cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CREEP AND BRITTLE FRACTURE OF METALLIC GLASSES

Annealing of metallic glasses allows structural relaxation, which has a strong effect on the viscosity and on the ductility of some of them. Viscosity increases due to relaxation, both below and near the glass transition temperature, can be described best by a bimolecular annihilation mechanism. When measuring the equilibrium viscosity, it is important to ascertain that the relaxation is complete and that the asymptotic values of both increasing and decreasing viscosity measurements coincide. The equilibrium viscosity of metallic glasses can best be described by the Fulcher-Vogel equation, even at the lowest temperatures where measurements have been made. The isoconfigurational viscosity behavior near the glass transition temperature is non-Arrhenian, and depends on the degree of relaxation. The ductile-to-brittle transition temperature of a metallic glass exhibits a continuous increase with annealing that can be related to other structural relaxation phenomena, in particular the viscosity increase. Other models for embrittlement, based on crystallization, phase separation or interfacial segregation, are reviewed as well.
Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language, and Simulation for Human Animation

An approach to the higher-level specification and execution of animation is described. Natural language is used to augment the animation process since verbs and their modifiers (temporal, adverbial, and spatial) offer a rich and succinct vocabulary for task control. A simulation system based on human performance models and expert systems is used to produce animation control sequences. Interactive systems assist an animator or human factors engineer to graphically simulate the task-oriented activities of several human agents. The overall organization of this project and some specific components will be discussed, including: the JACK interactive graphics interface, various human factors analyses, real-time constraint-based inverse kinematic positioning, strength models, dynamic simulation, constraint-based temporal planning, artificial intelligence task definitions, and natural language specification of tasks.
Sustainable dynamic application hosting across geographically distributed data centers

Geographical appLication/WorkLoad Placement (GLP) shifts workload toward data centers that offer lower electricity price or green energy at a given time. Despite being advantageous, it is challenging mostly because of (i) applications’ migration overhead, (ii) prediction errors of workload and renewable over a large prediction window, (iii) the non energy proportionality of servers, and (iv) the physical limitations of batteries. This chapter accounts for general problem statement of GLP through developing a cost optimization problem and discusses the challenges and existing solutions. Further, we perform a simulation study to show the effectiveness of GLP towards sustainability of data centers.
Implications of secretory immune system in viral infections.

Considerable evidence is available to suggest that secretory immunoglobulins play an important role in protection against certain viral diseases (1). The extent of the secretory immune response elicited at an external mucosal surface and its relative contribution in the mechanisms of antiviral immunity seems to be intimately related to pathogenesis and course of the viral infection (2). The development and biologic function of various secretory immunoglobulins, particularly secretory γA has been studied extensively after naturally acquired infections or after immunization with live attenuated or inactivated viral vaccines. Antibody activity against viral antigens has been demonstrated in several organs and external mucosal tissues (1–6). The development of specific secretory immunity in different tissues after infection with some of these viruses is discussed below.
Celebrity Justice and Victims' Rights Initiatives

As played out in the recent Roman Polanski case, there is a decades old tension between prosecutors who want to hold celebrities to the same criminal standards as everyone else, the special privileges that celebrity and wealth inherently provide to the accused "star," and the desire of the victim to avoid the spotlight and intense scrutiny that accompanies a celebrity trial.This paper discusses the nature of victims' rights in California. Victims' rights have become increasingly important in California stemming from recent legislative changes. These changes present broad possibilities in terms of impact on the criminal justice system. Part III considers the abuses of victims' rights under the current system. Defendants with higher bank rolls have the power under present standards to offer their victim an enticing settlement. Their celebrity can also give them an aura of credibility, and the very nature of "celebrity" means that these defendants are already known to, and probably admired by, the jury. Part IV outlines a proposal for balancing the victim's needs with the system's needs to avoid buying justice. This proposal is two-part: (1) Victims' rights laws should be amended to address situations in which victims give up their rights in exchange for financial compensation. In these cases, where victims are willing to waive their rights through a civil settlement, they should be compelled to participate in the criminal case; (2) The existing victims' rights legislation can be amended to address this divide between the civil and criminal courts. Whereas victims can control the civil suit, the state interests are at stake in the criminal case. The victims' rights laws could be changed to more specifically direct which victims and how victims may receive civil settlements.
The Group Theory Concept Assessment: a Tool for Measuring Conceptual Understanding in Introductory Group Theory

Introductory group theory provides the foundational course on algebraic structures. Yet, we know little about students’ underlying conceptual understandings. In this paper, I introduce the Group Theory Concept Assessment (GTCA), a measure created for the purpose of conducting large-scale studies of student conceptual understanding in group theory. The GTCA measures this understanding divorced from proof construction ability. I outline the design process and share results from various stages of analysis and refinement. I then present an item-level analysis of the GTCA including a detailed look at four items. These items focus on subgroups, inverses, quotient groups, and kernels, respectively. I conclude by reflecting on the GTCA’s potential usage as a research tool and practitioner tool.
Evaluation of a gender-affirming healthcare curriculum for second-year medical students

Background Transgender medicine is an emergent subfield with clearly identified educational gaps. Aims This manuscript evaluates a gender-affirming healthcare curriculum for second-year medical (M2) students. Methods Students received a survey assessing Gender Identity Competency in terms of skills, knowledge and attitudes regarding transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) issues. The authors administered the survey before and after the delivery of the curriculum. The curriculum included five online modules, a quiz, a 3-hour case-based workshop and a 2-hour interactive patient-provider panel. Results Approximately 60% of M2 students (n=77) completed both preassessments and postassessments. The following showed a statistically significant improvement from preassessment to postassessment: student Gender Identity Competency, t(76) = −11.07, p Conclusions The curriculum improved students’ gender-affirming medical competency, knowledge and skills. The development of a sustained, longitudinal curriculum is recommended in addition to the continuing education of faculty to reinforce this expanding knowledge and skills base and to address discomfort working with this population.
Low stand density moderates growth declines during hot droughts in semi-arid forests

1. Increasing heat and aridity in coming decades is expected to negatively impact tree growth and threaten forest sustainability in dry areas. Maintaining low stand density has the potential to mitigate the negative effects of increasingly severe droughts by minimizing competitive intensity. 2. However, the direct impact of stand density on the growing environment (i.e. soil moisture), and the specific drought metrics that best quantify that environment, are not well explored for any forest ecosystem. We examined the relationship of varying stand density (i.e. basal area) on soil moisture and stand-level growth in a long-term (multi-decadal), ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa, forest management experiment. We accounted for the influence of stand-level density on moisture availability by measuring and modelling soil moisture using an ecosystem water balance model. 3. To quantify the growing environment, we developed metrics of ecological drought that integrate the influence of moisture availability in the soil with moisture demand by the atmosphere. We paired these results with stand-level dendrochronological data, avoiding the potential bias introduced from individual tree-based assessments, and used critical climate period analysis to identify the timing and duration of these drought metrics that most relate to forest growth. 4. We found that stand-level growth is highly responsive to the combination of high temperature and low soil moisture. Growth in all stands was negatively related to temperature and positively related to moisture availability, although the sensitivity of growth to those conditions varied among stand density treatments. Growth enhancement during cool years is greatest in low density stands. In addition, low density stands displayed substantially higher long-term average growth than higher density stands and maintained higher growth even when temperatures were high. Growth in low density stands also increased more than higher density stands in response to greater long-term moisture availability. 5. Synthesis and applications. We quantified the influence of stand-level density on the environmental conditions that determine tree growth and related forest growth to patterns of moisture supply and demand. Our drought metrics, and analytical approach for quantifying drought impacts on forest growth, are a novel approach for assessing forest vulnerability to drought under climate change. These results provide new perspective on the potential for density management to mitigate drought stress and maintain forest stand growth during and after drought events in water-limited forests.
Masonry screen walls: a digital framework for design generation and environmental performance optimization

Masonry screen walls are architectural elements made from bricks that create different patterns to provide shade and natural ventilation to buildings. This paper presents a digital framework for th...
Optic Neuropathy in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease.

Background Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Type 2A (CMT2A) presents with optic atrophy in a subset of patients, but the prevalence and severity of optic nerve involvement in relation to other CMT subtypes has not been explored. Methods Patients with genetically confirmed CMT2A (n = 5), CMT1A (n = 9) and CMTX1 (n = 10) underwent high- and low-contrast acuity testing using Sloan letter charts, and circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular total retinal, RNFL, and ganglion cell layer/inner plexiform layer thickness was measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). We used age- and gender-adjusted linear regression to compare contrast acuity and retinal thickness between CMT groups. Results One of 5 patients with CMT2A had optic nerve atrophy (binocular high-contrast acuity equivalent 20/160, mean circumpapillary RNFL 47.5 μm). The other patients with CMT2A had normal high- and low-contrast acuity and retinal thickness, and there were no significant differences between patients with CMT2A, CMT1A, and CMTX1. Conclusions Optic atrophy occurs in some patients with CMT2A, but in others, there is no discernible optic nerve involvement. This suggests that optic neuropathy is specific to certain MFN2 mutations in CMT2A and that low-contrast acuity or OCT is of limited value as a disease-wide biomarker.
Systematic Study of Different Anion Doping on the Electrochemical Performance of Cobalt-Free Lithium–Manganese-Rich Layered Cathode

Regardless of the appealingly high energy density (1000 Wh kg–1) of the lithium–manganese-rich layered oxide cathode (LMR-NMO), this material still suffers from rapid capacity and voltage decay aft...
Gastric Emptying Scans: Poor Adherence to National Guidelines

Accurately diagnosing gastroparesis relies upon gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) being performed correctly. Jointly published protocol guidelines have long been available; however, the extent to which practitioners adhere to these guidelines is unknown. This study aimed to assess national compliance with established GES protocol guidelines. We developed a questionnaire addressing the key protocol measures outlined in the Consensus Recommendations for Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy. Survey questions addressed patient information collection (15), patient preparation and procedure protocol (16), meal content and preparation (7), imaging (3), interpretation (4), reporting (7), and institutional demographic data (7). The anonymous questionnaire was distributed electronically to members of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging (SNMMI) and non-member recipients of the SNMMI daily email newsletter. One response per medical institution was permitted. A total of 121 out of 872 potential medical institutions (MI) responded (13.9%); 49 (40.4%) were academic/teaching medical centers. The annual number (mean) of GES procedures was 199.9 (range 5–2000 GES/year). On average, MI performed 33.5/52 (64%) of protocol measures according to guidelines while academic medical centers performed 31.5/52 (61%) of protocol measures according to guidelines. Only 4 out of 88 MI (4.5%) performed GES while adhering to three critical measures: validated study duration; controlled blood glucose levels; and proper restriction of medications. Low compliance with GES protocol guidelines, even among academic medical centers, raises the likely possibility of misdiagnosis and improper management of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. These results highlight a need for increased awareness of protocol guidelines for gastric scintigraphy.
Simulation of elution profiles in liquid chromatography – IV: Experimental characterization and modeling of solute injection profiles from a modulation valve used in two-dimensional liquid chromatography

Abstract Simulation software for liquid chromatography can accelerate method development capabilities. In two-dimensional chromatography this is particularly attractive because there are more method variables to consider, provided simulations can account for the effects of injecting effluent from the first dimension separation into the second dimension column. In this paper we describe the adaptation of a previously described model (the Forssen model) to enable prediction of the profile of an injection pulse as it exits an Active Solvent Modulation (ASM) valve and enters the second dimension column under a variety of flow rate and sample loop size conditions (a global model). Experimentally measured injection profiles were used to train empirical models capable of generating injection profiles as a function of sample loop volume and flow rate. The resulting parameters were then used to generate an injection profile for a loop volume not used in the training set. The resulting profile agreed well with the experimentally obtained profile for this sample loop. Finally, chromatograms were simulated using previously developed simulation software incorporating the injection profile models developed in this work. Chromatographic peaks were simulated for valerophenone on an Agilent Zorbax Stablebond C18 stationary phase with an acetonitrile/water mobile phase gradient. Results of simulations based on experimental injection profiles, profiles predicted using the Forssen or global models, and rectangular injection profiles were compared. Comparison of the resulting chromatographic peaks revealed good agreement between those produced using experimental profiles or the Forssen or global models, with less than ± 0.3% deviations for retention times and less than ± 10% deviations for the peak widths (expressed as σ).
Embracing the Speculative: Pedagogical and Methodological Crossroads

There is continued uncertainty in these times. So many questions have remained unanswered. Quarantined in our respective dwellings, many of us at colleges and universities entered online learning a...
Integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics reveals convergent pathways driving radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction.

Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer causes damage to the surrounding salivary glands, resulting in salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia. Current treatments do not provide lasting resto...
Price Gouging in a Pandemic

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to acute supply shortages across the country as well as concerns over price increases amid surging demand. In the process, it has reawakened a debate about whether and how to regulate “price gouging.” Animating this controversy is a longstanding conflict between laissez-faire economics (which champions price fluctuations as a means to allocate scarce goods) and perceived norms of consumer fairness (which are thought to cut strongly against sharp price hikes amid shortages). This article provides a new, empirically grounded perspective on the price gouging debate that challenges several aspects of conventional wisdom. We report results from a survey experiment administered to a large, nationally representative sample during the height of the pandemic’s initial wave. We presented participants with a variety of vignettes involving price increases, eliciting their reactions along two dimensions: the degree of unfairness they perceived, and the legal response they favored. Overall, we find that participants are more tolerant of price increases than either the existing behavioral economics literature predicts or most state price gouging statutes countenance. But we also find that price fairness perceptions can be highly sensitive to context. For example, participants are much more tolerant of moderate price increases if they previously are asked to contemplate large price increases. Moreover, participants are substantially more willing to accept a price increase when it is accompanied by an apology and/or a public-minded rationale (such as supporting furloughed employees). We explore the implications of our findings for behavioral economics, pricing practices, and legal reform.
Nucleon mass radii and distribution: Holographic QCD, lattice QCD, and GlueX data

We briefly review and expand our recent analysis for all three invariant $A$, $B$, $D$ gravitational form factors of the nucleon in holographic QCD. They compare well to the gluonic gravitational form factors recently measured using lattice QCD simulations. The holographic $A$-term is fixed by the tensor $T={2}^{++}$ (graviton) Regge trajectory, and the $D$-term by the difference between the tensor $T={2}^{++}$ (graviton) and scalar $S={0}^{++}$ (dilaton) Regge trajectories. The $B$-term is null in the absence of a tensor coupling to a Dirac fermion in bulk. A first measurement of the tensor form factor $A$-term is already accessible using the current GlueX data, and therefore the tensor gluonic mass radius, pressure, and shear inside the proton, thanks to holography. The holographic $A$-term and $D$-term can be expressed exactly in terms of harmonic numbers. The tensor mass radius from the holographic threshold is found to be $⟨{r}_{GT}^{2}⟩\ensuremath{\approx}(0.57--0.60\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{fm}{)}^{2}$, in agreement with $⟨{r}_{GT}^{2}⟩\ensuremath{\approx}(0.62\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{fm}{)}^{2}$ as extracted from the overall numerical lattice data, and empirical GlueX data. The scalar mass radius is found to be slightly larger $⟨{r}_{GS}^{2}⟩\ensuremath{\approx}(0.7\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{fm}{)}^{2}$.
Genome-wide association study for tolerance to drought and salt tolerance and resistance to thrips at the seedling growth stage in US Upland cotton

Abstract Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is the most important fiber-producing crop, and its seedlings are sensitive to abiotic and biotic stresses including drought, salt and thrips [Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)]. In this study, an association mapping panel of 376 Upland cotton accessions was evaluated to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for thrips resistance in two replicated tests and drought (DT) and salt tolerance (ST) each in three replicated tests. Significant genotypic differences were detected for severity rating-based thrips resistance and morphological traits (including plant height, fresh shoot weight, fresh root weight, dry shoot weight and dry root weight (except for ST), and physiological traits (including chlorophyll content reading, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis rate, transpiration, and leaf temperature) under DT and ST conditions. Heritability estimates were low for physiological traits, moderate for morphological traits measured for both DT and ST and moderate to high for thrips resistance. Based on a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using 26,301 polymorphic SNPs, 53 and 78 QTL were detected for DT and ST, respectively, on all 26 chromosomes except for A02, A04, A06, A12 and D07. Eleven and 15 QTL were common between tests for DT and ST, respectively. Twenty-three of 131 QTL were common between DT and ST. Eight QTL were identified for thrips resistance on five chromosomes (A09, D01, D02, D03 and D11). Thirteen QTL clusters were detected on 11 chromosomes (i.e., A01, A08, D01, D02, D03, D05, D06, D10, D11, D12, and D13). Among the 13 QTL clusters, the one on D03 contained a QTL for thrips resistance and four QTL for abiotic resistance. This study represented the first attempt to map thrips resistance QTL in cotton, providing important information for biotic and abiotic stress resistance to select QTL that will be useful for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in cotton.
Distributed Multiplexing in Multicarrier Wireless Networks

Multiple-element antenna channels provide increased spectral efficiency via spatial multiplexing. It is therefore of interest to consider their emulation in a distributed fashion in both ad hoc and structured networks where communicating nodes cannot be equipped with multiple-element antennas for practical reasons. The work proposes conceptually simple algorithms towards this end. These distributed algorithms are spectrally efficient in that they require only the same number of degrees of freedom as their multiple-element antenna counterparts while performing almost as well as the latter. However, several practical issues relating to processing complexity remain to be addressed.
Chapter 2 Factors Affecting the Performance of (Al,Ga)As/GaAs and (Al,Ga)As/InGaAs Modulation-Doped Field-Effect Transistors: Microwave and Digital Applications

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the factors affecting the performance of (Al,Ga)As/GaAs and (Al,Ga)As/InGaAs modulation-doped field-effect transistors (MODFET), which is the base for microwave and digital applications. It has been shown that MODFETs are inherently superior to other FET technologies in terms of achieving higher speeds of operation, lower power dissipation, and lower noise. These advantages are due to the superior transport properties of undoped GaAs, which is used as the channel layer for the FET. The electrons transferred from the wide-gap (Al,Ga)As into the narrow-gap GaAs experience reduced interactions with the parent donors, and form a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the heterointerface. The transport properties of the 2DEG are strongly dependent on the structure parameters and the interfacial properties as well. An undoped (A1,Ga)As set-back layer has been used to decrease the electron-donor interaction further. The realization of the full potential of GaAs in a FET structure has become possible with improvements in the modulation doping. Although MODFETs have long been based on the (Al,Ga)As/GaAs material system for high-speed digital and high-frequency microwave applications, the more thorough understanding of the concept of modulation doping shows that other MODFET structures can be more attractive for high-speed digital and high-frequency applications, along with the (Al,Ga)As/GaAs system. In fact, the charge transfer and enhanced transport due to the reduction of ionized impurity scattering has been demonstrated for two other lattice-matched semiconductor combinations. In these MODFET structures the electrons are confined in a (In,Ga)As layer, which showed superiority over other III–V semiconductors recognized as competitors for high-speed digital and high-frequency microwave device applications.
Thermal Stress Crack Stability and Propagation in Severe Thermal Environments

A fracture-mechanical analysis is presented for stability criteria and propagation behavior of thermal stress cracks in brittle ceramics in environments so severe that initiation cannot be avoided. It is based on a mechanical model consisting of a rigidly constrained, uniformly cooled thin flat plate with a uniform distribution of microcracks; results are qualitatively similar to those obtained for a three-dimensional body with penny-shaped cracks. High stability of thermal stress cracks is attained in materials with high values of surface fracture energy, and low values of thermal expansion and Young’s modulus. On catastrophic propagation of an initially short crack, the final crack is subcritical and has a length which is independent of material properties but depends only on the initial crack length and the crack density. It is suggested that materials with very high thermal shock resistance can be developed by synthesizing materials with high densities of microcracks.
The Dalkon Shield in private practice: a disappointment.

Since June 1971 the author has inserted Dalkon shields largely to replace other IUDs or the use of oral contraceptives. No expulsions have occurred. However the 10% pregnancy rate with the shield was unexpected. The loop IUD device had previously demonstrated a 97% protection from pregnancy although the expulsion rate was quite high. In nulliparous patients removals of - loops for bleeding and pain combined with expulsion rates had exceeded 50%. A previous article claiming 98.9% efficacy for the shield is believed to have been reported from inadequate data. Although the authors experience is with only 110 shield-using patients during 1229 woman-months of use the 10% pregnancy rate makes its continued use unacceptable. Some patients who continue to use the shield also use other contraceptive measures during the fertile times of their cycles.
RECENT PROGRESS IN TRITIUM CODEPOSITION MODELING

Tritium codeposition in sputtered and redeposited surface layers may be a critical issue for next generation tokamak fusion reactors. We review recent codeposition/erosion code/model improvements, and calculations. Updated models for carbon include chemical sputtering yields, sputtered hydrocarbon species, and atomic and molecular processes. Calculations show that a carbon coated divertor with a semi or fullydetached plasma may behave poorly, with predicted codeposition rates of order 10 gT/1000s pulse, and peak net erosion rates of order 10 nm/s. Other materials such as beryllium, tungsten, lithium, or carbon with a non-detached plasma regime, look better. Outstanding research issues include reflection/sticking properties of redeposited carbon/hydrocarbon particles, possible flux dependence of chemical sputtering, and dopant effects.
Purification and Properties of Glycogen Isolated from a Blue-Green Alga, Nostoc muscorum

Abstract Alpha granules were isolated from a blue-green alga, Nostoc muscorum, in large quantities and high purity by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Sodium deoxycholate was used to eliminate membrane contamination. Isolated α granules from this species have average dimension of 31 nm in width and 65 nm in length. Each α granule consists of two equal parts. Attempts to dissociate the intact granule under mild conditions into relatively large subunits did not succeed. Analytical centrifugation of the α granules yields a sedimentation coefficient of 265S (S20, w). Chemical analysis reveals that α granules contain highly branched polyglucosyl units with short external chain lengths.
Flight Telerobotic Servicer: the design and evolution of a dexterous space telerobot

The Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) Project is developing an advanced telerobotic system to assist in and reduce the crew extravehicular activity for Space Station Freedom. The FTS will provide a telerobotic capability to the Freedom Station in the early assembly phases of the program and will be employed for assembly, maintenance, and inspection applications throughout the lifetime of the Space Station. Appropriately configured elements of the FTS may also be employed for robotic manipulation in remote satellite servicing applications and possibly the Lunar/Mars Program. The authors describe the FTS design approach for evolution to more autonomous capabilities. Some specific task applications of the FTS and partial automation approaches of these tasks are also discussed. >
PNEUMONIA: AN ELEVEN-YEAR STUDY IN A PEDIATRIC PRACTICE

Data from an 11-year study of acute lower respiratory tract illness were analyzed to provide added insight into the causes and patterns of occurrence of pneumonia in an outpatient pediatric population. Over 80% of all episodes of pneumonia occurred in children less than seven years of age; the peak attack rate was observed in 2-4-year-old children. A virus or Mycoplasma pneumoniae was isolated from 24% of children with pneumonia; 57% of all episodes occurred during outbreaks for which a viral or mycoplasmal cause could usually be identified. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza viruses types 1 and 3, adenoviruses, influenza A viruses and M. pneumoniae accounted for 86% of all isolates. Attack rates of pneumonia in preschool children were highest during periods of RSV and influenza A virus prevalence; M. pneumoniae was the most frequent isolate from school aged children. The data contained in this report augment the understanding of the causes of pneumonia in children and provide a data base for scientists interested in the prevention of lower respiratory tract illness in children.
Comparative Species Utilization and Toxicity of Sulfur Amino Acids

Animal studies have shown that several methionine (Met) and cysteine (Cys) analogs or precursors have L-Met- and L-Cys-sparing activity. Relative oral bioavailability (RBV) values, with the L-isomer of Met and Cys set at 100% (isosulfurous basis), are near 100% for D-Met for animals but only about 30% for humans. Both the OH and keto analogs of Met have high RBV-sparing values, as does N-acetyl-L-Met (the D-isomer of acetylated Met has no bioactivity). L-Homocysteine has an RBV value of about 65% for Met sparing in rats and chicks, but D-homocysteine has little if any Met-sparing activity. S-Methyl-L-Met can partially spare Met, but only when fed under dietary conditions of choline/betaine deficiency. Relative to L-Cys, high RBV values exist for L-cystine, N-acetyl-L-Cys, L-homocysteine, L-Met, and glutathione, but D-cystine, the keto analog of Cys, L-cysteic acid, and taurine have no Cys-sparing activity. l-2-Oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate has an RBV value of 75%, D-homocysteine 70%, and DL-lanthionine 35% as Cys precursors. Under dietary conditions of Cys deficiency and very low inorganic sulfate (SO4) ingestion, dietary SO4 supplementation has been shown to reduce the Cys requirement of several animal species as well as humans. Excessive ingestion of Met, Cys, or cystine has also been studied extensively in experimental animals, and these sulfur amino acids (SAA) are well established as being among the most toxic of all amino acids that have been studied. Even though Cys and its oxidized product (cystine) are equally efficacious at levels at or below their dietary requirements for maximal growth, Cys is far more toxic than cystine when administered orally in the pharmacologic dosing range. Isosulfurous (excess) levels of cystine, N-acetyl-L-Cys, or glutathione are far less growth depressing than L-Cys when 6 to 10 times the minimally required level of these SAA compounds are fed to chicks.
Contracting, prompting, and reinforcing substance use disorder continuing care: A randomized clinical trial.

Although continuing care is strongly related to positive treatment outcomes for substance use disorder (SUD), participation rates are low and few effective interventions are available. In a randomized clinical trial with 150 participants (97% men), 75 graduates of a residential Veterans Affairs Medical Center SUD program who received an aftercare contract, attendance prompts, and reinforcers (CPR) were compared to 75 graduates who received standard treatment (STX). Among CPR participants, 55% completed at least 3 months of aftercare, compared to 36% in STX. Similarly, CPR participants remained in treatment longer than those in STX (5.5 vs. 4.4 months). Additionally, CPR participants were more likely to be abstinent compared to STX (57% vs. 37%) after 1 year. The CPR intervention offers a practical means to improve adherence among individuals in SUD treatment.
Dynamics of Alewives in Lake Ontario following a Mass Mortality

Abstract The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation assessed the population of alewives Alosa pseudoharengus in U.S. waters of Lake Ontario during 1976–1982 with bottom trawls. Alewives were abundant in 1976 but a die-off greatly reduced their numbers during the winter of 1976–1977. The population quickly recovered, however, adult abundance increasing nearly sevenfold during 1978–1981. In spring 1981 the bottom population in southern Lake Ontario was estimated to be 5.25 × 109 fish weighing 128,500 t. Estimated average alewife biomass per hectare during 1978–1982 far exceeded the estimates for either Lake Michigan during 1967–1982 or western Lake Huron during 1973–1982. Recruitment of age-II fish to the population was affected by abundance of adults in two ways: (1) the number of yearlings produced was directly related to adult abundance at low population levels but inversely related at high population levels; and (2) survival of yearlings to age II was in...
Nanomaterials and Water Purification: Opportunities and Challenges

Advances in nanoscale science and engineering suggest that many of the current problems involving water quality could be resolved or greatly ameliorated using nanosorbents, nanocatalysts, bioactive nanoparticles, nanostructured catalytic membranes and nanoparticle enhanced filtration among other products and processes resulting from the development of nanotechnology. Innovations in the development of novel technologies to desalinate water are among the most exciting and promising. Additionally, nanotechnology-derived products that reduce the concentrations of toxic compounds to sub-ppb levels can assist in the attainment of water quality standards and health advisories. This article gives an overview of the use of nanomaterials in water purification. We highlight recent advances on the development of novel nanoscale materials and processes for treatment of surface water, groundwater and industrial wastewater contaminated by toxic metal ions, radionuclides, organic and inorganic solutes, bacteria and viruses. In addition, we discuss some challenges associated with the development of cost effective and environmentally acceptable functional nanomaterials for water purification.
A revised list for the estimation of dysarthric single word intelligibility.

An item analysis of the 160 words used in Tikofsky and Tikofsky’s (1964) study of dysarthric intelligibility was carried out. Results of the analysis yield a 50-word list with 9 difficulty levels r...
Short-term memory in pigeons: Modality-specific or code-specific effects?

Kraemer and Roberts reported on a study ofpigeon short-termmemory (STM). A major goal "wasto compare STM in pigeons for visual and auditorystimuli" (p. 282). Since this appears to be the first pub­lished report of the use of auditory samples in delayedmatching-to-sample (DMTS) work with pigeons, itspotential contribution to knowledge of modality-relatedcharacteristics of STM in animals is considerable. Assess­ment of these characteristics for diverse species is an is­sue of current concem(e.g., D'Amato& Salmon, 1984;Wallace, Steinert, Scobie, & Spear, 1980). Hence, it isworthwhile to clarify thinking about the distinction be­tween the sensory modality through which to-be­remembered information arrives and the memory codelaid down by this information, using Kraemer andRoberts's study as a focal point.The pigeons in the Kraemer and Roberts'sstudy weregiven symbolic DMTS tests in which the sample waseither visual (red or green houselight) or auditory (3000­Hz or 300-Hz tone from anoverhead speaker). In eachcase the samples were mapped onto the same two visualalternatives (blue and yellow response keys). Since theresponse alternatives were the same for the visual and au­ditory conditions, the authors reasoned that any differ­ences in performance between the visual-visual (V-V) andthe auditory-visual (A-V) groups would reveal the natureand extent of modality-specific limitations. According tothe authors'conclusions, the results offered little supportfor qualitativelydifferent memories for auditory and visualstimuli. However, thisconclusion must
Incidence and clinical characteristics of takotsubo cardiomyopathy post-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

a Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States b Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States c Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States d Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States e Department Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
Morphology, locomotor behaviour and microhabitat use in North American squirrels

The rodent family Sciuridae (squirrels) presents an ideal system for examining the morphological, behavioural and ecological correlates of locomotor novelty. Ancestrally, sciurids were arboreal, a condition retained by modern tree squirrels. Two major transitions from the arboreal condition are hypothesized to have occurred in the sciurid clade: (1) flying squirrels evolved gliding from arboreal leaping (parachuting) and (2) chipmunks and ground squirrels became semiarboreal/terrestrial. This study examines morphology, locomotor behaviour and microhabitat use under controlled laboratory conditions in three North American sciurids: eastern chipmunk Tamias striatus, red squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus and southern flying squirrel Glaucomys volans. Multivariate space was defined using a series of morphological measurements and by continuously sampling individuals moving under identical conditions in a naturalistic enclosure, controlling for the proximate effects of microhabitat structure. Morphospace was characterized by a contrast between proximal and distal limb elements – flying squirrels exhibited elongated forelimbs and shanks and shortened forefeet and hindfeet, while chipmunks exhibited the opposite pattern. Ethospace was characterized by a contrast between aerial locomotion in flying squirrels and ground-based locomotion in chipmunks. In both instances, red squirrels occupied intermediate positions, as predicted on the basis of retention of ancestral features. Despite significant differences among species at morphological and behavioural levels, ecospace was characterized by overlap between flying squirrels and red squirrels in the use of high supports, and between flying squirrels and chipmunks in the use of large-diameter supports. The lack of concordance at the ecological level underscores the difficulty in making predictions based solely upon organismal design.
Application of clustering analyses to the diagnosis of Huntington disease in mice and other diseases with well-defined group boundaries

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has emerged as a technology that can provide metabolite information within organ systems in vivo. In this study, we introduced a new method of employing a clustering algorithm to develop a diagnostic model that can differentially diagnose a single unknown subject in a disease with well-defined group boundaries. We used three tests to assess the suitability and the accuracy required for diagnostic purposes of the four clustering algorithms we investigated (K-means, Fuzzy, Hierarchical, and Medoid Partitioning). To accomplish this goal, we studied the striatal metabolomic profile of R6/2 Huntington disease (HD) transgenic mice and that of wild type (WT) mice using high field in vivo proton NMR spectroscopy (9.4T). We tested all four clustering algorithms (1) with the original R6/2 HD mice and WT mice, (2) with unknown mice, whose status had been determined via genotyping, and (3) with the ability to separate the original R6/2 mice into the two age subgroups (8 and 12 weeks old). Only our diagnostic models that employed ROC-supervised Fuzzy, unsupervised Fuzzy, and ROC-supervised K-means Clustering passed all three stringent tests with 100% accuracy, indicating that they may be used for diagnostic purposes.
Reactions of N+ and N2+ with several cyclic molecules studied using a selected ion flow tube

Abstract A selected ion flow tube, SIFT, has been used to investigate the reactions of N+ and N2+ with four cyclic molecules (pyrrole, pyrrolidine, benzene, and cyclohexane) at 298 K. These species are of particular interest to the chemistry of both Titan's ionosphere and of interstellar molecular clouds. Rate coefficients and product distributions have been determined to provide kinetic data needed for accurate models of these media and establish chemical routes. The majority of reactions proceed at the gas kinetic rate; only pyrrolidine reacts slower. The reactions result mainly in dissociative charge transfer, except the reaction of benzene with N+, in which the major product is non-dissociative charge transfer. Comparisons are made between each neutral with the two reactant ions (N+ and N2+) of differing recombination energies and also between each reactant ion with neutrals differing in ionization energy and aromaticity. Fragmentation channels are discussed and compared with electron impact ionization.
Molecular Orientation in Langmuir Monolayers under Shear

The coupling between the structure of the tilted condensed phases of docosanoic acid monolayers (L2, L2‘, and Ov) and an external shear flow has been studied using Brewster angle microscopy. Generally, the coupling results in a reorientation of the alkyl tails, although different kinematics are observed depending on the thermodynamic phase, shear rate, and surface pressure. The coupling can result in continuous orientational changes or in abrupt reorientation of the molecular tilt angle. These molecular-level effects are connected to the macroscopic texture as well; shear can result in either domain fragmentation or annealing. A detailed quantitative analysis of phenomena reminiscent of the “flow alignment” and “tumbling” mechanisms found in nematohydrodynamics is presented. The analysis reveals that the kinematics of the reorientation is different from that in nematic liquid crystals. The underlying lattice plays a crucial role, and the observed phenomena can be explained with geometrical arguments.
Fluorophore-linked zinc(II)dipicolylamine coordination complexes as sensors for phosphatidylserine-containing membranes

Abstract A series of Zn2+–2,2′-dipicolylamine (Zn2+–DPA) coordination complexes with an attached NBD fluorophore are synthesized and evaluated as fluorescent sensors. The sensors do not respond to vesicles composed of zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine, but the NBD fluorescence emission is enhanced in the presence of anionic vesicles. A sensor with two Zn2+–DPA units and a hydrophilic tris(ethyleneoxy) linker produced a larger emission enhancement than an analogue with a butyl linker, and titration with 1:1 POPC:POPS vesicles lead to an apparent phospholipid association constant of 5.3×104 M−1. The sensor can detect the presence of vesicles containing as little as 5% phosphatidylserine. The sensing effect apparently requires a membrane surface because the sensors do not respond to a phosphatidylserine derivative that is monodispersed in aqueous solution.
Multiple interpolation and extremal functions in the Bergman spaces

Multiple interpolation sequences for the Bergman space are characterized. In addition, relationships between interpolation sequences and extremal functions are explored.
Majority logic gate synthesis approaches for post-CMOS logic circuits: A review

Majority gates are fundamental logic gates that can be implemented in several potential post-CMOS technologies such as Quantum-dot Cellular Automata, Single Electron Transistor, and Tunneling Phase Logic. It is expected that these technologies provide more dense circuit integration levels than current CMOS technology. In this paper, a review of existing synthesis techniques targeted for majority logic gates are presented and compared.
Ordovician endocerid genus Anthoceras: its occurrence and morphology

The description of the type species, Anthoceras decorum Teichert & Glenister 1954, is emended, based on collections from Mt Arrowsmith, New South Wales. The generic description is emended to include changes made to the type species and attributes of Siberian and Chinese species. Range of the genus is Arenigian.
Telehealth: Preparing Advanced Practice Nurses to Address Healthcare Needs in Rural and Underserved Populations

Healthcare is being confronted with questions on how to deliver quality, affordable, and timely care to patients, especially those in rural areas, in systems already burdened by the lack of providers. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have been challenged to lead this movement in providing care to these populations through the use of technologies, specifically telehealth. Unfortunately, APRNs have limited exposure to telehealth during their educational experience, thereby limiting their understanding and comfort with telehealth. To address this problem, a telehealth program was developed at a large university that prepares Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) APRN students. The telehealth program, embedded into the DNP curriculum, consisted of a simulation workshop, practice immersion, and written project. This program was well received by students, making them aware of the benefits and barriers to the implementation of telehealth as a care delivery modality. Telehealth was embraced as students implemented the program in their own practices.
Comparing autocorrelation structures of multiple time series via the maximum distance between two groups of time series

In this paper, we propose some tests in the time domain to check the equality of autocorrelation structure of multiple (M>2) independent stationary time series. To develop the tests, multiple time series are divided into two groups in different ways. Given that k time series are in one group and M−k time series are in the other group, test statistics TM,k, k=1,2,…,⌊M/2⌋ are the maximum Mahalanobis difference between 2 groups of time series over all possible ways of such grouping. The asymptotic distributions under the null are derived. An extensive simulation is conducted to check the finite sample properties of the test statistics. Suggestion is given on the selection of test statistics under different situations based on the simulation. The paper provides some options to compare multiple time series when the length of time series is relatively short and M is relatively large. An application of the tests on vibrational data analysis is discussed.