cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal detectors for WIMP and 0-ν ββ searches : Identical high-pressure xenon gas TPCs?

Abstract A time projection chamber (TPC) filled with high-pressure gaseous xenon (HPXe)—instead of liquid xenon (LXe)—appears likely to offer both superior energy resolution for the 0–ν ββ decay search in 136Xe and superior γ-background rejection in the search for WIMPs. An augmentation to maximize the primary scintillation detection efficiency of the 0–ν ββ decay detector design will realize an optimum design for both purposes. In this scenario an attractive synergy exists: two identical HPXe TPCs differing only in isotopic content will provide significantly more robust evidence for the existence of either signal if present. A simple analysis of important factors that limit energy resolution leads to the conclusion that the optimal design for either next-generation search at the few hundred kg level is the same HPXe-based TPC. A careful measurement of the scintillation and ionization responses of HPXe to nuclear and electronic recoils is needed to test the claim of HPXe superiority to LXe for the combined goals.
Molecular and phenotypic aspects of CHD7 mutation in CHARGE syndrome.

CHARGE syndrome [coloboma of the eye, heart defects, atresia of the choanae, retardation of growth and/or development, genital and/or urinary abnormalities, and ear abnormalities (including deafness)] is a genetic disorder characterized by a specific and a recognizable pattern of anomalies. De novo mutations in the gene encoding chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 (CHD7) are the major cause of CHARGE syndrome. Here, we review the clinical features of 379 CHARGE patients who tested positive or negative for mutations in CHD7. We found that CHARGE individuals with CHD7 mutations more commonly have ocular colobomas, temporal bone anomalies (semicircular canal hypoplasia/dysplasia), and facial nerve paralysis compared with mutation negative individuals. We also highlight recent genetic and genomic studies that have provided functional insights into CHD7 and the pathogenesis of CHARGE syndrome. � 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Estimation of plated-hole barrel stress from thermally induced out-of-plane displacement gradients measured by electro-optic holographic interferometry

Electro-optic holographic interferometry was used to measure the thermally induced out-of-plane displacement field around both sides of a plated hole on a single layer, FR-4 laminate. The unique features of the electro-optic holographic interferometry technique are described as well as a method for estimating the stress in the barrel from the deflections of the pad. The pad deflections were observed to be roughly axisymmetric and were nearly the same on the front and back of the laminate. The stress was observed to increase at a more rapid rate for temperatures above the glass temperature than below and is of sufficient magnitude to cause plastic deformation in the barrel although none was observed.
Rethinking pedagogy for teaching PL with more than PL concepts in mind

Individual department goals drive undergraduate computer science educators to teach with varying priorities on preparing students for continuing to graduate school or embarking on a career that leverages their education immediately after college. Programming languages play a key role in that education for both student profiles, even in curricula that include no core programming language concepts course. The "fattening" of our discipline into many subareas has prompted curricula reviews and rethinking of the undergraduate CS content, including programming language concepts (PL) and where they are taught in the curriculum. This paper proposes that we also rethink the pedagogy for teaching PL with diversity in mind.
Bone marrow response in treated patients with Gaucher disease: evaluation by T1-weighted magnetic resonance images and correlation with reduction in liver and spleen volume.

Purpose. To determine whether T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images can demonstrate response in the marrow of patients with type 1 Gaucher disease treated with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and to determine whether a relationship exists between liver and spleen volume reductions and visible marrow changes. Patients. Forty-two patients with type 1 Gaucher disease were evaluated on at least two occasions. Thirty-two patients received ERT. Of these patients, 15 had a baseline examination prior to the initiation of ERT. The remaining 10 patients did not receive ERT. Design. T1-weighted and gradient recalled echo (GRE) coronal images of the femurs and hips were obtained. Concurrently, liver and spleen volumes were determined using contiguous breath-hold axial gradient-echo images. T1-weighted images of the hips and femurs were evaluated to determine change or lack of change in the yellow marrow. Results. Of the 32 patients receiving ERT, 14 (44%) demonstrated increased signal on T1-weighted images suggesting an increase in the amount of yellow marrow. If only the 15 patients with a baseline examination were considered, the response rate to ERT was 67%. Using Student’s t-test a highly significant correlation (P<0.005) was found between marrow response and reduction in liver and spleen volume. Conclusions. Marrow changes in patients receiving ERT can be detected by T1-weighted images. This response correlated with reductions in visceral volumes (P<0.0005).
Changing Values in Turkey: Religiosity and Tolerance in Comparative Perspective

Abstract Using data from the World Values Surveys, this study examines changing values in Turkey and shows that rising religiosity and intolerance can be traced back to 1995 and have become more visible during the AKP's rule. Moreover, Turks are found to be the most religious of all the societies compared in the study. Findings suggest that Turkish voters are likely to continue being attracted to political parties like the AKP in the future, which would have important implications for Turkey's relations with its traditional friends in the West.
Interactions of neurotoxins with the action potential NA + ionophore.

Four neurotoxins that activate the action potential Na+ ionophore of electrically excitable neuroblastoma cells interact with two distinct classes of sites, one specific for the alkaloids veratridine, batrachotoxin, and aconitine, and the second specific for scorpion toxin. Positive heterotropic cooperativity is observed between toxins bound at these two classes of sites. Tetrodotoxin, a specific inhibitor of the action potential Na+ current, inhibits activation by each of these toxins in a noncompetitive manner (KI = 4–8 nM). These results suggest the existence of three functionally separable components of the action potential Na+ ionophore: two regulatory components, which bind activating neurotoxins and interact allosterically in controlling the activity of a third ion-transport component, which binds tetrodotoxin. The dissociation constant for scorpion toxin binding is increased 10-fold by depolarization of the cells with K+, suggesting that the scorpion toxin binding site is located on a voltage-sensitive regulatory component of the ionophore.
Association between serum triiodothyronine (t3) level and risk of disease recurrence in men with localized prostate cancer.

We assessed the relationship of serum triiodothyronine (t3) level and risk of disease recurrence in men treated for localized prostate cancer. Participants in our study were found through urology and radiation oncology clinics, and all eligible patients were asked to take part. All patients had been initially diagnosed on the basis of rising prostate specific antigen (PSA) or abnormal physical examination. Histological confirmation of diagnosis was obtained for all subjects. Serum (t3) level was determined by chemoluminescent assay with a standard, commercially available instrument (Immulite Diagnostic Products Corporation, Los Angeles, California). Sixty-eight men with prostate cancer were studied. In our treatment protocol, patients are divided into three risk groups: low risk: serum PSA≤10, stage≤T2a, or Gleason grade≤6. These patients are treated with a radioactive implant; moderate risk: serum PSA 10–15 or Gleason 7 or stage≤T2b. These patients are treated with 3 months of combined hormonal therapy followed by an implant; high risk: Gleason >7, tumor in seminal vesicle biopsy, serum PSA >15 or stage T2c or T3. These patients are treated with 3 months combined hormonal therapy, an implant, and after 2 months break 6000 rad external beam radiotherapy. There was a significant increase in serum t3 with risk category (P=0.011). Tukey's multiple range B-test showed a significant difference between the t3 levels of the high risk patients, when compared to the t3 levels of the moderate (P=0.013) and low risk patients (P=0.041). The range test showed no significant difference between the t3 levels of the moderate and low risk patients (P=0.897). Because t3 levels may be affected by age, we performed multivariate linear regression, with t3 as the dependent variable. There was a statistically significant (P=0.035) association of t3 level with risk group, but there was no significant association of t3 with age (P=0.803). Multivariate linear regression, with t3 as dependent variable, PSA, Gleason score, and stage as independent variables showed a significant overall association of the three independent variables with t3 (P=0.042), though individually the relationships were not significant. None of the men had a t3 level that was above the normal range for our laboratory (137 ng/dl). Urologists are actively seeking additional biomarkers of prostate cancer aggressiveness. Many prostate cancers are quite indolent and may never cause a problem, but it is impossible to identify such tumors with certainty. Further studies of serum t3 level as a biomarker in prostate cancer might therefore be worthwhile. With more and better biomarkers, many older men might be spared the rigors of radiation therapy and/or surgery and the complications. Also, new prostate cancer therapies might be directed toward inhibiting the mitogenic effects of t3. .
Generating optimal adaptive fuzzy-neural models of dynamical systems with applications to control

The paper describes an approach to generating optimal adaptive fuzzy neural models from I/O data. This approach combines structure and parameter identification of Takagi-Sugeno-Kang (TSK) fuzzy models. We propose to achieve structure determination via a combination of modified mountain clustering (MMC) algorithm, recursive least squares estimation (RLSE), and group method of data handling (GMDH). Parameter adjustment is achieved by training the initial TSK model using the algorithm of an adaptive network based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), which employs backpropagation (BP) and RLSE. Further, a procedure for generating locally optimal model structures is suggested. The structure optimization procedure is composed of two phases: 1) locally optimal rule premise variables subsets (LOPVS) are identified using MMC, GMDH, and a search tree (ST); and 2) locally optimal numbers of model rules (LONOR) are determined using MMC/RLSE along with parallel simulation mean square error (PSMSE) as a performance index. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified by a variety of simulation examples. The examples include modeling of a nonlinear dynamical process from I/O data and modeling nonlinear components of dynamical plants, followed by tracking control based on a model reference adaptive scheme (MRAC). Simulation results show that this approach is fast and accurate and leads to several optimal models.
Effects of shaded versus unshaded wallows on behavior, performance, and physiology of the outdoor lactating sow.

The objectives of this study were to de- termine the effects of shading wallows during the sum- mer months on lactating sow behavior, performance, and physiology. A total of 128 sows were used during warm weather (May to August 2001) to determine the effects of unshaded (control; n = 8) vs. shaded (SH; n = 8) wallows. Sows ranged over 6 parities and were fed a completely balanced sorghum-based diet. Behavioral data were collected by 15-min scan samples over a 24-h period/wk for a total of 16 wk. All sows were observed twice when litter age was 5 and 15 d, respectively. Res- piration rates (breaths/min) were collected on 50 sows (control, n = 25; SH, n = 25) over an 8-wk period when the maximum temperature exceeded 32°C. Ten milliliters of clotted blood and 20 mL of whole blood were obtained by jugular puncture from each sow on the day of weaning to determine total white blood cells, acute phase proteins, packed-cell volume, and chemot- axis and chemokinesis. Descriptive water temperature profiles were measured by using data loggers positioned at 3 levels per wallow: surface water, shallow mud, and deep mud. Behavioral, postural, location, performance, and physiological measurements did not differ (P > 0.05) among wallow treatments. Regardless of treat- ment, sows spent approximately 82% of their total time budget inside the farrowing hut and only approximately 7% of their total time budget in the wallow. A total of 428 piglets died, 219 in the control treatment and 209 in the SH treatment. The majority of piglets in both treatments died of crushing within the first 72 h after parturition, and most of the piglets had suckled. Shade kept the shallow water profile cooler during the hotter afternoon temperatures compared with the control wal- lows. In SH for both the shallow and deep mud profiles, temperatures were consistent throughout the day. In conclusion, sows spent a large percentage of their daily time budget inside the farrowing hut and spent only brief episodes in the wallow. Shading the wallow did not result in increased wallow use time or improvements in sow physiology and overall performance.
Vitrectomy for epiretinal membranes with good visual acuity.

Purpose To evaluate the visual results of vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane in eyes with a preoperative visual acuity of 20/50 or better.
The relationship power inventory: Development and validation

Power is a central concept in relationships, yet existing self-report measures of relationship power are not well validated and do not assess all aspects of power. To address this, we developed the Relationship Power Inventory (RPI), a self-report measure of power for romantic partners. In Study 1, we identified the most important decision-making domains in romantic relationships. In Study 2, we generated an item pool assessing relationship power, selected the best performing items for inclusion, and tested the convergent and divergent validity properties of the RPI. Study 3 revealed RPI scores predict observer ratings of power during decision-making discussions and showed the RPI has good test–retest reliability. We discuss how the RPI can advance research on power in close relationships
Photosynthetic bacterial production in lakes: The effects of light intensity1

Primary prodllction was measured in six lakes supporting populations of photosynthetic sulfllr bacteria. Bacteriochlorophyll concentrations (Bchl LI + Bchl cZ) ranged from 11.1 to 630 mgem-“. The photosynthetic sulfur bacteria accounted for O-26-6.3% of the total daily production in the lakes, The pcrccntage of photosynthetic bacterial production of total production in the lakes was not corrclatcd with either slllfidc concentration or bacteriochlorophyll concentration bllt was related to light intensity.
Model predictive controller tuning via eigenvalue placement

This paper presents an analytical study of the effect of model predictive control (MPC) tunable parameters over a wide range, on the closed-loop performance quantified in terms of the location(s) of closed-loop eigenvalue(s) of a large set of widely common, single-input single-output, linear plants whose constraints are inactive. Symbolic manipulation capabilities of MATHEMATICA are used to obtain analytical expressions describing the dependence of closed-loop eigenvalues on the tunable parameters. This work is first to investigate how MPC tuning-parameters affect the location of the eigenvalues of the closed-loop system of a plant in the discrete-time setting. It is to provide theoretical basis/justification for many of the existing qualitative MPC tuning rules and propose new tuning guidelines for MPC. For example, as the prediction horizon is increased while other tunable parameters remain constant, a subset of the closed-loop eigenvalues (poles) move non-monotonically towards the open-loop eigenvalues (poles) of the plant. If a prediction horizon much longer than the reference-trajectory time-constant is used, the value of reference-trajectory time-constant has little effect on the closed- loop performance. As the weights on the magnitude or the rate of change of the manipulated input are increased, the closed- loop eigenvalues move towards the open-loop eigenvalues. As the control horizon is increased from one, the dominant eigenvalue of the closed-loop system initially moves towards the origin and then away from the origin to a location that does not change with a further increase in the control horizon.
Enrichment of presynaptic and postsynaptic markers by size‐based gating analysis of synaptosome preparations from rat and human cortex

Background Synapse regions in the brain are difficult to isolate and study; resealed nerve terminals (synaptosomes) are a widely used in vitro system for the study of neurotransmission, but nonsynaptosomal elements in the homogenate complicate data interpretation. With the goal of quantitative analysis of pathways leading to synapse loss in neurodegenerative disease, we have developed a method that allows focus on the intact synaptosomes within a crude synaptosomal preparation by gating the largest particles based on forward angle light scatter (FSC). Methods Crude synaptosomal fractions (P-2) were prepared and labeled with a viability dye (calcein AM), a presynaptic marker (SNAP-25), and a postsynaptic marker (PSD-95). Forward scatter gates based on size standards were drawn to identify the large population (1.4–4.5 μm), and the enrichment of each marker was quantified in preparations from fresh rat homogenates and from cryopreserved human cortex. Results Gating on forward scatter resulted in an increase that was highly significant (P < 0.001) for all three markers examined. The calcein-AM–positive fraction in the large synaptosomes was 98% ± 0.8, and 75% ± 9.8 for rat and human, respectively. Of large particles, 90% ± 2.7 in rat and 82% ± 2.6 in human were positive for SNAP-25, indicating a relatively pure population of intact synaptosomes. A total of 76% ± 2.9 of the large particles were positive for PSD-95 in rat. This compared to 36% ± 3.0 in human tissue, and indicates that both presynaptic and postsynaptic elements may be analyzed with this methodology. Conclusions Most nonsynaptosomal elements can be excluded and the intact subpopulation of interest within the P-2 can be identified based on size. Size-based gating analysis provides a simple and cost-effective method to monitor fluorescence changes in synapse regions. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Rateless spinal codes

A fundamental problem in wireless networks is to develop communication protocols that achieve high throughput in the face of noise, interference, and fading, all of which vary with time. An ideal solution is a rateless wireless system, in which the sender encodes data without any explicit estimation or adaptation, implicitly adapting to the level of noise or interference. In this paper, we present a novel rateless code, the spinal code, which uses a hash function over the message bits to produce pseudo-random bits that in turn can be mapped directly to a dense constellation for transmission. Results from theoretical analysis and simulations show that spinal codes essentially achieve Shannon capacity, and out-perform best-known fixed rate block codes.
Constructing Post-Cold War Collective Security

September 11 did not fundamentally change world politics. Instead, it exacerbated already existing tensions about how to implement post-cold war collective security rules. Using a rule-oriented constructivist theory of global security, I argue that the dominant post-cold war global security trend is the gradual construction of collective security rules, including rules punishing human rights abuses, terrorism, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Using an interpretive method called dialogical analysis, I analyze the debate about intervention in Kosovo and argue that the recent conflict over intervention in Iraq revolves around similar claims about how to implement collective security rules. This analysis challenges arguments that September 11 ushered in a new era of world politics that necessarily justifies more aggressive, preemptive U.S. policies.I would like to thank Karin Fierke, Yale Ferguson, Gavan Duffy, and David Ahola for comments on earlier drafts, as well as Maximo Sanchez Pagano for research assistance. Any errors are my own.
Childcare arrangements and infant feeding practices by family structure and household income among US children aged 0 to 2 years

The primary objective of this study is to examine the disparities in childcare and infant feeding practices by family structure (single-mother vs. two-parent households) and whether household income level may modify the observed associations by family structure. The cross-sectional data analysis was conducted using a nationally representative sample of children aged 0 to 2 years enrolled in the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health. The analytic sample is children from single mothers (n = 1801, 16.0%) and children from two parents (n = 11 337, 84.0%). Children of single mothers used more non-parental childcare [adjusted odds ratios (AOR) = 2.67, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.99-3.58], especially relative care and centre care, than children of two parents. Lower rates of any breastfeeding for 6 months (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.43-0.77) and ever breastfed (AOR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.50-0.89) were reported among children of single mothers than those of two parents. The many observed differences in childcare arrangements and breastfeeding by family structure remained significant in both low- and high-income households. However, children of low-income single mothers had more last-minute changes of childcare arrangement (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.55-3.52) than children of low-income two-parent households and children of high-income single mothers had more early introduction of complementary foods (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.12-3.29) than children of high-income two-parent households. This study documented disparities in childcare arrangements and infant feeding practices by family structure, regardless of income level. These findings support the need to for comprehensive policies that address maternal employment leave, childcare support and workplace accommodations and support for breastfeeding for children 0 to 2 years, especially among single mothers, regardless of income.
Novel structural modeling and mesh moving techniques for advanced fluid-structure interaction simulation of wind turbines

Summary In this paper, we target more advanced fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations of wind turbines than reported previously. For this, we illustrate how the recent advances in isogeometric analysis of thin structures may be used for efficient structural mechanics modeling of full wind turbine structures, including tower, nacelle, and blades. We consider both horizontal axis and vertical axis wind turbine designs. We enhance the sliding–interface formulation of aerodynamics, previously developed to handle flows about mechanical components in relative motion such as rotor–tower interaction to allow nonstationary sliding interfaces. To accommodate the nonstationary sliding interfaces, we propose a new mesh moving technique and present its mathematical formulation. The numerical examples include structural mechanics verification for the new offshore wind turbine blade design, FSI simulation of a horizontal axis wind turbine undergoing yawing motion as it turns into the wind and FSI simulation of a vertical axis wind turbine. The FSI simulations are performed at full scale and using realistic wind conditions and rotor speeds. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Propagating updates in real-time search: FALCONS(k)

We enhance real-time search algorithms with bounded propagation of heuristic changes. When the heuristic of the current state is updated, this change is propagated consistently up to k states not necessarily distinct. Applying this idea to FALCONS, we have develop the new FALCONS(k), an algorithm that keeps the good theoretical properties of FALCONS and improves its performance. We provide experimental results on benchmarks for real-time search, showing the benefits of our approach.
Ectopic pregnancy rate increases with the number of retrieved oocytes in autologous in vitro fertilization with non-tubal infertility but not donor/recipient cycles: an analysis of 109,140 clinical pregnancies from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology registry

Objective To study the impact of controlled ovarian stimulation on ectopic pregnancy (EP) rate as a function of the number of oocytes retrieved, using donor IVF cycles as a control. Design Retrospective cohort study using a large national database. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) Data from 109,140 cycles from the 2008–2010 SART registry, including 91,504 autologous cycles and 17,636 donor cycles in patients with non-tubal infertility. Intervention(s) Varying amounts of oocytes retrieved in autologous and donor IVF. Main Outcome Measure(s) Ectopic pregnancy rates. Result(s) In autologous cycles, the EP rate significantly increased as oocyte yield increased. This association was not found in oocyte recipients. Conclusion(s) In autologous IVF cycles, increasing oocyte yield is correlated with a significantly increased EP rate. This association is not found in oocyte recipients, indicating that the increased EP rate may be due to the supraphysiologic hormone levels achieved with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
Population-based analysis of prognostic factors and survival in familial melanoma

Purpose Familial melanoma patients are reported to present with thinner melanomas, to be younger at the time of diagnosis, and to have a greater likelihood of developing multiple primary tumors. We sought to determine whether melanomas that occur in a familial setting demonstrate different prognostic and survival statistics relative to sporadic melanoma. Patients and Methods This population-based study used the Utah Cancer Registry and Utah Population Database to objectively evaluate prognostic and survival statistics of the familial melanoma population. From 1973 to 1999, there were 7,785 cases of invasive melanoma identified through the Utah Cancer Registry. These were linked to the Utah Population Database, resulting in 2,659 subjects with family-history information from which a familiality score could be calculated. Cases scored in the top ninth percentile were assigned as high familial risk, and the remaining 91% were considered low familial risk. Results Multivariate logistic-regression analysis fou...
State Estimation and Fast Fault Detection For Ship Electrical Systems

In this paper, the advantages of state estimation on ship power systems are demonstrated and extended to perform fast fault detection. For more-electric ships it becomes critical to monitor the system and respond to faults within milliseconds to limit damage from the fault and transfer to an intact supply. A compact ship allows syncronization of sampled real time voltage and current data from electrical sensors to compute the phase angle and voltage magnitude at every bus on the system. On a ship power system the data samples can be collected every 0.5 milliseconds by the central computer. Bad data analysis, smoothed values for the operating condition, and differential current sensing are performed within milliseconds. An example of state estimation is done for an LPD17 assault ship. Other examples of using phase data and fault detection are given in the paper. Algorithms for remedial action may be activated by the results of the state estimation and fault detection.
Independence of VNTR alleles defined as fixed bins

An analysis is presented of data collected by the Federal Bureau of Investigation at six unlinked variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) loci for the United States population. Databases have been constructed of VNTR profiles of Caucasians, Blacks and Hispanics from Florida, Texas and California. There was very little evidence for correlations between lengths for pairs of VNTR fragments, within or between loci. When the fragment lengths were amalgamated into discrete bins, there was also little evidence for disequilibrium over all genotypes, within or between loci, for the Caucasian database, although some disequilibrium was found for the Black and Hispanic databases. No disequilibrium was found for the Caucasian or Black databases when tests were confined to heterozygous individuals. In cases of global disequilibrium, local tests can be applied to specific genotypes. The results suggest that, at the bin level, frequencies of VNTR profiles can generally be estimated as the products of the frequencies of the constituent elements. This overcomes the problem of estimating population frequencies when any particular profile does not exist in the database. There is some evidence for different frequencies, at the individual bin level, between geographic samples within each of the Caucasian, Black and Hispanic databases, and considerable evidence for differences between the three databases. These differences are less evident for the frequencies of four-locus profiles.
Historical approaches to the treatment of Adductor-Type Spasmodic Dysphonia (ADSD): review and tutorial.

Adductor-type spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) is a voice disorder of uncertain, though likely neurogenic origin. Symptoms of the disorder include mild to profound "strain and strangle" sensations during voiced speech tasks that, in the most severe form, are physically and psychologically debilitating. Over the years, treatment approaches have evolved from behavioral attempts at voice modification, to surgical and, most recently, pharmacological treatments involving partial and temporary paralysis of muscle fibers within the larynx following injection of botulinum toxin or Botox TM . The most current research hints at the potential benefits of a multi-faceted approach to symptom management, combining behavioral with pharmacological treatments. The following is intended as a review and tutorial of treatment approaches for ADSD. The tutorial is intended for practicing clinical professionals with an interest in the treatment of neurogenic disorders of voice and speech.
First-principles calculation of structural energetics of Al-TM (TM = Ti, Zr, Hf) intermetallics

The total energies and equilibrium cohesive properties of 69 intermetallics in the Al–TM (TM = Ti, Zr and Hf) systems are calculated from first-principles employing electronic density-functional theory, ultrasoft pseudopotentials and the generalized gradient approximation. This work has been undertaken to investigate systematics in Al–TM alloying energetics, and to augment available calorimetric data for enthalpies of formation in support of the development of accurate multicomponent thermodynamic databases for these technologically interesting systems. The accuracy of our calculations is assessed through comparisons between theoretical results and experimental measurements (where available) for lattice parameters, elastic properties and formation energies. The concentration dependence of the heats of formation for all three binary systems are very similar, being skewed towards the Al-rich side with a minimum around Al2TM. In all three binary Al–TM systems, the calculated zero-temperature intermetallic formation energies generally agree well, within a few kJ/mol, with calorimetric data obtained by direct reaction synthesis. This level of agreement suggests high accuracy for the calculated enthalpies of formation reported for structures where no such measured data are currently available. Several intermetallic phases which have previously been suggested to be stabilized by impurity effects are indeed found to be higher energy states compared to their stable counterparts. It is noted that the CALPHAD model parameters representing alloy energetics vary significantly from one assessment to another in these systems, demonstrating the clear need for additional enthalpic data for all competing phases to derive unique thermodynamic model parameters. For the stable intermetallics, the calculated zero-temperature lattice parameters agree to within ±1% of experimental data at ambient temperature. For the stable phases with unit cell-internal degree(s) of freedom, the results of ab initio calculations show excellent agreement when compared with data obtained by rigorous structural analysis of X-ray and other diffraction results. For intermetallic compounds where no such experimental data is available, we provide optimized unit cell geometries. For most structures we also provide zero-temperature bulk moduli and their pressure derivatives, as defined by the equation of state.
Adolescent Internet use: What we expect, what teens report

As adolescent Internet use grew exponentially in the last decade, with it emerged a number of correspondent expectations. Among them were the following: (1) that gender predicts usage, i.e., that boys spend more time online, surfing the web and playing violent games, while girls chat or shop online; (2) that Internet use causes social isolation and depression, especially for teens; and (3) that adolescents use the Internet for anonymous identity experimentation. These expectations were based on research with earlier technologies when the Internet was less diffused in the adolescent population. By means of highly detailed daily reports of adolescents’ home Internet usage and peer-related adjustment, the present research sought to compare these expectations with the actual experiences of early and mid-adolescents in 2000 and 2001. Participants were 261 7th and 10th graders from suburban California public schools who completed four consecutive end-of-day reports on their school-based adjustment and Internet activity (including detailed logs of instant messages). Results challenge prevailing expectations regarding gender, well-being, and identity play. For the most part, adolescent boys’ and girls’ online activities have become more similar than different. On average, boys and girls alike described their online social interaction as (1) occurring in private settings such as e-mail and instant messages, (2) with friends who are also part of their daily, offline lives, and (3) devoted to fairly ordinary yet intimate topics (e.g., friends, gossip). No associations were found between Internet usage and well-being. Online pretending was reported to be motivated by a desire to play a joke on friends more often than to explore a desired or future identity, but participants reported a range of pretending content, contexts, and motives.
Ag effects on the elastic modulus values of nanoporous Au foams

To study both the effect of Ag and the relative density on the elastic properties of nanoporous Au (np-Au) foams, partially as well as fully dealloyed np-Au samples with various ligament sizes were prepared. Additionally, Ag-coated np-Au samples were synthesized by immersing np-Au in a 1 M Ag nitrate solution, followed by drying and thermal decomposition of the deposited Ag nitrate salt to Ag, NO2, and O2. Crosssectional analysis revealed that this method yields a homogeneous Ag distribution and that the Ag concentration can be adjusted within the range of 0 to 20 at.%. Mechanical testing was performed by depth-sensing nanoindentation. It was observed that the effect of the relative density on the elastic properties of np-Au seems to be much stronger than predicted by the Gibson and Ashby relationship: Even Ag contents as low as 1 at.% can significantly change the modulus values. On the other hand, the elastic modulus of np-Au seems to be independent of the ligament size.
Correlation of the National Emergency Medicine M4 Clerkship Examination with USMLE Examination Performance.

Extracted text; NTRODUCTION: Assessment of medical students' knowledge in clinical settings is complex yet essential to the learning process. Clinical clerkships use various types of written examinations to objectively test medical knowledge within a given discipline. Within emergency medicine (EM), a new national standardized exam was developed to test medical knowledge in this specialty. Evaluation of the psychometric properties of a new examination is an important issue to address during test development and use. Studies have shown that student performance on selected standardized exams will reveal students' strengths and/or weaknesses, so that effective remedial efforts can be implemented. Our study sought to address these issues by examining the association of scores on the new EM national exam with other standardized exam scores. METHODS: From August 2011 to April 2013, average National EM M4 examination scores of fourth-year medical students taken at the end of a required EM clerkship were compiled. We examined the correlation of the National EM M4 examination with the scores of initial attempts of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) examinations. Correlation coefficients and 95% confidence intervals of correlation coefficients are reported. We also examined the association between the national EM M4 examination score, final grades for the EM rotation, and USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores. RESULTS: 133 students were included in the study and achieved a mean score of 79.5 SD 8.0 on the National EM M4 exam compared to a national mean of 79.7 SD 3.89. The mean USMLE Step 1 score was 226.8 SD 19.3. The mean USMLE Step 2 CK score was 238.5 SD 18.9. National EM M4 examination scores showed moderate correlation with both USMLE Step 1 (mean score=226.8; correlation coefficient=0.50; 95% CI [0.28-0.67]) and USMLE Step 2 CK (mean score=238.5; correlation coefficient=0.47; 95% CI [0.25-0.65]). Students scoring below the median on the national EM M4 exam also scored well below their colleagues on USMLE exams. CONCLUSION: The moderate correlation of the national EM M4 examination and USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores provides support for the utilization of the CDEM National EM M4 examination as an effective means of assessing medical knowledge for fourth-year medical students. Identification of students scoring lower on standardized exams allows for effective remedial efforts to be undertaken throughout the medical education process.
Retinotopic organization of extrastriate cortex in the owl monkey--dorsal and lateral areas.

Dense retinotopy data sets were obtained by microelectrode visual receptive field mapping in dorsal and lateral visual cortex of anesthetized owl monkeys. The cortex was then physically flatmounted and stained for myelin or cytochrome oxidase. Retinotopic mapping data were digitized, interpolated to a uniform grid, analyzed using the visual field sign technique—which locally distinguishes mirror image from nonmirror image visual field representations—and correlated with the myelin or cytochrome oxidase patterns. The region between V2 (nonmirror) and MT (nonmirror) contains three areas—DLp (mirror), DLi (nonmirror), and DLa/MTc (mirror). DM (mirror) was thin anteroposteriorly, and its reduced upper field bent somewhat anteriorly away from V2. DI (nonmirror) directly adjoined V2 (nonmirror) and contained only an upper field representation that also adjoined upper field DM (mirror). Retinotopy was used to define area VPP (nonmirror), which adjoins DM anteriorly, area FSTd (mirror), which adjoins MT ventrolaterally, and TP (mirror), which adjoins MT and DLa/MTc dorsoanteriorly. There was additional retinotopic and architectonic evidence for five more subdivisions of dorsal and lateral extrastriate cortex—TA (nonmirror), MSTd (mirror), MSTv (nonmirror), FSTv (nonmirror), and PP (mirror). Our data appear quite similar to data from marmosets, though our field sign-based areal subdivisions are slightly different. The region immediately anterior to the superiorly located central lower visual field V2 varied substantially between individuals, but always contained upper fields immediately touching lower visual field V2. This region appears to vary even more between species. Though we provide a summary diagram, given within- and between-species variation, it should be regarded as a guide to parsing complex retinotopy rather than a literal representation of any individual, or as the only way to agglomerate the complex mosaic of partial upper and lower field, mirror- and nonmirror-image patches into areas.
Anger, frustration, boredom and the Department of Motor Vehicles: Can negative emotions impede organ donor registration?

Abstract Rationale The IIFF Model (Information, Immediate and Complete Registration Mechanism, Focused Engagement, Favorable Activation) offers a checklist of considerations for interventions seeking to influence organ donor registration behavior. One aspect of the model, favorable activation, recommends considering the emotional and motivational state of a potential donor registrant. Given that most donor registrations occur at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), we considered whether emotions experienced while at the DMV could influence registration rates. Objective The current research effort investigated the emotions people experience while visiting the DMV, explored whether these emotions are associated with donor registration intentions, and experimentally assessed whether DMV experiences influence donor registration. Methods Three studies were conducted through Amazon's Mechanical Turk. In Study 1, we randomly assigned participants to either recall a prior DMV experience or to a comparison condition. Emotions associated with the recalled experiences were the dependent variable. Study 2 assessed the correlations between nine different emotions and donor registration intentions. Study 3 randomly assigned participants to recall a prior frustrating DMV experience or to a comparison condition. Intention to register to donate was the dependent variable. Results Study 1 found that recalling a prior DMV experience was associated with more negative and less positive emotions than the comparison condition. Study 2 found that increased levels of negative emotion could be problematic, as negative emotions were associated with decreased donor intentions. Study 3 found that recalling a frustrating DMV experience resulted in significantly lower intentions to register as an organ donor (vs. a control condition). Conclusion Although not all DMV experiences are negative, these data indicated a relationship between the DMV and negative emotions; an association between negative emotions and lower donor registration intentions; and, a causal relationship between negative DMV experiences and decreased registration intentions.
Fifth Circuit Administrative Law Review

Although the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals considered a number of administrative law cases during the survey period, a great many involved the routine judicial review of agency determinations concerning government benefits under the substantial evidence standard and, therefore, did not address any unprecedented issues. The circuit did, however, reach noteworthy decisions in several cases involving the judicial review of agency decisions as well as in cases addressing issues such as exhaustion, finality, primary jurisdiction, administrative search warrants, and the awarding of attorney's fees; this survey will focus on those cases.
Biomarkers and Surrogate Endpoints: Developing Common Terminology and Definitions.

Biomarkers, surrogate endpoints, and clinical outcome assessments provide an essential set of tools needed to translate scientific concepts into diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and technologies. Recently, biomarkers have been promoted as offering significant potential for accelerating basic science, drug discovery, and medical product development, as well as improving clinical care.1 Examples of common biomarkers include breast cancer genes 1 and 2, prostate-specific antigen, and hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid. Although new analytical approaches and omics-based technologies have yielded a rapidly expanding array of biomarkers, precisely how and when they should be used has not been clearly described.
Development of a Spring-Loaded Impact Device to Deliver Injurious Mechanical Impacts to the Articular Cartilage Surface.

Objective:Traumatic impacts on the articular joint surface in vitro are known to lead to degeneration of the cartilage. The main objective of this study was to develop a spring-loaded impact device that can be used to deliver traumatic impacts of consistent magnitude and rate and to find whether impacts cause catabolic activities in articular cartilage consistent with other previously reported impact models and correlated with the development of osteoarthritic lesions. In developing the spring-loaded impactor, the operating hypothesis is that a single supraphysiologic impact to articular cartilage in vitro can affect cartilage integrity, cell viability, sulfated glycosaminoglycan and inflammatory mediator release in a dose-dependent manner.Design:Impacts of increasing force are delivered to adult bovine articular cartilage explants in confined compression. Impact parameters are correlated with tissue damage, cell viability, matrix and inflammatory mediator release, and gene expression 24 hours postimpact....
Influence of Alloy Behavior on Multiaxial Fatigue Lifing Criteria for Turbine Disk Bores

In a previous paper, a criterion for multiaxial lifing of turbine disk bores made from a nickel base super alloy, DP-718, was substantiated using results from spin pit testing of mini disks. In this paper, another turbine and compressor disk alloy, Alloy 10, exhibiting a different material behavior than DP-718 is examined from multiaxial point of view. This new alloy manufactured by powder metallurgy processing, has a coarser grain size, lower tensile yield strength, contains a much finer distribution of brittle carbides in its microstructure and shows a significant difference in failure initiation behavior under low cycle fatigue when compared to DP-718. Under the multiaxiality conditions experienced by disk bores, Alloy-10 lives seem to correlate well using an effective stress based criterion, whereas DP-718 was found to follow principal stress based criterion. Interesting differences between DP-718 and Alloy-10 in alloy and fractographic behavior under uniaxial and multiaxial conditions are discussed.Copyright © 2014 by ASME