cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantum gravitational onset of Starobinsky inflation in a closed universe

Recent cosmic microwave background observations favor low-energy-scale inflationary models in a closed universe. However, the onset of inflation in such models for a closed universe is known to be severely problematic. In particular, such a universe recollapses within a few Planck seconds and encounters a big crunch singularity when initial conditions are given in the Planck regime. We show that this problem of the onset of inflation in low-energy-scale inflationary models can be successfully overcome in a quantum-gravitational framework where the big bang/big crunch singularities are resolved and a nonsingular cyclic evolution exists prior to inflation. As an example, we consider a model in loop quantum cosmology and demonstrate that the successful onset of low-energy-scale inflation in a closed universe is possible for the Starobinsky inflationary model starting from a variety of initial conditions where it is impossible in the classical theory. For comparison, we also investigate the onset of inflation in the ${\ensuremath{\phi}}^{2}$ inflationary model under highly unfavorable conditions and find similar results. Our numerical investigation including the phase-space analysis shows that the preinflationary phase with quantum gravity effects is composed of nonidentical cycles of bounces and recollapses resulting in a hysteresis-like phenomenon, which plays an important role in creating suitable conditions for inflation to occur after some number of nonsingular cycles. Our analysis shows that the tension in the classical theory amounting to the unsuitability of closed Friedmann-Lema\^{\i}tre-Robertson-Walker universes with respect to the onset of low-energy-scale inflation can be successfully resolved in loop quantum cosmology.
Two-phase flow measurements and observations in a cooling panel of the reactor cavity cooling system

Abstract The analysis of the flow behavior within a cooling panel of a scaled water-cooled reactor cavity cooling system has been performed supported by high-resolution measurements of the void fraction at the risers’ outlet. The results have shown a stable, symmetric distribution of the flow through the risers during subcooled boiling conditions, characterized by small, slow bubbles with average void fraction lower than 0.3 for all risers. As the temperature increased to saturation, flow distribution appeared strongly asymmetrical and unstable, with peaks of void fraction as high as 0.9. Large, faster bubbles were observed during these peaks, immediately followed by flow of subcooled liquid water. Flow stagnation and inversion has also been observed. The high resolution void fraction results, complemented by the measurements of the coolant flow rate and temperatures, not only have further described the behavior of the system under hypothetical accident conditions, but represent a unique set of data to support the validation of system-level codes, and more advanced computational tools.
Costs of Inaccurate Anesthesia Start Time Documentation Within a Health System

Inaccurate anesthesia start time (AST) documentation can result in lost revenue. Using a retrospective analysis, we estimated lost revenue from inaccurate documentation of the AST within a single health care system, including academic and community-based facilities. We used differences in nursing documentation of "in-room" time and AST to calculate lost billable revenue. Of the 282,432 cases included, 25.6% had a documented "in-room" time before the documented AST, resulting in an estimated loss of $703,522 within 30-month study period. Through educational interventions and feedback, anesthesia clinicians have the potential to significantly increase revenue through more accurate documentation of AST.
Center-level Utilization of Hepatitis C Virus-positive Donors for Orthotopic Heart Transplantation.

BACKGROUND The use of hepatitis C virus-positive (HCV+) donors has expanded the donor pool for orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). This study evaluated center-level trends and utilization of HCV+ donors for OHT. METHODS Data were extracted from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients on adults (≥18 y) undergoing OHT between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019. Centers performing <10 OHTs during the study period were excluded. Donor utilization rates were evaluated at the center level. Center-level characteristics were compared between centers performing HCV+ donor hepatitis C virus-negative (HCV-) recipient OHTs and those not utilizing HCV+ donors for HCV- recipients. RESULTS A total of 10 134 patients underwent OHT, including 613 (6.05%) HCV+ donors transplanted into HCV- recipients. The number of HCV+ OHTs increased from 15 of 2512 (0.60%) in 2016 to 285 of 2490 (11.45%) in 2019 (P < 0.001). In 2016, among 105 centers performing OHTs, 7 (6.67%) utilized HCV+ donors compared to 2019 during which 55 (52.89%) of 104 centers utilized HCV+ donors (P < 0.001). In total, 57 of 107 (53.27%) centers utilized HCV+ donors during the study period. Centers utilizing HCV+ donors had higher overall donor utilization rates (7376/24 378 [30.26%] versus 3463/15 335 [22.58%], P < 0.001) and were higher volume as compared to nonutilizing centers (mean annual OHT volume 30.72 ± 1.21 versus 16.2 ± 1.40, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Although the use of HCV+ donors for OHT is rapidly expanding in the United States, almost half of transplant centers remain nonutilizers. Broader education and implementation of HCV+ donor protocols may be important in expanding OHT to more patients with end-stage heart failure.
A comprehensive review of time use surveys in modelling occupant presence and behavior: Data, methods, and applications

Abstract Occupants' behavior play the main role in the timing and magnitude of residential energy demand. However, obtaining a reliable source of data and developing representative models for these activities remain a key challenge, especially for developing energy models with high temporal resolution. In this context, the Time Use Survey (TUS) represents a promising solution for these data and modelling issues. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the TUS’ available data, modelling methods, and implementations in building energy research. The paper includes a detailed comparison between the available TUS across different countries and a description of additional surveys integrated with TUS to model occupants' activities and energy consumption. Further, the main TUS-based models are categorized and explained in detail including their main features and limitations. The implementation of these TUS-based models and TUS in residential energy modelling is reviewed through four main applications (lighting demand, domestic water heating, space cooling and heating, and demand-side management). Finally, the limitations and assumptions of the reviewed TUS data and models are presented and discussed along with highlighting the main research gaps and future opportunities.
The Association of Age and Repair Modification with Outcome after Cone Repair for Ebstein's Malformation.

Cone repair (CR) uses native tissue for tricuspid valve (TV) repair and provides potential for growth. Results after CR were investigated in different age groups including several surgical modifications. Single institution retrospective analysis of all CR excluding neonatal procedures. Endpoints included TV reoperation, late tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and death. Between April 2006 and August 2019, 157 patients underwent CR at a median age of 11.7 years (range, 0.3-57.2). 20% (n=32) of patients had previous surgery. Repair modifications included atrial reduction (n=111,71%), right ventricular plication (n=85,55%), leaflet augmentation (n=36,23%), papillary muscle repositioning (n=50,32%), ring annuloplasty (n=70,45%). Early re-operation for recurrent TR occurred in 11 patients. Median follow-up time was 4.3 years (range, 9d-12.3y). There was no significant association between age at repair and time to TV reoperation (p=0.25). However, age
An Early History of Phage Therapy in the United States: Is it Time to Reconsider?

Frederick William Twort and Felix d'Herelle independently discovered bacteriophages in 1915 and 1917, respectively. This led to the early trials of using bacteriophages to treat infectious diseases worldwide. The earliest reported use of bacteriophages therapeutically in the United States was in 1922. With the subsequent discovery of antibiotics in the 1940s, and because of disappointing results of phage therapy in the next decade, use of bacteriophages as therapeutic agents declined in western countries. This paper addresses two questions in the field: what is the historical record of the successes and failures of phage therapy in the United States and, what led to abandoning phage therapy in the United States? We examined the literature from 1915 to 1965, and we present a numerical analysis of the papers published during that period. We report key historical factors leading to a decline in the use of phage therapy in the United States by the 1950s. Since bacteriophages were first used therapeutically, several changes have occurred: increased antimicrobial drug resistance and a better knowledge of the biology of bacteriophages are important examples. Early assessments leading to the rejection of phage therapy in the United States were perhaps appropriate. However, it is time to reconsider the role of bacteriophages in treatment of bacterial infections.
Ketamine and Attentional Bias Toward Emotional Faces: Dynamic Causal Modeling of Magnetoencephalographic Connectivity in Treatment-Resistant Depression

The glutamatergic modulator ketamine rapidly reduces depressive symptoms in individuals with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TRD) and bipolar disorder. While its underlying mechanism of antidepressant action is not fully understood, modulating glutamatergically-mediated connectivity appears to be a critical component moderating antidepressant response. This double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study analyzed data from 19 drug-free individuals with TRD and 15 healthy volunteers who received a single intravenous infusion of ketamine hydrochloride (0.5 mg/kg) as well as an intravenous infusion of saline placebo. Magnetoencephalographic recordings were collected prior to the first infusion and 6-9 h after both drug and placebo infusions. During scanning, participants completed an attentional dot probe task that included emotional faces. Antidepressant response was measured across time points using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Dynamic causal modeling (DCM) was used to measure changes in parameter estimates of connectivity via a biophysical model that included realistic local neuronal architecture and receptor channel signaling, modeling connectivity between the early visual cortex, fusiform cortex, amygdala, and inferior frontal gyrus. Clinically, ketamine administration significantly reduced depressive symptoms in TRD participants. Within the model, ketamine administration led to faster gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) transmission in the early visual cortex, faster NMDA transmission in the fusiform cortex, and slower NMDA transmission in the amygdala. Ketamine administration also led to direct and indirect changes in local inhibition in the early visual cortex and inferior frontal gyrus and to indirect increases in cortical excitability within the amygdala. Finally, reductions in depressive symptoms in TRD participants post-ketamine were associated with faster α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) transmission and increases in gain control of spiny stellate cells in the early visual cortex. These findings provide additional support for the GABA and NMDA inhibition and disinhibition hypotheses of depression and support the role of AMPA throughput in ketamine's antidepressant effects. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00088699?term=NCT00088699&draw=2&rank=1, identifier NCT00088699.
Prenatal Motivation for Caregiving Issues: A Pilot Study of Mothers Expecting Healthy Infants and Infants With Complex Congenital Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The prenatal preparing women do for infant caregiving is understudied. In this pilot, multimethods study, we examined motivation for preparing for infant caregiving of women in their third trimester of pregnancy expecting either a healthy infant or an infant with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD). METHODS Eleven women expecting a healthy infant and four expecting an infant with CCHD completed a questionnaire and were interviewed. Preparing was reported in context of expectations, intentions, and goals and in personal, family, and infant conditions. Motivation for preparing was expressed through an interview about caregiving issues women were working on. Intensity of motivation was estimated by self-report of the time infant caregiving issues were in thought or action. Effect sizes were calculated for between group differences in motivation intensity. Interview data were examined with directed content analysis. RESULTS Intensity of motivation was higher for women expecting an infant with CCHD for issues of Knowing What and How to prepare. Women expecting an infant with CCHD reported uncertainty about how they would feed their babies given their health condition. Interviews yielded new motivations encompassing issues of family and working with the parent partner. IMPLICATIONS Assessment of issues women are working on prenatally, indicating motivations for preparing for infant caregiving, and of the intensity of motivations advances culturally-attuned and family-centered preparation. Knowledge of these issues and motivation intensity could orient clinical care to supporting women in developing well-informed expectations, intentions, and goals culturally suited to postnatal learning and infant needs.
Mechanical properties of tissue-mimicking composites formed by material jetting additive manufacturing.

Abstract Capitalizing on features including high resolution, smooth surface finish, large build volume, and simultaneous multi-color/multi-material printing, material jetting additive manufacturing enables the fabrication of full-scale anatomic models. The ability to print materials that resemble relevant, compliant tissues has especially motivated implementation of material jetting for patient-specific surgical planning or training models. In an effort to broaden the material selection for the material jetting process, and to provide materials that more closely mimic the functional needs for a wider variety of tissues, a composite material system is explored that uses non-curing fluid dispersed into a photo-curable medium. The material properties of the composites are examined through both thermal and mechanical analysis (dynamic mechanical analysis, Shore hardness testing, puncture testing, and tensile testing). Higher contributions of non-curing fluid generally reduce part strength and stiffness, and exponential and second-order polynomial expressions are appropriate fits for many of the mechanical properties as functions of non-curing fluid concentration. Through the fundamental exploration of the impact of an added diluent on material properties, the study advances knowledge on the process-property relationship for multi-material jetting. Additionally, better understanding of the mechanical property space offered by these materials will expand the capabilities of material jetting in the context of biomedical applications. The collection of mechanical properties serve as reference data sets to facilitate quicker screening for tissue-mimicking, medical models.
In-house Multimedia Data Mining

Multimedia Data Mining research conducted by the European IBM Human Centric Solutions Center group is presented by the in-house multimedia project, whose objective is creating a framework for in-house smart care monitoring for the aging population. The chapter presents an overall framework for collecting, aggregating, and preprocessing multimedia data in Real-time and uploading it to a backend system. As a result, this combination of data from diverse Sensors provides a wide range of opportunities for applications, which can be built in the prospect of Smart Care. The objective of these applications is to get insights from sets of raw data. In the in-house multimedia implementation we demonstrated how multimedia data collected over time does provide valuable insights about a particular person behavior and wellness. Collecting data from multiple sensors and combining them is essential for better understanding people behavior and helps to avoid misleading conclusions.
Non modularity and expressibility for nets of relations (extended abstract)

Data flow deeds with nets of concurrently communicating agents. But unlike other theories of concurrency, the main concern here is about the I(nput)-O(u-tput) behavior of a system. The Kahn principle states that for special dctermlnistic agents the Input-Output behavior of a net can bc obtained from the I-O behaviors of its components. The I-O behaviors of Kahn agents are sequential functions and the I-0 behavior of a net over such agents is obtained as the solution of an appropriate system of equations constructed from the functions computed by its components. One of important consequences of the Kahn principle and the properties of corresponding systems of equations is that nets over Kahn agents are I-O-su~sli~utive, i.e. if a subnet NI of a given net N is replaced by a net with the same 1-0 behavior then the I-O behavior of the overall net remains unchanged. In an attempt to generalize Kahn's results [3] to nondeterministic agents, Brock and Ackerman observed that for such nets subtitutivity fails. This fa~t was such a surprise when it was first observed in [2] that it is known as Brock Ackerman anomaly.
New results on the single molecule localization problem in two and three dimensions

Fluorescence microscopy is an optical microscopy technique which has been extensively used to study specifically- labeled subcellular objects, such as proteins, and their functions. The best possible accuracy with which an object of interest can be localized when imaged using a fluorescence microscope is typically calculated using the Cramer- Rao lower bound (CRLB). The calculation of the CRLB, however, so far relied on an analytical expression for the image of the object. This can pose challenges in practice since it is often difficult to find appropriate analytical models for the images of general objects. Even if an appropriate analytical model is available, the lack of knowledge about the precise values of imaging parameters might also impose difficulties in the calculation oxf the CRLB. To address these challenges, we have developed an approach that directly uses an experimentally collected image set to calculate the best possible localization accuracy for a general subcellular object in two and three dimensions. In this approach, we fit smoothly connected piecewise polynomials, known as splines, to the experimentally collected image set to provide a continuous model of the object. This continuous model can then be used for the calculation of the best possible localization accuracy.
Review of ‘Cell Cycle Control’

The book 'Cell Cycle Control' edited by Tim Humphrey and Gavin Brooks is very well structured into three main sections. Section one contains a series of reviews on the cell cycle in various organisms. The second section details some of the key experimental methods used to analyze the cell cycle. Lastly, the chapters in section three are dedicated to the introduction to various techniques used in the detection/monitoring of the molecules that control the cell cycle machinery.
Selective therapy for early cancer of the cervix: II. Surgically nonexplored cases

Abstract Of 337 patients with cervical cancer stages IB and IIA treated during 1967–1976, 46 or 13.6% were selectively excluded from surgical therapy in favor of radiation therapy. Major contraindications to surgery were age over 70 years, obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and lung disease. The corrected 3-year survival among those patients treated prior to March 1975 was 53% and the 5-year survival among patients treated prior to March 1973 was 48%. It is suggested that impaired oxygenation secondary to systemic complications of the mentioned medical conditions is primarily responsible for the relatively low cure rate. Other possible high risk factors are age and a large relative number of Stage IIA patients in the material.
Nano-rheology measurements reveal that the hydration layer of enzymes partially controls conformational dynamics

For a typical (20 kD, 4 nm size) monomeric enzyme, more than 50% of the residues are at the surface. The mechanics of these soft, heterogeneous nanoparticles was recently shown to be viscoelastic. Here, we explore the contribution of the enzyme's surface to the mechanics of the molecule. Nano-rheology provides sub- A resolution measurements of the reversible deformation of the enzyme subject to an oscillatory mechanical stress. We perturb the surface of the enzyme by adding small amounts of DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), believed to affect ordering of the enzyme–water interface. We observe a dramatic though reversible change in the mechanics of the enzyme, which becomes more viscous. On the other hand, the catalytic speed is unaffected, while at higher DMSO concentrations ( >1 %) it even increases.
High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) with Heliox decreases diaphragmatic injury in a newborn porcine lung injury model

Summary Background High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) improves ventilation by washing out nasopharyngeal dead space while delivering oxygen. Heliox (helium–oxygen gas mixture), a low-density gas mixture, decreases resistance to airflow, reduces the work of breathing, and facilitates distribution of inspired gas. Excessive lung work and potential injury increases the workload on the immature diaphragm predisposing the muscle to fatigue, and can lead to inflammatory and oxidative stress, thereby contributing to impaired diaphragmatic function. We tested the hypothesis that HFNC with Heliox will decrease the work of breathing thereby unloading the neonatal diaphragm, and potentially reducing diaphragmatic injury. Methods Spontaneously breathing neonatal pigs were randomized to Nitrox (nitrogen–oxygen gas mixture) or Heliox, and studied over 4 hr following oleic acid injury. Gas exchange, pulmonary mechanics indices, and systemic markers of inflammation were measured serially. Diaphragm inflammation biomarkers and histology for muscle injury were assessed at termination. Results Heliox breathing animals demonstrated decreased respiratory load and work of breathing with lower pressure-rate product, lower labored breathing index, and lower levels of diaphragmatic inflammatory markers, and muscle injury score as compared to Nitrox. Conclusion These results suggest that HFNC with Heliox is a useful adjunct to attenuate diaphragmatic fatigue in the presence of lung injury by unloading the diaphragm, resulting in a more efficient breathing pattern, and decreased diaphragm injury. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:1214–1222. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does Genderlect Exist? Implications for a Predominately Female Profession

Seventy-two college students (36 male, 36 female) responded to Likert Scales of Summated Ratings and semantic differential scales which pertained to their gernal perceptions of the oral communication skills of adult male and adult female speakers. Generally, respondents differed more significantly on items regarding male speakers. Discussion focuses on genderlect in today's society and the need for student clinicians to be aware of that particular issue as well as their own commnication styles. Also noted is the need for institutions of higher education to emphsasize oral communication as an important component in academic programs.
THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS TYPE 1 ENCAPSIDATION SITE IS A MULTIPARTITE RNA ELEMENT COMPOSED OF FUNCTIONAL HAIRPIN STRUCTURES

We analyzed the leader region of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA to decipher the nature of the cis-acting E/psi element required for encapsidation of viral RNA into virus particles. Our data indicate that, for RNA encapsidation, there are at least two functional subregions in the leader region. One subregion is located at a position immediately proximal to the major splice donor, and the second is located between the splice donor and the beginning of the gag gene. This suggests that at least two discrete cis-acting elements are recognition signals for encapsidation. To determine whether specific putative RNA secondary structures serve as the signal(s) for encapsidation, we constructed primary base substitution mutations that would be expected to destabilize these potential structures and second-site compensatory mutations that would restore secondary structure. Analysis of these mutants allowed the identification of two discrete hairpins that facilitate RNA encapsidation in vivo. Thus, the HIV-1 E/psi region is a multipartite element composed of specific and functional RNA secondary structures. Compensation of the primary mutations by the second-site mutations could not be attained in trans. This indicates that interstrand base pairing between these two stem regions within the hairpins does not appear to be the basis for HIV-1 RNA dimer formation. Comparison of the hypothetical RNA secondary structures from 10 replication-competent HIV-1 strains suggests that a subset of the hydrogen-bonded base pairs within the stems of the hairpins is likely to be required for function in cis.
Mental Status Examination

The Mental Status Examination (MSE) is a structured method of observations and inquiry that guides examiners in collecting observable behaviors and manifestations of emotions and cognitions and categorizing them for diagnostic purposes. The MSE does not need to be a standardized test. Its validity and reliability are not based on psychometric properties, but on its simplicity and its consistent sequential inquiry (Rogers, 2001). This method of investigation is relatively independent from the verbal content of an interview, and it is uniquely tuned to the identification of specific behavioral manifestations that are diagnostically and prognostically significant. The MSE can be part of a formal clinical interview or part of any type of interaction with a patient. The MSE method allows the examiner to observe and identify selected targeted behaviors that are specific objectives for intervention.
Direct Role of ChREBP·Mlx in Regulating Hepatic Glucose-responsive Genes

Enzymes required for de novo lipogenesis are induced in mammalian liver after a meal high in carbohydrates. In addition to insulin, increased glucose metabolism initiates an intracellular signaling pathway that transcriptionally regulates genes encoding lipogenic enzymes. A cis-acting sequence, the carbohydrate response element (ChoRE), has been found in the promoter region of several of these genes. ChREBP (carbohydrate response element-binding protein) was recently identified as a candidate transcription factor in the glucose-signaling pathway. We reported that ChREBP requires the heterodimeric partner Max-like factor X (Mlx) to bind to ChoRE sequences. In this study we provide further evidence to support a direct role of Mlx in glucose signaling in the liver. We constructed two different dominant negative forms of Mlx that could dimerize with ChREBP but block its binding to DNA. When introduced into hepatocytes, both dominant negative forms of Mlx inhibited the glucose response of a transfected ChoRE-containing promoter. The glucose response was rescued by adding exogenous wild type Mlx or ChREBP, but not MondoA, a paralog of ChREBP that can also form a heterodimer with Mlx. Furthermore, dominant negative Mlx blocked the induction of glucose-responsive genes from their natural chromosomal context under high glucose conditions. In contrast, genes induced by the insulin and thyroid hormone-signaling pathways were unaffected by dominant negative Mlx. Mlx was present in the glucose-responsive complex of liver nuclear extract from which ChREBP was purified. In conclusion, Mlx is an obligatory partner of ChREBP in regulating lipogenic enzyme genes in liver.
Inference-Based Scheme for Controlling Product End-Use Properties in Reactive Extrusion Processes

Reactive extrusion processes are typically multivariable, display highly nonlinear characteristics, and often have significant time delays associated with the (offline) measurements of key product properties. Achieving desired product characteristics in industrial practice has therefore been based primarily on the control of a single critical variable such as viscosity. However, increasingly stringent customer demand on product quality has rendered such strategies no longer viable and has necessitated the development of more comprehensive schemes that focus explicitly on controlling product quality characteristics. This paper reports on an experimentally validated inference-based control scheme for controlling product quality and end-use properties in reactive extrusion processes. The scheme employs inference models to predict infrequently measured properties at a much faster rate—predictions that are then used to take necessary control action in between samples, within a cascadelike structure involving separate and distinct multivariable controllers. The control scheme is evaluated first in simulation and then implemented experimentally via a Labview-Matlab interface on an actual pilot-scale reactive extrusion process, where product viscosity, tensile strength, and toughness are controlled simultaneously. Some representative results are presented to highlight the advantages and limitations of the scheme.
High-Resolution Initialization and Simulations of Typhoon Morakot (2009)

AbstractA model self-bogus vortex is constructed by cycle runs using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to provide high-resolution initial conditions for tropical cyclone (TC) simulations. The vortex after 1 h of model simulation is used to construct the vortex structure for the initial conditions for the next cycle run. After about 80 cycle runs, the TC structure is well adapted to the model employed and well adjusted to the given large-scale conditions.Three separate simulations using three different initial conditions including global analysis (CTRL), the bogus package from WRF (WB), and the new initialization package (NT) are performed for Typhoon Morakot (2009). The NT scheme shows advantages in generating realistic vortex features including sea level pressure, winds, a warm core, and correct TC size with the meteorological fields away from the observed TC center consistent with the global analysis. The NT scheme also shows significant improvements in TC simulations including asymmetric...
Quasi-Symmetric Designs and Codes Meeting the Grey-Rankin Bound

We give a characterization of codes meeting the Grey?Rankin bound. When the codes have even length, the existence of such codes is equivalent to the existence of certain quasi-symmetric designs. We also find the parameters of all linear codes meeting the Grey?Rankin bound.
Animal models of systemic sclerosis.

A nimal models have proven to be of great value in enhancing the understanding of the intimate mechanisms of biologically complex systems and have helped elucidate the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. Animal models have also provided the means to test potentially useful therapeutic interventions for various diseases. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology and pathogenesis characterized by (1) excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix in skin and various internal organs; (2) severe alterations in the microvasculature; and (3) prominent inflammatory and immunologic alterations. Animal models which exhibit all the aspects of SSc are not currently available, but a number of experimental systems that reproduce some of the pathologic alterations of this disorder have been described. Here, various animal models of SSc are reviewed, with emphasis on their similarities to and differences from the human disease.
Atrazine is a competitive inhibitor of phosphodiesterase but does not affect the estrogen receptor

Atrazine (ATR), 2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine, has been implicated in numerous studies to act as an endocrine disruptor, specifically by altering estradiol signaling via increased aromatase activity. Fluorescence polarization (FP) was used to show that the binding equilibria between estrogen receptor- or estrogen receptor-, and estradiol were not affected by ATR and its metabolites: ATR-desethyl (ADE), ATR-desisopropyl (ADI), ATR-desethyldesisopropyl (ADD) and terbuthylazine (TBZ). Therefore, ATR and its degradation products were studied to determine their ability to inhibit phosphodiesterase (PDE), the enzyme responsible for hydrolyzing the second messenger cAMP to 5 � -AMP. Using FP, it was found that ATR inhibited PDE with an IC50 value of 1.8M. This was lower than the known PDE inhibitor isobutyl methylxanthine (IBMX), which had an IC50 value of 4.6M. The ATR degradation products ADE, ADI, ADD and TBZ were less effective than ATR at inhibiting PDE when assayed using FP. Classical competitive binding assays, using radiolabeled 14 C-cAMP in conjunction with thin layer chromatography (TLC), were used to determine that ATR was a competitive inhibitor of PDE with an association constant of 85M.
A Right to Beat a Child? Corporal Punishment and the Law in Wilhelmine Germany

In 1903, Elisabeth von Oertzen, a widely read author and one of the founders of the Society for the Protection of Children from Mistreatment and Exploitation, exhorted her fellow protectionists in the pages of her organization's newsletter to push for greater legal protections for children from abusive adults. The occasion for her admonition was the infamous Bavarian child abuse case in which a young male tutor, Andreas Dippold, had beaten his young charges so badly that one had succumbed to his mistreatment. The case demonstrated, von Oertzen wrote, that while torture had been abolished for adults, it was still widely practiced on children. One of the chief causes of child abuse, according to von Oertzen, was the claim to the so-called Zuchtigungsrecht, the right to use corporal punishment. “Because of [the] defenselessness of children it has become customary to exercise on them the right to use corporal punishment, even where it does not exist,” she wrote. A host of people, including tutors, governesses, and babysitters claim the right, but “how far the right to corporal punishment is transferrable is entirely an open question!” Curiously, von Oertzen asserted both that there was an objectively existing “right” to use corporal punishment and that there was no consensus on where that right lay.
Theoretical and Uniaxial Experimental Evaluation of Human Annulus Fibrosus Degeneration

The highly organized structure and composition of the annulus fibrosus provides the tissue with mechanical behaviors that include anisotropy and nonlinearity. Mathematical models are necessary to interpret and elucidate the meaning of directly measured mechanical properties and to understand the structure-function relationships of the tissue components, namely, the fibers and extrafibrillar matrix. This study models the annulus fibrosus as a combination of strain energy functions describing the fibers, matrix, and their interactions. The objective was to quantify the behavior of both nondegenerate and degenerate annulus fibrosus tissue using uniaxial tensile experimental data. Mechanical testing was performed with samples oriented along the circumferential, axial, and radial directions. For samples oriented along the radial direction, the toe-region modulus was 2x stiffer with degeneration. However, no other differences in measured mechanical properties were observed with degeneration. The constitutive model fit well to samples oriented along the radial and circumferential directions (R(2)> or =0.97). The fibers supported the highest proportion of stress for circumferential loading at 60%. There was a 70% decrease in the matrix contribution to stress from the toe-region to the linear-region of both the nondegenerate and degenerate tissue. The shear fiber-matrix interaction (FMI) contribution increased by 80% with degeneration in the linear-region. Samples oriented along the radial and axial direction behaved similarly under uniaxial tension (modulus=0.32 MPa versus 0.37 MPa), suggesting that uniaxial testing in the axial direction is not appropriate for quantifying the mechanics of a fiber reinforcement in the annulus. In conclusion, the structurally motivated nonlinear anisotropic hyperelastic constitutive model helps to further understand the effect of microstructural changes with degeneration, suggesting that remodeling in the subcomponents (i.e., the collagen fiber, matrix and FMI) may minimize the overall effects on mechanical function of the bulk material with degeneration.
Short rest periods after static lumbar flexion are a risk factor for cumulative low back disorder.

Abstract The objective of this work was to study the effect of rest periods of various durations applied between six 10-min sessions of static flexion on the development of cumulative low back disorder (CLBD). Three experimental groups of a feline model were used, and the rest duration between sequential static load periods was set to 5, 10, and 20 min, with a corresponding load-to-rest ratio of 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2, respectively. The reflex electromyographic (EMG) activity from the multifidus muscles and supraspinous ligament displacement (creep) were recorded during the flexion periods and over 7 h of rest following the load–rest cycles. It was found that a minor disorder developed in all the groups whereas a severe neuromuscular disorder including a delayed hyperexcitability was observed only in the group subjected to 5 min rest. The two-way ANOVA showed a significant effect of time post loading ( p p p p
Theory of Mott insulator-band insulator heterostructures

A theory of heterostructures comprised of ${\mathrm{LaTiO}}_{3}$ (a Mott insulator) and ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$ (a band insulator) is presented. The band structure of the $\mathrm{Ti}$ $d$-electrons is treated with a nearest neighbor tight-binding approximation; the electric fields arising from the ${\mathrm{La}}^{3+}∕{\mathrm{Sr}}^{2+}$ charge difference and the carriers are treated within a Hartree approximation; and the on-site interactions are treated by unrestricted Hartree-Fock. The phase diagram as a function of interaction strength and layer number is determined and predictions are made for optical conductivity experiments. A noteworthy finding is that the edges of the heterostructure are generally metallic.
Visualisierung mit der Schlierenmethode

Der Name des osterreichischen Forschers Ernst Mach ist heute noch mit der Schallgeschwindigkeit verbunden. Diese Auszeichnung resultiert aus Machs Untersuchungen, wie sich Projektile mit Uberschallgeschwindigkeit durch die Luft bewegen. Gerade in jungster Zeit hat die Anwendung derartiger Methoden durch technische Modifikationen wieder einen Aufschwung erfahren.
Various models for pion probability distributions from heavy-ion collisions

Various models for pion multiplicity distributions produced in relativistic heavy ion collisions are discussed. The models include a relativistic hydrodynamic model, a thermodynamic description, an emitting source pion laser model, and a description which generates a negative binomial description. The approach developed can be used to discuss other cases which will be mentioned. The pion probability distributions for these various cases are compared. Comparison of the pion laser model and Bose-Einstein condensation in a laser trap and with the thermal model are made. The thermal model and hydrodynamic model are also used to illustrate why the number of pions never diverges and why the Bose-Einstein correction effects are relatively small. The pion emission strength $\ensuremath{\eta}$ of a Poisson emitter and a critical density ${\ensuremath{\eta}}_{c}$ are connected in a thermal model by $\ensuremath{\eta}{/n}_{c}{=e}^{\ensuremath{-}m/T}l1,$ and this fact reduces any Bose-Einstein correction effects in the number and number fluctuation of pions. Fluctuations can be much larger than Poisson in the pion laser model and for a negative binomial description. The clan representation of the negative binomial distribution due to Van Hove and Giovannini is discussed using the present description. Applications to CERN/NA44 and CERN/NA49 data are discussed in terms of the relativistic hydrodynamic model.
Type-Constrained Direct Fitting of Quadric Surfaces

We present a catalog of type-specific, direct quadric fitting methods: Given a selection of a point cloud or triangle mesh, and a desired quadric type (e.g. cone, ellipsoid, paraboloid, etc), our methods recover a best-fit surface of the given type to the given data. Type-specific quadric fitting methods are scattered throughout the literature; here we present a thorough, practical collection in one place. We add new methods to handle neglected quadric types, such as non-circular cones and general rotationally symmetric quadrics. We improve upon existing methods for ellipsoid- and hyperboloid-specific fitting. Our catalog handles a wide range of quadric types with just two high-level fitting strategies, making it simpler to understand and implement.
The presence of lysylpyridinoline in the hypertrophic cartilage of newly hatched chicks

The presence of lysylpyridinoline (LP) as a nonreducible cross-link in appreciable quantities has primarily been limited to the mineralized tissues, bone and dentin. However, the results reported here show that LP is not only present in the hypertrophic cartilage of the tibiotarsus isolated from newly hatched broiler chicks, but it is approx. 4-fold as concentrated as hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP). Bone and articular cartilage surrounding the hypertrophic cartilage do not contain measurable quantities of LP. Purified LP has a fluorescent scan similar to purified HP and literature values, confirming that we indeed were measuring LP. Also, the cartilage lesion produced by immature chondrocytes from birds with tibial dyschondroplasia had LP but the HP:LP ratio was > 1. Thus, the low HP:LP ratio could be a marker for hypertrophic cartilage in avians.
Theses and Dissertations Completed in Family and Consumer Sciences: 2013

The annual survey of graduate programs at US universities and colleges was conducted in the spring of 2014 to compile a list of theses and dissertations completed in 2013 in family and consumer sciences areas of interest. For the survey, requests for the titles and authors were sent via e-mail to institutions three times within a 6-week period. Thirty-nine colleges and universities responded to the survey. A total of 307 theses and 173 dissertations were reported. A report of those submissions, by subject category, author, and title, is provided.
pp60c-src Modulates Microvascular Endothelial Phenotype and in Vitro Angiogenesis☆

The tyrosine kinase c-src associates with the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor. Overexpression of wild-type c-src, a kinase-negative c-src mutant, and v-src in microvascular endothelial cells modulated the mitogenic effect of PDGF, suggesting that c-src kinase activity inhibits PDGF signals. Analyses of cell morphology in two-dimensional culture revealed changes in cell shape and size induced by the overexpression of c-src proteins. Investigations in three-dimensional culture unveiled a modulatory role of c-src during in vitro angiogenesis. Overexpression of c-src resulted in an increased diameter of tube-like structures, and the number of branching segments was decreased. Expression of the kinase-negative c-src mutant resulted in abortive tube formation consisting of disconnected multicellular fragments. These results indicate that the c-src tyrosine kinase exerts regulatory effects on endothelial proliferation, size, and cytoskeletal organization in two-dimensional culture and on the formation of a differentiated multicellular network in three-dimensional culture.
Congenital nasolacrimal duct cysts in dacryocystocele.

Abstract Cystic intranasal masses were found in seven newborn infants with congenital dacryocystocele. The cysts were a direct extension of the nasolacrimal duct, located beneath the inferior turbinate. Nasal obstruction was present in three infants and was severe enough to cause respiratory distress in two neonates with bilateral cysts. Using fiberoptic nasal endoscopy, treatment consisting of probing, irrigation, and marsupial ization of the cysts was successful in all infants. The authors believe this rarely reported anomaly is a more common finding in dacryocystocele than previously recognized and advocate careful nasal examination in all infants with congenital dacryocystocele. Early diagnosis and treatment of this condition is critical in the infant with nasal obstruction.
Stable, Crystalline Acenedithiophenes with up to Seven Linearly Fused Rings

[structure: see text] We report the synthesis of a series of crystalline acenedithiophenes with up to seven linearly fused rings and silylethynyl substituents. These functional groups are designed to both improve solubility and enhance cofacial interactions in the solid. We discuss the crystal packing of these materials, as well as their physical properties such as oxidation potential, UV-vis absorption, fluorescence emission, and decomposition pathways.
Characterization of call-graph profiles in Java workloads

Method inlining is a standard optimization in optimizing compilers. Java Just-In-Time (JIT) compilers use a size threshold for their inlining decisions. They favor inlining methods that are smaller than the threshold and do not inline the other larger methods. This has been a simple and effective strategy, but we should be able to make even better inlining based on a cost-benefit model, assuming accurate and lightweight call-graph profiles. We characterized the call-graph profiles of twelve SPECjvm2008 benchmarks with two metrics, method size and call frequency, to study the opportunities that make better tradeoff between performance benefits and compilation costs over the existing size-based inlining algorithm in the dynamic compilation environment. We found that inlining methods that are smaller than a size threshold is not always beneficial for performance. Most of the call-graph edges to the small methods had quite low call frequencies. Excluding the low-weighted call-graph edges from inlining can be an opportunity to reduce the compilation cost. On the other hand, a few call-graph edges to the methods that are larger than the threshold had high call frequencies. Inlining the highly-weighted call-graph edges can be an opportunity to improve performance. We developed a new cost-benefit-based inlining algorithm to capture those identified opportunities and to make inlining decisions more cost effective. Our evaluation showed that the new algorithm improves performance significantly while reduces the compilation cost, compared to the widely-used size-based inlining algorithm.
SELF‐CITATIONS IN SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine to what extent authors of scientific articles cite their previous publications and what are the principal distinguishing features of this particular type of citation. We have analysed the bibliographies of a group of articles from the areas of plant physiology and neurobiology, and have examined the relationship of the self‐citations to some characteristics of the articles in which they occurred. We found self‐citations to be more recent and to be cited more frequently in the text of the citing articles than citations of other authors. The extent of self‐citing did not appear to be related to the number of co‐authors and to the bibliography size of the citing articles, or to their authors' productivity.