cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Erosion-resistant materials for critical areas of coal liquefaction and coal gasification systems

Erosion has been encountered and has caused severe problems in a number of the prototype plants used to evaluate liquefaction and gasification processes. Analysis of the causes of these problems and of the available engineering systems solutions has shown that, in many cases, the rate of loss can be reduced to acceptable levels by careful attention to process control, component design, and materials selection. Nevertheless, some areas of recurring erosion problems are likely to remain, especially in the areas of raw material preparation and handling, and in effluent handling and disposal systems. Components such as valves and pumps are probably the most critically affected because of their importance to process control and safety, and because they are high cost items. Some areas of the associated piping, especially bends, and solids clean-up equipment such as cyclones and hydrocyclones may also be included in this category, but are more amenable to maintenance. Such critical areas can usually justify the application of the most erosion-resistant materials available, which are cermets or ceramics. These materials exhibit orders of magnitude better erosion resistance than the best metallic systems, but are also considerably more expensive and more difficult to apply. The WC-Co-base cermets have shown good performance as small inserts in valves in severe service in liquefaction plants. Laboratory studies in an erosion rig designed to simulate essential aspects of these service conditions have revealed relationships between erosion rates and materials properties such as hardness, fracture toughness, and microstructural parameters. It appears that a minimum erosion rate occurs at intermediate values of the materials properties, the reasons for which are discussed. Ceramic materials offer potentially greater erosion resistance and reduced costs, especially for larger sizes, compared to the WC-Co cermets. Rig test results confirm the potential for reduced erosion, but illustrate the profound effects of microstructure on the erosion behavior of a given ceramic. This has significant implications for both the manufacture of components and for techniques used to apply ceramics in, for instance, critical areas of valve and pump internals. Essentially, candidate ceramics exhibited one of two types of erosion behavior in the rig tests; ceramics within each group were found to show some relationship between hardness and erosion resistance. In practice, the application of ceramic materials will require revised handling and possibly operating procedures, and may require redesign of components to accommodate their low fracture toughness.
Spectral masking of goethite in abandoned mine drainage systems: Implications for Mars

Abstract Remote sensing studies of the surface of Mars use visible- to near-infrared (VNIR) spectroscopy to identify hydrated and hydroxylated minerals, which can be used to constrain past environmental conditions on the surface of Mars. However, due to differences in optical properties, some hydrated phases can mask others in VNIR spectra, complicating environmental interpretations. Here, we examine the role of masking in VNIR spectra of natural precipitates of ferrihydrite, schwertmannite, and goethite from abandoned mine drainage (AMD) systems in southeastern Pennsylvania. Mixtures of ferrihydrite, schwertmannite, and goethite were identified in four AMD sites by using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and their XRD patterns compared to their VNIR spectra. We find that both ferrihydrite and schwertmannite can mask goethite in VNIR spectra of natural AMD precipitates. These findings suggest that care should be taken in interpreting environments on Mars where ferrihydrite, schwertmannite, or goethite are found, as the former two may be masking the latter. Additionally, our findings suggest that outcrops on Mars with both goethite and ferrihydrite/schwertmannite VNIR signatures may have high relative abundances of goethite, or the goethite may exist in a coarsely crystalline phase.
The income redistribution effects of Medicaid: Application in New York State

Abstract The efficacy of Medicaid as an income redistribution mechanism among New York State counties was examined to determine tthe degree of income shifting from higher to lower income counties. A sample of 21 counties, grouped into four discrete income classes according to 1970 per capita income was taken. Costs and expenditures (attributed to Medicaid) were allocated over all counties, adjusting for federal and state aid transfers. The data were tabulated for each of the 21 counties and six key ratios (including: Medicaid expenditures per authorized recipient, etc.) were developed as measures of income distribution. The impact of Medicaid was tested using two independent statistical techniques, goodness of fit and pooled comparisons between each pair of means for each ratio. Results indicated that no appreciable shift in income from high to low counties existed. Medicaid failed 45 of 72 mean difference tests, and the true distribution of costs and expenditures across income classes did not differ significantly from a uniform distribution in 77.7% of the cases. The results indicate that the mandated funding structure of Medicaid impinges more severely on poorer counties. Lack of an adequate health care infra-structure may seriously limit the ability of lower income counties to provide care even with Medicaid covering a large share of medical costs.
Numerical studies of the partial differential equations governing nerve impulse conduction: the effect of lieberstein's inductance term

Abstract The role of the inductance term in the equations for nerve impulse propagation is investigated by numerically solving these equations for various values of inductance. It is found that a full-fledged action potential develops for all values of inductance. The propagation velocity of the impulse is independent of inductance when the inductance is small. Larger values of inductance do affect the propagation velocity, but in no case is this velocity equal to that suggested by the linear wave operator portion of the governing equation.
Linking Assessment and Intervention for Developmental/Functional Outcomes of Premature, Low-Birth-Weight Children.

Prematurity and low birth weight (LBW) are two major biological factors that put infants and young children at high risk for developmental delays or disabilities. While survival rates for premature and LBW children have improved, incidence figures have changed little over the past 20 years; in fact, the incidence of LBW has increased. Although the vast majority of LBW children have normal outcomes, as a group, they have higher risk for subnormal growth, illnesses, and neurodevelopmental problems. The purpose of this article is to examine the factors that influence the effectiveness of early intervention for premature, LBW children and to describe a strategy for linking assessment and early intervention. Linking assessment and intervention involves comprehensive assessment; a team approach to both assessment and intervention; empowering and enabling families; and the development of functional goals and objectives.
WHAT LIBRARY SERVICES REALLY COST

The current stringent economic climate requires library managers to be more systematic in cost analyses. Allocating costs to cost centers, determining costs per unit of service, and correlating costs to specific categories of users, helps ensure accurate analyses of costs, productivity, and efficiency. Along with cost analysis, assessment of service is a key component in the complete analysis, for cost and efficiency must be related to quality and effectiveness. In addition to discussing the general process of determining costs for specific library services, this article focuses on the cost center model in more detail, with a case study of the cost of a library's support for grant‐sponsored research.
Human enhancement: The new eugenics.

Supporters of human enhancement through genetic and other reproductive technologies claim that the new liberal eugenics, based on science and individual consent differs from the old eugenics which was unscientific and coercive. Supporters claim it is the parent's moral obligation to produce the best children possible. At this time, a defective gene that is identified in an unborn child cannot be repaired. To prevent the manifestation of the undesirable trait the unborn child is destroyed. The arguments in support of human enhancement are based on an ethic of consequence that could allow for nearly any means as long as the desired end is reached. Medical enhancement may affect the parent–child family unit; the parents’ love for the child may be conditioned on the expected results. The new eugenics, although based on science, continues to pursue the same goal as the old eugenics, the development of a superior individual and the elimination of those considered inferior.
Free surface flow between two horizontal concentric cylinders

Results are reported on a combined experimental and numerical investigation of a free surface flow at small Reynolds numbers. The flow is driven by the rotation of the inner of two horizontal concentric cylinders, with an inner to outer radius ratio of 0.43. The outer cylinder is stationary. The annular gap is partially filled, from 0.5 to 0.95 full, with a viscous liquid leaving a free surface. When the fraction of the annular volume filled by liquid is 0.5, a thin liquid film covers the rotating inner cylinder and reenters the liquid pool. For relatively low rotation speeds, the evolution of the film thickness is consistent with the theory for a plate being withdrawn from an infinite liquid pool. The overall liquid flow pattern at this condition consists of two counter-rotating cells: one is around the inner cylinder and the other with weaker circulation rate is in the bottom part of the annulus and nearly symmetric about the vertical axis. With increasing rotation rate, the free surface becomes more deformed, and the dynamics of the stagnation line and the cusp line dividing the cells are tracked as quantitative measures of the interface shape. In addition, the recirculating flow cells lose symmetry and the cusp deforms the free surface severely. A comparison of numerically computed flow which describes the interface by a phase-field method confirms the dynamics of the two cells and the interface deformation. For filling fraction 0.75, the liquid level is slightly above the inner cylinder and a significant decrease in size of the bottom cell with increasing rotation rate is found. For filling fractions approaching unity, the liquid flow consists of one single cell and the surface deformation remains small.
Optimal model predictive control formations

This paper describes a design of model predictive control for vehicle formation. The design can be model-based or data-based. In the model-based version, the controllers are designed from known models of the vehicles, whereas in the data-based version, the controller gains are computed directly from the vehicle input-output data, bypassing the predictive model identification step. The data-based version can be implemented adaptively to handle unexpected obstacles and changing operating environment. Simulation results illustrate how the theory can be applied to a group of vehicles to make them move in formation while tracking a moving target and avoiding obstacles.
Multi-anyon quantum mechanics and fractional statistics

Abstract We study a many-body system consisting of N identical anyons in an external harmonic oscillator potential. We obtain its (partial) analytic solutions by using Jacobi coordinates. Our study sheds considerable light on symmetrization of anyon wave functions, and it also suggests that the anyon wave functions may be generally constructed from the one-body wave functions, by considering the statistical symmetries as is conventional for bosonic and fermionic systems. To see this, we explicitly construct two families of anyon wave functions and energy spectra in terms of those for fermions and bosons.
Meteorologic factors and subjective sleep continuity: a preliminary evaluation

Little research has been undertaken to evaluate whether environmental factors other than bright light influence the individual's ability to initiate and maintain sleep. In the present analyses, nine meteorologic variables were evaluated for their possible relationship to self-reported sleep continuity in a sample of 43 subjects over a period of 105 days. In this preliminary analysis, high barometric pressure, low precipitation, and lower temperatures were significantly correlated with good sleep continuity. Interestingly, ambient light and lunar phase were not found to be strongly associated sleep diary measures.
Saturation, Suslin trees and meager sets

We show, using a variation of Woodin’s partial order ℙmax, that it is possible to destroy the saturation of the nonstationary ideal on ω1 by forcing with a Suslin tree. On the other hand, Suslin trees typcially preserve saturation in extensions by ℙmax variations where one does not try to arrange it otherwise. In the last section, we show that it is possible to have a nonmeager set of reals of size ℵ1, saturation of the nonstationary ideal, and no weakly Lusin sequences, answering a question of Shelah and Zapletal.
A Critical Examination of Use of Non-Parametric Statistics in the Journal of Counseling Psychology

-An analysis of 1698 empirical articles published in the Journal of Cormse1ie.g Psychology since 1954 was performed to provide an examination of rhe patterns of use of non-parametric statistical procedures. Analysis indicated that non-parametric procedures have not been as widely used as parametric procedures. Ir was also evident that the use of nonparametric procedures has steadily declined over time. The question of the appropriateness of the domination of parametric procedures emerges.
Delineating the scope of corporate, business, and marketing strategy

Abstract The conceptualization of strategy in terms of corporate, business, and functional level strategies has gained wide acceptance in the strategic management and marketing literatures. Under this schema, strategy at each level is presumed to have a well defined domain, and key decisions associated with each level are presumed to be made by decision makers at that level. While the above hierarchial conceptualization of strategy does have its merits, as pointed out in this paper, when used as a basis for defining and delimiting the scope of corporate, business and marketing strategy, and specifying the locus of strategic decision making within organizations, the overlapping nature of these strategic domains and the multiplicity of environmental and organizational factors that may lead to a divergence between the locus of strategy and locus of decision making should be recognized.
Inhibition of DNA dependent RNA synthesis by porphyrin photosensitizers.

Abstract Select porphyrin photosensitizers were studied to determine their effects on DNA-dependent RNA synthesis in the presence and absence of visible light. All of the porphyrins were found to inhibit wheat germ polymerase II to some degree in the dark. In the presence of light, the inhibitory effects of the porphyrins was found to result from both inactivation of the enzyme and impairment of the ability of DNA to serve as a template.
A non-peptide morphine-like compound from brain

Abstract A non-peptide morphine-like compound was extracted from calf brain and partially purified by immunoabsorption to antimorphine antibodies. The material was able to depress electrically stimulated contractions of the myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle of the isolated guinea pig ileum. This effect could be prevented and reversed by naloxone and by antimorphine antibodies. Biological activity and morphine-like immunoreactivity were not affected by treatment with proteolytic enzymes. These results represent the first independent confirmation of the non-peptide morphine-like compound reported by Gintzler et al .
Multivariate analysis results of radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer

We assess the impact of radiotherapy in the treatment of laryngeal cancer and evaluate the value of the standard dose (linear quadratic plus time model) and other variables to predict tumor control and survival. Between 1972 and 1989, 80 patients with laryngeal cancer received comprehensive radiotherapy. Patients with stage I laryngeal glottic cancer (T1-N0-M0) were excluded from this study. Mean follow-up was 15 months (range 4 to 181). The mean age was 64.8 years (range 40 to 92). Standard dose varied from 32.65 to 81.81 Gy (mean 66.78). The 5-year overall survival and tumor-specific survival rates were 44.9 +/- 5.8% and 51.4 +/- 5.9%, respectively. Five-year local control and locoregional control rates were 66.4 +/- 5.7% and 61.9 +/- 5.8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that local control was significantly predicted by T stage (p = .032), but not by standard dose (p = .906). Independently significant factors predicting tumor-specific survival included stage (p = .006), site (p = .019), and age (p = .001). Local control and survival were significantly predicted by the TNM-staging classification. The standard dose did not predict local recurrence or survival.
The kinesin-like ncd protein of Drosophila is a minus end-directed microtubule motor

The Drosophila ncd gene is required for chromosome segregation during female meiosis. Previous analyses suggested that the ncd gene encoded a protein with sequence similarity to the kinesin motor domain, which suggested that, like kinesin, the ncd protein might be a plus end-directed microtubule motor. Here we describe the expression of ncd protein in E. coli and the initial characterization of the ncd protein's motor properties. The ncd protein is indeed a microtubule motor, but the polarity of movement is minus end directed. The ncd protein also has microtubule bundling activity. These findings limit possible models for the in vivo functions of the ncd protein and suggest that motor proteins with similar sequence can generate movement in opposite directions along a microtubule.
Screening for Adolescent Substance-Related Disorders Using the SASSI-A2: Implications for Nonreporting Youth

In this study (N = 137), although 70.8% of participants reported no current substance use and 42.3% reported never using, the Adolescent Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI-A2; Miller & Lazowski, 2001) screened 39.41% of the participants for a high level of probability of having a substance-related disorder. SASSI-A2 classified more females in our sample as having a high probability of substance-related disorder than males. Among African American participants, male adolescents had substantially higher levels of drug use and significantly lower levels of alcohol use than did female adolescents. Implications, limitations, and future directions are provided.
Using dynamic domino circuits in self-timed systems

We introduce a simple hierarchical design technique for using dynamic domino circuits to build high-performance self-timed data path circuits. We wrap the dynamic domino circuit in a wrapper that communicates using a request/acknowledge protocol and mediates the pre-charge/evaluate cycle of the dynamic logic. We apply standard bundled delay matching for completion detection but add an early completion feature that can signal completion if function validity can be determined from the output value. We call the resulting wrapper semi-bundled because of this early acknowledge. The circuit overhead required for this semi-bundled feature is relatively small, but can provide measurable speedup in some situations. The technique is suitable for any dynamic logic family that has a pre-charge/evaluate cycle, and that produces monotonic output transitions.
Pleiotrophic Effects of 2 Enterococcus faecalis sagA–Like Genes, salA and salB Which Encode Proteins That Are Antigenic during Human Infection, on Biofilm Formation and Binding to Collagen Type I and Fibronectin

BACKGROUND We have shown previously that Enterococcus faecium SagA has broad-spectrum binding to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. In the present study, 2 sagA-like genes, salA and salB, were identified in Enterococcus faecalis. METHODS We compared the salA and salB mutants; their parental strain, OG1RF; and the salB-complemented strain for binding to ECM proteins and biofilm formation. RESULTS The salB mutant (TX5123) grew more slowly but showed greater binding (approximately 10%-20% of cells bound) to fibronectin (FN) and collagen type I (CI) than did OG1RF (approximately 1% of cells bound) (P<.001). Although TX5123 showed decreased biofilm formation in tryptic soy broth plus 0.25% glucose (TSBG) (P<.001 vs. OG1RF), a marked increase in biofilm formation was shown by TX5123 but not by OG1RF when they were grown in TSBG plus horse serum (HS) or TSBG plus FN, and the increase was coincident with increased attachment and hydrophobicity of TX5123. Complementation of the salB mutant restored the wild-type phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS Whether SalB expression is ever sufficiently low in vivo to enhance adherence to ECM proteins or the serum-elicited increase in biofilm formation seen with the salB mutant in vitro is not currently known, but it is a potential way in which this organism could increase its adherence and biofilm formation during infection.
Levels of liver retinol and retinol ester in pregnant and pseudopregnant rats.

Retinol and retinol ester concentrations were determined in the livers of pregnant rats throughout the 21-day period of gestation and compared with those observed in pseudopregnant controls. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and the results showed that levels of retinol and its ester in the livers of pregnant animals were significantly higher than those for the pseudopregnant controls; differences were attributed to group x time interaction. The presence of decidual cells had no apparent effect on the concentration of liver retinol, but did appear to increase the concentrations of retinol ester in the liver. The relationship between liver retinol and its ester during pregnancy was discussed, and the evidence suggested that physiological changes in the fetal placenta or fetus were responsible for changes in the maternal levels of retinol and its ester.
Large Increases In Spending On Postacute Care In Medicare Point To The Potential For Cost Savings In These Settings

Identifying policies that will cut or constrain US health care spending and spending growth dominates reform efforts, yet little is known about whether the drivers of spending levels and of spending growth are the same. Policies that produce a one-time reduction in the level of spending, for example by making hospitals more efficient, may do little to reduce subsequent annual spending growth. To identify factors causing health care spending to grow the fastest, we focused on three conditions in the Medicare population: heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and hip fractures. We found that spending on postacute care—long-term hospital care, rehabilitation care, and skilled nursing facility care—was the fastest growing major spending category and accounted for a large portion of spending growth in 1994–2009. During that period average spending for postacute care doubled for patients with hip fractures, more than doubled for those with congestive heart failure, and more than tripled for those with heart a...
How quickly can we approach channel capacity

Recent progress in code design has made it crucial to understand how quickly communication systems can approach their limits. To address this issue for the channel capacity C, we define the nonasymptotic capacity C/sub NA/(n, /spl epsi/) as the maximal rate of codebooks that achieve a probability /spl epsi/ of codeword error while using codewords of length n. We prove for the binary symmetric channel that C/sub NA/(n,/spl epsi/)=C-K(/spl epsi/)//spl radic/n+o(1//spl radic/n), where K(/spl epsi/) is available in closed form. We also describe similar results for the Gaussian channel. These results may lead to more efficient resource usage in practical communication systems.
The Telework Divide Managerial and Personnel Challenges of Telework

Telework is an increasingly common feature of government agencies. Long a practice in the private sector, telework is credited with a range of advantages from increased productivity to reduced envi...
Quadratized model of nonlinear saturable-core inductor for time-domain simulation

This paper presents the nonlinear, time-domain model of a saturable-core inductor. The model is capable of accommodating high-order nonlinearities by representing the current-flux characteristic of the inductor by an analytical (closed form) polynomial function of high degree. An automated procedure is developed to transform the highly nonlinear model to a fully-equivalent quadratic model, without introducing any approximations. Subsequently, using the quadratic equivalent model, the algebraic companion form is developed based on the trapezoidal and the quadratic integration rules. The presented model can be utilized in transformer or surge arrester modeling to capture nonlinear phenomena that may occur, as for example, during energization of transformers. Such condition may appear during cold load pick-up after severe disturbances and transients in distribution feeders.
Chondroitin sulfate hydrogel and wound healing in rabbit maxillary sinus mucosa.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a glycosaminoglycan in the extracellular matrix of all vertebrates. A biocompatible, nonimmunogenic, pliable hydrogel preparation of CS has recently been produced and has shown benefit in wound healing in murine and porcine epidermis. The objective of the current experiment is to compare the wound healing properties of CS hydrogel versus no treatment in wounds of the maxillary sinus mucosa. Study Design: Prospective investigation in an animal model. Methods: A 6 mm wound was created in bilateral maxillary sinuses of 17 New Zealand white rabbits. CS hydrogel (case) and no dressing (control) were randomly assigned to one side each as wound treatment. Wounds were examined ex vivo at 2, 4, 6, 10, and 14 day postinjury intervals. Wound diameter was measured microscopically by a blinded investigator. Representative specimens were examined histologically. Results: The CS disc was partially integrated into the wounds at the 4-day interval and completely integrated by the 6-day interval. The average wound diameters for the case versus control side were similar at 2 days (3.75 mm vs. 4.42 mm) but differed significantly at 4 days (2.86 mm. vs. 3.80 mm., P = .035). At 6 days, the wounds could not be discerned on either the case or control sides. However, histologic analysis revealed accelerated healing with the CS treatment. The treated wounds displayed respiratory epithelium as opposed to the squamous epithelium exhibited on the untreated sides. Conclusions: Despite some limitations, the New Zealand white rabbit is an effective model for the study of sinonasal wound healing. CS hydrogel accelerates wound healing in sinonasal mucosa at a 4-day endpoint. We propose that the CS hydrogel acts as a surrogate extracellular matrix, serving as a repository for cytokines and growth factors produced by the regenerating mucosa. It may also provide a structural framework for fibroblasts and epithelial regeneration. Further study is necessary to establish this relationship.
The awakening: the multicultural attitudes and actions of chief executive school officers

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the interactions among superintendents' chief executive school officers, multicultural attitudes and actions for children from marginalized populations.Design/methodology/approach – Members of the American Association of School Administrators, 945 school superintendents, completed the self‐reported, single‐staged, electronic survey. The survey consisted of four sections: a modified multicultural questionnaire; a modified diversity action survey; a national diversity leadership questionnaire; and a personal heritage questionnaire.Findings – Respondents scored moderate (2.0‐3.0) on both multicultural attitudes and diversity actions. The study found a positive correlation between multicultural attitudes and diversity actions. Through a regression analysis, a significant model predicting diversity actions from multicultural attitudes was selected. The study found a positive significant correlation between attitudes and diversity actions.Originality/value – The...
COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND CALCIUM GLUCEPTATE

SUMMARY Calcium chloride and calcium gluceptate were compared in their ability to increase plasma ionized calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]). To correct a low ionized calcium concentration, each of 10 critically ill patients received both calcium chloride (10 ml of a 10% solution, containing elemental calcium 27 mg ml−1) and calcium gluceptate (20 ml, containing elemental calcium 18 mg ml−1) over a 5-min period in randomized order approximately 6 h apart. [Ca2+] and haemodynamic variables (mean arterial pressure (MAP), mean right atrial pressure (RAP) and heart rate (HR)) were monitored for a 30-min period following completion of calcium infusion. Infusion of either calcium preparation was associated with similar increases in [Ca2+] (5 min after infusion of calcium chloride: 33±3.1%; calcium gluceptate: 32± 4.3% (mean±SEM)) and the effects on MAP were similar for each solution (11.1±1.8% and 9.7 ± 2.4%, respectively).
Calcium intake is not associated with increased coronary artery calcification: the Framingham Study

Background Adequate calcium intake is known to protect the skeleton. However, studies that have reported adverse effects of calcium supplementation on vascular events have raised widespread concern. Objective We assessed the association between calcium intake (from diet and supplements) and coronary artery calcification, which is a measure of atherosclerosis that predicts risk of ischemic heart disease independent of other risk factors. Design This was an observational, prospective cohort study. Participants included 690 women and 588 men in the Framingham Offspring Study (mean age: 60 y; range: 36-83 y) who attended clinic visits and completed food-frequency questionnaires in 1998-2001 and underwent computed tomography scans 4 y later in 2002-2005. Results The mean age-adjusted coronary artery-calcification Agatston score decreased with increasing total calcium intake, and the trend was not significant after adjustment for age, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, vitamin D-supplement use, energy intake, and, for women, menopause status and estrogen use. Multivariable-adjusted mean Agatston scores were 2.36, 2.52, 2.16, and 2.39 (P-trend = 0.74) with an increasing quartile of total calcium intake in women and 4.32, 4.39, 4.19, and 4.37 (P-trend = 0.94) in men, respectively. Results were similar for dietary calcium and calcium supplement use. Conclusions Our study does not support the hypothesis that high calcium intake increases coronary artery calcification, which is an important measure of atherosclerosis burden. The evidence is not sufficient to modify current recommendations for calcium intake to protect skeletal health with respect to vascular calcification risk.
Restricción calórica, ¿un camino para la prevención y tratamiento de la diabetes tipo 2?

Resumen es: La restriccion calorica es la unica intervencion nutricional que ha demostrado en forma solida beneficios para la saludy la longevidad en animales de exp...
Ambulatory Office Visits and Medical Comorbidities Associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Objective(1) Understand the epidemiology of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) ambulatory office visits in the United States. (2) Quantify the prevalence of comorbid illnesses that are likely to occur in the setting of OSA.MethodsFrom the 2008-2009 National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys, adult cases with a diagnosis of OSA were extracted. The epidemiology of OSA was determined. The prevalences of comorbid priority illnesses (obesity, asthma, cerebrovascular disease, depression, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease) were also determined.Study DesignCross-sectional analysis of a national survey database.SettingAmbulatory care settings in the United States.ResultsThere were an estimated 4.1 ± 1.2 million annual visits with a diagnosis of OSA (60% ± 3.2% men; mean age, 56.4 ± 0.9 years). There were 419,000 ± 28,000 visits annually to otolaryngologists for OSA. Comorbid illnesses were obesity (23.8% ± 5.2%), asthma (14.3% ± 3.0%), cerebrovascular disease (...
Mesoscale Modeling of Nonlinear Elasticity and Fracture in Ceramic Polycrystals Under Dynamic Shear and Compression

Dynamic deformation and failure mechanisms in polycrystalline ceramics are investigated through constitutive modeling and numerical simulation. Two ceramics are studied: silicon carbide (SiC, hexagonal crystal structure) and aluminum oxynitride (AlON, cubic crystal structure). Three dimensional finite element simulations incorporate nonlinear anisotropic elasticity for behavior of single crystals within polycrystalline aggregates, cohesive zone models for intergranular fracture, and contact interactions among fractured interfaces. Boundary conditions considered include uniaxial strain compression, uniaxial stress compression, and shear with varying confinement, all at high loading rates. Results for both materials demonstrate shear-induced dilatation and increasing shear strength with increasing confining pressure. Failure statistics for unconfined loading exhibit a smaller Weibull modulus (corresponding to greater scatter in peak failure strength) in AlON than in SiC, likely a result of lower prescribed cohesive fracture strength and greater elastic anisotropy in the former. In both materials, the predicted Weibull modulus tends to decrease with an increasing number of grains contained in the simulated microstructure.
Ultrabright tunable photon-pair source with total-flux polarization-entanglement

We demonstrate a continuous-wave dual-pump tunable source of polarization-entangled photons that requires no spectral or spatial filtering and emits ten times more pairs per mW of pump than pervious sources.
Computational battery dynamics (CBD)—electrochemical/thermal coupled modeling and multi-scale modeling

This paper reviews the development of first-principles based mathematical models for batteries developed on a framework parallel to computation fluid dynamics (CFD), herein termed computational battery dynamics (CBD). This general-purpose framework makes use of the similarity in the equations governing different battery systems, and has resulted in the development of robust models in a relatively short time. Here we review this framework, in the context of applications to the coupled modeling of the thermal and electrochemical behavior of cells, and to the modeling at three different scales, namely pore-level, cell-level and stack-level. The similarity and differences of our approach with other research groups are exemplified. Significant results from each of these advanced applications of modeling are highlighted with emphasis on the insights that can be gained from a first-principles model. In addition, we also demonstrate the usefulness of a combined experimental-modeling approach in describing cells. The models reviewed here are expected to be useful in predicting the behavior of advanced batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
The Nature and Prevention of Viral Hepatitis: What Health Educators Should Know

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to provide health educators with an overview of the primary types of viral hepatitis, focusing on hepatitis B, and to discuss implications for education and primary prevention currently associated with this disease. During the past decade, viral hepatitis rates have remained unimproved or, in the case of hepatitis B, have increased despite the availability of an effective hepatitis B vaccine. Recognizing these trends, the Centers for Disease Control in the National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives for the Year 2000 has specifically targeted viral hepatitis for infectious disease prevention efforts. Critical to these efforts will be initiatives in two areas specific to hepatitis B: reduction of transmission via heterosexual contact and the widespread immunization of children and at-risk individuals. Health educators can impact significantly on the reduction of viral hepatitis rates if they are knowledgeable about the diseases associated with viral hep...
Exploiting dominance and equivalence using fault tuples

Local dominance and equivalence relationships for a single fault type have been exploited to reduce test set size and test generation time. However, these relationships have not been explored for multiple fault types. Using fault tuples, we describe how local dominance and equivalence relationships across various fault types can be derived. We also describe how the derived relationships can be used to order the faults efficiently for test generation in order to reduce test set size. Initial results using our ordered fault lists for ISCAS85 and ITC99 benchmark circuits reveals that test set size can be reduced by as much as 19%.
Shape from shading in pigeons

Light is the origin of vision. The pattern of shading reflected from object surfaces is one of several optical features that provide fundamental information about shape and surface orientation. To understand how surface and object shading is processed by birds, six pigeons were tested with differentially illuminated convex and concave curved surfaces in five experiments using a go/no-go procedure. We found that pigeons rapidly learned this type of visual discrimination independent of lighting direction, surface coloration and camera perspective. Subsequent experiments varying the pattern of the lighting on these surfaces through changes in camera perspective, surface height, contrast, material specularity, surface shape, light motion, and perspective movement were consistent with the hypothesis that the pigeons were perceiving these illuminated surfaces as three-dimensional surfaces containing curved shapes. The results suggest that the use of relative shading for objects in a visual scene creates highly salient features for shape processing in birds.
Morbid obesity in total shoulder arthroplasty: risk, outcomes, and cost analysis

Background: A rate of obesity in the US population and the rate of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has increased over the past decade. Little information exists concerning the number of morbidly obese patients undergoing TSA or how these patients compare with their non-obese counterparts. The goal of this study was to determine whether morbidly obese patients exhibit greater rates of postoperative in-hospital complications, mortality, or utilization of resources. Methods: We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to analyze 31,924 patients undergoing TSA between 1998 and 2008. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression modeling was used to compare patients based on body mass index for various outcomes. Results: Among morbidly obese patients, predictors of death included age (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.11) and Deyo score. A comparison of hospital costs among patients showed that increased patient body mass index led to increased hospital charges independent of physician charges ($38,103.88 in morbidly obese patients vs $33,521.66 in non-obese patients, P ¼ .0001). An increased length of stay was observed in morbidly obese patients (2.84 days vs 2.52 days in obese patients and 2.56 days in non-obese patients, P ¼.003). Respiratory dysfunction occurred more commonly in morbidly obese patients than in non-obese patients (1.2% vs 0.7%; odds ratio, 1.61; P < .01). Conclusions: Obese patients tend to have longer hospital stays, an increased risk of postoperative respiratory complications, and higher costs. Although there was a trend toward an increased early postoperative mortality rate, obesity was not associated with an increased incidence of most complications. These findings should be supplemented with further research to assist patient counseling and risk adjustment for obese patients undergoing TSA. Level of evidence: Level III, Retrospective Cohort Study, Treatment Study. 2014 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees.
Manipulating executive function with transcranial direct current stimulation.

Adaptive behavior frequently requires planning, or the ability to anticipate the consequences of actions and modify behavior accordingly. Situations that necessitate planning pervade our daily lives: engaging in strategic social interactions, determining the best route to an unfamiliar location, scheduling meetings in the midst of a hectic day, among many others. To succeed in these endeavors, one must calculate the potential repercussions of actions before proceeding along a specific course.
Choice of Software and Programs in Meta-Analysis Research: Does It Make a Difference?.

Along with the increased popularity of meta-analysis, a number of articles have questioned and highlighted the role that judgment calls play in the implementation and, ultimately, outcomes of studies that use this technique. In the absence of standardized data analyses packages, and coupled with the wide range of options available to meta-analysts, the current study investigated the effect of choice of data analysis programs on meta-analysis study outcomes. The research objective was to investigate the extent to which four commonly used Schmidt and Hunter validity generalization-based meta-analysis software programs, all based on the same conceptual and theoretical assumptions, produced identical outcomes when used to analyze the same data set. The results indicate that, although there are some differences in values obtained from the programs, these differences tended to be very small, typically occurring in the fourth and sometimes fifth decimal place, and did not influence the meta-analytic outcomes.
A Brain-Based Endophenotype for Major Depressive Disorder

We have identified a brain-based endophenotype for major depressive disorder (MDD) that includes thinning of the cortex of the lateral aspect of the right hemisphere and the medial aspect of the left, as well as bilateral hypoplasia of frontal and parietal white matter. The endophenotype status of these abnormalities is supported by their presence in a multigenerational cohort of persons who themselves do not have MDD but who are at increased familial risk for developing the illness. Those who have the endophenotype but who are not ill nevertheless still suffer from inattention and poor visual memory for social stimuli in direct proportion to the magnitude of cortical thinning and white matter hypoplasia within the endophenotype. Identification of this endophenotype and its cognitive correlates provides targets for devising new preventive and therapeutic interventions for MDD.
Texture development in Ba2YCu3O7−x films from trifluoroacetate precursors

The effect of heat treatment on microstructure development in Ba2YCu3O7−x films prepared from metal trifluoroacetate precursors is investigated. The growth of textured Ba2YCu3O7−x on BaZrO3 substrates is shown to be strongly influenced by the furnace atmosphere used during calcination. Differential thermal analysis was used to show that conditions that promote c-axis texture are also those which cause partial melting of Ba–Y–Cu–O compositions that are depleted in barium relative to Ba2YCu3O7−x.
Expression and function of 5-HT4 receptors in the mouse enteric nervous system.

The aim of the current study was to identify enteric 5-HT4 splice variants, locate enteric 5-HT4 receptors, determine the relationship, if any, of the 5-HT4 receptor to 5-HT1P activity, and to asce...
Work in progress - Engineering Education Innovation Center

To further enhance our efforts in providing the highest quality engineering education, Ohio State has established the Engineering Education Innovation Center (EEIC). The EEIC is the focal point for the Collegepsilas innovative instructional programs, building upon our reputation for and commitment to creative undergraduate education. It is to provide academic as well as professional activities designed to enrich the undergraduate student experience both inside and outside the classroom. And it can create new courses and programs and strengthens existing ones to ensure that students are well prepared for an ever-expanding employment environment. Key Programs include: 1) First-Year Engineering Program 2) Multidisciplinary capstone programs, 3) Core and multidisciplinary engineering programs, 4) Technology literacy courses and minors, 5) Professional development and enhancement for students, 6) Faculty professional development opportunities and 7) Technologically enhanced and enabled instruction support. Our vision is that EEIC will provide vision, leadership, resources, and connections that will contribute to the Ohio State College of Engineering achieving increased recognition as a leader in creative, modern engineering education.
POC of RFID Application in Forest Sample Zone Investigation

For understanding the ecological behavior of species for afforestation and growing condition of each forest land, it is necessary to widely establish permanent sample zone. However, traditional field investigation process has lots of shortcomings, like identifying the sample tree from the marking label being difficult, the paper document being too heavy to carry, and errors occurrence when keying in the data into computer for further application. Therefore, the purpose of this proof of concept (POC) is to verify that RFID is applicable to the investigation of forest sample zone, capable of enhancing the efficiency and preciseness and reducing error. This POC is divided into three stages: (1) performing basic performance test of RFID equipments; (2) examining the developed prototype system and performing scenario simulation test; (3) performing field test at the sample zone. From the testing results, it is shown that introducing RFID into forest sample zone investigation is really applicable and can indeed improve the investigation process to enhance the preciseness and efficiency as well as reducing human error. It might be concluded that HF frequency band is a better choice for the time being, but near field UHF tag is the future consideration.
Molecular Mechanism of Energy Coupling in Mitochondria and the Unity of Bioenergetics

The mitochondrion is a cellular organelle specialized for coupling the oxidation of citric cycle intermediates, fatty acids, certain amino acids, etc., to the synthesis of ATP. The nature and molecular basis of this coupling have intrigued and baffled three generations of investigators. There have to be four steps in arriving at a solution to the coupling problem. First, the source of the energy has to be specified and defined. In this case, the energy is chemical and is released by oxidation. The second is the recognition of the principle by which the free energy released during mitochondrial oxidation can be conserved and utilized (the principle of energy coupling). The third is the development of a model that specifies how the mitochondrion translates the principle of energy coupling. The model we are proposing for this translation is the paired moving charge model of energy coupling.(1) Finally, if the principle and the model are valid and relevant, these should lead step by step to the solution of all the phenomena of mitochondrial energy coupling. This complete rationalization is the only infallible test of such validity. The structural, functional, and control aspects of the mitochondrion must be consistent with and illuminated by the principle and the model. If such is not the case, the principle and the model cannot be correct. When the rationalization is across the board, the possibility that the principle and the model are invalid becomes vanishingly small.