cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pure plate bending in couple stress theories

In this paper, we examine the pure bending of plates within the framework of modified couple stress theory (M-CST) and consistent couple stress theory (C-CST). In this development, it is demonstrated that M-CST does not describe pure bending of a plate properly. Particularly, M-CST predicts no couple-stresses and no size effect for the pure bending of the plate into a spherical shell. This contradicts our expectation that couple stress theory should predict some size effect for such a deformation pattern. Therefore, this result clearly demonstrates another inconsistency of indeterminate symmetric modified couple stress theory (M-CST), which is based on considering the symmetric torsion tensor as the curvature tensor. On the other hand, the fully determinate skew-symmetric consistent couple stress theory (C-CST) predicts results for pure plate bending that tend to agree with mechanics intuition and experimental evidence. Particularly, C-CST predicts couple-stresses and size effects for the pure bending of the plate into a spherical shell, which represents an additional illustration of its consistency.
Contextual Identities: Ethnic and National Identities of International and American Students.

As the number of international students studying at American universities continues to grow (Institute of International Education, 2014), campuses are increasingly becoming social spaces where the local, national, and international meet. Even though students’ identities may still be developing in college (Arnett, 2000) and their environment may influence their identity development (Erikson, 1968), little research has focused on the effects of this unique context on students’ identity formation. This study investigated the change in international and American student roommates’ ethnic and national identities over the course of one semester at three Midwestern universities. The qualitative results from semi-structured interviews with four undergraduate students suggest that these students were still grappling with their identities in different ways as they acted as discoverers, ambassadors, and negotiators and support a contextual approach to studying identity development in college students.
Regulation of membrane traffic by Rab GEF and GAP cascades

ASBTRACT Rab GTPases serve as master regulators of membrane traffic, each typically controlling several different aspects of a specific stage of membrane traffic by recruiting diverse effector proteins such as cytoskeletal motors, vesicle tethering proteins and regulators of SNARE complex assembly. Rabs, in turn, are regulated by specific guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), which catalyze the displacement of GDP and binding of GTP, as well as GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) that stimulate the slow intrinsic rate of GTP hydrolysis. Here I review our studies on the final stages of the yeast secretory pathway that have led us to propose that adjacent Rabs on a pathway are networked to one another through their regulators; specifically we have shown that the Rab, Ypt32, in its GTP-bound form recruits both Sec2, the GEF that activates the downstream Rab, Sec4, as well as Gyp1, the GAP that inactivates the upstream Rab, Ypt1. The postulated effect of these counter-current cascades is a programmed series of abrupt Rab transitions that lead to critical changes in the functional identity of the membrane as it flows along the exocytic pathway. Phosphoinositides also play key roles in the temporal and spatial regulation of membrane traffic. The Golgi pool of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI(4)P) works in concert with Ypt32 to initially recruit Sec2, yet a subsequent drop in PI(4)P levels directs a regulatory switch in Sec2 function in which it binds to the Sec4 effector Sec15 generating a positive feedback loop. PI(4)P distribution together with Sec2 phosphorylation by a casein kinase determines when and where each regulatory circuit is used.
Logical Extremes, Beta, and the Power of the Test

There is a potential misuse of the power function under the logical extreme when the null hypothesis is true. The power function is defined to measure the probability of rejecting the null given any value of the parameter being tested. It can be used to obtain the power and the β values only under the alternative hypothesis. When the null is true, the power function can be used to obtain the size of the test. The power and the probability of committing a Type II error are, however, undefined and, hence, the power function should not be used to obtain these values.
Mechanical biocompatibility of dental materials

Materials used in dental restoration, implant dentistry, maxillofacial trauma and reconstruction, and other surgeries to correct or repair the mandible and maxilla do not have the same mechanical properties as the natural tissues. An area of concern in terms of the long-term success of procedures conducted by dentists and oral surgeons is the impact of differences in the mechanical properties of natural tissues and those of materials used for reconstruction on the response of tissues as healing occurs. The factors which may impact success and possible partial solutions are discussed.
Ultrasound generated mechanical induction of mesenchymal stem cells

The hypothesis of this research is that ultrasound (US) can induce stem cell activity. Specifically, the aim for this study is to optimize the mechanical effect generated by US for the stimulation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs were cultured on flexible membrane culture plates and stimulated by US for 10 min daily with acoustic intensity of 0, 6, 13.5, and 22.5 W/cm2 (control, P1, P2, and P3 respectively). Cell proliferation and viability were evaluated by direct cell count and Alamar Blue assay. Morphological evaluation was also performed. Cell-matrix interaction was analyzed by immunochemical staining of focal adhesion proteins. Our preliminary results showed that P2 and P3 groups had a better performance in cell proliferation compared to the results of P1 and control, and there was also an increase in cell viability from the Alamar Blue test after 4 consecutive days of US treatment (P2 vs. control). Although no morphological change was observed, expression of focal adhesion protein, vinculin, was enhanced after three consecutive days of US treatment (P3 vs. control). The conclusion is application of higher acoustic pressure on cell growth environment can stimulate MSC proliferation and focal adhesion. However, further studies are required to optimize the acoustic parameters.
Elastic wave transport in disordered, isotropic media: a supersymmetric sigma model

tarting from a continuum description of a disordered elastic medium, we have derived a supersymmetric field theoretic model enabling the prediction of ensemble average correlation functions that fully takes polarization effects into account. The model enables both perturbative and non-perturbative calculations in a similar fashion as corresponding models of disordered electronic systems. At intermediate distances, we show that a Hubbard-Stratonovic transformation can be carried out and obtain a supermatrix field theory. At distances far greater than the mean free paths of the system, we show that the action reduces to a nonlinear supersymmetric sigma model formally identical to that for a scalar field. Our results yield a bare diffusion constant given by a density of states weighted average of the classical diffusion constants of the coherent potential approximation(CPA) medium.
Table headers: An entrance to the data mine

Algorithmic methods are demonstrated for information extraction from table header elements, including data categories and data hierarchies. The table headers are found with the Minimum Index Point Search algorithm. The header-path alignment and header completion algorithms yield database-ready table content and configuration statistics on a random sample of 400 diverse tables with ground truth and 1120 tables without ground truth from international statistical data sites.
Unraveling the Effects of OLED Active Layer Morphology on Degradation Using Atom Probe Tomography

We use Atom Probe Tomography to study the effects of OLED guest aggregation and morphology on degradation in single- and mixed-host active layers, showing that mixed-host systems slow degradation.
Lessons Learned: Implementation of Pilot Universal Postpartum Nurse Home Visiting Program, Massachusetts 2013-2016.

Purpose Home visiting programs for new families in the United States have traditionally served high-risk families. In contrast, universal home visiting models serve all families regardless of income, age, risk or other criteria. They offer an entry point into a system of care for children and families, with the potential to improve population health. This paper describes lessons learned from the first three years of implementing a universal home visiting model. Description Welcome Family is a universal home visiting program in Massachusetts that offers a one-time visit by a nurse to new mothers up to eight weeks postpartum. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) is piloting Welcome Family in four communities with the goal of expanding statewide. Assessment Welcome Family served over 3000 families in its first three years. Program performance measures provided a framework to examine successes and challenges related to outreach and enrollment, program operations, and linkages with community resources. Early challenges included increasing referrals to a new program and limited capacity to serve all women giving birth. Local implementing agencies tested innovative strategies and MDPH made program modifications, such as developing quarterly data reports and establishing a learning collaborative, to address identified challenges. Conclusion MDPH is committed to the success of Welcome Family and uses continuous quality improvement to maximize the impact of the program on families and the system of care in Massachusetts. Lessons learned from the Massachusetts pilot can inform other states’ efforts to enhance their early childhood systems of care through expanding universal home visiting.
Antibiotic resistance: an exploration of its causes and management strategies

Antibiotic resistance is the ability of microbes to withstand the effects of medications. As a result of this resistance, germs are not killed and their growth continues. Antibiotic failure has led to the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives every year and although resistance cannot be stopped, it can be slowed. The potential return of society to a pre-antibiotic era can be attributed to four main causes: overuse, inappropriate prescribing, agricultural use and fewer novel drugs on the market. Resistance can be slowed with reduced use of antibiotics, more appropriate prescribing and, most importantly, through the education of both health professionals and the public on the consequences of the incorrect and/or inappropriate use of antibiotics.
PC analysis of an acousto-ultrasonic signal

An introduction is given to PC software developed to analyze a digitized signal. The specific way in which the software was implemented and the relative ease with which the same software can be implemented in different systems for various applications are discussed. The basic equations and related theory used in the software are furnished. Specifically, mention is made of signal digitization, dc biasing, Fourier analysis, moment analysis, digital filtering, and transfer functions. Examples of calculations are given to indicate the physical significance of variables calculated from the frequency domain via moment equations.
An Occasionalist Defence of Free Will

The doctrine of occasionalism ascribes all causal power to God. Occasionalists ranging from the Ash‘arites to Malebranche also ascribed freedom to human beings to account for moral responsibility. However, human freedom within occasionalistic metaphysics seems to be problematic at the first glance. This paper aims to open a door for the plausibility of human will within occasionalistic metaphysics. For this aim, I mainly rely on Sadr us-Sharia’s view, a theologian in the Sunni School of Islamic thought, on free will and compare his account of free will with that of Malebranche and draw similar conclusions from both on the nature of human will. The main elements of Sadr’s analysis, especially the categorical distinction between creation and choice, are similar to some elements in contemporary philosophy. Sadr’s ontological assumptions and his application of them to the free will debate seem to be shared in a certain degree by John Searle and Gilbert Ryle in a different philosophical context. By focusing on Sadr us-Sharia’s solution to the problem free will, I show how some elements of his metaphysics illuminate the free will debate as it is understood across many different traditions.
A domain-specific modeling approach for component-based software development

This study has presented a component-based domain modeling approach that provides an environment for simplifying and accelerating software development and analysis, and improves software reusability, maintainability, and productivity. With high-level design abstraction, constraints of application domains, and the guidance of domain rules, the proposed component-based framework offers an effective solution to modeling and automating the development and deployment of software application. Meta-modeling will be used in this study to define the domain notations, rules, and constraints for component composition within a specific domain context. A domain-specific graphical design environment will also be proposed to simplify and accelerate the software development by simply dragging and dropping pre-built components with minimal programming effort. The modeling of components can be further extended with the specification of their dependability and real-time constraints.
The Axial Age, social evolution, and postsecular consciousness:

This article focuses on Karl Jaspers’s notion of the Axial Age, some of its critical appropriation, and how in particular Habermas has returned to this idea, after several critical engagements with...
Large Granular Lymphocytosis after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction Large granular lymphocytosis (LGL) is observed following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in 0.5-18.4% of patients. The development of LGL has been associated with and attributed to various conditions such as immune system reconstitution, CMV viremia, and graft-versus-host disease. There is literature available that suggests the development of LGL may be associated with improved outcomes, but management varies greatly because of the different theories surrounding this condition. Thus, we aimed to review a cohort of patients from our institution who developed LGL after HSCT in order to further our understanding and guide management recommendations. Methods We performed a single-center retrospective cohort analysis of patients who had a hematopoietic stem cell transplant from April 1, 2015 to June 30, 2018 and developed large granular lymphocytosis up to one year after transplantation. We collected and reviewed various clinical aspects of each patientOs transplant course and the management of large granular lymphocytosis. Results Of the 127 patients who received an allogeneic HSCT in this time period, 13 patients (10%) were diagnosed with large granular lymphocytosis. Patient demographics, transplant information, and LGL management are listed in Table 1. LGL was diagnosed between 57 and 236 days post-transplant. None of the 13 patients developed EBV viremia by PCR after transplant. 7 of 13 (54%) had CMV viremia/reactivation by PCR after transplant but before LGL diagnosis; 3 of 13 (23%) had CMV viremia by PCR after LGL diagnosis; 3 of 13 (23%) did not develop CMV viremia by PCR before or after LGL diagnosis. 4 of 13 (31%) developed chronic GVHD, and 3 of 13 (23%) developed acute GVHD. Of note, 6 of 13 (46%) had post-transplant cyclophosphamide and 2 of 13 (15%) had CD34 selected grafts; therefore, 8 of 13 (62%) had T-cell depleted transplants. All of the patients in this cohort were alive at day 100. 11 patients had a transplant greater than 1 year ago, and all of these patients were alive at the 1-year mark. Conclusions Based upon the results from this study, we cannot definitively attribute the development of LGL after allogeneic HSCT to one etiology. More importantly, all patients were alive at day 100 and 1 year regardless of the management approach, which suggests that this process may be self-limiting. Therefore, we believe a more conservative and supportive approach to management is warranted.
Zieve's Syndrome: An Under-reported Cause of Anemia in Alcoholics.

Anemia is a common finding in alcoholics. It is often multifactorial and caused by a combination of liver dysfunction, ineffective erythropoiesis, and poor nutrition. Zieve’s syndrome (ZS) is a clinical syndrome that presents with a triad of jaundice, hemolytic anemia, and hyperlipidemia secondary to alcohol use. Herein, we present a case of a 58-year-old male with a history of liver cirrhosis who presented after a fall due to binge drinking and was found to have severe anemia. Workup was consistent with hemolytic anemia with no source of active bleeding. The patient was managed with supportive treatment and blood transfusions which improved his anemia. However, given his advanced liver disease, he developed encephalopathy and subsequently severe aspiration pneumonia. He died 18 days after admission.
A regularized deconvolution model for sub-grid dispersion in large eddy simulation of turbulent spray flames

Abstract In this study, a sub-grid scale (SGS) dispersion model is developed for simulating turbulent spray flames. This model employs a regularized deconvolution method (RDM) to determine the sub-grid fluctuations from the filtered velocity field. The model is examined in simulations of a turbulent counterflow n-dodecane spray flame, and benchmarked against a simplified Langevin model (SLM) and simulations without dispersion closure (NOM). To identify conditions that characterize the importance of the spray-flame coupling, a regime diagram is constructed from physical arguments and theoretical analysis by considering idealized conditions. Based on the proposed criteria, a range of operating conditions is considered, involving different Stokes- and Reynolds numbers as well as inert and reacting conditions. A priori DNS analyses are performed to compare the probability density functions (PDFs) of slip velocities. Significant discrepancies between models are observed for smaller Stokes numbers. Subsequently, large eddy simulations (LES) are performed and effects of mesh resolution on statistical flow-field quantities are investigated. Qualitative and quantitative differences are observed for coarse-grid simulations with larger droplets, where a double-flame structure is predicted by DNS and LES-RDM, whereas a single flame is predicted by LES-NOM and LES-SLM. For the finer grid, all three LES models predict the double-flame structure. Turbulence modulation by the spray is expected to play a role in creating different flame topologies, and the RDM-based SGS-closure model is shown to provide improved predictions for the dispersed and carrier phases for a wider range of grid resolution.
Farmer harvest decisions and vegetable loss in primary production

Abstract The topic of food loss and waste has risen in importance since the revelation that an estimated 40% of food in America is never consumed. Losses at the field level, however, are not well understood, and economic and growing conditions that dictate decisions made by fruit and vegetable growers can determine how much food is left unharvested. Many strategies have been suggested to reduce food loss and waste, but their development has been informed by concerns at the consumer level, and may not motivate growers to reduce losses. This study sought to understand how growers make decisions regarding when to end the harvest, and explores growers' perceptions of strategies that would incentivize them to reduce losses. The authors conducted seventeen semi-structured interviews with mid-sized to large commercial vegetable growers in North Carolina. The resulting findings clarify the primary decision-making drivers affecting food loss in the field, including whether growers have an interested buyer, the quality of the produce, the available price, the financial risk of product rejection, and the priority of another field becoming mature and ready to harvest. Growers did not perceive losses to be of high enough volume or value to measure crops that were left unharvested in the field, though research indicates that the volume is actually significant. We also asked growers about their perceptions of strategies for reducing farm level losses that have been promoted in industry reports on the subject. These strategies include facilitating donation and supporting emerging markets that focus on imperfect produce. Neither of these aligned well with strategies that growers perceived as important, such as increasing demand, providing processing infrastructure, and facilitating a consistent market and prices. While some growers donate produce or participate in gleaning, these activities can be limited by continued negative perceptions. Findings from this research suggest that, in order to effectively reduce the loss of edible food at the farm level, growers must be included in the development of strategies, and those strategies must incentivize their participation in order to be effective.
Business Ethics: A Quantitative Analysis of the Impact of Unethical Behavior by Publicly Traded Corporations

This study examines whether the financial markets penalize public corporations for unethical business practices. Using event study methodology, it is found that upon the announcement that a firm is under investigation or has in some way engaged in unethical behavior, a statistically significant negative abnormal (excess) return is found. This suggests that firms are indeed penalized for their unethical actions.
Mastering the element of competition

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Mendeleev9s publication on the periodic table. Periodic: A Game of the Elements provides a fun way to celebrate the science behind it in an engaging, play-based format.
Identifying and mapping potentially adverse discontinuities in underground excavations using thermal and multispectral UAV imagery

Abstract Geotechnical mapping, rock mass characterization, and inspections of underground excavations are critical to ensuring that excavation geometry and ground support design are appropriate for stable conditions. A lack of access, poor timing, or hazardous conditions are all factors that can prohibit engineering personnel from collecting high-quality data in the field. Advances in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and portable sensor technology now allow engineering personnel to remotely capture data from underground workings that can be used for developing designs, generating inputs for analyses, and making more informed decisions. Ground falls are a source of many accidents in the underground environment, and they are the focus of many geotechnical investigations and analyses. In this study, the authors investigated how portable UAV-mounted thermal and multispectral imagers could be used to detect and quantify adverse geological discontinuities in hard rock masses that are structurally controlled. Multiple thermal, multispectral, RGB (red, green, and blue), and LiDAR (light detection and ranging) data sets were captured from 5 flights in sub-level open stopes at the Barrick Golden Sunlight Mine in the state of Montana in the western United States of America. Using off-the-shelf software, the thermal, RGB, and multispectral images were processed to create individual three-dimensional point clouds and meshes, which were georeferenced using the LiDAR data. Discontinuities identified in the three-dimensional point clouds and meshes were mapped using tools found in the freeware CloudCompare. One of the thermal models identified wedges that had developed in the crown pillar of an open stope, and 4 of the multispectral models contained enough detail for mapping individual discontinuities. The results of this investigation indicate that these portable imagers are viable tools that can be used to aid engineering personnel in identifying and mapping adverse geological discontinuities and unique rock mass composition. The techniques for capturing, processing, and interpreting thermal and multispectral imagery captured in underground excavations are described in this paper and can be used as the basis for future investigations at individual underground sites.
Predictability of higher-order temporal structure of musical stimuli is associated with auditory evoked response.

Abstract Sound predictability resulting from repetitive patterns can be implicitly learned and often neither requires nor captures our conscious attention. Recently, predictive coding theory has been used as a framework to explain how predictable or expected stimuli evoke and gradually attenuate obligatory neural responses over time compared to those elicited by unpredictable events. However, these results were obtained using the repetition of simple auditory objects such as pairs of tones or phonemes. Here we examined whether the same principle would hold for more abstract temporal structures of sounds. If this is the case, we hypothesized that a regular repetition schedule of a set of musical patterns would reduce neural processing over the course of listening compared to stimuli with an irregular repetition schedule (and the same set of musical patterns). Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded while participants passively listened to 6–8 min stimulus sequences in which five different four-tone patterns with temporally regular or irregular repetition were presented successively in a randomized order. N1 amplitudes in response to the first tone of each musical pattern were significantly less negative at the end of the regular sequence compared to the beginning, while such reduction was absent in the irregular sequence. These results extend previous findings by showing that N1 reflects automatic learning of the predictable higher-order structure of sound sequences, while continuous engagement of preattentive auditory processing is necessary for the unpredictable structure.
Effects of Engine Acoustic Waves on Aerooptical Environment in Subsonic Flight

Spatially and temporally resolved wave fronts were collected in flight using Airborne Aero-Optics Laboratory at varying subsonic Mach numbers through both the naturally developing boundary layer an...
Visual preservation in congenital orbital fibrosis.

Abstract Objective Congenital orbital fibrosis (COF) is a nonprogressive, unilateral, congenital process in which variable fibrosis is demonstrated in the orbit, resulting in restrictive strabismus, upper eyelid malposition, and axial displacement of the globe. We present 4 new pediatric cases of COF and discuss factors that impact visual development. We also describe a patient with local compressive optic neuropathy/edema who underwent optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) for visual preservation. Design/Methods/Participants Literature review and retrospective case series. Results Four male COF patients (mean age of 11 months) were examined. Two patients presented with decreased ocular motility of the affected eye. Two patients presented with exophthalmos, and one presented with enophthalmos. Two patients presented with ptosis, and one presented with eyelid retraction. Two patients presented with optic nerve atrophy, and one presented with optic nerve edema. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated involvement of the superior, medial, and inferior rectus and superior oblique muscles in 3 patients and the lateral rectus and inferior oblique muscles in 2 patients. Three patients underwent orbitotomy. Histology was consistent with fibrosis. Three patients demonstrated amblyopia, and 2 responded to treatment. The patient with optic nerve edema underwent ONSF. At 4 months’ follow-up, the edema had resolved. Conclusions COF can present with either anterior or posterior globe displacement. Patients must undergo a complete ophthalmic evaluation to identify modifiable factors. Strabismus and ptosis should be addressed for optimal visual development. Amblyopia therapy should be instituted quickly. Patients who present with active optic nerve edema may benefit from ONSF for local compressive optic neuropathy.
Aphasia-friendly medication instructions: effects on comprehension in persons with and without aphasia

Background : Written medication instructions provide critical information but are often presented at high reading levels resulting in poor comprehension. Comprehension of written health information...
Trends in Lung Transplantation Practices Across the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adult lung transplants, and report practice changes in the US. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a public dataset from the United Network for Organ Sharing was performed regarding adult lung transplantation (1/19/2020-6/30/2020). Data were stratified into 3 periods: pre-COVID-19 (1/19/2020 - 3/14/2020), 1-COVID-19 era (3/15/2020 - 5/8/2020), and 2-COVID-19 era (5/9/2020 - 6/30/2020). Weekly changes in waitlist inactivations (COVID-19 precautions or not), waitlist additions, transplant volume, and donor recovery were examined across eras and changes across era were correlated. RESULTS: During 1-COVID-19 era, 301 patients were added to the waitlist, representing a 40% decrease when compared to the prior 8-week period. This was followed by a significant increase in listing during the 2-COVID-19 era (t = 2.16, P = .032). Waitlist inactivations decreased in 2-COVID-19 era from the 1-COVID-19 era (t = 3.60, P < .001). There was no difference in waitlist inactivations between the pre-COVID era and the 2-COVID-19 era (P = .10). Weekly volume was not associated with trends in COVID-19 cases across any era but was negatively associated with waitlist inactivations due to COVID-19 precautions entering the 1-COVID-19 era (r = -0.73, P = .04) and 2-COVID-19 eras (r = -0.89, P = .003). CONCLUSION: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the US experienced a decrease in lung transplant volume. While overall volume has returned to normal, additional studies are needed to identify areas of improvement to better prepare for future pandemics.
Prognostic value of [18F]FDG PET/CT in patients with CNS lymphoma receiving ibrutinib-based therapies.

Current clinical and imaging tools remain suboptimal for predicting treatment response and prognosis in CNS lymphomas. We investigated the prognostic value of baseline [18F]FDG PET in patients with CNS lymphoma receiving ibrutinib-based treatments. Fifty-three patients enrolled in a prospective clinical trial and underwent brain PET before receiving single-agent ibrutinib or ibrutinib in combination with methotrexate with or without rituximab. [18F]FDG uptake in these lesions was quantified by drawing PET volumes of interest around up to five [18F]FDG-avid lesions per patient (with uptake greater than surrounding brain). We measured standardized uptake values (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volumes, total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and the sum thereof in these lesions. We analyzed the relationship between PET parameters and mutation status, overall response rates, and progression-free survival (PFS). Thirty-eight patients underwent single-agent therapy and 15 received combination therapy. On PET, 15/53 patients had no measurable disease. In the other 38 patients, a total of 71 lesions were identified on PET. High-intensity [18F]FDG uptake and a larger volume of [18F]FDG-avid disease were inversely related to treatment outcome (p ≤ 0.005). In univariable analysis, PFS was linearly correlated with all PET parameters, with stronger association when sum-values were used. A multivariable model showed that risk of progression increased by 9% for every 5-unit increase in sumSUVmax (hazard ratio = 1.09 [95% CI: 1.04 to 1.14]). Higher lesional metabolic parameters are inversely related to outcome in patients undergoing ibrutinib-based therapies, and sumSUVmax emerged as a strong independent prognostic factor. NCT02315326; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02315326?term=NCT02315326&draw=2&rank=1
Multilayer Macula Vessel Density and Visual Field Progression in Glaucoma.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the association of macular superficial vessel density (SVD) and projection-resolved deep vessel density (DVD) with past visual field (VF) progression in primary open angle glaucoma patients. Design Retrospective cohort Materials and Methods In this longitudinal study, 208 eyes of 147 glaucoma patients from the Diagnostics Innovations in Glaucoma Study were included. Eligible participants were required to have at least five 24-2 VF tests over a minimum follow-up period of 3 years prior to macular optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging. Visual field progression was defined based on both event-based pointwise linear regression (PLR) and trend-based methods. The association of macular SVD and DVD with the probability and rate of past VF progression was evaluated using linear mixed effects model. Results Fifty-two (25%) eyes had VF progression based on the PLR based criterion at the end of a mean (±SD) follow-up duration of 6.9 (±1.2) years. In the event-based multivariable analysis, lower baseline SVD was associated with a higher likelihood of past VF progression (OR per 1% lower = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.59). Similarly, in the trend-based multivariable analysis, lower macular SVD was associated with a faster past rate of mean deviation decline (coefficient = -0.03 dB/year; 95% CI: -0.04, -0.01). Event-based and trend-based analyses found no significant associations for macular DVD with the likelihood/rate of past VF progression (P>0.05). Conclusions Lower macular SVD, and not DVD, was associated with a higher probability of past VF progression. Macular OCTA imaging shows promise for identifying eyes at risk of VF progression in glaucoma patients.
Potentiometric Measurements with SO4 −2 and PO4 −3 Sensitive Membrane Electrodes

Abstract A preliminary evaluation of SO4 −2 and PO4 −3 sensitive electrodes of the precipitate-impregnated silicone rubber membrane type shows these electrodes to be useful for direct potentiometry and potentiometric titration under limited circumstances.
Use of Orthotropic Plates Theory in Bridge Design

Simplified formulas are developed not only for reducing computing time but also for improving accuracy; closed-form solutions are obtained for certain series forms that converge very slowly; reciprocal relationships between moments at one point and load at other points are carefully examined; method of integrating moment curves is given and example of application of orthotropic plate theory to bridge design is shown.
Introduction: Charles S. Petty, M.D.—The Quintessential Forensic Pathologist

A scientific symposium honoring Dr. Charles S. Petty was held in November 1989 in Dallas, Texas. Past and present associates and fellows were invited to recognize Dr. Petty upon his completion of 20 highly successful years as chief medical examiner of Dallas County and director of the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences. One hundred attendees came from throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan to honor Dr. Petty for what he has meant to their careers.
Mek: MAPK/Erk kinase (vertebrates) (MAP kinase kinase, MAPKK)

MAPK/Erk kinase (Mek) is a dual-specificity PK responsible for phosphorylation of MAP kinase (Erk1/2) on threonine and tyrosine residues. These phosphorylation events dramatically increase the capacity of MAP kinase to phosphorylate exogenous substrates, such as microtubule-associated proteins and myelin basic protein. The MAP kinases encoded by the ERK1/ERK2 genes are the only substrates of Mek thus far reported. Two related gene products, Mek1 and Mek2, have been reported in the mouse. Both are apparently monomers. Outside vertebrates, Mek1 is most closely related in size and sequence to Schizosaccharomyce pombe Byr1. They are 45% identical in amino acid sequence, although Byr1 has no insert in the kinase domain. Mek1/Mek2 is also related to Pbs2 and Ste7 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mek can be assayed using a glutathione-S-transferase/Erk fusion protein. Mek is regulated by reversible protein phosphorylation on serine or threonine by one or more Mek kinases (MAP kinase kinase kinases), including Raf-1. Mek mRNA is widely expressed in many adult rat or mouse tissues.
Evaluation of pisotriquetral motion pattern using four-dimensional CT: initial clinical experience in asymptomatic wrists

Aim To characterise the normal motion pattern of the pisotriquetral (PT) joint during wrist extension and flexion, as well as observer performance of measurements using four-dimensional (4D)-computed tomography (CT) acquisitions and double-oblique multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) technique in asymptomatic contralateral joints of patients with unilateral wrist pain. Materials and methods In this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant institutional review board-approved study, 4D-CT was performed on the asymptomatic contralateral wrists of 10 patients (mean age: 46 years; M/F: 6/4) for comparison to the symptomatic side. Two independent observers defined the “oblique–sagittal” plane for PT joint measurements. Measurements were obtained for the anteroposterior (AP) interval and craniocaudal (CC) excursion during the extension–flexion arc of wrist motion. Results The median (interquartile range) of the AP interval was 0.65 mm (0.55–1 mm) in extension, 1.1 mm (0.8–1.82 mm) in the neutral position, and 4.65 mm (2.07–5.87 mm) in flexion. Likewise, the median of the CC excursions in asymptomatic wrists were 0 mm in extension, 0.27 mm (0–0.37 mm) in the neutral position, and 0.28 mm (0.18–0.31 mm) in flexion. The AP interval measurements obtained at wrist flexion were larger than measurements obtained at wrist extension. There was a strong consistency in AP interval difference measurements between the two observers (ICC=0.80; p p =0.11). Conclusion PT joint kinematics in asymptomatic wrists demonstrates an increase in AP interval and CC excursion during wrist flexion. MPR techniques provide good interobserver agreements for AP interval measurements. The reported intervals for asymptomatic joints can be used as a reference for asymptomatic wrists.
Results from a Cochlear Model Utilizing Longitudinal Coupling

A one-dimensional computer simulation of the cat cochlea was developed utilizing a one-degree-of-freedom model of the cochlea partition, with the magnitude of the damping between the reticular lamina and the tectorial membrane dependent upon the envelope of basilar-membrane displacement integrated over a longitudinal region. Aspects of the model’s output mimic auditory-nerve fiber activity. The slopes of stimulus-response curves for single-tone stimuli decrease as frequency is increased above characteristic frequency. Appropriate two-tone suppression is observed when the suppressing tone’s frequency is either above or below that of an excitatory tone at characteristic frequency. Nonlinear longitudinal coupling in the cochlea is suggested.
Scientific imaging: problems and solutions for ROVs

The use of ROVs (remote operated vehicles) for science missions requires records of images for future qualitative and quantitative evaluations. The scientific use of standard ROV imaging systems is often difficult due to (1) the need to change the field of view of the video camera for piloting and (2) the often standard configuration of the still (film) camera. Precise calibration for areal or volumetric coverage is a necessity, and several variance minimizing procedures can be utilized. It is concluded that, considering the ROV as a mobile platform, imaging packages for specific science missions can be added which take advantage of the small-scale maneuverability and placement capabilities of the system. >
Upper limit of selenium in infant formulas.

A l'occasion du congres sur les limites superieures des nutriments dans les laits en poudre destines a l'alimentation des nourrissons, nous proposons des teneurs maximales et minimales pour le selenium apres comparaison des teneurs dans le lait maternel et les laits en boite, estimation des besoins nutritionnels, des doses toxiques pour les enfants et de la biodisponibilite de ce nutriment
Hydrogen IC Engine Boosting Performance and NOx Study

Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H 2 ICE) powered vehicles have been considered a low emission, low cost, practical method to help establish a hydrogen fueling infrastructure. However, the naturally aspirated H 2 ICE operating lean has performance issues requiring either increased displacement or induction boost to have comparable power to the modern gasoline powered IC engine. Ford Scientific Research Laboratory has continued its H 2 ICE system investigation, conducting dynamometer engine-boosting experiments utilizing a 2.0 L Zetec engine (with compression ratios of 14.5:1 and 12.5:1), and a 2.3L Duratec HE-4 engine'(with a compression ratio of 12.2:1) with boosted manifold air pressure up to 200 kPa. Test data of brake torque and exhaust emissions are reported at various boost pressures. Results of a detailed NOx study, conducted at University of California - Riverside, with EGR and aftertreatment for a naturally aspirated 2.0L Zetec engine are also reported. The trade off between engine compression ratio and thermal efficiency, power density, and NOx emission control strategy is discussed.
Intra-Industry Market Reactions to Failures of Publicly Held Savings and Loans

This study examines the consequences of failures involving publicly held SL however, this reaction was not significant at conventional levels. Cross-sectional analyses of the relation between market reactions and characteristics of failed and surviving S&Ls provides some support for the hypothesis that positive reactions were associated with a perceived reduction in competition, especially for stronger surviving S&Ls. The three remaining hypotheses (related to regulatory enforcement, regulatory resources, and the contagious effects of individual failures) receive only weak support.
pH-responsive nanofiltration membranes by surface modification

Abstract Fouling of nanofiltration membranes remains a major concern that often limits process viability. One method to minimize fouling is to modify the filtration surface and perhaps the pores of the membrane in order to minimize adsorption of dissolved solutes. Here nanofiltration membranes have been modified by growing acrylic acid nanobrushes from the surface of the membrane. If the pH of the feed is above the pKa of the grafted nanobrushes, the carboxylic groups will be deprotonated and swell. Dead end filtration experiments confirm that polyacrylic acid nanobrushes may be grafted from the surface of high flux nanofiltration membranes without significantly impacting the filtrate flux. Furthermore, swelling of the grafted nanobrushes at pH values above their pKa leads to a decrease in filtrate flux. Rejection of glucose has also been investigated. For the base membrane, glucose rejection was not affected by feed pH over the range 3–7. However for modified membranes a significant change in rejection was observed as a function of pH. Thus pH-responsive nanofiltration membranes may be designed by surface modification.
Semiclassical Approximation for Schrödinger Operators at High Energy

Let H ћ = −ћ 2 ∂ φ 2 /2+U(φ) be a Schrodinger operator acting in L 2(T) with T an l-dimensional torus and U an analytic periodic function on T. Approximate semiclassical expansions for the eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of H ћ are developed which are asymptotic in inverse powers of the classical action variables for the corresponding classical Hamiltonian. The leading term in the eigenvalue expansion is the energy associated with a KAM torus; the fact that KAM tori are abundant at high energy is exploited to show that the rank of the approximate eigenfunctions with energy ≤ E approaches the rank of the true eigenvalues of H ћ , for E large.
Apparent nonlinear effect of the microscope on the laser Doppler vibrometer

One powerful method for measuring the motion of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) relies on a Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) focused through an optical microscope. Recent data taken under a very simple and common condition demonstrate that the velocity signal produced by the LDV with an optical microscope may be different from the velocity signal produced by the LDV without a microscope. This is especially important if one wishes to estimate acceleration by differentiating velocity. In this study, the time derivatives of LDV signals are compared against the signal from an accelerometer when the LDV is focused through an optical microscope and without the microscope system. The signal from the LDV without the microscope is almost identical to the accelerometer signal. In contrast, the signal from the LDV with the microscope exhibits a nonlinear relationship with the accelerometer signal. Both the LDV and the accelerometer were measuring a sinusoidal velocity generated by an electromechanical shaker. The Fourier transform of the acceleration from the LDV with the microscope shows a multitude of high harmonics of the excitation frequency, which have much higher amplitudes than the harmonics present in the accelerometer signal. Without the microscope, the LDV gives a much less distorted sinusoidal signal, even after time differentiation. The distortion of the signal from the LDV is periodic, with the same period as the sinusoidal drive signal. The largest distortion occurs near points of maximum negative acceleration, corresponding to the positive displacement peak of the sinusoidal oscillation. Because the measured oscillation is out of plane, pseudo-vibrations caused by speckle noise do not explain the distortion. Instead, the distortion appears to be caused by the optics of the microscope.
Giardiasis in a hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient

Giardiasis can mimic diarrhea secondary to mucosal injury from the conditioning therapy prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), as well as from graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Herein, we describe the endoscopic diagnosis of giardiasis in a patient 2 months after HSCT for myelodysplastic syndrome. The patient was referred to gastroenterology service for suspected GVHD, but duodenal biopsy results showed Giardia lamblia. He was successfully treated with metronidazole with prompt resolution of all of his gastrointestinal symptoms. This case highlights the need to consider giardiasis in the differential diagnosis of diarrhea in the peri-transplant period.
The Impact of Cycle Time on Supplier Selection and Subsequent Performance Outcomes

SUMMARY Cycle time is among the emerging performance criteria for purchasing and supply management. However, little empirical research has been conducted for actually evaluating the impact of cycle time on strategic issues, such as long-term business relationships and supplier selection and evaluation processes. This study empirically tests the impact of cycle time on supplier selection and on the effectiveness of long-term relationships with suppliers, as reflected in the commitment and trust developed. Findings indicate that initial cycle time is not a significant predictor of trust and commitment in the context of supplier-buyer long-term relationships. However, cycle time reduction along with consistently high quality were found to be significant predictors of trust and commitment in long-term relationships.