cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a Rep-Rated Pulsed Power System Utilizing Electrochemical Prime Power

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory is developing a rep-rate charger for a 60-kJ capacitor module. The charger is lithium-ion battery powered and must charge up the capacitive load 50 times over a 5-min period with roughly 1 s between each charge cycle. This paper examines some aspects of the design: lithium-ion battery energy storage, hard switched dc–dc converter, high-voltage rectifier, and capacitive load with pulsed power switching. The lithium-ion batteries are arranged in 12, 16-cell, 50 V modules that are connected in series to form a roughly 600 V prime power supply. A hard switched dc–dc converter with full-bridge rectifier is used to charge the capacitor and a pulse forming network is used to discharge the capacitor into the load. This paper will discuss the system design and available test data.
Modeling the impact of the vertical doping profile on FinFET SRAM V T mismatch

The basic multi-gate Vt variation model for uniform doping is extended to support a 2-region fin doping methodology that provides good agreement with Vt mismatch measurements as well as useful insights into how the non-uniform fin doping impacts the mismatch. The methodology displays good agreement for both NMOS and PMOS SRAM devices from a FinFET process. The NMOS Vt mismatch as a function of Vt is found to follow the non-uniform doping model while the PMOS Vt mismatch is higher due to both high, non-uniform doping as well as P-metal gate workfunction induced mismatch.
A BRIDGE OVER WATER: SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF A HEART FAILURE BRIDGE CLINIC (HFBC) TO REDUCE HEART FAILURE (HF) HOSPITALIZATIONS

Background: HF hospitalizations contribute to a tremendous expenditure. Post-discharge HF patients are highly vulnerable to early readmission. In 2012, we established a nurse practitioner (NP) managed HFBC, which provides post-discharge follow-up, guideline-directed HF care, intravenous (IV)
Monolithically integrated ring resonator systems on-chip

We review the recent development in robust, monolithically integrated optical ring resonator systems fabricated on-chip using photolithographic and femtosecond laser writing technologies, which potentially has broad applications in passive/active photonic devices and bio/chemical sensing.
Occurrence of Cercospora Blight on Cryptomeria japonica (L.f.) D. Don in the United States

This is the first report of the occurrence of Cercospora sequoiae as a pathogen of Cryptomeria japonica in the United States. Koch's postulates were fulfilled on rooted cuttings indoors; the fungus caused dark brown lesions on succulent needles and stems. Conidiophores were fascicled and measured 40-107 μm. Conidia were brown, 33–80 μm × 4–6 μm, echinulate and 3–8 septate.
The Effects of Job Search and Competition on Unemployment and Vacancies in Regional Labor Markets

Regional labor market conditions depend in a complex manner on the decisions of both individuals on the supply side and firms on the demand side of the market. Individuals must decide whether to enter or leave the labor force, whether to quit or retain their present jobs, and how to search for new employment. Firms must set desired employment levels and determine the levels of vacancies and their associated wages. Figure 1 illustrates how these decisions contribute to the resultant stocks and flows in a single region labor market.
Closed therapy of thoracic and lumbar vertebral body fractures in trauma patients.

Background The failure rate for the closed/non-surgical treatment of thoracic and lumbar vertebral body fractures (TLVBF) in trauma patients has not been adequately evaluated utilizing computed tomography (CT) studies. Methods From 2007 to 2008, consecutive trauma patients, who met inclusion criteria, with a CT diagnosis of acute TLVBF undergoing closed treatment were assessed. The failure rates for closed therapy, at 3 months post-trauma, were defined by progressive deformity, vertebral body collapse, or symptomatic/asymptomatic pseudarthrosis. The Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification was utilized to classify the fractures (groups A1 and non-A1 fractures) and were successively followed with CT studies. Results There were 54 patients with 91 fractures included in the study; 66 were A1 fractures, and 25 were non-A1 fractures. All had rigid bracing applied with flat and upright X-ray films performed to rule out instability. None had sustained spinal cord injuries. Thirteen patients (24%) failed closed therapy [e.g. 13 failed fractures (14%) out of 91 total fractures]. Five failed radiographically only (asymptomatic), and eight failed radiographically and clinically (symptomatic). A1 fractures had a 4.5% failure rate, while non-A1 fractures failed at a rate of 40%. Conclusion Failure of closed therapy for TLVBF in the trauma population is not insignificant. Non-A1 fractures had a much higher failure rate when compared to A1 fractures. We recommend close follow-up particularly of non-A1 fractures treated in closed fashion using successive CT studies.
Methods of data analysis in person-oriented research — The sample case of ANOVA

In this article, two issues of concern to person-oriented research are discussed. The first issue is related to the distinction between person orientation and differential psychology. It is argued that both involve the comparison of groups. Only if dimensional identity exists, quantitative comparisons are possible that use the same scales. The second issue concerns the statistical methods that can be employed for data analysis in person-oriented research. Using the example of analysis of variance (ANOVA), it is shown that methods that usually are applied in the context of variable-oriented research can also be of use in person-oriented research. Specifically, it is shown that ANOVA allows one to compare groups of cases based on their means and their trend parameters. In addition, it is shown that including parameters in the model that indicate group membership can dramatically increase the portion of variance that is accounted for, in particular in the presence of outliers. A data example is given from research on drug and alcohol use in adolescence.
Determination of Flavor Components

Flavor is a very complex sensation consisting primarily of aroma and taste but also complemented by responses to texture, the warmth of spices such as pepper and cooling of menthol. The sensation of taste is relatively limited. Normally taste is considered to be limited to salt, sweet, sour, bitter, and perhaps, metallic responses. The major contributor to flavor perception is aroma. It is estimated that one can discriminate between thousands of different odors. Due to the importance of aroma to flavor, it is not unexpected that a large proportion of analytical flavor studies has focused on the volatile constituents of foods. This emphasis on the volatile constituents can be detrimental. Researchers who study only the volatile components of products such as Cheddar cheese will never duplicate the flavor of this product. The mouthfeel (e.g. graininess) and taste (e.g. bitterness, astringency, and acidity) are essential components of the flavor of a good aged Cheddar cheese. It is doubtful that any nice clear bottle of aroma constituents will ever come very close to conjuring up the flavor of Cheddar. Nevertheless, this chapter focuses on what has occupied the efforts of a majority of flavor chemists, the aroma portion of food flavor.
TraceLab Components for Generating Speech Act Types in Developer Question/Answer Conversations

This artifact is a reproducibility package for experiments in speech act types generation. We have prepacked and created an easily-reusable artifact that consists of a set of reproducible components for generating speech act types. Prior to this artifact, the implementation was accessible but required managing various dependencies and predefined configurations for different scripts. We have made available this artifact via our online appendix. The artifact includes the components, a detailed tutorial with screenshots that describe steps how to generate the experiment and an example virtual machine image.
Viscous extension of potential-flow unsteady aerodynamics: the lift frequency response problem

The application of the Kutta condition to unsteady flows has been controversial over the years, with increased research activities over the 1970s and 1980s. This dissatisfaction with the Kutta condition has been recently rejuvenated with the increased interest in low-Reynolds-number, high-frequency bio-inspired flight. However, there is no convincing alternative to the Kutta condition, even though it is not mathematically derived. Realizing that the lift generation and vorticity production are essentially viscous processes, we provide a viscous extension of the classical theory of unsteady aerodynamics by relaxing the Kutta condition. We introduce a trailing-edge singularity term in the pressure distribution and determine its strength by using the triple-deck viscous boundary layer theory. Based on the extended theory, we develop (for the first time) a theoretical viscous (Reynolds-number-dependent) extension of the Theodorsen lift frequency response function. It is found that viscosity induces more phase lag to the Theodorsen function particularly at high frequencies and low Reynolds numbers. The obtained theoretical results are validated against numerical laminar simulations of Navier–Stokes equations over a sinusoidally pitching NACA 0012 at low Reynolds numbers and using Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations at relatively high Reynolds numbers. The physics behind the observed viscosity-induced lag is discussed in relation to wake viscous damping, circulation development and the Kutta condition. Also, the viscous contribution to the lift is shown to significantly decrease the virtual mass, particularly at high frequencies and Reynolds numbers.
Initial oral antibiotic therapy was noninferior to IV therapy for treatment failure in orthopedic infection at 1 y

Source Citation Li HK, Rombach I, Zambellas R, et al; OVIVA Trial Collaborators. Oral versus intravenous antibiotics for bone and joint infection. N Engl J Med. 2019;380:425-36. 30699315
Space-Efficient DFS and Applications to Connectivity Problems: Simpler, Leaner, Faster

The problem of space-efficient depth-first search (DFS) is reconsidered. A particularly simple and fast algorithm is presented that, on a directed or undirected input graph $$G=(V,E)$$ with n vertices and m edges, carries out a DFS in $$O(n+m)$$ time with $$n+\sum _{v\in V_{\ge 3}}\lceil \log _2(d_v-1)\rceil +O(\log n)\le n+m+O(\log n)$$ bits of working memory, where $$d_v$$ is the (total) degree of v, for each $$v\in V$$, and $$V_{\ge 3}=\{v\in V\mid d_v\ge 3\}$$. A slightly more complicated variant of the algorithm works in the same time with at most $$n+({4/5})m+O(\log n)$$ bits. It is also shown that a DFS can be carried out in a graph with n vertices and m edges in $$O(n+m+\min \{n,m\}\log ^*\!n)$$ time with O(n) bits or in $$O(n+m)$$ time with either $$O(n\log \log (4+{m/n}))$$ bits or, for arbitrary integer $$k\ge 1$$, $$O(n\log ^{(k)}\! n)$$ bits. These results among them subsume or improve most earlier results on space-efficient DFS. Some of the new time and space bounds are shown to extend to applications of DFS such as the computation of cut vertices, bridges, biconnected components and 2-edge-connected components in undirected graphs.
PediTools Electronic Growth Chart Calculators: Applications in Clinical Care, Research, and Quality Improvement.

Background: Parameterization of pediatric growth charts allows precise quantitation of growth metrics that would be difficult or impossible with traditional paper charts. However, limited availability of growth chart calculators for use by clinicians and clinical researchers currently restricts broader application. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the deployment of electronic calculators for growth charts using the lambda-mu-sigma (LMS) parameterization method, with examples of their utilization for patient care delivery, clinical research, and quality improvement projects. Methods: The publicly accessible PediTools website of clinical calculators was developed to allow LMS-based calculations on anthropometric measurements of individual patients. Similar calculations were applied in a retrospective study of a population of patients from 7 Massachusetts neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to compare interhospital growth outcomes (change in weight Z-score from birth to discharge [∆Z weight]) and their association with gestational age at birth. At 1 hospital, a bundle of quality improvement interventions targeting improved growth was implemented, and the outcomes were assessed prospectively via monitoring of ∆Z weight pre- and postintervention. Results: The PediTools website was launched in January 2012, and as of June 2019, it received over 500,000 page views per month, with users from over 21 countries. A retrospective analysis of 7975 patients at 7 Massachusetts NICUs, born between 2006 and 2011, at 23 to 34 completed weeks gestation identified an overall ∆Z weight from birth to discharge of –0.81 (P<.001). However, the degree of ∆Z weight differed significantly by hospital, ranging from –0.56 to –1.05 (P<.001). Also identified was the association between inferior growth outcomes and lower gestational age at birth, as well as that the degree of association between ∆Z weight and gestation at birth also differed by hospital. At 1 hospital, implementing a bundle of interventions targeting growth resulted in a significant and sustained reduction in loss of weight Z-score from birth to discharge. Conclusions: LMS-based anthropometric measurement calculation tools on a public website have been widely utilized. Application in a retrospective clinical study on a large dataset demonstrated inferior growth at lower gestational age and interhospital variation in growth outcomes. Change in weight Z-score has potential utility as an outcome measure for monitoring clinical quality improvement. We also announce the release of open-source computer code written in R to allow other clinicians and clinical researchers to easily perform similar analyses.
From uptake to access: a decade of learning from the ACOG LARC program.

The Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) Program at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2018. This Viewpoint article reviews opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned by the ACOG LARC Program throughout the last decade. Housed within the largest medical organization representing women’s health providers, the LARC Program supports change by developing resources for clinicians, healthcare systems, healthcare organizations, and policy makers. The Program’s Postpartum Contraceptive Access Initiative (PCAI) meets specific needs identified by an Expert Work Group using implementation science principles, including improved contraceptive counseling and clinician training, and institution-wide sustainable systems change in billing, coding, pharmacy, and electronic medical record integration. Key lessons learned include the importance of centering patient preferences and autonomy, developing foundational evidence-based guidance, supporting practice change through implementation tools and collaboration with local champions, advocating for insurance and payment policy, and partnering with other health care organizations to develop robust resources to improve patient access to the full range of contraceptive methods.
Simulated randomized benchmarking of a dynamically corrected cross-resonance gate

We theoretically consider a cross-resonance (CR) gate implemented by pulse sequences proposed by Calderon-Vargas and Kestner [Phys. Rev. Lett. 118, 150502 (2017)]. These sequences mitigate systematic error to first order, but their effectiveness is limited by one-qubit gate imperfections. Using additional microwave control pulses, it is possible to tune the effective CR Hamiltonian into a regime where these sequences operate optimally. This improves the overall feasibility of these sequences by reducing the one-qubit operations required for error correction. We illustrate this by simulating randomized benchmarking for a system of weakly coupled transmons and show that while this pulse sequence does not offer an advantage with the current state of the art in transmons, it does improve the scaling of CR gate infidelity with one-qubit gate infidelity.
Ready to Respond: Effects of Lockdown Drills and Training on School Emergency Preparedness

Lockdown drills are a commonly practiced school emergency preparedness strategy, yet there is an alarming lack of empirical data to inform their use. In the current study, participants from a large...
Protection of pulmonary function after modified ultrafiltration in infants undergoing opening heart operation by cardiopulmonary bypass

Objective To study the protection of pulmonary function after modified ultrafiltration(MUF) in infants undergoing opening heart operation by cardiopulmonary bypss (CPB).Methods 310 infants (age≤1 year,weight≤10 kg) by CPB were randomly divided into groups of receiving MUF group during CPB(n=260) and not receiving MUF during CPB group(n=50,control group).Ppeak、Pplate、CL、Oxygenation Index and TAF were compared between MUF and control group at the beginning of bypass and MUF,at the end of MUF and in 1,6 h after CPB.The time of mechanical ventilation were compared between the two groups.Results Ppeak、Pplate and TAF in MUF group significantly decreased after MUF(P<0.05),CL and Oxygenation Index increased(P<0.05).Ppeak,Pplate,CL,Oxygenation Index and TAF in MUF group at the three time after MUF(or 20 min after CPB) decreased compared to that in the control group(P<0.05),CL and Oxygenation Index increased(P<0.05).The duration of mechanical ventilation follow operation in MUF group was shorter than in the control group (P<0.05).Condusions MUF can improve pulmonary function.It is a good way for pulmonary protection in infants of opening heart operation by CPB. Key words: Modified uhrafiltration; Infants; Cardiopulmonary bypss; Pulmonary protection
United States emergency department visits for children with cerebrospinal fluid shunts.

Objective CSF shunt placement is the primary therapy for hydrocephalus; however, shunt malfunctions remain common and lead to neurological deficits if missed. There is a lack of literature characterizing the epidemiology of children with possible shunt malfunctions presenting to United States emergency departments (EDs). Methods A retrospective study was conducted of the 2006-2017 National Emergency Department Sample. The data were queried using an exhaustive list of Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes representing children with hydrocephalus diagnoses, diagnostic imaging for shunt malfunctions, and shunt-related surgical revision procedures. Results In 2017, there were an estimated 16,376 ED visits for suspected shunt malfunction. Children were more commonly male (57.9%), ages 0-4 years (42.2%), and publicly insured (55.8%). Many did not undergo diagnostic imaging (37.2%), and of those who did, most underwent head CT scans (43.7%). Between 2006 and 2017, pediatric ED visits for suspected shunt malfunction increased 18% (95% CI 12.1-23.8). The use of MRI increased substantially (178.0%, 95% CI 176.9-179.2). Visits resulting in discharge home from the ED increased by 76.3% (95% CI 73.1-79.4), and those involving no surgical intervention increased by 32.9% (95% CI 29.2-36.6). Conclusions Between 2006 and 2017, ED visits for children to rule out shunt malfunction increased, yet there was a decline in surgical intervention and an increase in discharges home from the ED. Possible contributing factors include improved clinical criteria for shunt evaluation, alternative CSF diversion techniques, changing indications for shunt placement, and increased use of advanced imaging in the ED. Abbreviations CPT = Current Procedural Terminology; ED = emergency department; ETV = endoscopic third ventriculostomy; ICD-9 = International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision; ICD-10 = International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision; NEDS = National Emergency Department Sample.
Role of social environment and social clustering in spread of opinions in coevolving networks

Taking a pragmatic approach to the processes involved in the phenomena of collective opinion formation, we investigate two specific modifications to the coevolving network voter model of opinion formation studied by Holme and Newman [Phys. Rev. E 74, 056108 (2006)]. First, we replace the rewiring probability parameter by a distribution of probability of accepting or rejecting opinions between individuals, accounting for heterogeneity and asymmetric influences in relationships between individuals. Second, we modify the rewiring step by a path-length-based preference for rewiring that reinforces local clustering. We have investigated the influences of these modifications on the outcomes of simulations of this model. We found that varying the shape of the distribution of probability of accepting or rejecting opinions can lead to the emergence of two qualitatively distinct final states, one having several isolated connected components each in internal consensus, allowing for the existence of diverse opinions, and the other having a single dominant connected component with each node within that dominant component having the same opinion. Furthermore, more importantly, we found that the initial clustering in the network can also induce similar transitions. Our investigation also indicates that these transitions are governed by a weak and complex dependence on system size. We found that the networks in the final states of the model have rich structural properties including the small world property for some parameter regimes.
Interest Rate Sensitivities of Bond Risk Measures

We present a simple expression for the sensitivity of duration, convexity, and higher-order bond risk measures to changes in term-structure shape parameters. Our analysis enables fixed-income portfolio managers to capture the combined effects of shifts in term-structure level, slope, and curvature on any specific bond risk measure. These results are particularly important in environments characterized by volatile interest rates. We provide simple numerical examples.
Pattern Avoidance Over a Hypergraph

We consider the problem of bounding the number of permutations $\sigma\in S_n$ that avoid a fixed permutation $\pi\in S_k$ in specific indices given by a $k$-uniform hypergraph $\Lambda$. We obtain relatively sharp bounds in the case where $\Lambda$ is a random hypergraph, and find bounds in the case where $\Lambda$ contains many large cliques. Along the way, we prove a supersaturation version of Furedi-Hajnal, which may be of independent interest.
The Impact of Innovation Type on Financial and Non-financial Performance of SMES. A Scoping Review

To take advantage of existing opportunities in a market of global competition and rapid changes, firms try to adapt their strategy by introducing new or improved innovation types. While there is a large body of literature investigating the relationship between innovation and performance, there is a need to further analyze the role of innovation type on performance, especially in SMEs. Using a scoping review approach, this study aims to evaluate the influence of innovation types on firm performance in SMEs. A total of 47 studies were selected to examine the correlation between innovation type and performance, and identify the key factors that strongly impact the firm growth per industry. Findings demonstrate the difference in innovation impact according to the targeted industrial sector and show which type could be more beneficial to enhance firm performance. In the most studied industries, results reveal that product innovation influences strongly firm performance in the manufacturing sector, while marketing and product innovation are the variables that most impact the growth of agro-food firms. Similarly, organizational and product innovation affect highly firm improvement in the manufacturing and service sectors. This study helps managers in their struggle to obtain growth by targeting the most appropriate dimensions of innovation and helps policy makers by making decisions that stimulate firm development.
How to Get Along--Friendly Microbes in a Hostile World

Microbiologists have long been puzzled by the finding that the gut mucosa does not respond to the myriad varieties of bacteria that normally reside in the gut. As [Xavier and Podolsky][1] explain in their Perspective, this may be because bacteria that are indigenous to the gut have learned ways to switch off pathways in gut epithelial cells that lead to switching on of genes involved in inflammation ([ Neish et al ][2].). [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/289/5484/1483 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/289/5484/1560
Spectral domain: A numerical ray launching method for curved structures

In this paper, the numerical method created and validated for propagation modeling within waveguides, cavities, or structures with dielectric or conducting curved interfaces, is presented, revalidated for new applications (cylindrical waveguides, parabolic antennas and S-cavities). This method is called shooting Spectral Rays and Tracking (SRT) and it is based on the discretization of the plane wave spectrum of the source fields, truncated by the guide or cavity aperture (without any approximation, neither far field nor asymptotic). From this decomposition, fields at any observation point in the cavities or waveguides are expressed as a discrete sum of all contributions from ray tubes tracked within the propagation environment. The proposed method appears to be appealing in terms of numerical efficiency and precision compared to other ray based methods used in similar contexts or a reference solutions, in order to validate asymptotic methods such as Gaussian beam launching.
Bridging the Research-Practice Gap : Concept Mapping as a Mixed-Methods Strategy in Practice-Based Research and Evaluation

Abstract The purpose of this article is to familiarize social work researchers and practitioners with Concept Mapping (Trochim, 1989), a mixed-methods strategy that can be useful in practice-based research. Using two case examples, the steps involved in concept mapping are illustrated. Practice strengths of concept mapping are discussed, including that it is participatory, accessible, permits immediate application of findings, and enhances service effectiveness. Research strengths include that it is a structured mixed-methods approach, the process is flexible, it accommodates cross-cultural applications, and is time-and cost-effective. Ways that concept mapping can be used to advance practice-based research are discussed, including instrument development, needs/resource assessment, theory development, evaluating activities and outcomes, strategic planning and action planning.
EVALUATION OF KEY FLAVOR COMPOUNDS IN REDUCED- AND FULL-FAT CHEDDAR CHEESES USING SENSORY STUDIES ON MODEL SYSTEMS: KEY FLAVOR COMPOUNDS IN CHEDDAR CHEESE

Recent flavor chemistry studies have identified flavor compounds at different concentrations in full- and low-fat Cheddar cheeses. The specific flavor contributions of these compounds in full- and low-fat cheese matrices have not been established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensory response of Cheddar flavor compounds in model full-fat and 75% reduced-fat cheeses. Odor activity values (OAVs) for each compound in full- and reduced-fat cheeses were calculated. Each compound was then added to model cheeses created from 3-week-old full- and reduced-fat Cheddar cheeses. A trained sensory panel (n = 8) evaluated the sensory properties of the cheese models. The final combination of compounds was incorporated into reduced-fat cheese models, and consumers (n = 85) evaluated perceived-aged Cheddar cheese aroma. Based on OAVs and perception of the individual compounds in cheese models, 12 key flavor compounds were identified. Target ideal concentrations of specific cheese flavor compounds in 75% reduced-fat cheese were determined. According to consumers, the perceived aged Cheddar cheese aroma intensity of reduced-fat model cheese with these added compounds was not different (P > 0.05) from the perceived Cheddar cheese aroma intensity of commercial aged full-fat Cheddar cheeses. PRACTICAL APPLICATION The market for reduced-fat Cheddar cheese is increasing as consumers become more health conscious. The structure and biochemistry of reduced-fat Cheddar cheeses are altered, and flavor and texture remain a challenge. This study established the role of 23 volatile compounds using descriptive analysis of cheese model systems. The impact of key compound concentration differences and how these differences affect sensory perception of cheese flavor in full- and 75% reduced-fat Cheddar cheeses were determined. These results provide guidance for mimicking aged Cheddar cheese flavor in reduced-fat cheese.
Correlation of the late Lasnamägian Stage (Middle Ordovician) with the graptolite succession

Abstract Shaly strata of the Didymograptus murchisoni Zone at Killerod, Skane, southern Sweden, have yielded elements of the conodont species Pygodus serrus (Hadding) and Eoplacognathus reclinatus (Fahraeus) which are characteristic of the Folkeslunda Limestone of late Lasnamagian age. These species provide the first conclusive evidence that at least part of the late Lasnamagian is coeval with the Didymograptus murchisoni graptolite Zone. The presence of Pygodus anserinus Lamont and Lindstrom and Prioniodus prevariabilis Fahraeus throughout the “Bronni Beds” at Killerod proves that this unit is older than has been believed previously and is equivalent to part of the Glyptograptus teretiusculus Zone rather than to the Nemagraptus gracilis Zone. Other evidence for the correlation between the North Atlantic graptolite and conodont zonal successions is also reviewed.
Attentional Allocation to Syllables in American English

Abstract Previous experimental studies in speech perception (e.g., Cutler, Mehler, Norris, & Segui 1986) have concluded that the syllable is not a prelexical segmentation unit for English speakers. The set of experiments reported here applied the attentional phoneme monitoring task of Pallier, Sebastian-Galles, Felguera, Christophe, and Mehler (1993) to American English and demonstrated a robust effect of syllable structure when second-syllable stress words were used, but no such effect with first-syllable stress words. We hypothesize that aspects of syllable structure related to word stress are an important factor in the detection of syllabic effects in English.
An Investigation of the Mechanical Damping of Ductile Iron.

Ductile iron has been suggested as a candidate material for a number of practical applications, including turbine castings, automotive components, and transportation and storage casks for hazardous and radioactive materials. The applications require the enhanced ductility resulting from the presence of spherical graphite nodules in the ductile ferrite iron matrix. Proper design of such components requires a knowledge of the mechanical properties, including how energy is absorbed and dissipated (mechanical damping) by the test material. This article is a study of the mechanical damping of a series of well-characterized ductile iron materials (four separate materials) as a function of strain amplitude, temperature over the range of -100 °C to +100 °C, and magnetic field. The major sources of damping were found to be dislocation motion in the graphite phase and magnetomechanical damping in the ferrite phase. The magnitude of the magnetomechanical damping was much larger than that due to dislocation motion. An additional goal of the investigation was to determine if any correlation existed between the measured mechanical damping and the fracture toughness of the ductile iron materials; no correlation was found.
Origins and clinical implications of the brain tumor stem cell hypothesis

With the advent of the cancer stem cell hypothesis, the field of cancer research has experienced a revolution in how we think of and approach cancer. The discovery of “brain tumor stem cells” has offered an explanation for several long-standing conundrums on why brain tumors behave the way they do to treatment. Despite the great amount of research that has been done in order to understand the molecular aspects of malignant gliomas, the prognosis of brain tumors remains dismal. The slow progress in extending the survival of patients with malignant CNS neoplasms is very likely due to poor understanding of the cell of origin in these tumors. This review article discusses the progress in our understanding of brain tumor stem cells as the cell of origin in brain cancers. We review the different proposed mechanisms of how brain tumor stem cells may originate, the intracellular pathways disrupted in the pathogenesis of BTSCs, the molecular markers used to identify BTSCs, the molecular mechanisms of cancer initiation and progression, and finally the clinical implications of this research.
On the prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism in experimental chronic renal disease using “proportional reduction” of dietary phosphorus intake

On the prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism in experimental chronic renal disease. Secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic renal disease appears to begin with the first phase of nephron destruction and to progress in severity with advancing nephron loss. If phosphorus (P) intake remains constant during the evolution of chronic renal disease, each time that glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreases, a transient period of P retention will follow. The ionized calcium concentration presumably will fall under these circumstances and the latter will stimulate the parathyroid glands. To prevent the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism, studies were performed in a group of seven dogs in which P intake was decreased in the diet proportionally to the decrease in GFR. P intake initially was 1200 mg/ 24 hrs and gradually was decreased to a mean of 234±15.7 mg/ 24 hrs. In control studies mean GFR was 56 ml/min and tubular reabsorption of phosphorus (TRP), 95 %. As GFR was decreased progressively to a mean of 12 ml/min, TRP remained at 92%. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels averaged 43 ± 4.6 µl equivalents per ml in the control phase and 45 ± 4.6 µl Eq/ml in the final phase of the study. These data provide support for the view that the adaptation in P excretion imposed by a constant P intake and a decreasing nephron population plays an important role in the pathogenesis of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Moreover, they suggest that if the necessity for the adaptation is obviated, hyperparathyroidism may be prevented, at least until the onset of vitamin D resistance.
The use of learning contracts in the clinical area

Abstract This paper examines the implementation and evaluation of learning contracts in the clinical area with a small group of RGN students who were 18 months into their programme. An action research approach was used with the researcher acting as participant observer. Data collection methods included questionnaire, students self-evaluation, nominal group evaluation and researhers notes. The results indicated that through using learning contracts the tutor can effectively facilitate learning in the clinical area. Data collected indicated that the students did benefit from the experience. An important aspect that was identified is the need for adequate preparation of all those involved. The paper concludes that, although there are limitations, contract learning is a useful and valuable strategy to use in the clinical area providing the tutor with an alternative model for clinical contact.
Observations on the gametolytic gland in the anaspidean opisthobranchs, Phyllaplysia taylori and Aplysia californica†

The wall of the gametolytic gland in Aplysia and Phyllaplysia consists of a muscular layer lined with an epithelium incorporating four distinct cell types, some of which show intense secretory activity. The cytoplasm of these cells, rich in RNA, has a peripheral layer of densely-packed mitochondria in association with a smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Lipid globules, perhaps resulting from absorption of lumen contents by microvilli, appear in the cytoplasm in the course of growth and reproductive activity. A basal band of fibrillar material appears to serve as a cytoplasmic skeleton. The elaboration of cell types, extensive areas of cytoplasmic RNA, and vigorous secretory activity suggest important roles for this organ such as development of food reserves, recycling of sexual materials of high physiological value, and interaction with the bag cells of the nervous system in coordinating ovulation with the availability of capacitated, exogenous sperm.
Assessment of right ventricular contractile performance after pulmonary resection

Right ventricular (RV) performance deteriorates after pulmonary resection. The mechanism remains unclear and could be related to changes in loading conditions or contractility. To assess the role of alteration in RV contractility, we developed a simple and reliable means to measure RV contractile performance in adult patients. Using thermodilution methods and rapid volume infusion in the preoperative setting, the relationship between RV stroke work (RVSWI) and end-diastolic volume (RVEDVI), termed the preload recruitable stroke work relation, was plotted using linear regression. Experimental studies have demonstrated that the preload recruitable stroke work relation is a linear and load-insensitive index of RV contractile performance. Our study confirms this finding in adult patients: RVSWI = 0.33 (RVEDVI) - 20.4 (n = 108; r = 0.94; p < 0.01). Examination of RV pump function and hemodynamic parameters in the early postresection period (up to 24 hours postoperatively) revealed significant changes in loading conditions, but isochronal RVEDVI and RVSWI values were within the confidence limits of the preload recruitable stroke work relation. Thus, depressed RV contractility does not appear to play a predominant role in this early postoperative period. Further study in a larger patient population will be required to verify this observation and to assess RV performance beyond 24 hours after resection.
Effect of proton pump inhibitors on serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level in euthyroid patients treated with levothyroxine for hypothyroidism.

Objective: To examine retrospectively the effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH) values in patients with hypothyroidism and normal TSH levels receiving levothyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy.Methods: The data collection was done by retrospective review of electronic medical records from the period of December 2002 to August 2005 from patients with hypothyroidism who were receiving at least 25 μg of LT4 replacement daily at Queens Hospital Center. The first 92 patients meeting all inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. The study group (N = 37) patient data were collected by selecting euthyroid patients who had received stable LT4 replacement for at least 6 months and in whom PPI therapy (lansoprazole) was later initiated. TSH levels were collected before and at least 2 months after the PPI treatment was started. The control group (N = 55) patient data were collected by reviewing TSH levels among euthyroid patients with a history of...
Decentralized Estimation for Bandwidth Constrained Sensor Networks in Clustered Environments

This paper extends the homogeneous wireless sensor network (WSN) model to possess (possibly) varying levels of noise that represent environment clusters in a WSN. The estimation of the source parameter is approached from maximum likelihood (ML) perspective. The Cramer Rao lower bound (CRLB) for any unbiased estimator operating in a clustered WSN environment is derived. Noting that the ML estimate cannot be found in closed-from, we resort to a numerical search. Although numerically determined, the ML estimate is guaranteed to converge to the optimal solution since it is shown here that the log-likelihood function is concave. Also considered is the estimation of a random parameter with a priori information, which is approached from maximum a posteriori (MAP) perspective. Finally, the proposed MAP and ML optimal are validated and compared to theoretical bounds with illustrative numerical examples.
The product of two reflection classes of the symmetric group

Necessary and sufficient conditions for a permutation to be a product of two reflections (permutations of order = = @?"0, X^3 S"A, where X is the conjugacy class of reflections with no fixed point.
The role of 3D-CTA in the assessment of peripheral vascular lesions in trauma patients

Purpose: The goal of any imaging in the setting of a level 1 trauma center is to assess the injuries of a patient as fast as possible with the least amount of time spend to move the patients between rooms or scanners in order to reduce the time till final diagnosis. CT-angiography (CTA) has become increasingly used to analyze peripheral vascular lesions in blunt and penetrating trauma. Methods: Diagnostic angiography and CTA are competing methods for the display of peripheral vascular lesions. The specific advantages and shortcomings of both techniques for the routine use in a trauma center are discussed. Results: The inherent limitations of the spatial and temporal resolution of a CTA are compensated by the availability of the procedure and reduced time needed for the final diagnosis. Conclusion: 3D-CTA with multislice CT (MSCT) can be used to replace the diagnostic angiography in patients with blunt or penetrating extremity injuries.
Parallel pathways of repression and antirepression governing the transition to stationary phase in Bacillus subtilis

The AbrB protein of the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus subtilis is a repressor of numerous genes that are switched on during the transition from the exponential to the stationary phase of growth. The gene for AbrB is under the negative control of the master regulator for entry into sporulation, Spo0A∼P. It has generally been assumed that derepression of genes under the negative control of AbrB is achieved by Spo0A∼P-mediated repression of abrB followed by rapid degradation of the AbrB protein. Here, we report that AbrB levels do decrease during the transition to stationary phase, but that this decrease is not the entire basis by which AbrB-controlled genes are derepressed. Instead, AbrB is inactivated by the product of a uncharacterized gene, abbA (formerly ykzF), whose transcription is switched on by Spo0A∼P. The abbA gene encodes an antirepressor that binds to AbrB and prevents it from binding to DNA. Combining our results with previous findings, we conclude that Spo0A∼P sets in motion two parallel pathways of repression and antirepression to trigger the expression of diverse categories of genes during the transition to stationary phase.
Office-based pulsed-dye laser surgery for laryngeal lesions: a retrospective review

Summary Objectives The 585-nm pulsed-dye laser (PDL) is used for in-office treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), premalignant/early malignant lesions, vascular lesions, and proliferative lesions of the larynx. Reported advantages of this technique include avoidance of general anesthesia, improved efficiency, lower overall cost, and treatment of the anterior commissure with minimal web formation. Our objective was to review our experience with office-based PDL procedures for laryngeal lesions. Study Design Retrospective review. Methods A chart review of patients undergoing office-based PDL procedures of laryngeal lesions from the years 2005 to 2012. Results Of 33 patients, 32 (97%) tolerated the procedure without complication. One patient experienced an anxiety attack and the procedure was aborted. There were no complications. The following pathologies were treated: vascular lesions (n = 10), RRP (n = 8), granuloma (n = 5), premalignant lesions (n = 5), benign mass (n = 2), amyloidosis (n = 1), and anterior web (n = 1). Six (19%) patients, all with vascular lesions, were treated successfully with the in-office PDL and no operating room (OR) procedures. All six patients reported complete resolution of symptoms at 6 months posttreatment. Twenty-six (81%) patients were treated with a combination of in-office PDL and OR procedures, most commonly for RRP (n = 8). Seventeen patients had complete resolution of their symptoms with in-office PDL and OR procedures. Conclusions PDL treatment is a safe, well-tolerated, effective, adjunctive therapy and may function as monotherapy in the treatment of selected laryngeal lesions.
The approximate separation of kinetics problems into time and space functions by a variational principle

Abstract The time-dependent adjoint density and a vatiational principle are used to find a consistent separated solution approximation for non-separable problems in reactor kinetics. It is shown that the ‘best’ average time-independent coefficients are the simple time averages and are not to be weighed with the time behaviour of the flux itself. Solution of the time-independent equations for the flux shape during this interval enables the ‘best’ value of the logarithmic derivative of the flux to be obtained.
High temperature electronics application in well logging

Overall system requirements for high-temperature applications are examined. The current capabilities of each element in a well-logging system are summarized, and persistent problems and directions for future solutions are suggested. The characteristics of the electronic components (active and passive devices, interconnections) used are discussed. Dewared systems and calibration are considered. >
New nema standards for D-C motors and generators

The author outlines the new NEMA suggested standards for d-c motors and generators. The changes described will result in a simplified standard which is realistic in terms of current requirements and practices. The reasoning behind these changes is discussed in detail.
Brain Regions Associated with the Expression and Contextual Regulation of Anxiety in Primates

Background A key to successful adaptation is the ability to regulate emotional responses in relation to changing environmental demands or contexts. Methods High-resolution PET 18 fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) scanning in rhesus monkeys was performed during two contexts (alone, and human intruder with no eye contact) during which the duration of anxiety related freezing behavior was assessed. Correlations between individual differences in freezing duration and brain activity were performed for each of the two conditions, as well as for the contextual regulation between the two conditions. Results In both conditions, activity in the basal forebrain, including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the nucleus accumbens were correlated with individual differences in freezing duration. In contrast, individual differences in the ability to regulate freezing behavior between contexts were correlated with activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, the thalamus and the dorsal raphe nucleus. Conclusions These findings demonstrate differences in the neural circuitry mediating the expression compared to the contextual regulation of freezing behavior. These findings are relevant since altered regulatory processes may underlie anxiety disorders.