupled to a resonant cavity by applying the Heisenberg equations of motion to a model Hamiltonian described by us earlier [Phys. Rev. B 63, 144522 (2001); 64, 179902(E) (2001)]. By means of a canonical transformation, we also show that, in the absence of an applied current and dissipation, our model reduces to one described by Shnirman et al [Phys. Rev. Lett. 79, 2371 (1997)] for coupled qubits, and that it corresponds to a capacitive coupling between the array and the cavity mode. From extensive numerical solutions of the model in one dimension, we find that the array locks into a coherent, periodic state above a critical number of active junctions; that the current-voltage characteristics of the array have self-induced resonant steps (SIRS's); that when ${N}_{a}$ active junctions are synchronized on a SIRS, the energy emitted into the resonant cavity is quadratic in ${N}_{a};$ and that when a fixed number of junctions is biased on a SIRS, the energy is linear in the input power. All these results are in agreement with recent experiments. By choosing the initial conditions carefully, we can drive the array into any of a variety of different integer SIRS's. We tentatively identify terms in the equations of motion which give rise to both the SIRS's and the coherence threshold. We also find higher-order integer SIRS's and fractional SIRS's in some simulations. We conclude that a resonant cavity can produce threshold behavior and SIRS's even in a one-dimensional array with appropriate experimental parameters, and that the experimental data, including the coherent emission, can be understood from classical equations of motion.
Marital compatibility in sensation seeking trait as a factor in marital adjustment.

Abstract Thirty couples seeking therapy for marital problems were matched with 30 control couples and compared on the Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS) and the Marriage Adjustment Questionnaire (MAQ). The therapy subjects scored lower on the MAQ than the controls. The correlation between spouses on the SSS total score was higher in the control than in the therapy group. Males were generally higher than their spouses in the control group, but in almost half of the couples in the therapy group the females' scores equalled or exceeded those of their spouses. These differences in the therapy group were associated with certain features of the cases.
Transconductance Linearity Analysis of 1-D, Nanowire FETs in the Quantum Capacitance Limit

The impact of channel material and dimensionality on the linearity of nanowire transistors is studied theoretically. This paper also evaluates various scattering mechanisms in this context. While operating under 1-D transport conditions in the quantum capacitance limit, the achievable device linearity strongly depends on the details of the scattering mechanisms limiting the transport. Interestingly, it is not only the scattering length that determines the third-order intercept point but also the particular energy dependence of the dominant-scattering mechanism that needs to be considered. Our results provide critical insights for the choice of material to obtain the desired device linearity.
Gabapentin Versus Chlordiazepoxide for Outpatient Alcohol Detoxification Treatment

BACKGROUNDBenzodiazepines are used to treat alcohol withdrawal (AW) but cause cognitive impairment, sedation, and ataxia, and interact with alcohol. Nonbenzodiazepine anticonvulsants are promising and possibly safer alternatives for the treatment of AW.OBJECTIVETo compare follow-up measures of Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS), ataxia rating, and Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol revised (CIWA-Ar) symptoms between alcohol-dependent individuals randomized to treatment with gabapentin or chlordiazepoxide.METHODSA randomized, double-blind study was conducted in US veterans with alcohol withdrawal (DSM-IV criteria). Subjects requiring hospitalization or taking benzodiazepines or nonbenzodiazepine anticonvulsants were excluded. Twenty-six participants were randomized: 17 received gabapentin and 9 received chlordiazepoxide. Gabapentin doses were 1200 mg orally for 3 days, followed by 900 mg, 600 mg, and 300 mg for 1 day each. Chlordiazepoxide doses were 100 mg ...
The Old Theology and the New Learning at Cambridge to 1549

The nature of theological lectures at the University of Cambridge prior to Bucer’s arrival is an important part of the context of his Ephesians lectures in 1550–1551. Although the Cambridge Injunctions of 1535 took a highly critical stance towards toward traditional patterns of the teaching of theology, they did fairly identify the constituent elements of the scholastic theological curriculum: an initial focus on the Bible; the crucial role of Peter Lombard’s Sentences; and the method of teaching “after the manner of Scotus.” Scholastic method was predominant throughout the century prior to the Reformation, but the late fifteenth century saw the advent of humanism, which was in some ways complementary to scholastic method, but also in tension with it. Efforts towards reform of the theological curriculum in Cambridge took a dramatic turn with the introduction of the Cambridge Injunctions. Nevertheless, the Injunctions appear to have had little substantial impact on the teaching of theology prior to the reign of Edward VI.
Cystinuria: Assessing and Managing Risk

Cystinuria is a genetic disorder of impaired renal and intestinal transport of cystine and dibasic amino acids. It often presents in childhood and is characterized by the recurrent formation of kidney stones throughout a patient’s lifetime. Patients with cystinuria have an increased risk of the development of chronic kidney disease, even in comparison to other types of stone formers. Due to the significant morbidity associated with both passing kidney stones and undergoing procedures to remove them, the prevention of stone formation is an important focus of treatment. Urinary parameters such as volume, pH, cystine concentration and capacity, and dietary protein and sodium content are all important targets of therapy. A combination of fluid therapy, dietary modifications, alkalinizing agents, and medications such as cystine-binding thiol drugs (tiopronin and d-penicillamine) are considered for each patient in order to attempt to lower the risk of forming cystine stones. We review what is known about the assessment of risk in patients with cystinuria and the management options that are available today or on the horizon.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for pineal region tumors.

The management of pineal region tumors continues to challenge neurosurgeons. Despite improved outcomes associated with the development of microsurgical techniques, surgical resection is not necessarily the most appropriate treatment for all patients with such tumors. At the authors’ institution, nine patients underwent definitive therapy with stereotactic radiosurgery, either alone or after conventional surgery or fractionated irradiation. Subsequent microsurgery has not been required for successful tumor treatment. In properly selected patients with histologically defined neoplasm of the pineal region, stereotactic radiosurgery is a valuable therapeutic option.
Sustained Room Temperature Decomposition of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate (DMMP) by O3 on Alumina-Supported MnOx

Dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) is a widely used simulant for chemical warfare agents and pesticides. This work examined the room temperature reaction of DMMP with ozone on alumina-supported manganese oxide. The reaction on the MnOx/Al2O3 surface shows a long period (approximately nine hours) of relatively constant, sustained product formation, yielding five times as much gas-phase carbon, in the form of CO2 and CO, as does the same reaction on supported iron oxide. CO2 and CO (COx) were the major products observed, with most experiments yielding equal amounts of the two gases. The DMMP decomposition reaction still appears to be stoichiometric, as observed in investigations with other supported oxides, but in this case, at the lower loadings, virtually every manganese ion on the support is reactive. Additionally, the number of COx species produced per manganese ion is in excess of four at the lower manganese loadings and on average each DMMP molecule that reacts yields one molecule of CO2 and one of CO....
Preoperative wait time for orthopedic surgeries at a military medical center.

ABSTRACTWe performed a retrospective review of elective orthopedic surgeries performed at our institution in 2008. Surgical wait time was defined as the interval between when surgery was offered and when it was performed. Data were available for 1,120 patients and included date and type of procedure, patient age, American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) category, and military rank. Mean wait time for all procedures was 69.1 days. Significant differences were found with regard to patient age, ASA class, rank, and type of procedure. Older patients with higher ASA had significantly longer wait times. Enlisted soldiers had the shortest wait times and retirees the longest. Total joint procedures had the longest wait time (mean 140 days) and the highest anesthesia class. Elective trauma procedures had the shortest wait time (mean 27.2 days). Sports procedures accounted for 46.3% of all cases reviewed. In our cohort, older patients with higher ASA class and those undergoing a total joint procedure can expect longer ...
Protective effects of Sarsasapogenin against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in the cultured cortical neurons in rats

Aim To investigate whether Sarsasapogenin can protect cortical neurons from glutamate-induced neurotoxicity.Methods Cortical neurons cultures were prepared from postnatal Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats in 24 h.After cultured 7 d,cortical neurons were used for experiment with inverted phase-contrast microscopy.The total dendrite branch length(TDBL),number of primary-order dendrite(PDN),maximum branch order(MBO),and soma size were analyzed.The cell viability was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay.The neuronal apoptosis was quantified by scoring the percentage of cells with apoptotic nuclear morphology after Hoechst 33258 staining.Western blot was used for SYP,caspase-3 and Calpain Ⅰ protein expression.Results Incubation of cortical neurons with Glu(150 μmol·L-1) for 48 h decreased TDBL,PDN,MBO,and soma size.Compared with the normal controls,the decrease of cell viability and the increase of apoptotic cells in cultured cortical neurons were observed after 24 h's incubation with Glu.Glutamate induced the decreases of SYP and the increases of active caspase-3 and μ-calpain protein expression.Sarsasapogenin inhibited glutamate-induced decrease in TDBL,PDN,MBO,soma size,and cell viability and increase of apoptotic cells,decreases of synaptophysin protein expression,increases of active caspase-3 and μ-calpain protein expression.Conclusion Sarsasapogenin can protect cultured cortical neutons from glutamate-induced damage.
Predicting Crashes on Expressway Ramps with Real-Time Traffic and Weather Data:

Limited research has been conducted on real-time crash analysis of expressway ramps, although there have been many studies in recent years on estimating real-time crash prediction models for main lines. This study presents Bayesian logistic regression models for single-vehicle (SV) and multivehicle (MV) crashes on expressway ramps by using real-time microwave vehicle detection system data, real-time weather data, and ramp geometric information. The results find that the logarithm of the vehicle count, average speed in a 5-min interval, and visibility are significant factors for the occurrence of SV and MV crashes. The Bayesian logistic regression models show that curved ramps and wet road surfaces would increase the possibility of an SV crash, and off-ramps would result in high risk of MV crashes. The high standard deviation of speed in a 5-min interval would significantly increase MV crash likelihood. Random Forests software was applied in variable importance analysis, and the results revealed that the most important factors influencing crashes on ramps were traffic variables, the second most important factors are weather variables, and the least important but still significant factor was the ramp geometry.
The Publication and Reception of The Southern Negro and the Public Library

Theories about American public libraries as ‘arsenals of a democratic culture’ and ‘cornerstones of liberty’ have asserted the institution’s enduring role as a ‘civic space’ where community members find enter- tainment, education and information (Ditzion 1947; Kranich 2001; Molz and Dain 1999). Such theories ignore an important part of the public library’s past, a period lasting more than 50 years when many public libraries refused service to African Americans or provided ser- vice in segregated buildings even as librarians were proclaiming their institutions ‘free to all’.
Aluminium/iron reinforced polyfurfuryl alcohol resin as advanced biocomposites

Aluminium and iron are widely used in construction sectors for the preparation of advanced composites with epoxy resins as matrices. In recent times, there are several reports on the polymerization of polyfufuryl alcohol (PFA) a thermoset bioresins from furfuryl alcohol (FA). FA is obtained from waste of sugarcane bagasse. In this work, first the possibility of curing PFA from FA in the presence of aluminium or iron has been explored. Absorbance results from colorimeter/spectrophotometerindicated that the curing of FA to PFA in presence of aluminium started easily while in presence of iron the curing of FA to PFA could not start. Based on the above results, aluminium wire reinforced composites were successfully prepared with three different weight fractions (0.13, 0.09 and 0.07) of aluminium wire. The mechanical properties of these composites were determined theoretically and reported.
Incorporating deeply uncertain factors into the many objective search process

This paper proposes an approach for including deeply uncertain factors directly into a multi-objective search procedure, to aid in incorporating divergent quantitative scenarios within the model-based decision support process. Specifically, we extend Many Objective Robust Decision Making (MORDM), a framework for finding and evaluating planning solutions under multiple objectives, to include techniques from robust optimization. Traditional MORDM first optimized a problem under a baseline scenario, then evaluated candidate solutions under an ensemble of uncertain conditions, and finally discovered scenarios under which solutions are vulnerable. In this analysis, we perform multiple multi-objective search trials that directly incorporate these discovered scenarios within the search. Through the analysis, we have created multiple problem formulations to show how methodological choices of severe scenarios affect the resulting candidate planning solutions. We demonstrate the approach through a water planning portfolio example in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. A multi-scenario optimization technique for deep uncertainty is proposed.Including severe scenarios within the optimization yields more robust solutions.Parallel coordinates effectively show solution performance in alternate scenarios.
Montana Prairie Pothole Joint Venture Breeding Shorebird Monitoring Project

Populations of several shorebird species in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) appear to be declining, largely because of loss of grasslands and wetlands. Marbled godwit (Limosa fedoa), long-billed curlew (Numenius americanus), willet (Tringa semipalmata), Wilson’s phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor), upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda), American avocet (Recurvirostra americana) and Wilson’s snipe (Gallinago delicata) are listed as priority species by Partners in Flight or the U.S. Shorebird Plan. In 2004, the USDI Fish and Wildlife Service, Habitat and Population Evaluation Team (HAPET) began conducting breeding shorebird surveys to complement existing waterfowl population and habitat evaluations for the partners of the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture in North Dakota, South Dakota and northeast Montana. Survey methodology was modeled after the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) but modified to fit the breeding ecology of these shorebirds. In 2012, surveys were expanded to include the western portion of the Montana PPR. Data from these surveys will be used to estimate shorebird population densities and distribution; however, current survey methods do not take into account areas where shorebirds may have been present but undetected, possibly resulting in an underestimation of shorebird densities. Surveys will be modified in 2013 in an effort to allow for estimation of shorebird detection probabilities, while maintaining compatibility with previous data collection methods. Results from this research will allow land managers to integrate breeding shorebird conservation with ongoing waterfowl conservation actions in the Montana PPR. We summarize the objectives and field design of the project and report results of preliminary modeling from our 2012 efforts.
A Study of Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol to 1,5-Pentanediol Over Pt–WOx/C

The hydrogenolysis of tetrahydrofurfural alcohol to 1,5-pentanediol was studied over a series of carbon-supported metal/metal-oxide pairs. In agreement with previous reports, specific pairs, especially Pt and Ir paired with WOx, MoOx and ReOx, exhibited high activity and selectivity, even though the individual components were not active or selective. Only reducible oxides produced selective catalysts. A more comprehensive study of the Pt–WOx system indicated that the active form of the catalyst exists as a thin, submonolayer film of the oxide on the Pt surface. This film could be formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of W(CO)6 onto the Pt nanocrystals and STEM–EDS mapping demonstrated that ALD deposition occurred selectively on the Pt. When the catalyst was formed by impregnation of Pt and W salts, the WOx was mobile and able to move onto the Pt. The implications of these result for preparing selective catalysts are discussed.
Common Medications Which May Mimic Psychiatric Symptoms

Virtually any medication which crosses the blood-brain barrier may cause neuropsychiatric effects. Nonetheless, some common drug classes are more predisposed to this. Below are common classeswhich may present with alterations in mental status or behavior:
Feature-Based Visual Short-Term Memory Is Widely Distributed and Hierarchically Organized.

Summary Feature-based visual short-term memory is known to engage both sensory and association cortices. However, the extent of the participating circuit and the neural mechanisms underlying memory maintenance is still a matter of vigorous debate. To address these questions, we recorded neuronal activity from 42 cortical areas in monkeys performing a feature-based visual short-term memory task and an interleaved fixation task. We find that task-dependent differences in firing rates are widely distributed throughout the cortex, while stimulus-specific changes in firing rates are more restricted and hierarchically organized. We also show that microsaccades during the memory delay encode the stimuli held in memory and that units modulated by microsaccades are more likely to exhibit stimulus specificity, suggesting that eye movements contribute to visual short-term memory processes. These results support a framework in which most cortical areas, within a modality, contribute to mnemonic representations at timescales that increase along the cortical hierarchy.
Somatic items on the Beck Depression Inventory-II do not affect self-reported depression severity in Parkinson’s disease (P1.055)

Objective: To determine the effect of somatic symptoms on self-reported depression severity using the Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition (BDI-II) in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Background: Depression is a common non-motor symptom in PD, which can negatively impact quality of life and cognition. The BDI-II is a popular depression screening tool; however, several items assessing somatic symptoms of depression overlap with typical PD motor symptoms. Therefore, it is critical to understand whether somatic items on the BDI-II affect the way depression severity is reported in PD. Design/Methods: We studied the BDI-II in 82 PD participants. Using published guidelines, we categorized participants as not-depressed (BDI-II 0–13, n=60) and depressed (BDI-II 14–63, n=22). In addition, participants underwent a clinical evaluation including the MDS-UPDRS and a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. We compared the frequency of item endorsement between the groups (Mann Whitney U-test). We then performed a factor analysis using PCA to determine whether the somatic items separately clustered from the non-somatic items. Results: Not-depressed versus depressed PD did not differ in age, education, disease duration, MDS-UPDRS-III OFF, prevalence of cognitive impairment, or levodopa equivalence dose. Over half of the not-depressed participants endorsed somatic symptoms of depression, including Loss of energy (73.3%), Changes in sleeping pattern (63.3%), Concentration difficulty (53.3%), and Tiredness/Fatigue (61.7%). However, these somatic symptoms were more often endorsed (p≤0.05) by the depressed participants (90.9%, 81.8%, 90.9%, and 100%, respectively). Factor analysis with all PD participants revealed that the first component accounts for 35.6% of the variance; of the 10 symptoms in this component only 3 were somatic (Loss of energy, Changes in sleeping pattern, and Tiredness/Fatigue). Conclusions: PD participants with higher self-reported depression were more likely to endorse somatic symptoms. Our factor analysis suggests that somatic items do not have a significant effect on self-reported depression severity in PD. Study Supported by: This work was supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke (K23 NS075097, P50 NS062684, P50 NS071675), the National Institute of Aging (P50 AG047366), and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Disclosure: Dr. Ramirez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hendershott has nothing to disclose. Dr. Faridi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zhu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tian has nothing to disclose. Dr. Poston has nothing to disclose.
Diets Enriched in Docosahexaenoic Acid Fail to Correct Progressive Rod-cone Degeneration (prcd) Phenotype

Purpose Results of a previous study show abnormal plasma lipids in progressive rod-cone degeneration (prcd)-affected dogs, with lower docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) and cholesterol levels but no differences in other plasma fatty acids, lipids, triglycerides, and fat-soluble vitamins. There is also an increase of the DHA precursor 22:5n-3, so that the ratio of 22:5n-3 to 22:6n-3 is higher in affected than in normal dogs. Because DHA is the predominant esterified fatty acid in rod outer segment (ROS) phospholipids, these findings suggest a possible causal association between abnormal plasma lipid levels and retinal degeneration. In the current study, dietary supplements rich in 22:6n-3 were used to determine whether plasma, liver, and rod outer segment phospholipid composition can be altered to modify the prcd disease phenotype. Methods prcd-affected and normal control dogs were given DHA-enriched supplements for short (7- and 25-day) and long (21-week) periods, and the fatty acid composition of plasma, liver, and rod outer segment phospholipids were examined. In the long-term study, electroretinography and morphology were used to assess modification of the retinal degeneration phenotype. Results Administration of DHA-enriched supplements resulted in increases in plasma DHA and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and in decreases in some n-6 fatty acids in normal and prcd-affected dogs. Similar increases in DHA and n-3 fatty acids were observed in the liver, but affected dogs had significantly higher levels at all supplementation time points examined. In contrast, the ROS of affected dogs had statistically lower (approximately 20%) DHA levels, and these levels could not be increased with dietary supplementation. The disease phenotype could not be modified by DHA-enriched supplements. Conclusions Regardless of the sustained three- to fourfold elevation in plasma and liver DHA that occurs as the result of supplementation, the ROS DHA levels remain unchanged, and the prcd disease phenotype is not modified by the dietary manipulation. These findings could be the result of a reduction in the synthesis of DHA-containing phospholipids in the retinas of affected dogs; or, alternatively, there could be a reduction in DHA uptake, transport, or storage within the retinal pigment epithelium-photoreceptor complex.
The damage zone ahead of the arrested crack in polyethylene resins

Formation and growth of the crack tip damage zone during slow stepwise crack propagation in polyethylene resins was studied experimentally. The study focused on the differences between the damage zone in high density polyethylene (HDPE), that represented traditional single-craze morphology, and the damage zone in more fracture resistant ethylene copolymers (MDPE) under plain strain conditions. It was shown that improved fracture resistance correlated with development of an epsilon-shaped damage zone that consisted of the central craze and an accompanying pair of hinge shear zones of comparable length. The shear zones emanated from the crack tip immediately above and below the central craze where highly stretched material formed a membrane that separated the crack tip from the cavitated material in the craze. The remarkable observation that the shear zones underwent crazing despite the presumably unfavorable stress-strain conditions was attributed to a dilatational stress component resulting from partial re-distribution of the load as the main craze opened. Microscopic analysis revealed differences in the crazed material between the single-craze (HDPE) and the epsilon-shaped (MDPE) morphology. An array of cellular cavities separated by walls of biaxially oriented material in the MDPE craze contrasted with the traditional structure of uniaxially stretched fibrils in the HDPE craze. The stepwise development and fracture of the damage zone was monitored in time, and the differences in kinetics of these processes between the two types of morphologies were characterized.
Cell Content and Basic Construction

This first chapter is mostly, informative. It is either recapitulation of your previous knowledge about cell basics or quite a new field for you, dependent on your education, so far. Having in mind that it is a developing field from bioengineering point of view, you should have your solid visual picture of the cell in your mind. Visualize whatever is possible, especially what is invisible by naked eye! We all know that if we don’t see something it does not mean that “entity” does not exist, or will not emerge once we find the tools to detect it.
Structural analysis of hypersonic inflatable aerodynamic decelerator pressure tub testing

Abstract Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) systems have the potential to deliver the large payloads required for human-scale Mars missions. The structural response of the HIAD is critical as the inflatable members are relatively compliant compared with traditional decelerators. Structural testing and analysis were conducted on a 3.7 m HIAD subjected to uniform pressure. A beam-based finite-element modeling methodology was developed to analyze the inflatable system that incorporates strap pretension and interaction between adjacent members, a significant advance relative to previous analyses of individual inflated HIAD components. The computationally efficient modeling approach accurately captured the load-deformation response of the HIAD system.
Links between Perceived Containment and Reactive and Proactive Functions of Aggression among Detained Youth: Does Behavioral Inhibition and/or Activation Matter?

Further research is needed to understand factors contributing to reactive and proactive functions of aggression in order to develop more targeted prevention and intervention strategies. Perceived containment, or one’s perception that authority figures have the ability to set limits on their behavior, has been linked to aggression. However, it is not known how perceived containment is linked to these specific functions of aggression. Additionally, it is not clear how behavioral inhibition and behavioral activation motivational systems may impact these links. The current study evaluated these associations in a sample of 134 detained youth (73.1% male; M age = 15.94 years). Regression analyses indicated that perceived containment was more robustly associated with reactive than proactive aggression; however behavioral inhibition moderated associations for both proactive and reactive aggression. At high levels of behavioral inhibition, levels of reactive aggression were consistently high regardless of levels of perceived containment. In contrast, low levels of behavioral inhibition combined with high levels of perceived containment were associated with the lowest levels of reactive aggression. Additionally, low levels of perceived containment combined with high levels of behavioral inhibition were associated with the highest levels of proactive aggression. Implications for findings are discussed.
HYPEREOSINOPHILIC SYNDROME: A HARBINGER OF FULMINANT EOSINOPHILIC MYOCARDITIS

Eosinophilic myocarditis is uncommon but can be fulminant in patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome. A 46 year-old woman presented with acute encephalopathy in the setting of multiple bilateral ischemic strokes and profound eosinophilia (63%) of unknown etiology. Initial TTE and TEE showed normal
Bridge Load Posting Based on Actual Arkansas Truck Traffic

Abstract Bridge load posting limits are safety and economic decisions. Bridge load posting limits restrict truck traffic to ensure safety. Therefore, trucks that exceed bridge load posting limits a...
Performance Characterization of a Steam Distillation Process for Ammonium Recovery from Urine

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to characterize the nitrogen recovery efficiency of a full-scale prototype nutrient recovery system that processes source-separated urine by the steam distilla...
The Effects of Cholecalciferol Supplementation on Vitamin D Status Among a Diverse Population of Collegiate Basketball Athletes: A Quasi-Experimental Trial

Vitamin D may play a role in performance and injury risk, yet the required supplementation dosage for collegiate athletes is unclear. The objective of this study was to define the dosage of vitamin D3 supplementation required to beneficially affect serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) among a sample of collegiate basketball athletes. This was a quasi-experimental trial, participants were allocated to one of three groups of vitamin D3 daily at the beginning of pre-season training and dependent upon their baseline vitamin D status as follows: insufficient ( 125 nmol/L) to no supplementation. Follow-up assessments were completed ~ 5 months later in post season. The majority (n = 13) were allocated to 10,000 IU vs. n = 5 to 5000 IU and n = 2 to no supplementation. The 10,000 IU group showed the greatest change (35.0 ± 27.0 nmol/L) vs. the 5000 IU group (−9.3 ± 9.6 nmol/L) and no supplementation group (−41.6 ± 11.7 nmol/L, p < 0.01). Only 1 participant reached optimal status in the 10,000 IU group. In conclusion, a daily dosage of 10,000 IU vitamin D3 supplementation mitigated the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among collegiate basketball players but was insufficient for all to reach sufficient levels.
Feasibility and safety of non-operative management of portal vein aneurysms: a thirty-five year experience

Background Portal vein aneurysms (PVAs) are rare, though clinically challenging with post-operative mortality approaching 20% and no evidence-based treatment guidelines. We aim to describe our experience with PVAs and recommend optimum management strategies. Methods Demographics and clinical details of patients with PVAs admitted to our institution from 1984 to 2019 were reviewed. Clinical presentation, management and outcomes were analysed. Results PVAs were identified in 18 patients (median age 56 years, range 20-101 years; 13 female); 10 were incidental and 8 diagnosed during abdominal pain work-up. Median aneurysm diameter at diagnosis was 3.4 cm (1.8-5.5 cm), remaining unchanged at 3.5 cm (1.9-4.8 cm) during a 3.2-year follow-up (4 months-31 years). Aneurysm sites were the main portal vein (n = 12), porto-splenic-junction (n = 3), splenic-SMV-junction (n = 2) and right portal vein (n = 1). Thrombosis occurred in 4 patients; 3 developed clinically insignificant cavernous transformation. Two patients underwent surgery for abdominal pain. Postoperatively, one developed PV thrombosis and PVA recurrence occurred in the second. No aneurysm ruptures or mortalities occurred during follow-up. Conclusion PVAs follow a clinically indolent course with structural stability and minimal complications over time. Non-operative management is feasible for most patients. Abdominal pain, large size or thrombosis don't appear to confer additional risks and should not, in isolation, merit surgical intervention.
Brentuximab Vedotin for Relapsed or Refractory Sézary Syndrome.

Importance Treatment options for Sezary syndrome (SS) are limited and associated with low response rates. Brentuximab vedotin is a CD30-directed antibody-drug conjugate approved for refractory CD30-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. However, limited data exist on its efficacy in SS, including in the pivotal phase 3 ALCANZA (A Phase 3 Trial of Brentuximab Vedotin (SGN-35) Versus Physician’s Choice [Methotrexate or Bexarotene] in Participants With CD30-Positive Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma) trial. Objective To assess the preliminary efficacy and tolerability of brentuximab vedotin for SS. Design, Setting, and Participants From January 1, 2017, to July 31, 2020, a total of 13 patients with SS received brentuximab vedotin and were analyzed as part of a retrospective case series. Median follow-up was 10.4 months (range, 1.4-34.6 months). All patients were 18 years or older with a diagnosis of SS and with B2 blood involvement at the time brentuximab vedotin therapy was initiated. This single-center study was conducted at a major academic referral center. Interventions Intravenous brentuximab vedotin administration approximately every 3 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was the global response rate. Outcomes were assessed in the skin and lymph nodes per the 2011 European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer–International Society of Cutaneous Lymphoma response criteria and in the blood per the 2018 Prospective Cutaneous Lymphoma International Prognostic Index revised blood response criteria. Results The study included 13 patients (8 [62%] male; mean [SD] age, 68.2 [8.6] years). Of these 13 patients, 5 (38%) achieved a global response after a median of 6 cycles, including 1 complete response. Response rates by disease compartment were 38% in the skin, 63% in the blood, and 50% in the lymph nodes. Three of 11 patients (27%) with pruritus reported improvement. Skin CD30 positivity (>10%) was detected in 9 patients but was not associated with responses. Among responders, the median time to response was 6 weeks (range, 6-9 weeks), and the median duration of response was 5.5 months (range, 2.5-28.9 months). The median time to next treatment was 3.2 months (range, 1.5-36.7 months). Peripheral neuropathy occurred in 4 patients but resolved in 2 patients. Grade 2 adverse events were neuropathy (n = 2), constipation (n = 1), and hand-foot syndrome (n = 1). Conclusions and Relevance In this case series, brentuximab vedotin use was associated with some efficacy in SS across multiple disease compartments and in the setting of refractory disease or low CD30 skin expression. Brentuximab vedotin may offer a manageable treatment schedule and low incidence of significant toxic effects.
Post-Peak crack control of concrete with BFRP grids

Abstract This paper presents the post-peak crack control of concrete with basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) grids. In accordance with published guidelines, concrete prisms are notched and the grids are bonded under two strengthening schemes (Phase I: bottom coverage and Phase II: U-wrap coverage). Flexural testing is conducted to investigate the behavior of the specimens, including load-carrying capacity, failure mode, energy dissipation, and crack development. The flexural capacity of the bottom-covered concrete increases up to 69.7% when the bond length exceeds ± 70 mm (2.75 in.) from the notched location, which can be referred to as an effective bond length for crack control. While the level of capacity improvement is not a function of the bond length when the U-wrap coverage is over 20% of the specimen height, the U-wrap-covered cases outperform their bottom-covered counterparts. Irrespective of strengthening scheme, BFRP rupture is the primary failure mode; particularly, the sequential rupture of the U-wraps retards concrete fracture and improves ductility. A relationship is established between the BFRP coverage and crack progression in conjunction with a crack control index that accounts for the extent of energy dissipation. Analytical modeling formulated per fuzzy logic and reliability theories suggests various performance levels to effectively control the implications of concrete cracking.
Using Treatment Fidelity Measures to Understand Walking Recovery: A Secondary Analysis From the Community Ambulation Project.

OBJECTIVES Physical therapist intervention studies can be deemed ineffective when, in fact, they may not have been delivered as intended. Measurement of treatment fidelity (TF) can address this issue. The purpose of this study was to describe TF of a home-based intervention, identify factors associated with TF, and examine whether components of TF were associated with the outcome of change in 6-minute walk distance (∆6MWD). METHODS This is a secondary analysis of community-dwelling hip fracture participants who completed standard therapy and were randomly assigned to the active intervention (Push). Push was 16 weeks of lower extremity strengthening, function, and endurance training. TF was defined as delivery (attendance rate, exercise duration) and receipt (progression in training load, heart rate reserve [HRR] during endurance training, and exercise position [exercise on floor]). The outcome was ∆6MWD. Independent variables included baseline (demographic and clinical) measures. Descriptive statistics were calculated; linear and logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS Eighty-nine participants were included in this analysis; 59 (66%) had attendance of 75% or greater. Participants walked for 20 minutes or more for 78% of sessions. The average training load increased by 22%; the mean HRR was 35%; and 61 (69%) participants exercised on the floor for at least 75% of sessions. Regression analyses showed that a higher body mass index and greater baseline 6MWD were related to components of TF; 4 out of 5 components of TF were significantly related to ∆6MWD. The strongest TF relationship showed that those who exercised on the floor improved by 62 m (95% CI = 31-93 m) more than those who did not get on the floor. CONCLUSIONS Measures of TF should extend beyond attendance rate. This analysis demonstrates how measures of TF, including program attendance, progression in training load, endurance duration, and exercising on the floor were significantly related to improvement in 6MWD in participants post hip fracture. IMPACT This careful analysis of treatment fidelity assured that the intervention was delivered and received as intended. Analysis of data from a large trial with participants after hip fracture showed that regular attendance, frequent endurance training for 20 minutes, increases in lower extremity training loads, and exercising on the floor were associated with improvements in the outcome of 6-minute-walk distance. The strongest association with improvement was exercising on the floor.
Local Adaptation Without Work Intensification: Experimentalist Governance of Digital Technology for Mutually Beneficial Role Reconfiguration in Organizations

This 1.5-year ethnographic study of a U.S. medical center shows that avoiding loss of autonomy and work intensification for less powerful actors during digital technology introduction and integrati...
An Analysis of Digital Media Data to Understand Parents’ Concerns During the COVID-19 Pandemic to Enhance Effective Science Communication:

Science and health journalists have incorporated digital media as a source for their daily news production process, but little is known about the potential impacts of using digital media data to in...
Pilot Test of the Maximizing Adolescent Post-Secondary Success (MAPSS) Intervention: Supporting Parents of Autistic Youth.

IMPORTANCE Parents play an essential role in the transition to adulthood for autistic youth, yet often feel they do not have adequate training and resources. OBJECTIVE To evaluate data on the preliminary efficacy of and collect participant feedback about the Maximizing Adolescent Post-Secondary Success (MAPSS) intervention. DESIGN Single-group, pretest-posttest pilot study. SETTING Clinic. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-two families of autistic youth (ages 13-19 yr, 72.7% male). INTERVENTION MAPSS is a group intervention for parent-youth dyads that is designed to guide parents in facilitating the development of independent skills for adulthood. Outcomes and Measures: Measures included the Transition Preparation Activities Measure (T-PAM), Family Empowerment Scale (FES), 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Adulthood Expectations Questionnaire (AEQ), Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-Third Edition (ABAS-3), and a study-specific participant feedback survey. RESULTS Frequency of transition preparation activities (T-PAM) significantly increased from before to after the intervention, and although the frequency of preparation activities decreased by 1-mo follow-up, it remained significantly higher than at baseline. Parent self-efficacy (FES), parent expectations (AEQ), and parent sense of control over outcomes (AEQ) also significantly increased from preintervention to follow-up; however, parent coping (PSS-10) was unchanged. Youth self-care skills (ABAS-3) demonstrated improvements 6 mo after the completion of the intervention, although other areas of adaptive behavior did not significantly change. Feedback from parents suggested they had positive experiences and felt the intervention was beneficial. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Our data suggest that the MAPSS intervention is an appropriate candidate for larger, controlled clinical trials. What This Article Adds: With additional evidence, this intervention can offer guidelines for occupational therapists to work with autistic youth and their parents to prepare for adulthood.
Psoriasis Severity and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in a Representative US National Study.

Psoriasis is associated with metabolic syndrome; however, the relationship of psoriasis severity with individual cardiometabolic risk factors is not clear. There is a reporting gap between the cardiometabolic risks among patients with psoriasis and what has been reported in the literature using US samples. The objective of this study was to examine the disease burden of psoriasis and assess the associations of psoriasis severity and cardiometabolic risk factors in a nationally representative sample. We conducted a cross-sectional study using the weighted pooled data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) 2007 through 2016. The NAMCS data were collected from US office-based physicians. Each physician was randomly assigned a specific week to report a sample of their cases. Patients were categorized as severe psoriasis if they were prescribed at least one systemic therapy. We used logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders to estimate the associations of psoriasis severity with individual cardiometabolic factors. There were about 3.3 million office-based psoriasis visits per year with a mean age of 50 years, a female-to-male ratio of 1:1, and severe disease in 23%. We observed greater values of blood pressure, lipid profiles, and higher body mass index among patients with psoriasis, compared with patients without psoriasis. A higher proportion of the psoriasis patient group were overweight and obese (73.6% vs 62.9% in the non-psoriasis patient group). Compared to mild case groups, severe case groups tended to have a higher proportion of overweight/obese with a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 (77% vs 73%). Obesity was weakly associated with psoriasis severity (adjusted odds ratio = 1.37, 95% confidence interval 0.98–1.91 for mild disease and adjusted odds ratio = 1.42, 95% confidence interval 0.80–2.52 for severe cases). Cardiometabolic factors are related health issues in psoriasis, and obesity is associated with greater psoriasis severity.
Sequence Impedance Measurement of Utility-Scale Wind Turbines and Inverters Reference Frame, Frequency Coupling, and MIMO/SISO Forms

Sequence impedance responses are increasingly used for the stability analysis of converter-grid systems; however, many aspects of the sequence impedance measurement process, particularly those resulting from the frequency coupling between the positive- and negative-sequence impedances, are not yet fully explored. Existing methods for measuring sequence impedance with frequency coupling are complicated, not suitable for large wind turbines and inverters, and they can measure the sequence impedance in only one of the MIMO and SISO forms. This paper shows that the sequence impedance has a reference frame similar to the dq impedance and presents a method for measuring the sequence impedance with frequency coupling. The proposed method aligns the sequence impedance reference frame based on the estimation of the grid voltage angle and obtains the impedance response in both MIMO and SISO forms. The paper also demonstrates the impact of the fundamental frequency on the accuracy of the impedance measurements. The proposed method and practical issues associated with the impedance measurement of utility-scale wind turbines and inverters are demonstrated on a 1.9-MW Type III wind turbine and a 2.2-MVA inverter using an impedance measurement system built around a 7-MW/13.8-kV grid simulator and a 5-MW dynamometer.
Active biological mechanisms: transforming energy into motion in molecular motors

Unless one embraces activities as foundational, understanding activities in mechanisms requires an account of the means by which entities in biological mechanisms engage in their activities—an account that does not merely explain activities in terms of more basic entities and activities. Recent biological research on molecular motors (myosin and kinesin) exemplifies such an account, one that explains activities in terms of free energy and constraints. After describing the characteristic “stepping” activities of these molecules and mapping the stages of those steps onto the stages of the motors’ hydrolytic cycles, researchers pieced together from images of the molecules in different hydrolyzation states accounts of how the chemical energy in ATP is transformed in the constrained environments of the motors into the characteristic activities of the motors. We argue that New Mechanism’s standard set of analytic categories—entities (parts), activities (operations), and organization—should be expanded to include constraints and energetics. Not only is such an expansion required descriptively to capture research on molecular motors but, more importantly from a philosophical point of view, it enables a non-regressive account of activities in mechanisms. In other words, this expansion enables a philosophical account of mechanistic explanation that avoids a regress of entities and activities “all the way down.” Rather, mechanistic explanation bottoms out in constraints and energetics.