cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Devitrification of the Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10.0Be22.5 bulk metallic glass studied by XRD, SANS, and NMR

Abstract The crystallization process of the Zr 41.2 Ti 13.8 Cu 12.5 Ni 10.0 Be 22.5 bulk metallic glass was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle neutron scattering, and 9 Be nuclear magnetic resonance. Upon annealing near the glass transition and up to a temperature near 673 K, a Be-containing crystalline phase forms after sufficient decomposition of the supercooled liquid. The XRD pattern of this Be-containing phase is consistent with icosahedral symmetry. The small length scale of the decomposed supercooled liquid structure limits the grain size of this phase, which gives rise to broad XRD peaks. Above 673 K, annealing produces Be 2 Zr and Zr 2 Cu, along with other crystalline phases.
Dilation of refractory pancreatic duct strictures: the turn of the screw

Abstract Background: Endoscopic pancreatic ductal drainage may improve pain from chronic pancreatitis but stricture dilation may be technically difficult. Methods: Eight patients with refractory pancreatic strictures had dilation with a Soehendra stent retriever. Each had sphincterotomy, guidewire placement, stent retriever dilation to 7F to 10F, and stenting for 6 to 12 months. Results: All procedures were successful and 1 (13%) was complicated by mild pancreatitis. The mean follow-up was 21 months. Each patient had substantial pain relief with patent stents in place, but 7 (88%) relapsed with stent occlusion or removal. Four (50%) patients underwent surgery with excellent results. However, endoscopic therapy alone resulted in just modest benefits or pain recurrence in 3 (38%) and persistent relief in only 1 (13%). Conclusions: The Soehendra stent retriever is effective as a dilating device for pancreatic strictures resistant to conventional dilation. However, substantial symptom relief may persist only while patent stents are in place.
Rapid Penumbral Decay following Three X-Class Solar Flares

We show strong evidence that penumbral segments decayed rapidly and permanently right after three X-class solar flares. Two of the three events occurred very recently in NOAA Active Region 10486, an X17 flare on 2003 October 28 and an X10 flare on 2003 October 29. The third X2.3 flare was observed in solar active region NOAA AR 9026 on 2000 June 6. The locus of penumbral decay is related to flare emission, albeit with distinct differences for each event. We present difference images highlighting the rapid changes between pre- and postflare states of the flaring active region, which show distinct decaying penumbral segments and neighboring umbral cores becoming darker. Because of the lack of spectroscopic data, we cannot exclude the possibility that the observed changes are due to changes in the temperature structure of the flaring atmosphere, or to a corresponding reduction in opacity for a section of both umbra and penumbra. However, we argue against this possibility because the observed intensity changes are permanent, not transient. We instead propose a possible explanation that magnetic fields change from a highly inclined to a more vertical configuration within approximately 1 hr after the flares; i.e., part of the penumbral magnetic field is converted into umbral fields.
Violence Among Young Adults Receiving Housing Assistance: Vouchers, Race, and Transitions Into Adulthood

Scholarly literature has been very attentive to violence among adolescents whose families receive vouchers. Yet, it provides little information about violence among the more than 400,000 very young adults who head households that receive vouchers. This article explores this relationship, paying particular attention to life course considerations and racial context. Data on 18–22-year-olds, numbering 208, who received housing assistance and participated in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 in 2002 indicate that normative theoretical models may not accurately capture the relationship between the transition to adulthood and violence within this group. Results also suggest that among those who experience violence, receipt of a voucher is associated with lower levels of violence, but not for Black recipients. Both voucher triage services for those experiencing violence, and housing advocate services for Black heads of household may be especially useful within this population of very young adults.
Transcription of the sodium/myo-inositol cotransporter gene is regulated by multiple tonicity-responsive enhancers spread over 50 kilobase pairs in the 5'-flanking region.

The sodium/myo-inositol cotransporter is a plasma membrane protein responsible for concentrative cellular accumulation of myo-inositol in a variety of tissues. When cells in kidney and brain are exposed to a hyperosmolar salt condition (hypertonicity) due to the operation of urinary concentration mechanism and pathological conditions, respectively, they survive the stress of hypertonicity by raising the cellular concentration ofmyo-inositol. Transcription of the sodium/myo-inositol cotransporter gene is markedly stimulated in response to hypertonicity, leading to an increase in the activity of the cotransporter, which in turn drives the osmoprotective accumulation of myo-inositol. To understand the molecular mechanisms by which hypertonicity stimulates transcription, we analyzed the 5′-flanking region of the cotransporter gene forcis-acting regulatory sequences. We identified five tonicity-responsive enhancers that are scattered over 50 kilobase pairs. All the enhancers are variations of the same type of enhancer interacting with the transcription factor named tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein. In vivo methylation experiments demonstrated that exposure of cells to hypertonicity increases the binding of tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein to the enhancer sites, indicating that all of these enhancers are involved in the transcriptional stimulation. We conclude that the sodium/myo-inositol cotransporter gene is regulated by a large region (∼50 kilobase pairs) upstream of the gene.
Class II, division 1 vertical pattern

The treatment of a skeletal Class II, Division 1 malocclusion in the early permanent dentition is described. The patient had a vertical facial pattern and lower arch crowding; four premolars were extracted. Although some anchorage was lost in the maxillary arch and the face developed in a predominantly vertical direction, the final result demonstrated a well-balanced and pleasing profile.
Internet-scale sensor systems: design and policy

As seen in this issue of pervasive computing, sensor networks are the subject of active research. Faculty members at a number of institutions are incorporating research results into new courses on sensor networks and related issues. Carnegie Mellon University has done just that in an innovative graduate course on large-scale sensor systems. Covering a broad set of multidisciplinary topics, this course represents a successful university-industry partnership. The course would pay particular attention to problems associated with data-mining Web cam information, as in the IrisNet project.
Tweet recall: examining real-time civic discourse on twitter

We present a preliminary analysis of #widebate, a hashtag to identify discourse related to two debates in the June 2012, Wisconsin Gubernatorial recall election. Our analysis identifies the differences in discourse between the two debates. We find that only 14% of individuals participate in discourse surrounding both of the debates. Further, we identify differences in the way that the most active individuals in the discourse utilize syntactical features. Our findings contribute to the limited literature examining technologically-mediated discourse related to political debates.
Finite element calculations of transonic flutter in cascades

Aeroelastic stability and response of turbomachinery cascades operating in the transonic regime are explored using a new computational approach. The two-dimensional unsteady Euler equations are used to model the transonic cascade flows, and the cascade blades are modeled as thin plates. To minimize the discretization incompatibility, both the fluid and the solid domains are discretized using finite element procedures. The fluid and the structural models are coupled at the element level by introducing a channel theory, which is analogous to a strip theory in the classical sense. The system of space-discretized equations is marched forward in time using an explicit four-stage Runge-Kutta scheme. Results of free vibration analyses of typical blades are presented and compared to published finite element and Rayleigh-Ritz results. Aeroelastic stability and response characteristics of several transonic cascades are investigated using the new quasi-3D model. These results demonstrate the present 3D finite element blade model is capable of capturing aeroelastic instabilities involving higher modes, including (plate-type) camber bending modes.
Dynamic scheduling of medium-grained processes on distributed memory computers

One of the challenges in programming distributed memory parallel machines is how to allocate work to processors. We present a scheme for dynamic scheduling of medium-grained processes that is useful in this context. The Adaptive Contracting Within Neighborhood (ACWN) is a dynamic, distributed, load-dependent, and scalable scheme. The scheme is described, contrasted with two other schemes that have been proposed in this context. The performance of all the three schemes on a 32 processor iPSC/2 hypercube is presented and analyzed. The experimental results show that even though ACWN algorithm incurs larger overhead than randomized allocation, it achieves better performance in most cases due to its adaptiveness. Its feature of fast spreading the work helps it outperform the gradient model in performance and scalability. >
Composite nanofibrous membrane of immunoreactive H5-hemagglutinin as a transdermal bird flu vaccine

H5N1 has been identified as the most pathogenic strain of avian flu, and therefore has been the most studied in prospective vaccine strategies. The grim reality of material and personnel shortage during a pandemic renders all of the currently proposed technologies inadequate for rapid mass vaccination. The long term goal of this project is to develop a transdermal patch containing a nanoencapsulated H5N1 antigen to deliver the immunogen into the antigen presenting cell (APC)-rich epidermal layer of the human skin. This study examines the capacity of the electrospinning method to create a nanocomposite nonwoven mat that effectively encapsulates a peptide derived from the H5-hemagglutinin (HA) and preserves its immunoreactivity throughout the process. The assay we have employed utilizes immunoblotting with a slot blot apparatus; this method has allowed us to confirm immunoreactivity after exposure of HA peptide to the conditions encountered in producing electrospun nanocomposite mats and to quantitate levels of the immunogen on silicon wafer targets we propose to employ for transdermal delivery. Its ease of use and cost effectiveness offers the potential for incorporation of numerous epitopes of a selected antigen in a rapid and efficient manner to create large supplies of effective bird flu vaccines.
HUMAN LYMPHOBLASTOID INTERFERON: PURIFICATION, AMINO ACID COMPOSITION, AND AMINO-TERMINAL SEQUENCE

This article was the result of collaboration between various members of Anfinsen's lab at the NIAMD with Hunkapiller and Hood at Caltech. In it, they addressed the difficult problem of determining the amino acid sequence of Human Lymphoblastoid Interferon (HuIFN-alpha). Earlier attempts to sequence the amino-terminal portion of this molecule using conventional methods failed due to insufficient quantities of interferon. Through this collaboration, Anfinsen's lab developed a microsequencer, a technology that allowed them to obtain amino acid sequence data on 10 to 20 picomoles of protein. Because of this, they were able to successfully determine the amino-terminal amino acid sequence of the major component of human lymphoblastoid interferon (HuIFN-alpha).
Hysteria's upheavals: emotional fault lines in Cristina di Belgiojoso's health history

This article examines a series of ‘patient-letters’ that Cristina di Belgiojoso (1807–1871) wrote to her doctor, Paolo Maspero (1811–1895) over the span of three decades. Belgiojoso's notoriously frail health has been crucial to the construction of her unique and heroic position in the panorama of female patriotism in the Risorgimento. This article focuses on Belgiojoso's ‘patient-voice’ as represented in her letters to Maspero and foregrounds her self-diagnosis of hysteria. This diagnosis provides insight into the emotional and physical upheavals of a woman torn between transgression of and compliance with normative female gender behaviour of her time.
Emergency preparedness and professional competency among health care providers during hurricanes Katrina and Rita: pilot study results.

Background To date, no systematic examination of the preparedness of individual health care providers and their response capabilities during a large-scale disaster has been conducted. As a result, very little is known about what knowledge, skills and abilities, or professional competencies are needed, or how professional competency requirements may change depending on the circumstances of a disaster. The objective of this pilot study was to collect, explore, and describe background data on professional competencies from health care providers who were involved in the Hurricanes Katrina and/or Rita disaster responses. Methods Utilizing an anonymous survey of a convenience sample, 200 health care providers attending 2 disaster conferences were asked to respond to open-ended questions about the competencies they needed and performed during their disaster response. Results Of the 200 respondents, registered nurses (37%) and physicians (24%) were the largest categories of providers. Basic clinical care (39%) and triage (26%) were the most frequent response skills reported; the areas wherein respondents felt least prepared were disaster-specific response skills (22%) and systems issues (34%). Only 22% of respondents reported that they did not know a specific skill. The 200 respondents made 495 individual recommendations for future responders, including actions to improve the respondent's personal preparedness (23%) and the need for training (25%). However, only 3% of the recommendations (n = 15) actually identified a specific type of training such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support or triage. Conclusion Few respondents reported knowledge deficits. Rather, what they described was an abrupt change or transition from their everyday practice worlds that required accommodation in order to practice effectively. Current training programs generally focus on providing skills information. Further research is required to determine if training programs should address facilitating the transition process.
Treatment of a patient with a crowded Class I malocclusion and a congenitally missing mandibular incisor

This case report describes the management of maxillary and mandibular crowding in a patient with facial esthetic concerns and a tooth-size discrepancy due to a missing mandibular central incisor. The treatment included extracting the remaining mandibular central incisor and the 2 maxillary first premolars. The mandibular canines were repositioned to substitute for lateral incisors, and the mandibular premolars were used as canines.
Cloud shadow detection under arbitrary viewing and illumination conditions

Relatively little work on cloud shadow detection has been published and many of these papers deal with restricted geometries. Here, arbitrary viewing and illumination conditions are considered. A means is provided to extend more restricted treatments of cloud shadow detection and removal to the general case.
Scattering solution from a large 2-D inhomogeneous scatterer by a fast recursive algorithm

A fast recursive algorithm has been applied to solve the scattering solution of a large 2D inhomogeneous body for TM (transverse magnetic) waves. The inhomogeneous body is first divided into N subscatterers. The algorithm uses an aggregate T matrix and translation formulas for the solution of n+1 subscatterers from the solution for n subscatterers. The computational complexity of the algorithms is of O(NMP/sup 2/), where NM is the number of unknowns and P is the number of harmonics required in the translation formulas. The memory requirement is proportional to the number of unknowns. The algorithm has been used for the scattering solution of a 10 lambda -diameter 2-D scatterer with about 12000 unknowns, taking about 30 s on a CRAY-2 supercomputer. >
Horn Flies, Stable Flies, and House Flies: Development in Feces of Bovines Treated Orally with Juvenile Hormone Analogues

The development of the horn fly, Hacmatobia irritans (L.), and the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), was inhibited in the feces of cattle treated orally with 1 g/day of the juvenile hormone analogue Hoffmann-La Roche Ro 7-1967 (( E )-4-[(6, 7-epoxy-3-ethyl-7-methyl-2-nonenyl)-oxy]-1,2-(methylenedioxy) benzene (mixed isomers)). Zoecon ZR-515 (isopropyl-11-methoxy-3,7, 11-trimethyl-2,4-dodceadienoate, 57% ( E, B ) and 33% ( Z, E )) was completely effective against stable flies at 100 mg/day and horn flies at 0.7 mg/day. Hoffmann-La Roche Ro 20-3600 (( E )-4-[(6,7-epoxy-3, 7-dimethyl-2-nonenyl)oxy]-1,2-(methylenedioxy) benzene) also inhibited development, but 5 g/day were required. Only ZR-515 and Ro 20-3600 were tested for effect on the house fly, Musca domestica L., and both were ineffective at the doses used. No signs of clinical toxicity were observed in the cattle.
Comparison of bit-error ratios for receiver models with integrate-and-dump and realistic electrical filters using the Gaussian approximation

A comparison of receiver models with integrate-and-dump and Bessel electrical filters, using the Gaussian approximation of the voltage probability density functions, show that the bit-error ratios are comparable but the decision thresholds differ significantly.
Visual Navigation in a Robot Using Zig-Zag Behavior

We implement a model of obstacle avoidance in flying insects on a small, monocular robot. The result is a system that is capable of rapid navigation through a dense obstacle field. The key to the system is the use of zigzag behavior to articulate the body during movement. It is shown that this behavior compensates for a parallax blind spot surrounding the focus of expansion normally found in systems without parallax behavior. The system models the cooperation of several behaviors: halteres-ocular response (similar to VOR), optomotor response, and the parallax field computation and mapping to motor system. The resulting system is neurally plausible, very simple, and should be easily hosted on a VLSI hardware.
Obstructive Uropathy: An Important Cause of Chronic Renal Failure in Children

Care of individuals with renal failure continues to impose a tremendous burden on our national health care budget. Chronic renal failure is the final common denominator of a multiplicity of pathologic processes, some of which progress silently over years. Of these, obstructive uropathy is a prominent cause of kidney failure, accounting for 16.5% of all pediatric renal transplants in 1997. The pathophysiology of obstructive uropathy is reviewed as the basis for a differential diagnosis. In view of the significant role played by obstructive uropathy in the development of renal failure, early and definitive treatment of this clinical entity is imperative.
Multichannel FIR exact deconvolution in multiple variables

We present a general framework for multichannel exact deconvolution with multivariate finite impulse response (FIR) convolution and deconvolution filters using algebraic geometry. Previous work formulates the problem of multichannel FIR deconvolution into that of the left inverse of a convolution matrix which is solved by linear algebra. However, this approach requires the prior information of the support of deconvolution filters. Using algebraic geometry, we find a necessary and sufficient existence condition for FIR deconvolution filters and propose a simple algorithm based on the Gro/spl uml/bner basis to compute deconvolution filters. This computation algorithm obtains deconvolution filters with either minimal order or minimum number of nonzero coefficients, and no prior information of the support is required. Simulation results show that, due to the smaller size of deconvolution filters, our approach achieves better results than the liner algebra approach under an impulsive noise environment.
Risk-Taking Propensity Of Management Accountants: Certified Vs. Non-Certified

Dont stick your neck out or youre liable to get it chopped off is an old clichthat applies to decision making. The literature indicates that all business decisions involve risk taking. This is true for all functional areas of business, including accounting. The purpose of this research is to investigate the propensity or inclination to take risk and the management accountant. Specifically, the study focuses on difference in risk-taking propensity between certified and noncertified controllers The study finds significant difference. In addition the research checks to see if there is a difference in risk-taking propensity between male and female controllers. Again, the study finds significant difference.
An Assessment of Metrics to Measure Seasonal Variation in and Grazing Effects on Riparian Plant Communities

Abstract. Several riparian plant community and streambank metrics were evaluated in 5 streams subject to grazing on public lands in central eastern Idaho. In this study, we evaluated 3 attributes associated with the ground cover on streambanks: percent cover of live vegetation, litter, and bare ground; and we evaluated 4 attributes that describe the vegetation community: plant species richness, wetland index value, percent cover of forbs, and percent cover of graminoids. We were particularly interested in how these attributes differed between grazed and ungrazed sites, how the attributes changed through time, and ultimately how the attributes were able to discriminate the effects of livestock grazing. We found that 2 metrics, percent live vegetation and bare ground, consistently reflected a seasonal effect of grazing. Litter cover also consistently reflected overall seasonal differences, but results often were not significant. Results for species richness suggested this metric may be most applicable when ...
Functional electrical stimulation (bioengineering)

For paraplegics — those paralysed in the legs by spinal injury — standing up is a luxury requiring high-tech assistance
Pericytes and Microvascular Remodeling: Regulation of Retinal Angiogenesis

During diabetes and aging, microvascular complications can give rise to vascular proliferative lesions. This pathologic remodeling of the retinal capillaries (proliferative diabetic retinopathy) or the choroidal microcirculation (age-related macular degeneration), if unchecked, will compromise visual acuity or cause loss of sight. Current studies ongoing in the basic science and clinical laboratory point to the important role that pericytes play in microvascular remodeling during these developmental or disease-associated events. Indeed, recently published work indicates that pericyte cytoskeletal signaling initiates a reversal in endothelial cell growth arrest. In turn, re-proliferation of endothelial cells during diabetes or aging represents a rate-limiting step or key cellular switching event leading to pathologic angiogenesis.
Identification of Epoxide-Derived Metabolite(s) of Benzbromarone

Benzbromarone (BBR) is a benzofuran derivative that has been quite useful for the treatment of gout; however, it was withdrawn from European markets in 2003 because of reported serious incidents of drug-induced liver injury. BBR-induced hepatotoxicity has been suggested to be associated with the formation of a quinone intermediate. The present study reported epoxide-derived intermediate(s) of BBR. An N-acetylcysteine (NAC) conjugate derived from epoxide metabolite(s) was detected in both microsomal incubations of BBR and urine samples of mice treated with BBR. The NAC conjugate was identified as 6-NAC BBR. Ketoconazole suppressed the bioactivation of BBR to the epoxide intermediate(s), and the CYP3A subfamily was the primary enzyme responsible for the formation of the epoxide(s). The present study provided new information on metabolic activation of BBR.
The Ticking Retirement Time Bomb: What State Governments Can Do

This paper summarizes discussions at two regional meetings held in September 2004 by members of the Reforming States Group about how state governments can most effectively respond to the likelihood that a large number of today's public- and private-sector workers won't be able to afford even a modest standard of living in retirement, particularly if they get hit with major home health or nursing home bills. The Boston and St. Louis conversations dealt with two interrelated issues: retirement income adequacy generally, and the cost of health care (particularly long-term care) in retirement. States were the focus of these discussions because of the number of different roles they play in retirement/old age security.
Attribute relative importance computation in conjoint analysis

Abstract In conjoint analysis, computation of relative importance for different attributes play vital role in deciding about elimination or inclusion of any attribute. In the literature, relative ranges of factor effects at different levels are considered as the measure for relative importance weights. We consider the well known reduced sum of squares procedure to decide about attribute importance weights. Such constructed weights have better interpretation in terms of portion of total variability explained by the attribute in the model.
What Drives Apostates and Converters? The Social and Familial Antecedents of Religious Change among Adolescents

While research on the psychology of religion and spirituality has examined religious conversion, little research has examined social and familial variables that might play a role in conversion in adolescence. Longitudinal work examining concurrent conversion experiences – as opposed to retrospective reports – is particularly rare. In an examination of 209 parent-adolescent dyads, findings suggested that those who became religious at Time 2 had higher social competence at Time 1 than did apostates, whereas adolescents who were religious at both times had higher social competence, parent communication, and parent trust than apostates. Additionally, those who converted to their parent’s religion at Time 2 were higher than apostates in Time 1 social competence and parent communication. Results point to the importance of considering social and familial factors in religious conversion.
Chemical Reaction Pathways for the Deposition of Amorphous Silicon-Hydrogen Alloys by Remote Plasma Enhanced CVD

We have grown thin films of a-Si:H alloys by Remote Plasma Enhanced CVD (Remote PECVD) and have studied the deposition process by mass spectrometry. We find that the concentration of silane fragments (SiHx x=0 to 3) and higher silanes (e.g. disilane Si2H6) in the gas phase is below our detection limit of =0.5%. Bias experiments and a comparison of the a-Si:H deposition rate with the known concentration of silane in the gas phase suggest that in Remote PECVD, silane molecules, SiH4 *, vibrationally excited in the gas phase or on the deposition surface may lead dirtectly to a-Si:H film deposition.
Midcourse trajectory correction for solar sail starships

Abstract Hyperthin solar sails deployed as close to the Sun as possible are the only currently feasible approach to extrasolar solar exploration and interstellar travel. This paper quantifies and investigates the effects of timing errors in the unfurlment (or inflation) of solar sails at the perihelion of parabolic solar orbits upon the spacecraft's trajectory direction. Methods of correcting such aim errors include on-board solar-, radioisotope-, or nuclear-electric thrusters, electromagnetic thrustless turning, application of electric or magnetic sails, and a new application of toroidal magnetic ion scoops.
Laboratory-Reared Horn Flies: Relationships Between Width of Head and Weight of Pupa in Both Sexes and between These Measurements and Number of Ovarioles in Females

In laboratory-reared Haematobia irritans (L.), the width (mm) of the head at the widest point was highly significantly correlated with the weight (mg) of 6-day-old pupae: r = +0.917 for males and r = +0.931 for females. Also, the average number of ovarioles per female was correlated with both the average weight of the pupa (r = +0.959) and the average width of the head (r = +0.984). When width of head and number of ovarioles of individual females were compared, r = +0.909. All 3 characters were thus highly significantly related.
Interaction Between Moisture Stress and Potato Leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) Damage in Alfalfa

The combined and independent consequences of moisture stress and potato leafhopper (PH), Empoasca Fabe Harris, injury on alfalfa, Medic ago saliva L., quality were investigated under controlled conditions. Plant water potentials, percentage of crude protein, and free amino acid profiles were determined in PLH-infested and non infested alfalfa exposed to three soil moisture deficit levels. Results suggest an interaction between moisture stress and PH injury. PH feeding had no effect on water potentials of either severely water-stressed or amply watered plants. However, PLH-infested alfalfa under mild soil moisture deficits (-0.07 omega pascals [MPa] soil moisture tension) showed a reduced ability to imbibe water compared with non infested plants. Although PH feeding and soil moisture deficit independently decreased crude protein levels in alfalfa, PH feeding and moderate moisture stress (-0.5 to -1.2 ma soil water tension), when combined, reduced crude protein levels further than moderate moisture stress alone. Individual free amino acid concentrations, in general, were reduced, but praline concentrations showed marked increases caused by both types of stress. In one trial, total amino acid concentrations were significantly reduced by PH feeding alone. Soil water deficits and PH feeding, individually or combined, reduced total amino acid concentrations when praline was subtracted from the total. Plant water potential, percentage crude protein, and free amino acid concentration are indirect measures of alfalfa growth. Because these parameters apparently are influenced by PH feeding and water stress, independently and by interaction, these factors should be considered when determining economic injury levels and thresholds for PH in alfalfa.
Cats, Turtles, Grinches and Pachyderms: Mythical Inspirations for Organizational Realities in Dr Seuss

The literature we read as children is densely populated with archetypal characters, mythical characters that serve as inspiration for organizational realities, leaders, loners and lovers among them. While some people may have vivid memories of the Ugly Duckling, the boy with his finger in the dyke, or the various villains from the Brothers Grimm, it is the characters of Dr Seuss who remain most active in my imagination and indeed at times, seem to possess it.
THE USING OF MICROSOFT SHAPEPOINT 2007 TO BUILD ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO SCIENTIFIC AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Some modules of suggested generalized model of systems of electronic access to research and educational resources are studied. Microsoft product SharePoint 2007 is offered for realization, which can be used for realization of processes of any complication level and systems of sites and content management. Main facilities of this product are described. Conformance of Microsoft SharePoint 2007 to requirements of generalized model of systems of electronic access to research and educational resources is studied.
Creation and Validation of a Simulator for Neonatal Brain Ultrasonography: A Pilot Study.

Rationale and Objectives Historically, skills training in performing brain ultrasonography has been limited to hours of scanning infants for lack of adequate synthetic models or alternatives. The aim of this study was to create a simulator and determine its utility as an educational tool in teaching the skills that can be used in performing brain ultrasonography on infants. Materials and Methods A brain ultrasonography simulator was created using a combination of multi-modality imaging, three-dimensional printing, material and acoustic engineering, and sculpting and molding. Radiology residents participated prior to their pediatric rotation. The study included (1) an initial questionnaire and resident creation of three coronal images using the simulator; (2) brain ultrasonography lecture; (3) hands-on simulator practice; and (4) a follow-up questionnaire and re-creation of the same three coronal images on the simulator. A blinded radiologist scored the quality of the pre- and post-training images using metrics including symmetry of the images and inclusion of predetermined landmarks. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare pre- and post-training questionnaire rankings and image quality scores. Results Ten residents participated in the study. Analysis of pre- and post-training rankings showed improvements in technical knowledge and confidence, and reduction in anxiety in performing brain ultrasonography. Objective measures of image quality likewise improved. Mean reported value score for simulator training was high across participants who reported perceived improvements in scanning skills and enjoyment from simulator use, with interest in additional practice on the simulator and recommendations for its use. Conclusions This pilot study supports the use of a simulator in teaching radiology residents the skills that can be used to perform brain ultrasonography.
Thermal-mechanical modeling on friction stir spot welding of dissimilar materials based on Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian approach

A model of friction stir spot welding (FSSW) between aluminum alloy 6061-T6 and TRIP 780 steel is developed in this work based on the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) method, which considers the material flow at the dissimilar material interface and also the interaction between the welding tool and workpiece. The cross-sectional view from the numerical result agrees well with the experimental observations. The material distribution at different plunge depths calculated by the model illustrates the formation of the hook during the welding process. The force and thermal history generated by the numerical work also correspond well with the experimental data. A force history generated through a tool with a smaller shoulder diameter is studied to further validate the model. The developed model can be useful for better understanding the effect of the welding tool on FSSW and optimization of the tool geometry.
Pulmonary pythiosis in a canine patient

A Staffordshire terrier presented for evaluation of a chronic, nonproductive cough that was unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. A large mass identified in the pulmonary hilum was most consistent with tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy on radiographic and computed tomography (CT) images. Bronchoscopy confirmed a mass compressing the dorsal portion of the intrathoracic trachea. Bronchoscopic biopsies of the tracheal mass revealed necrosuppurative and eosinophilic inflammation with intralesional Pythium insidiousum hyphae. Pythiosis should be included as a differential diagnosis for tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy and bronchopneumopathy in dogs, especially when the patient is from or has visited a region endemic for Pythium insidiosum.
Nonlinear Versus Linear Control for a Class of Ultimate Boundedness Probems with Uncertainty

Abstract Given a state equation whose description includes uncertain parameters, it is often desirable to design a feedback controller which renders all solutions uniformly and ultimately bounded. When facing such a problem, one often has available or assumes an upper bound for the excursions of the uncertain parameters. Within this framework, the objective is to guarantee , no matter how “Nature” selects the uncertainty, that the state will eventually end up and remain within some pre-specified region. When this region is a small neighborhood about the origin, the concept of uniform ultimate boundedness is tantamount to “practical” asymptotic stability. The objectives of this paper are twofold: First and foremost, our goal is to show that a class of ultimate boundedness problems which have been solved to date via nonlinear control, can in Cact be solved via linear control. This is the main result and is given in Theorem 4.1. Secondly, we show that some of the so-called matching assumptions (which have been required in the previous literature) can be weakened somewhat. This enables one to design controllers for a larger class of dynamical systems than heretofore considered.
Multiscale Model for Assessing the Effect of Bacterial Growth on Intrinsic Permeability of Soil: Column Experiment Simulation

A multiscale model was proposed in a companion paper for assessing the impact of bacterial growth attached to soil particles on the intrinsic permeability of soil. In this paper, this model is used to simulate a column experiment. The simulation conditions are described and the results of the simulation runs are presented. Various possible explanations for the observed reduction in permeability in the column experiment are analyzed using the model and it is concluded that the reduction in the metabolic activity of the attached biomass at the bottom of the column is mainly responsible for the reduction in the intrinsic permeability near the top of the column. Based on the set of parameter values used in the simulations, upper and lower bounds on the reduction in metabolic activity are estimated.
Hemoglobin Level at Stage 1 Discharge has No Impact on Inter-stage Growth and Stability in Single Ventricle Infants

Hemoglobin levels (Hgb) of infants with a single ventricle (SV) are traditionally maintained high to maximize oxygen-carrying capacity during stage 1 palliation (S1P), stage 2 palliation (S2P), and between stages (IS). A single-center observational cohort study was performed to determine if red blood cell transfusion during the convalescent phase of the S1P (late S1P transfusion) to achieve higher Hgb is associated with benefits during the IS including improved growth and decreased acute medical events. 137 infants <1 year with SV with SIP undergoing care from January 2008 to June 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. 78 (57%) infants received a late S1P transfusion. Median Hgb at S1P discharge was 15.9 g/dL (IQR 14.7–17.1) and median Hgb S2P at admission was 15.3 g/dL (IQR 14–16.3). Median daily weight gain was 22 g/day during IS (IQR 17–26) and median daily length gain was 0.09 cm (IQR 0.06–0.11). Hgb at SIP discharge was not associated with IS growth or fewer IS acute events. However, late S1P transfusions were associated with illness severity at S1P and more complicated S1P care. Our data suggest that SV infants after S1P, who are steadily recovering, do not benefit from late transfusion to raise their hemoglobin level at discharge.
Shorter Sleep Duration and Longer Sleep Onset Latency Are Related to Difficulty Disengaging Attention From Negative Emotional Images in Individuals With Elevated Transdiagnostic Repetitive Negative Thinking

Abstract Background and objectives Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is often associated with disruptions in sleep and circadian rhythms. Disruptions in sleep and circadian rhythms may deal a “second hit” to attentional control deficits. This study evaluated whether sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions are related to the top-down control of attention to negative stimuli in individuals with heightened repetitive negative thinking. Methods Fifty-two community adults with high levels of transdiagnostic RNT and varying habitual sleep durations and bedtimes participated in a hybrid free-viewing and directed attention task using pairs of emotionally-evocative and neutral images while eye-tracking data were collected. Self-report and clinician-administered interviews regarding sleep were also collected. Results Shorter habitual sleep duration was associated with more time looking at emotionally negative compared to neutral images during a free-viewing attention task and more difficulty disengaging attention from negative compared to neutral images during a directed attention task. In addition, longer sleep onset latencies were also associated with difficulty disengaging attention from negative stimuli. The relations between sleep and attention for positive images were not statistically significant. Limitations A causal link between sleep and attentional control cannot be inferred from these cross-sectional data. The lack of a healthy control sample means that the relations between sleep disruption, attention, and emotional reactivity may not be unique to individuals with RNT. Conclusions These findings suggest that sleep disruption may be associated with a specific impact on cognitive resources that are necessary for the top-down inhibitory control of attention to emotionally negative information.
Zika virus targets blood monocytes.

Two studies identify circulating monocytes as the primary cellular target of Zika virus infection in human blood. Monocytes are an ideal target as they have the potential to be used as a Trojan horse to infiltrate immune-sheltered tissues, including placenta, testes and the brain, to spread Zika virus.
Optimizing planning of build–operate–transfer projects to maximize investor profit

During planning of repetitive build–operate–transfer (BOT) construction projects, investors and (or) investor-representatives are always faced with a challenging task to identify an optimal project...
Cumulative Distribution Function for the Standard Normal Random Variable

This table contains values of the cumulative distribution function for the standard normal random variable \(\Phi (z) = P(Z \le z) = \int\limits_{ -\infty }^z {{1 \over {\sqrt {2\pi } }}{e^{ -{x^2}/2}}dz.} \)
The Symmedian Point: Constructed and Applied

A post-WWII assignment from the U.S. Navy analyzing data from a test of a harbor mine-detecting algorithm leads to a new construction of the symmedian point.
The crystal structure determinations of OP(OCH2)3CCH3 and a hydrolysis product of PO3C6H9

A high-speed digital recording system has been in­ corporated into the impulsive-field de Haas-van Alphen ex­ periment which, when used with a specially devised computer program, provides a significant increase in the frequency resolution of this experiment and at the same time enormous­ ly decreases the time required for analysis of the results. This data recording and analysis system was used to study the de Haas-van Alphen effect in iron whiskers with impulsive fields of up to 220kG. The results have been interpreted in terms of two sets of surfaces, one set for spin-up electrons, which is in fair agreement with band calculations, and another set for spin-down electrons, which differs consider­ ably from the surface predicted by band calculations. This model has been shown to account for the resuXts of recent magnetoresistance and Hall effect measurements in iron.
Simulation: A Key to Next Generation Manufacturing

For the first three-quarters of this century, factories produced very large quantities of a small number of nearly identical products. This type of manufacturing is called mass production. Examples include automobiles, telephones, and televisions. During the last twenty years, these same factories have been moving away from this type of production. They are now producing larger numbers of products, but in smaller and smaller quantities. This transformation has been caused by a shift from a local to a global economy. This new global economy has customers all over the world. They form a special group who demand a wide range of products with the highest quality at the lowest price. And, this group is expected to expand into the foreseeable future, as more and more of the world’s population acquires the financial means to join.
'Til Death Do Us Part: End-of-Life Experiences of Married Couples in a Nationally Representative Survey.

Objectives To determine whether end‐of‐life (EOL) experiences in the first spouse in a marriage are associated with EOL experiences in the other spouse. Design Nationally representative, longitudinal survey. Setting Health and Retirement Study, Waves 1992–2012 linked to Medicare claims Participants Community‐dwelling older adults who died (N=4,558), representing 2,279 married heterosexual couples. Measurements We examined 3 EOL experiences: enrollment in hospice for >3 days before death, lack of advance care planning (ACP) before death, and intensive care unit (ICU) use during the last 30 days of life. We used multiple logistic regression to determine whether the EOL experience of the first spouse was a significant predictor of the EOL experience of the second spouse after adjusting for demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, health status, and time between the first and second spouses' deaths. Results First spouses who died were on average 80 years old, and 62% were male; second spouses were on average 85 years old, and 62% were female. After adjustment, second spouses were more likely to use hospice if the first spouse used hospice (odds ratio (OR)=1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.29–2.20). Second spouses were less likely to have ACP when the first spouse did not have ACP (OR=2.91, 95% CI=2.02–4.21). Hospice and ACP associations were stronger when deaths were closer in time to one another (p‐value for interaction < .05). Second spouses were more likely to use ICU services if the first spouse did (OR=1.80, 95% CI=1.27–2.55). Conclusions The EOL experiences of older spouses are strongly associated, which may be relevant when framing ACP discussions. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2360–2366, 2018
Finite element analysis of electroactive and magnetoactive coupled behaviors in multi-field origami structures

Active origami-inspired designs, which incorporate active materials such as electroactive polymers and magnetoactive elastomers into self-folding structures, have shown good promise in engineering ...
Obesity and Disparities in Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for U.S. Adolescent Girls and Young Women.

Abstract Background Obesity is recognized as a barrier to receiving women's preventive health services, including cervical and breast cancer screening. Little is known about whether obesity is associated with a lower incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, another important preventive care service for adolescent girls and young women. The objective of this study was to determine if adolescent girls and young women with obesity are less likely to receive HPV vaccination compared with individuals with normal weight. Methods We examined whether HPV vaccination was associated with obesity status in women aged 9–30 years surveyed from 2009 to 2016 by the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results from logistic and linear regression models were adjusted for age, race, income, insurance status, self-reported health, and health care use, accounting for the weighted survey design. Results The final cohort included 5,517 women. Overall, 32.9% of participants reported vaccination, with a mean age at vaccination of 15.8 years. Adolescent girls and young women with obesity were less likely to report vaccination; the adjusted odds ratio of vaccination was 0.79 (p = .01) compared with normal weight women. Among those vaccinated, the age at vaccination was significantly older for women with obesity, 16.3 years compared with 15.2 years (p = .002), but there was no difference in the completion of the vaccination series rate by obesity. Conclusions Adolescent girls and young women with obesity were less likely to report HPV vaccination and, if they were vaccinated, received the vaccination at a later age.