cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An object-oriented system design for a satellite communication system

This paper presents the techniques and results of applying an object-oriented design to a satellite communication system. The idea being that if an object-oriented software approach yields a better software design, then applying it to other aspects of a system (system, hardware, software) should produce a better overall system design. Specific methods and results are given for each step of the development.
Incomplete polymerization of Cavalite with the use of recommended photopolymerization times: a warning of possible cytotoxic effects

As part of a study of the suitability of new materials for use as a retrofilling material, we examined the polymerization properties of Cavalite, a light-cured, hydroxyapatite and glass ionomer-containing cavity liner. By varying the time of photopolymerization, it was found that polymerization for 20 to 30 seconds according to the manufacturer's recommendations is not sufficient to ensure complete polymerization. The implications of this incomplete polymerization are discussed in terms of possible cytotoxic effects on tissues exposed to unpolymerized Cavalite, both when used in retrofilling situations and as a deep cavity liner.
Nonoperative management of post thoracotomy diaphragmatic paralysis in two neonates.

Two neonates with diaphragmatic paralysis following thoracotomy are reported. The first was treated by prolonged endotracheal intubation with recovery of function of the paralysed diaphragm, although the baby eventually died. The second case was not much distressed by the paralysed diaphragm and therefore did not require specific treatment. The purpose of this paper is to indicate that non-operative management of post-thoracotomy diaphragmatic paralysis in neonates is feasible and that operative treatment, as recommended by some authors, is not always necessary.
Proto-polymorphs of jimthompsonite and chesterite in contact-metamorphosed serpentinites from Japan

Proto-polymorphs of jimthompsonite and chesterite occur in metamorphosed serpentinites from two Japanese ultramafic complexes. The lattice constants of the proto triple-chain silicate, measured by X-ray diffraction, are a = 0.93605(208), b = 2.72560(588), and c = 0.53160(89) nm, whereas those of the mixed double- and triple-chain silicate are a = 0.94202(78), b = 4.54402(392), c = 0.53440(45) nm, and β = 90.026(18)°. The lattice constants and systematic extinctions revealed by selected-area diffraction patterns are consistent with proto-triple-chain silicate ( Pbcn ) and mixed double- and triple-chain silicate ( A 2/ m , Am ), but not with the ortho- and clino-polymorphs. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy [016] images of the triple-chain silicate and [0 1 15] images of the mixed-chain silicate indicate they have a (•X) configuration. Proto forms of wide-chain pyriboles might be geologically widespread.
Chlorthalidone - a renaissance in use?

Diuretic therapy remains a mainstay of hypertension treatment, either given as monotherapy or used in combination with other antihypertensive compounds. Several issues have complicated the issue of diuretic use with that of class effect being the one that has proven most difficult. Hydrochlorothiazide is a commonly used thiazide diuretic; whereas chlorthalidone is a structurally similar compound, quite dissimilar pharmacokinetically with a much longer half-life for effect and a wider volume of distribution with heavy partitioning in red blood cells. These pharmacokinetic features afford chlorthalidone a unique advantage in its capacity to act as an effective diuretic and blood-pressure-lowering agent, as well as a compound that improves cardiovascular outcomes in the patient with hypertension. Chlorthalidone has been used sparingly in clinical practice in large measure because it is not readily available in many fixed-dose combination products. Fixed-dose combinations containing chlorthalidone and an angi...
Turbulent nonreacting swirling flows

Numerical results for incompressible confined swirling flows in a model combustor were obtained using the k-epsilon and k-l models of turbulence developed by Ramos (1980, 1981). Calculations were performed for a model combustor consisting of a 3.43-cm diameter inner pipe and a 14.5-cm diameter outer pipe. The outside diameter of the inner pipe is 3.86 cm. It is shown that the k-epsilon model does predict a recirculation zone for both coswirl and counterswirl flow conditions if suitable inlet conditions are used. Both turbulence models predict a nonexistent recirculation zone under coswirl conditions. The calculated mean axial and tangential velocity profiles are compared with the experimental data of Vu and Gouldin (1980).
Order of Presentation, Duration and Latency of Spiral Aftereffect:

In Exp. I the duration and latency of contracting and expanding SAE illusions were measured for alternating and consistent orders of presentation with 1-min. intervals between trials. The duration ...
Risk Aware Query Replacement Approach for Secure Databases Performance Management

Large amount of data and increased demand to extract, analyze and derive knowledge from data are impairing nowadays performance of enterprise mission-critical systems such as databases. For databases, the challenging problem is to manage complex and sometimes non-optimized queries executed on enormous data sets stored across several tables. This generally results in increased query response time and loss of employees productivity. In this paper, we investigate the problem of enterprise computing resources availability. Our goal is to minimize performance degradation arising from resource intensive queries. We propose a risk aware approach that decouples the process of analyzing resource requirements of sql queries from their execution. We leverage XACML to control users’ requests and to monitor database loads. This allows us to adjust available resources in a database system to computing resource needs of queries. A query can therefore run in a database if it does not severely impact the performance of the database. Otherwise, we propose to the requester a replacement query denoted what-if-query. Such query proposes results that are similar to the results of the requester’s query, is secure and provides acceptable answers when it executes without compromising the performance of the database.
Sports-Related Wrist Injuries in Adults

Background:Wrist injuries are common in sports. Those who are involved in the care of athletes should be familiar with hand and wrist anatomy, common wrist injuries, and clinical examination; they ...
Systematic bias introduced by the informed consent process in a diagnostic research study.

Objectives: To determine population characteristics, outcomes, and reasons for unsuccessful enrollment among potential study subjects approached for written, informed consent in a minimal-risk emergency department (ED) study. The authors hypothesized that the prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) would be lower among study participants and that medical acuity and refusal to provide a blood sample would be the most common reasons for nonparticipation. Methods: The authors requested prospective, written, informed consent for a blood sample and follow-up from consecutive ED patients undergoing evaluation for pulmonary embolism (PE) and recorded spontaneously stated reasons for refusal. VTE was diagnosed or excluded using a combination of D-dimer testing and selective computed tomography (CT) angiography of the chest with venography of the lower extremities. The primary outcome was defined by the number of CT scans positive for VTE among ED patients evaluated for PE. Results: Over 16 weeks, 260 of 287 (91%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 87 to 94%) eligible patients were approached and consent was obtained from 183 patients (64%, 95% CI = 58% to 69%). The prevalence of VTE was 6% among participants and 13% among nonparticipants (95% CI [of the difference] = 1% to 15%). The proportions of African Americans, uninsured, and Medicaid patients were significantly higher among nonparticipants. No significant differences were found in the proportions of nonparticipants who disliked or distrusted research or desired financial reimbursement, compared to those not enrolled due to medical acuity or refused a blood sample. Conclusions: These data implicate the written, informed consent process as a significant source of bias on estimated disease prevalence.
Decision-making tools for evaluating the impact of materials selection on the carbon footprint of buildings

The objective of the research described in this article is to improve measurement, prediction and optimization of sustainable building material performance by integrating a decision-making framework for sustainable material selection of building materials with a building information modeling (BIM) tool. Integration of a BIM model with a decision-making tool and sustainable material selection addresses the difficulties of making decisions earlier in the design/build process and allows for specific sustainability trade-off analyses to be conducted, using the actual building conditions and characteristics. It is intended to improve the way building material data is utilized in a building throughout its life cycle, and to model the impact of design, maintenance, operations and occupant behavior modification decisions made in an effort to improve the building’s contribution to a sustainable infrastructure. Pertinent information contained within a BIM model is extracted, and utilized in decision making related ...
Respiratory failure after pediatric scald injury

Abstract Objective A subset of children with scald burns develops respiratory failure despite no direct injury to the lungs. We examined these patients in an effort to elucidate the etiology of the respiratory failure. Methods The charts of pediatric patients with greater than 10% total body surface area (TBSA) scald burns were reviewed. Age, weight, burn distribution, percentage of TBSA burned, resuscitation volumes, Injury Severity Score, evidence of abuse, length of stay, days in the intensive care unit, and time and duration of intubation were recorded. Results Two hundred thirty-two patients met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 220 patients did not require intubation, and 12 of the patients did. No patient older than 3 years or with burns less than 15% TBSA required intubation. Fluid over resuscitation was not directly associated with respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Conclusions We report the largest published series of patients with scald burns requiring mechanical ventilation in the absence of direct airway injury. Five percent of pediatric patients required mechanical ventilation after scald injury. We believe that a combination of causes including fluid resuscitation, young patient age, small patient size, and possible activation of the systemic inflammatory immune response may be responsible for the respiratory failure.
A solution of the syntactical induction-inference problem for regular languages

A Teacher knows a regular language L(G), in the form of a finite state acceptor. A method is described for selecting a set of examples, strings X, each in L(G) as inputs to the Pupil. The Set X is mapped into a lattice W (in Pupil) of finite state machines. A mapping is defined from pairs of machines in the lattice W into strings y, each of which serves as a ''crucial experiment''. The Teacher is asked to decide if the string y belongs to L(G). The process then repeats or terminates. This procedure is shown to converge (if Teacher answers truthfully) to a finite state acceptor accepting only strings of L(G)(which obviously may be brought into canonical, minimal state form). However, this process does not depend on state minimization as an inference method. The only necessary condition for the inference process is that every move (edge) of that finite state acceptor U(X) chosen to correspond to L(G) must be applied at least once in generating some string x in X. A proof is given that if the Teacher answers correctly, the Pupil will infer a machine behaviorally equivalent to the original acceptor U. Elements of the lattice W are constructed by successive refinement of the partitions of the state set of the initial finite state machine U(X). Pairs are chosen in an ordered process and converted to deterministic and completely specified machines, if necessary. The two machines are tested for behavioral equivalence. If they are equivalent, one is eliminated. If not, a testing string y belonging to one machine, but not the other, is constructed and output to the teacher. If y belongs to L(G), one machine is eliminated. If not, y is tested by the Pupil against a sequence of machines generated internally. If only one machine is left, the process terminates, otherwise two new candidate machines are chosen. The algorithm described is relatively simple and easy to understand, but does not necessarily produce a minimal time solution.
Stochasticity in membrane-localized "ligand-receptor-G protein" binding: Consequences for leukocyte movement behavior

The signal that governs the chemotactic response of mammalian white blood cells and tissue cells arises from membrane-localized binding events involving chemotactic factor ligands and receptors and G proteins. Fluctuations in this signal have been traditionally attributed to significant "noise" in receptor-ligand binding owing to a limited number of receptors. This paper examines the validity and consequences of a new hypothesis which states that the noise could be associated with a limited number of G proteins as well as receptors. This work characterizes via stochastic analysis and simulation the effects of the relative sizes of G protein and receptor populations on the variance of fluctuations of receptor states and consequently on the directional persistence behavior of cells in uniform chemotactic factor concentrations under the assumptions of the model used to link a G protein-mediated receptor signal to cell turning. Our results suggest that there may exist an optimal number of G proteins through which chemotactic receptors can signal that maximizes cell orientation accuracy in a chemotactic factor gradient.
Procrastination by pigeons: preference for larger, more delayed work requirements.

Abstract In three experiments, pigeons chose between alternatives that required the completion of a small ratio schedule early in the trial or a larger ratio schedule later in the trial. Completion of the ratio requirement did not lead to an immediate reinforcer, but simply allowed the events of the trial to continue. In Experiment 1, the ratio requirements interrupted periods in which food was delivered on a variable-time schedule. In Experiments 2 and 3, each ratio requirement was preceded and followed by a delay, and only one reinforcer was delivered, at the end of each trial. Two of the experiments used an adjusting-ratio procedure in which the ratio requirement was increased and decreased over trials so as to estimate an indifference point--a ratio size at which the two alternatives were chosen about equally often. These experiments found clear evidence for "procrastination"--the choice of a larger but more delayed response requirement. In some cases, subjects chose the more delayed ratio schedule even when it was larger than the more immediate alternative by a factor of four or more. The results suggest that as the delay to the start of a ratio requirement is increased, it has progressively less effect on choice behavior, in much the same way that delaying a positive reinforcer reduces it effect on choice.
Transforming growth factor-β1 modulates responses of CD34+ cord blood cells to stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXCL12

Disruption of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1/CXCL12 [CXC chemokine ligand 12]) interaction leads to mobilization of stem/progenitor cells from bone marrow to circulation. However, prolonged exposure of CD34+ cells to SDF-1 desensitizes them to SDF-1. So how do cells remain responsive to SDF-1 in vivo when they are continuously exposed to SDF-1? We hypothesized that one or more mechanisms mediated by cytokines exist that could modulate SDF-1 responsiveness of CD34+ cells and the desensitization process. We considered transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) a possible candidate, since TGF-β1 has effects on CD34+ cells and is produced by stromal cells, which provide niches for maintenance and proliferation of stem/progenitor cells. TGF-β1 significantly restored SDF-1–induced chemotaxis and sustained adhesion responses in cord blood CD34+ cells preexposed to SDF-1. Effects of TGF-β1 were dependent on the dose and duration of TGF-β1 pretreatment. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (Erk1)/Erk2 was implicated in TGF-β1 modulation of migratory and adhesion responses to SDF-1. Our results indicate that low levels of TGF-β1 can modulate SDF-1 responsiveness of CD34+ cells and thus may facilitate SDF-1–mediated retention and nurturing of stem/progenitor cells in bone marrow.
Evaluation of wave runup predictions from numerical and parametric models

Abstract Wave runup during storms is a primary driver of coastal evolution, including shoreline and dune erosion and barrier island overwash. Runup and its components, setup and swash, can be predicted from a parameterized model that was developed by comparing runup observations to offshore wave height, wave period, and local beach slope. Because observations during extreme storms are often unavailable, a numerical model is used to simulate the storm-driven runup to compare to the parameterized model and then develop an approach to improve the accuracy of the parameterization. Numerically simulated and parameterized runup were compared to observations to evaluate model accuracies. The analysis demonstrated that setup was accurately predicted by both the parameterized model and numerical simulations. Infragravity swash heights were most accurately predicted by the parameterized model. The numerical model suffered from bias and gain errors that depended on whether a one-dimensional or two-dimensional spatial domain was used. Nonetheless, all of the predictions were significantly correlated to the observations, implying that the systematic errors can be corrected. The numerical simulations did not resolve the incident-band swash motions, as expected, and the parameterized model performed best at predicting incident-band swash heights. An assimilated prediction using a weighted average of the parameterized model and the numerical simulations resulted in a reduction in prediction error variance. Finally, the numerical simulations were extended to include storm conditions that have not been previously observed. These results indicated that the parameterized predictions of setup may need modification for extreme conditions; numerical simulations can be used to extend the validity of the parameterized predictions of infragravity swash; and numerical simulations systematically underpredict incident swash, which is relatively unimportant under extreme conditions.
Trade and Environment: An Empirical Analysis of the Technology Effect in the Steel Industry

Abstract The objective of this paper is to study the impact of free trade on global environmental quality by focusing on the technology effect, that is, the relationship between trade openness and the adoption/diffusion of clean technologies. The paper attempts to empirically verify the existence of the technology effect by looking at the relationship between trade policy regime, or openness, and the speed of clean technology diffusion in the steel industry. Focusing on a cleaner steel technology, the electric arc furnace (EAF), in 30 steel-producing countries over 25 years, the results show that EAF technology is diffused faster in countries that have more open trade policy regimes, thereby supporting the existence of the technology effect for the industry considered.
Further evidence supporting an inner sphere mechanism in the NO reduction of the copper(II) complex Cu(dmp)22+ (dmp = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)

Abstract Described are further studies directed towards elucidating the mechanism of the nitric oxide reduction of the copper(II) model system, Cu(dmp) 2 2+ ( I , dmp = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline). The reaction of I with NO in methanol results in the formation of Cu(dmp) 2 + ( II ) and methyl nitrite (CH 3 ONO), with a second order rate constant k NO = 38.1 M −1 s −1 (298 K). The activation parameters for this reaction in buffered aqueous medium were measured to be Δ H ‡ = 41.6 kJ/mol and Δ S ‡ = −82.7 kJ/mol deg. The addition of azide ion (N 3 − ) as a competing nucleophile results in a marked acceleration in the rate of the copper(II) reduction. Analysis of the kinetics for the NO reduction of the bulkier Cu(dpp) 2 2+ ( IV , dpp = 2,9-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) and the stronger oxidant, Cu (NO 2 -dmp) 2 2+ ( V , NO 2 -dmp = 5-nitro-2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline), gave the second order rate constants k NO = 21.2 and 29.3 M −1 s −1 , respectively. These results argue against an outer sphere electron transfer pathway and support a mechanism where the first step involves the formation of a copper–nitrosyl (Cu(II)–NO or Cu(I)–NO + ) adduct. This would be followed by the nucleophilic attack on the bound NO and the labilization of RONO to form the nitrite products and the cuprous complex.
A practical segmentation strategy to increase ride sharing

Abstract A segmentation strategy to increase ridesharing would first identify those people most likely to switch from auto to a particular form of ride sharing and then to concentrate the promotional budget upon this segment using messages and appeals emphasizing the attributes considered salient by the segment. The proposed methodology for identifying “switchable” individuals is to look at the statistical significance of the individual mode choice probabilities generated by a logit model. The method is explained and then applied to a real world data set. The empirical data tend to support the proposed approach.
An Approximate Formula for the Fundamental Frequency of a Uniform Rotating Beam Clamped Off the Axis of Rotation

A semi-empirical method involving asymptotic expansions is used to obtain an approximate formula for the fundamental frequency of a uniform rotating beam clamped off the axis of rotation. Results from the formula are shown to be of the order of 0·1% different length. Thus, the designer is provided with a rapid, very accurate estimate of the frequency, without having to interpolate results from a chart or run a digital computer program.
A Lamb-Meat-Based Formula for Infants Allergic to Casein Hydrolysate Formulas

Ten infants with colitis due to milk protein allergy, presenting as hematochezia, whose symptoms did not resolve with the use of hydrolyzed cow-milk-based formulas, were treated with a modular lamb-meat-based formula (LOP). The patients were followed up for 3 months to 5 years. Prompt resolution of symptoms was achieved. In three patients, increased levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen and mild metabolic acidosis were noted, all returning to normal after the protein intake was lowered. All patients had normal growth. Seven patients were able to tolerate cow milk protein or soy at age 9-15 months. The LOP formula is well tolerated and is a safe alternative formula for infants allergic to cow milk hydrolysate formula.
Determination of the ligand-binding characteristics of several tight-binding mutants of the lactose repressor protein

Abstract Several tight-binding mutants of the lactose repressor protein have been characterized with respect to their fluorescence properties and their inducer, operator and nonspecific DNA-binding constants. The tryptophan fluorescence emission spectra for the mutants and the wild-type repressor are quite similar. However, alterations in the Stern-Volmer constants for iodide quenching of the tryptophans in the mutant proteins compared to wild-type suggest differences in the local environment or solvent accessibility for these amino acids in the tight-binding repressors. The inducer-binding affinities and association rate constants of the mutant proteins and protein-operator DNA fragment complexes are also altered compared to wild-type. The extents of these changes vary among the different mutant repressors. The nonspecific DNA-binding affinities of the mutant proteins are 2–3-fold greater than the wild-type repressor, and the affinities of the tight-binding proteins for a 29 base-pair operator DNA fragment are also increased, though to a varying extent depending upon the mutant. The phenotypic behavior of these proteins in vivo can be partially explained by these results obtained in vitro; however, it is likely that there are additional factors responsible for the tight-binding behavior of the proteins that were not detectable in these experiments.
High-energy predictions in quantum chromodynamics

In this paper the methods of cut vertices are applied to deeply inelastic electron scattering, single-particle hadron production in e/sup +/e/sup -/ annihilation, multiparticle inclusive production in e/sup +/e/sup -/ annihilation, ..mu..-pair production in hadron-hadron collisions, wide-angle inclusive hadron production in hadron-hadron collisions, and single-particle production in deeply inelastic electron scattering. A generalized Wilson expansion is discussed in detail for two-particle inclusive production in e/sup +/e/sup -/ annihilation. The question of soft and wee partons is discussed and the cancellation of wee partons demonstrated. The relation of cut vertices to the parton model is briefly discussed.
Robotic welding at the Marshall Space Flight Center

The Marshall Space Flight Center is developing welding and robotics technologies to improve manufacturing of space hardware. Commercial robots are used for these development programs, but they are teamed with advanced sensors, process controls, and computer simulation to form highly productive manufacturing systems. Application of welding robotics and controls to structural welding for the space shuttle and space station Freedom programs is addressed. Several advanced welding process sensors under development for application to space hardware are discussed, as well as the application of commercial robotic simulation software to provide offline programming.
Mode of Chemical Degradation of s-Triazines by Montmorillonite

Chemical hydrolysis of the s-triazines after interaction with less than 2-micron (equivalent spherical diameter) montmorillonite clay occurs as a result of protonation at the colloidal surface; protonation occurs even when the exchange sites are occupied by metallic cations. The adsorbed hydrolytic degradation product is not the hydroxy analog, but it is predominantly the keto form of the protonated hydroxy species. This cationic form is held tightly by the clay which may restrict vertical movement and entrance into groundwater. Protonation of the hydroxy analog occurs on the heterocyclic ring nitrogen.
Stimulated emission of SPPs on top of hyperbolic metamaterials

We show that the stimulated emission of surface plasmon polaritons on top of lamellar metal/dielectric metamaterial has much lower threshold than on top of silver.
On growth properties of solutions of the saffman dusty gas model

In this work an examination of the Saffman model for the flow of a dusty gas in a bounded region is conducted. In particular growth properties of the solutions to the nonlinear equations of motion for the model will be studied using energy and logarithmic convexity arguments.
Utilization of Clients’ Metaphors to Punctuate Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Interventions: A Case Illustration

Post-modernist family therapy allows for pragmatism, which is embedded within a linguistic system. This linguistic system is socially constructed in conversation, generates multiple meanings, and realities in the therapeutic process. Thus the role of post-modernistic therapists is to accept meanings and realities as constructed in context of therapist-client collaboration through conversations, making it possible for therapists to privilege clients’ uniqueness, language, creativity, and resources in therapy. In privileging clients’ uniqueness, language, creativity, and resources, family therapists utilize whatever works in creating efficacy in doing therapy. As a result, doing family therapy such as solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) exemplifies therapists’ utilization of clients’ language to enhance therapeutic interventions. Family therapists using SFBT in working with clients utilize the interactional patterns that connect family dynamics: family interactional patterns involve language, which entail clients’ metaphors. Metaphors emerge in everyday conversations and may support clients in developing solutions to problems. Metaphors have been shown to be effective in therapy, yet there is a gap in current literature discussing the utilization of clients’ metaphors in SFBT interventions. This paper illustrates utilization of clients’ metaphors and how they punctuate SFBT interventions in solution-focused building. Transcript excerpts from therapy sessions with a daughter and mother show their metaphors leading to solutions, metaphors as joining, and metaphors of power punctuating SFBT interventions and connecting patterns in solution-focused building. The utilization of clients’ metaphors to punctuate SFBT interventions offers suggestions in expanding the practices of family therapy within a systemic context.
A Hybrid Hierarchical Model for Multi-Document Summarization

Scoring sentences in documents given abstract summaries created by humans is important in extractive multi-document summarization. In this paper, we formulate extractive summarization as a two step learning problem building a generative model for pattern discovery and a regression model for inference. We calculate scores for sentences in document clusters based on their latent characteristics using a hierarchical topic model. Then, using these scores, we train a regression model based on the lexical and structural characteristics of the sentences, and use the model to score sentences of new documents to form a summary. Our system advances current state-of-the-art improving ROUGE scores by ~7%. Generated summaries are less redundant and more coherent based upon manual quality evaluations.
EVOLUTION GUIDED BY DESIGN : A SYSTEMS PERSPECTIVE

We are at a critical juncture of societal evolution where unprecedented human fulfillment as well as a loss of direction are equally possible. However, we are not at the mercy of forces beyond our control but have the potential and the opportunity to give direction to our evolution by design and steer it toward a hoped-for future, provided we: (1) develop evolutionary consciousness (2) engage in conscious evolution (3) acquire evolutionary competence by evolutionary learning (4) create evolutionary images of our future, and (5) bring those images to life by design. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fifty State Series: L3C & B Corporation Legislation Table

This table reflects the L3C and B Corporation language of every adopting state. In all cases, all links are live to Westlaw. The table is updated as new legislative activity occurs and legislative bills are referenced and linked although not cited.
Programming of flash with ICT rights and responsibilities

The popularity of easy to program, easy to erase, flash memory has led to the logical idea of programming code onto printed circuit board product via in-circuit test systems. If a test department can add a process to support this, huge cost reduction will result due to decreased inventory, reduced device fallout, and just-in-time manufacturing. When a manufacturer decides to move flash programming in-line, certain rights and responsibilities should be given to the test programmer. This paper describes some of the changes that may need to be made in the design, test and manufacturing process to achieve fast, reliable, and repeatable flash programming results.
The effect of magnesium sulfate on maternal and fetal blood flow in pregnancy-induced hypertension

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of magnesium sulfate on maternal and fetal blood flow in pregnancy-induced hypertension. Twelve patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension were prospectively studied with transcranial pulsed Doppler and transabdominal color flow Doppler before and after infusion of a 6 gram intravenous loading dose of magnesium sulfate. The maternal vessels studied included the middle cerebral, common carotid, and internal carotid arteries. The fetal vessels studied included the middle cerebral, renal, and umbilical arteries. In addition the maternal circulation in the placental base plate was imaged. The results of this descriptive study suggest that a 6 gram loading dose of magnesium sulfate significantly vasodilates the vascular bed distal to the maternal middle cerebral artery, and increases blood velocity in this distribution. There was no significant change in pulsatility index or blood velocity in the central large vessels of the head and neck. There were no acute effects noted in the fetal or placental vessels evaluated.
Doing what's best: decisions by families of acutely Ill nursing home residents.

When nursing home residents experience acute illness, the preference of family members is a major consideration in the choice between aggressive treatment and palliative care. Grounded theory method was used to explore decision making by family members of acutely ill nursing home residents. Analysis of 12 in-depth interviews with family members resulted in a theory, “doing what's best,” that describes the basic psychosocial problem and response of family members. The problem was to make treatment decisions in the face of uncertain circumstances, and the response consisted of five subprocesses: protecting life, creating comfort, relying on religion, honoring wishes, and seeking guidance. Application of this theory to nursing practice can help nurses identify sources of uncertainty and support family members to clarify priorities for life prolongation or comfort, rely on religious or spiritual solace, translate resident wishes into individualized care plans, and provide knowledgeable guidance and support th...
Design of the Accelerating Structures for FMIT

Design considerations and concepts are presented for the accelerating structures for the Fusion Materials Irradiation Test (FMIT) Facility. These structures consist of three major units: a 0.1- to 2-MeV radio-frequency quadrupole based on the Russian concept, a 2- to 35-MeV drift-tube linac made up of two separate tanks designed to generate either 20- or 35-MeV beams, and an energy dispersion cavity capable of spreading the energy of the beam slightly to ease thermal loading in the target. Because of probable beam activation, the drift-tube linac is designed so that alignment and maintenance do not require manned entry into the tanks. This conservatism also led to the choice of a conventional vacuum system and has influenced the choice of many of the rf interface components. The high-powered FMIT machine is very heavily beam loaded and delivers a 100-mA continuous duty deuteron beam to a flowing liquid lithium target. The power on target is 3.5 MW deposited in a 1 × 3 cm spot. Because of the critical importance of the low energy section of this accelerator on beam spill in the machine, a 5-MeV prototype will be constructed and tested at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (LASL).
Cognitive Test Anxiety and Academic Performance

A new measure that focused explicitly on the cognitive dimension of test anxiety was introduced and examined for psychometric quality as compared to existing measures of test anxiety. The new scale was found to be a reliable and valid measure of cognitive test anxiety. The impact of cognitive test anxiety as well as emotionality and test procrastination were subsequently evaluated on three course exams and students' self-reported performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test for 168 undergraduate students. Higher levels of cognitive test anxiety were associated with significantly lower test scores on each of the three course examinations. High levels of cognitive test anxiety also were associated with significantly lower Scholastic Aptitude Test scores. Procrastination, in contrast, was related to performance only on the course final examination. Gender differences in cognitive test anxiety were documented, but those differences were not related to performance on the course exams. Examination of the relation between the emotionality component of test anxiety and performance revealed that moderate levels of physiological arousal generally were associated with higher exam performance. The results were consistent with cognitive appraisal and information processing models of test anxiety and support the conclusion that cognitive test anxiety exerts a significant stable and negative impact on academic performance measures.
SOCIAL SPACE AND SOCIAL PLACE

(1973). SOCIAL SPACE AND SOCIAL PLACE. The Professional Geographer: Vol. 25, No. 3, pp. 221-225.
RNA recognition by an isolated α helix

Abstract A 17 amino acid peptide containing the arginine-rich region of the HIV Rev protein binds specifically to Rev response element (RRE) RNA. Even though it is highly charged, the peptide forms an α helix in solution, but only when its N- and C-termini are modified to provide favorable electrostatic interactions with the helix macrodipole. Binding affinity for IIB RNA (the primary binding site within the RRE) increases with α helix content, whereas nonspecific binding affinity is independent of helix content. Binding of mutant peptides demonstrates that one threonine, one asparagine, and four arginine side chains are important for sequence-specific recognition. Transactivation of the HIV LTR using Tat-Rev peptide hybrids and the RRE IIB site indicates that the peptide adopts an α-helical conformation in vivo. The results suggest that interactions with the RNA backbone may help to orient the α helix in the major groove of RNA.
A Single A1C ≥ 6.5% Accurately Identifies Type 2 Diabetes/Impaired Glucose Tolerance in African Americans

Objective: In 2010, the American Diabetes Association revised its criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes to include A1C ≥ 6.5%; however, this has remained controversial, particularly for African Am...
Terahertz Rayleigh Scattering of Particles in Rocket Exhaust Plumes

Characterization of particles in solid rocket plumes has been difficult due to the lack of real-time measurement techniques. This research proposes a new technique using terahertz radiation and Rayleigh scattering on alumina particulates in the plume. Previous techniques have involved collecting particles on a probe or mesh. Others have used Mie scattering using lasers that is limited to firing the beam straight across the plume. Terahertz radiation wavelengths in relation to alumina particle sizes, 1 μm to 100 μm, align with the Rayleigh criterion, requiring that the wavelength of light be at least ten times greater than the radius of the particle. Rayleigh scattering would allow for changing the location of the detector and even co-locating it with the source. A theoretical analysis of a notional setup involving a terahertz source and aluminum oxide particles inside a solid rocket plume was performed. The results from this analysis showed that a 1 kW source coupled with approximately 75 dB gain antennas would be required to perform this experiment up to an altitude of 20 km. Because terahertz sources above 100 W are currently unavailable, an experiment was setup using microwaves at 2.45 GHz and properly scaled aluminum balls of radii ranging from 2.38 mm to 9.52 mm. A magnetron power source was used to provide a power range of 1100 Watts into a microwave anechoic chamber. These results showed the expected trends with respect to source power and ball radius versus scattered power.
Epidermal Growth Factor-Dependent Phosphorylation of the GGA3 Adaptor Protein Regulates Its Recruitment to Membranes

The Golgi-localized, Gamma-ear-containing, Arf-binding (GGA) proteins are monomeric clathrin adaptors that mediate the sorting of transmembrane cargo at the trans-Golgi network and endosomes. Here we report that one of these proteins, GGA3, becomes transiently phosphorylated upon activation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. This phosphorylation takes place on a previously unrecognized site in the "hinge" segment of the protein, S368, and is strictly dependent on the constitutive phosphorylation of another site, S372. The EGF-induced phosphorylation of S368 does not require internalization of the EGF receptor or association of GGA3 with membranes. This phosphorylation can be blocked by inhibitors of both the mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways that function downstream of the activated EGF receptor. Phosphorylation of GGA3 on S368 causes an increase in the hydrodynamic radius of the protein, indicating a transition to a more asymmetric shape. Mutation of S368 and S372 to a phosphomimic aspartate residue decreases the association of GGA3 with membranes. These observations indicate that EGF signaling elicits phosphorylation events that regulate the association of GGA3 with organellar membranes.
Readout and control of a power-recycled interferometric gravitational-wave antenna.

Interferometric gravitational wave antennas are based on Michelson interferometers whose sensitivity to small differential length changes has been enhanced by adding multiple coupled optical resonators. The use of optical cavities is essential for reaching the required sensitivity, but sets challenges for the control system which must maintain the cavities near resonance. The goal for the strain sensitivity of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) is 10 −21 rms, integrated over a 100 Hz bandwidth centered at 150 Hz. We present the major design features of the LIGO length and frequency sensing and control system which will hold the differential length to within 5×10 −14 m of the operating point. We also highlight the restrictions imposed by couplings of noise into the gravitational wave readout signal and the required immunity against them.
Non-Research-Related Physician-Industry Relationships of Radiologists in the United States

Abstract Purpose To evaluate non-research-related, physician-industry financial relationships in the United States, in 2013, as reported pursuant to the Physician Payments Sunshine Act (a provision of the Affordable Care Act). Methods In September 2014, CMS released the first five months (August 2013 to December 2013) of data disclosing physician-industry financial relationships. The frequency and value of non-research-related transfers in radiology were calculated and compared with those for 19 other specialties. Subanalyses of the frequency and value of such transfers in radiology were performed, based on state of licensure, radiologic subspecialty, nature of payment, manufacturer identity, and drug or device involved. Results A total of 7.4% (2,654 of 35,768) of radiologists from the United States had reportable non-research-related financial relationship(s) with industry during the 5-month period, the second-lowest level among the medical specialties evaluated. The average value of non-research-related transfers of value to radiologists, excluding royalties and licenses, was low ($438.71; SD: $2,912.15; median: $43.85), with $10 per month. Of all categories, that of food and beverage had the most transfers of value (86.0%; 5,655 of 6,577); royalties and licensure were associated with the greatest average value ($27,072.34; SD: $67,524.92). Although high-value relationships were rare, 57.8% (26 of 45) of radiologists who received a value >$1,000 per month held leadership positions in imaging enterprises. Conclusions Less than 4% of radiologists have non-research-related financial relationships with industry that are valued at >$10 per month, suggesting that meaningful, deleterious effects of such relationships on radiology practice, if present, are infrequent.
Reward-based decision making and electrodermal responding by young children with autism spectrum disorders during a gambling task.

In this study, we explore reward-based decision making and electrodermal responding (EDR) among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during a children’s gambling task. In addition, we examine whether individual behavioral and EDR responses predict social communication, repetitive symptoms, parent reports of executive function, and behavioral challenges. The ability to form advantageous strategies for long-term gain is of interest for children with ASDs, who exhibit both difficulty with executive function and atypical responses to reward. Twenty-one children ages 6–7 years with ASD and no intellectual disability and 21 age- and IQ-matched typically developing children participated. Both groups exhibited a similar pattern of gambling selections, but children with ASD showed less knowledge of the reward contingencies of the decks after playing. In addition, although EDR was similar between groups in anticipation of selections, children with ASD exhibited greater EDR during feedback about rewards as the task progressed. Children with ASD who exhibited the greatest increases in EDR were more likely to exhibit repetitive symptoms, particularly rituals and the need for sameness, as well as internalizing behaviors and reduced executive function in other settings.
The Design and Evaluation of Accountable Grid Computing System

Accountability is an important aspect of any computer system. It assures that every action executed in the system can be traced back to some entity. Accountability is even more crucial for assuring the safety and security in grid systems, given the very large number of users active in these sophisticated environments. However, to date no comprehensive approach to accountability for grid systems exists. Our work addresses such inadequacy by developing a comprehensive accountability system driven by policies and supported by accountability agents. In this paper we first discuss the requirements that have driven the design of our accountability system and then present some interesting aspects related to our accountability framework. We describe a fully working implementation of our accountability system, and conduct extensive experimental evaluations. Our experiments, carried out using the Emulab testbed, demonstrate that the implemented system is efficient and it scales for grid systems of large number of resources and users.
Evolving applications for contrast ultrasound

Future clinical applications for contrast-enhanced ultrasound will likely expand beyond perfusion imaging. There has been considerable progress in the past few years in the development of site-targeted microbubbles, such that instead of passing unimpeded through the circulation, they attach to specific markers of disease. Accumulation of targeted microbubbles in diseased tissue can allow noninvasive ultrasound imaging of molecular and cellular processes. In this review, the strategies for designing site-targeted microbubbles and the early experience with molecular imaging will be discussed. The use of microbubbles and ultrasound for therapeutic purposes is also just now being realized. A promising development is the ability to package either drugs or genes into or onto microbubble contrast agents. Conceptually, ultrasound-mediated destruction of microbubble vehicles will provide focal release in a tissue of interest and may facilitate extravascular sojourn of the therapeutic agent. Preliminary experience using microbubbles as vectors for gene delivery is also reviewed.