cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using experimental design and response surface methodology to model induced fracture geometry in shublik shale

Abstract In this study, we developed a methodology for identifying the critical variables needed for accurate planning of a hydraulic fracturing treatment in a shale resource play where much of the properties required for hydraulic fracture modeling remain unknown. The critical variables identified can thereafter be used to develop a proxy model that can be used in lieu of a numerical simulator. This study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, we used 2-level fractional factorial designs and a pseudo-3D simulator to identify the most important variables affecting the simulated fracture geometry. The variables investigated included geologic, mechanical and treatment design parameters. Using the three most significant variables for each fracture geometry component identified from the first stage, the second stage of this study applied Box-Behnken experimental design and response surface methodology to quantify functional relationships between input variables and the fracture geometry. These proxy models, typically polynomial equations, can be used to predict the fracture geometry with very little computational time. The use of experimental design drastically reduces the number of simulations required to evaluate large number of variables. With only 137 simulations, 26 variables were ranked based on their statistical significance and non-linear proxy models were developed for the nine fracture geometry variables. Predicted values of the fracture geometry using the proxy models were in good agreement with the simulated values (R2 value of 0.99 for fracture length and fracture height and R2 value of 0.96 for fracture width). These linear and non-linear proxy models were validated by comparing the results from the proxies and the actual simulator using a random value dataset within the design space. The results indicate a good match for the width at the top and bottom of the fracture and propped fracture height/length. Engineers can use the results described here for quick estimates of fracture dimensions and the methodology outlined here can be used with more complicated fracturing models.
Management of pain in chronic pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis offers a classic example of the interdependence between the ability to treat and the value of diagnosis. Use of high-dose pancreatic enzymes to alleviate pain has motivated more aggressive diagnosis of mild to moderate disease and investigation into etiology—which, in turn, has revealed a new category of the disease. Provocative testing is essential for rational therapy.
A Brief History and a Framework for Understanding Commonalities and Differences of Community College Student Success Programs

This chapter reviews ways that researchers have presented variously narrow and broad groupings of special student success programs over the course of decades. Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) is proposed as a way to conceptualize various kinds of community college student success programs as instances of a more general type of program.
Investigation of asymmetry of wire-array Z pinches at stagnation using a 4-channel laser diagnostic

Abstract Asymmetry of wire-array Z-pinches at stagnation was investigated using four synchronized laser beams at the wavelength of 266 nm. These beams were spaced at 45° with respect to each other, allowing a full view of the pinch from four directions. The laser pulse duration was 0.2 ns, with a
Exploring the Length Scale Limits of Porous Silicon Combustion

The present study explores the burning of microscale porous silicon channels with sodium perchlorate. These on-chip porous silicon energetics were embedded in crystalline silicon, and therefore surrounded on three sides by an efficient thermal conductor. For slow burning systems, this presents complications as heat loss to the crystalline silicon substrate can result in inconsistent burning or flame extinction. We investigated <100 μm wide porous silicon strips, sparsely filled with sodium perchlorate (NaClO4), to probe the limits of on-chip combustion. Four different etch times were attempted to decrease the dimensions of the porous silicon strips. The smallest size achieved was 12 × 64 µm, and despite the small dimensions, demonstrated the same flame speed as the larger porous silicon strips of 6–7 m/s. We predict that unreacted porous silicon acts as a thermal insulator to aid combustion for slow burning porous silicon channels, and SEM images provide evidence to support this. We also investigated the small scale combustion of a rapidly burning sample (~1200 m/s). Despite the rapid flame speed, the propagation followed a designed, winding flame path. The use of these small scale porous silicon samples could significantly reduce the energetic material footprint for future microscale applications.
Ligand-exchanged CZTS nanocrystal thin films: Does nanocrystal surface passivation effectively improve photovoltaic performance?

Nanocrystal (NC) Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) solar cells, composed of a nontoxic and earth abundant absorber material, have great potential in low-cost solar energy harvesting. However, CZTS NC films typically must be thermally annealed at elevated temperatures and under harsh environments to produce high-efficiency devices. The efficiencies of unannealed CZTS NC solar cells have been hampered by low open circuit potentials (Voc, <325 mV) and low short circuit current densities (Jsc, <2 mA), primarily because of the incomplete passivation of the crystal surface. Although great progress has been made in understanding the surface chemistry of II–VI and IV–VI semiconductor NCs, the surface chemistry of complex quaternary CZTS NCs is largely unexplored. Here, for the first time, we report a comprehensive study of the surface chemistry of CZTS NCs focusing on depositing ligand-passivated, uniform NC thin films to address the issue of large Voc deficit and low current collection efficiency typically observed for CZTS NC s...
Friction correction for model ship resistance and propulsion tests in ice at NRC's OCRE-RC

Abstract This paper documents the result of a preliminary analysis on the influence of hull-ice friction coefficient on model resistance and power predictions and their correlation to full-scale measurements. The study is based on previous model-scale/full-scale correlations performed on the National Research Council - Ocean, Coastal, and River Engineering Research Center's (NRC/OCRE-RC) model test data. There are two objectives for the current study: (1) to validate NRC/OCRE-RC's modeling standards in regarding to its practice of specifying a CFC (Correlation Friction Coefficient) of 0.05 for all its ship models; and (2) to develop a correction methodology for its resistance and propulsion predictions when the model is prepared with an ice friction coefficient slightly deviated from the CFC of 0.05. The mean CFC of 0.056 and 0.050 for perfect correlation as computed from the resistance and power analysis, respectively, have justified NRC/OCRE-RC's selection of 0.05 for the CFC of all its models. Furthermore, a procedure for minor friction corrections is developed.
Native System and Cultured Cell Electrophysiology for Investigating Anesthetic Mechanisms.

Abstract Anesthetic agents interact with a variety of ion channels and membrane-bound receptors, often at agent-specific binding sites of a single protein. These molecular-level interactions are ultimately responsible for producing the clinically anesthetized state. Between these two scales of effect, anesthetic agents can be studied in terms of how they impact the physiology of neuronal circuits, individual neurons, and cells expressing individual receptor types. The acutely dissected hippocampal slice is one of the most extensively studied and characterized preparations of intact neural tissue and serves as a highly useful experimental model system to test hypotheses of anesthetic mechanisms. Specific agent–receptor interactions and their effect on excitable membranes can further be defined with molecular precision in cell-based expression systems. We highlight several approaches in these respective systems that we have used and that also have been used by many investigators worldwide. We emphasize economy and quality control, to allow an experimenter to carry out these types of studies in a rigorous and efficient manner.
Evaluating Controls on Nutrient Retention and Export in Wide and Narrow Valley Segments of a Mountain River Corridor

Over the past few decades, nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) concentrations have increased within streams of the central Rockies, a pattern linked to regional N deposition trends. As NO3-N concentrations increase, in-stream biological demand may become saturated and stream N export may increase. In mountain landscapes, streams generally flow through steep, narrow valleys with limited riparian area and strong stream-hillslope connectivity. Interspersed between the narrow valleys are wide segments where substantial floodplain riparian areas can develop. Here, we coupled measures of stream reach NO3-N flux balances with nutrient enrichment experiments along two stream reaches of contrasting valley morphology in Rocky Mountain National Park. The stream reaches were (1) a narrow valley segment with limited floodplain riparian area and (2) a longitudinally adjacent (directly downstream) wide valley segment with extensive floodplain riparian area. We found that in-stream biological uptake of added NO3-N was limited in both segments, presumably as a consequence of saturating conditions. Assessment of mass flux indicated that the narrow valley segment was a consistent source of water and NO3-N across flow states, while the wide segment was a sink at high flow and a source at low flow. Due to low in-stream biological retention, gross gains and losses of water and NO3-N to and from the stream exerted primary constraint on segment mass balances. Our results suggest that the exchange of water and nutrients between the stream and adjacent landscape can exert strong control on reach-scale nutrient export, particularly in streams experiencing or approaching N saturation.
Two-year Outcomes Following Focal Laser Ablation of Localized Prostate Cancer.

Abstract Background There is no consensus regarding how to assess oncological control following focal ablation of prostate cancer. Objective To assess quality of life and in-field recurrence following focal laser ablation (FLA). Design, setting, and participants Of 34 men participating in a prospective outcomes study following FLA, 32 underwent prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 mo and 2 yr. All underwent assessment of urinary and sexual function at 1 yr. Intervention FLA and MRI-targeted biopsy of the ablation zone. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis The American Urological Association Symptom Score and the Sexual Health Inventory for Men at baseline and 12 mo were compared using a two-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank test with a significance level of p = 0.05. The percentage of positive and negative in-field biopsies was calculated for suspicious and nonsuspicious post-ablation MRI scans. Results and limitations FLA was associated with no adverse impact on urinary or sexual function. For men with suspicious MRI (MRI+) findings, in-field disease recurrence of intermediate and low risk disease was detected in 75% and 25% of cases, respectively. For men with nonsuspicious MRI (MRI−) findings, in-field disease recurrence of intermediate- and low-risk disease was detected in 22.4% and 50% of cases, respectively. The change in PSA from baseline did not discriminate cases with MRI− findings with and without cancer at 2 yr. Conclusions MRI reliably identifies in-field recurrence of only intermediate-risk prostate cancer at 2 yr after FLA. A biopsy of the ablation zone must be performed for MRI+ findings. The decision to perform an ablation-zone biopsy for men with MRI− scans should be influenced by whether detection of low-risk disease would influence management. Patient summary Our study provides compelling evidence that men should undergo interval magnetic resonance imaging to assess the probability of intermediate-risk disease in the ablation zone following focal laser ablation of localized prostate cancer.
Psychiatric Assessment of the Child with Pain

This article reviews the role of the pediatric psychiatrist in performing consultations on pediatric patients with pain. An overview of the clinical approach to consultation, including coordination with the referring medical staff and preparation of the family, is provided. A particular emphasis is placed on the multidimensional components that contribute to the child's or adolescent's pain experience. Somatization and the psychiatric differential diagnosis of a child with pain are reviewed.
When agents meet cross-cultural metaphor: can they be equipped to parse and generate it?

There is a growing awareness in the natural language processing community that metaphor is ubiquitous in language and thought, that it is not "rare" or "special," and as such, ought best be accounted for within a general theory of meaning. The computing environment does not escape metaphor's ubiquitous hold: it is, at all levels, metaphorical. Systems are being designed by a diverse array of individuals who come to the programming task with differing views of metaphorical meaning attribution. Thrown into the mix are users, who also exhibit such diversity. This paper presents the findings of a study that demonstrates that second language (L2) learners have difficulty understanding and producing L2 metaphor and argues that as agents step into and attempt to operate in diverse environments, they will encounter stumbling blocks in effectively interacting with the environment, other agents and humans if not equipped with adaptive communicative features.
Optimal Control Theory: Flutter Suppression

We have examined the problem of feedback control of structures for stability enhancement in Chap. 2. In this chapter we return to this problem for aeroelasticity where the structure is subject to aerodynamic loading. An important point to be noted here is the dependence of stability properties on the speed parameter. Hence the control action will need to depend on the speed as well.
The Narrative Perspective in Academic Debate: A Critique.

The present essay critiques the narrative perspective of academic debate, and identifies three problems. First, the narrative perspective fails to provide precise answers to a number of theoretical...
Thinking about the past and future in daily life: an experience sampling study of individual differences in mental time travel

Remembering the past and imagining the future are hallmarks of mental time travel. We provide evidence that such experiences are influenced by individual differences in temporal and affective biases in cognitive style, particularly brooding rumination (a negative past-oriented bias) and optimism (a positive future-oriented bias). Participants completed a 7-day, cellphone-based experience-sampling study of temporal orientation and mental imagery. Multilevel models showed that individual differences in brooding rumination predicted less vivid and positive past- and future-oriented thoughts, even after controlling for depressed mood. People high in brooding rumination were also more likely to report thinking about a past experience when probed at random during the day. Conversely, optimists were more likely to report more vivid and positive future-oriented, but not past-oriented thoughts, although they did not report thinking more or less often about the past and future. The results suggest that temporal and affective biases in cognitive style influence how people think about the past and future in daily life.
Imaging and Anatomic Considerations for Prostate and Pelvic Organs Contouring

Prostate cancer radiotherapy is evolving to new, highly accurate treatments, allowing physicians to increase the radiation dose to the target and reduce radiation exposure in the adjacent organs. This is facilitated by better technological abilities and improved imaging techniques, leading physicians to better define and contour the volumes they need to treat or avoid. CT-MR image fusion or MRI-only based simulations are becoming more common and widely used and serve as the basis for delineation. There is an increased need for standardized and accurately defined volumes that are visualized by MR imaging. The different prostate structures and zone, as well as surrounding structures such as bladder neck, neurovascular bundle, genitourinary diaphragm and more, should now be assessed routinely by the radiation oncologist when planning radiotherapy treatments. The relevant structures are described with their borders, anatomical landmarks, images and helpful tips, all provided in order to assist the radiation oncologist using MRI-based simulation for contouring.
Thermal transport study in actinide oxides with point defects

Abstract We use a molecular dynamics simulation to explore thermal transport in oxide nuclear fuels with point defects. The effect of vacancy and substitutional defects on the thermal conductivity of plutonium dioxide and uranium dioxide is investigated. It is found that the thermal conductivities of these fuels are reduced significantly by the presence of small amount of vacancy defects; 0.1% oxygen vacancy reduces the thermal conductivity of plutonium dioxide by more than 10%. The missing of larger atoms has a more detrimental impact on the thermal conductivity of actinide oxides. In uranium dioxide, for example, 0.1% uranium vacancies decrease the thermal conductivity by 24.6% while the same concentration of oxygen vacancies decreases the thermal conductivity by 19.4%. However, uranium substitution has a minimal effect on the thermal conductivity; 1.0% uranium substitution decreases the thermal conductivity of plutonium dioxide only by 1.5%.
Evaluating Fluency in Human–Robot Collaboration

Collaborative fluency is the coordinated meshing of joint activities between members of a well-synchronized team. In recent years, researchers in human–robot collaboration have been developing robots to work alongside humans aiming not only at task efficiency, but also at human–robot fluency. As part of this effort, we have developed a number of metrics to evaluate the level of fluency in human–robot shared-location teamwork. While these metrics are being used in existing research, there has been no systematic discussion on how to measure fluency and how the commonly used metrics perform and compare. In this paper, we codify subjective and objective human–robot fluency metrics, provide an analytical model for four objective metrics, and assess their dynamics in a turn-taking framework. We also report on a user study linking objective and subjective fluency metrics and survey recent use of these metrics in the literature.
Bond Wire Damage Detection and State of Health Estimation of a 1200V, 900A Dual Pack IGBT Power Module using the RL-Equivalent Circuit

Electrical and environmental stresses are the two dominant contributors in aging and failure of power semiconductor devices. Insulated gate bipolar junction transistors (IGBTs) and metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) are two most commonly used switching devices in power converter circuits. A significant portion of research effort is given in inventing innovative methods to estimate the degradation and fatigue in these devices. Until today, no other existing techniques can determine the number of lifted bond wires and their locations in a live IGBT module, although this information is extremely helpful to understand the overall state of health of an IGBT power module. In this paper, we have proposed a reflectometry-based technique to overcome this hurdle. The RL-equivalent circuit to represent a bond wire has been developed for the device under test and simulated in CST Studio Suite to measure the reflection amplitudes. Experimental results were obtained using a prototype reflectometry hardware, and both the simulation and experimental results have been compared. These results prove that with these two sets of measurements, it is possible to locate the aged device inside a module and detect the number of bond wire lift-offs associated to that device.
Problems of Representation: Preschool and Third Grade Children's Observational Drawings of a Three Dimensional Model.

The purpose of this study was to describe developments in strategies used by preschool and third grade children when drawing a three-dimensional model from observation. Preschool and third grade ch...
Reinforcement Learning with Sparse Bellman Error Extrapolation for Infinite-Horizon Approximate Optimal Regulation

This paper provides an approximate online adaptive solution to the infinite-horizon optimal control problem for control-affine continuous-time nonlinear systems. The state-space is segmented into a user-defined number of segments. Off-policy trajectories are selected over each segment to facilitate learning of the value function weight estimates. Sparse neural networks enable a framework for switching and state space segmentation as well as computational benefits due to the small number of neurons that are active. At each sparse segment, the off-policy trajectories are used to extrapolate the Bellman error (BE) across their respective segments to provide an optimal policy for each segment. Over each segment, the extrapolated BEs are used in the value function weight update laws. Because at each segment a different set of extrapolated BEs is used in the update laws, discontinuities occur in the weight update laws. A Lyapunov-like stability analysis is included which proves boundedness of the overall system in the presence of discontinuities.
Immunochemical analysis of pepsin-digested fish tropomyosin

Abstract A critical step in determining the allergenicity of a food protein is to study the gastrointestinal digestion resistance, which is an essential characteristic of food allergens due to the preservation of their protein structure and immunoglobulin (Ig) E epitopes. In this study, the immunochemical properties of tropomyosin peptide fragments from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) resulted from pepsin digestion were analyzed. To identify the allergens from salmon and mullet, their IgE- and IgG-binding proteins/peptides were studied using fish-allergic human sera and anti-fish protein monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. From our results, as the major fish allergen, parvalbumin from both species was recognized in all tested human sera. Tropomyosin-bound IgE was identified in 71% of the tested sera. Antigenicity of intact tropomyosin decreased as a function of pepsin digestion time. The amino acid sequence of mullet tropomyosin was analyzed using a tandem mass spectrometer. Two IgE epitopes on Atlantic salmon tropomyosin alpha-1 were mapped. Overall, tropomyosin was identified as one of the major IgE-binding proteins in both fish species; however, further studies are required to determine the clinical significance of fish tropomyosin as an allergen due to its high homology with human tropomyosin.
Enabling ultrahigh rate and capacity sodium metal anodes with lightweight solid additives

Abstract Sodium (Na) metal is a promising anode for grid-scale energy storage systems owing to its high theoretical capacity and low cost. However, severe Na dendrite growth during cycling causes unsatisfied performance and safety concerns. Herein, extremely stable Na metal anodes with superior capacity and ultrahigh-rate capability are achieved by employing lightweight nitrogen (N)-doped graphene microcubes as solid additives. The direct addition of the as-obtained microcubes into bulk Na not only facilitates homogenous Na plating, but also minimizes volume change during cycling. Consequently, with only 3 ​wt% addition of N-doped graphene microcubes, an extremely stable Na metal anode can be realized in additive-free carbonate electrolytes at an ultrahigh current density of 20 ​mA ​cm−2 with an ultrahigh capacity of 10 mAh cm−2 over 250 ​h. Full cells based on the Na anodes with the assistance of solid additives exhibit significantly improved electrochemical performance in carbonate electrolytes. This work can provide a viable pathway towards the realization of high-energy Na battery systems.
Locating the Goods in Contemporary Literary Culture: Between the Book and the Archive

In his essay “First Steps Toward a History of Reading,” Robert Darnton argues that we should focus on depictions of reading if we want to uncover what people thought took place when they read in a given period. This article identifies the goods of contemporary fiction by tracing the new mise-en-scene used to depict reading on websites and in recent literary bestsellers. Immersion is still celebrated as the basis for reading pleasure, but it has been relocated in the arc between the book and the archive. Readers are lost between the pages of the book as a material or virtual object, but in another imagined space readers find themselves in infinite libraries, which are infinitely personalizable. The appeal of list-making and the ways in which the curation of a personal library becomes an exuberant form of self-expression indicate a fundamental redefinition of what reading means in contemporary digital cultures.
Severe Mitral Paravalvular Leak Treated with Percutaneous Paravalvular Leak Closure with Underlying Severe Mitral Annular Calcium

Standard operative mitral valve replacement for mitral stenosis in the setting of severe mitral annular calcium has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Inability to ensure a well seated prosthesis may lead to periprosthetic leak. We present a case of severe paravalvular leak, causing significant hemolysis, after mitral valve replacement with underling severe mitral annular calcium. The leak was successfully repaired using a transseptal percutaneous approach, with subsequent resolution of hemolysis.
Residual functional capacity.

• Make a guess. This is the most frequently used device; • Look it up. But where? It's not a part of AMA's 4th edition of Impairment Ratings! • Call up a friend who you think might have a clue; • Ask the patient what he thinks he can do; • Forget it and file the form in File 13 (circular container); • Defer filling out the form and sign up for a course purporting to teach this complicated conclusion.
Unusual transient- and steady-state kinetic behavior is predicted by the kinetic scheme operational for recombinant human dihydrofolate reductase.

Association and dissociation rate constants obtained by stopped-flow spectroscopy have permitted definition of a kinetic scheme for recombinant human dihydrofolate reductase that correctly predicts full time course kinetics of the enzymatic reaction over a wide range of substrate and product concentrations. The scheme is complex compared with that for the bacterial enzyme and involves branched pathways. It successfully accounts for observed rapid hysteresis preceding steady state and for the nonhyperbolic dependence of steady-state rate on substrate and product concentrations. The major branch point in the catalytic cycle occurs at E.NADP.H4folate because either NADP or H4folate can dissociate from the ternary product complex (koff = 84 s-1 and 46 s-1, respectively). The rate of conversion of enzyme-bound substrates to products is very fast (k = 1360 s-1) and nearly unidirectional (Kequ = 37) so that other steps limit the catalytic rate. At saturating substrate concentrations these steps include release of NADP and H4folate from E.NADP.H4folate and release of products from the two abortive complexes E.NADPH.H4folate (koff = 225 s-1) and E.NADP.H4folate (koff = 4.6 s-1). Since NADP dissociates slowly from E.NADP.H2folate nearly 90% of the enzyme accumulates as this complex at steady state. Nonetheless, the catalytic rate is maintained at 12 s-1 by rapid flux of a small portion of the enzyme through an alternate branch. At physiological concentrations of substrates and products the steady-state rate is limited primarily by the rate of H2folate binding to E.NADPH so that the enzyme is extremely efficient.
Short-term treatment of a Central American torture survivor.

The short-term treatment of a Honduran torture survivor is recounted. Torture--the "counter-therapy of the State" (Ritterman 1987, p. 43)--involves intentional physical and psychological destruction of human beings. The socio-political context in which the traumatic events occurred is described, as are the theoretical and ethical assumptions underlying the work. Treatment of victims of organized violence is a formidable challenge. Obstacles and advantages of short-term psychotherapy and use of the therapist's emotional reactions to understand survivors' experiences are emphasized. Language: en
VIRTUAL REPATRIATION: THE PITTSBURGH–KONSTANZ ARCHIVAL PARTNERSHIP

During the 1920s and 1930s, a group of German and Austrian thinkers pioneered an approach to philosophy that shaped much of the discipline's subsequent development. These thinkers were “inspired by late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century revolutions in logic, mathematics and mathematical physics” and “aimed to create a similarly revolutionary scientific philosophy purged of the endless controversies” 1 that had traditionally occupied philosophers. The result was a style of doing philosophy known as logical positivism. Berlin and Vienna were its main centers. The proponents of logical positivism included, among others, Rudolf Carnap, Herbert Feigl, Carl Carl Hempel, and Hans Reichenbach. The logical . . .
Association between systemic lupus erythematosus and Helicobacter pylori seronegativity.

OBJECTIVE: Helicobacter pylori is a gram negative spiral bacterium that is clearly associated with a variety of gastrointestinal pathologies. A number of non-gastrointestinal diseases have also been associated with H. pylori. We investigated the prevalence of H. pylori seropositivity as part of a larger serologic survey in a group of 466 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 466 controls. METHODS: We studied subjects for seropositivity against 5 antigens including mumps, measles, rubella, varicella zoster, and H. pylori. The 466 SLE patients were taken from a total of 290 pedigrees multiplex for SLE and matched to 466 controls for age (+/- 3 yrs), sex, and ethnicity to non-SLE affected individuals, taken mostly from the same collection of pedigrees multiplex for SLE. Assays for seropositivity were performed using a heterogeneous immunoassay technique. Pearson9s chi-square was used to test for association of categorical variables and Student t-test for continuous variables. Logistic regression was used to compute the odds ratio for H. pylori seropositivity in patients and controls. RESULTS: There was a significant difference only in H. pylori seropositivity between SLE cases and their controls. The results were not altered by intrafamilial correlation. Subset analysis by race and sex showed that the differences between the African-American female patients with SLE and their matched controls were responsible for this association. Female African-American patients with SLE had a lower prevalence of H. pylori seropositivity compared to controls (38.1% vs 60.2%, OR 0.41, p = 0.0009, 95% CI 0.24-0.69). Of the 113 African-American female SLE patients in the study group, 43 were seropositive for H. pylori. The mean age of onset for SLE was older in the seropositive group (34.4 yrs) compared to the seronegative SLE patients (28.0 yrs) (t = 2.11, p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Of 5 serologic tests performed, only the frequency of H. pylori seropositivity was different between SLE cases and their controls, and then only in African-Americans. We found an association between being seronegative for H. pylori and the development of SLE in African-American women, who also tend to be younger at the time of disease onset. These findings suggest that there is a possible protective role for H. pylori infection against the development of SLE or that immunoregulatory events leading to H. pylori seropositivity are inversely related to the risk of SLE.
Closing the Achievement Gap in Math: The Long-Term Effects of Eighth-Grade Algebra

Recent changes in national and state mathematics standards have increased the level of algebraic thinking taught in younger grades. These changes have prompted more inclusive curriculum designs tha...
Population data on the three STR loci in the upper Silesia (Poland).

Blood samples from unrelated individuals were extracted using Kunkel's et al. (1) method with small modifications. DNA samples (2 to 5 ng) were amplified and typed according to manufacturer's instructions (2). Data were analyzed using a program provided by P. M. Miller (Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ). Htobs., Htexp., PD, MEC, MEP, and PIC were calculated using program provided by G. M. Dudek (Technical University of Czȩstochowa, Poland). The dataset can be accessed at: e-mail: medsad@slam.katowice. pl.
Event controlled DOC export from forested watersheds

We performed a meta-data analysis to investigate the importance of event based fluxes to DOC export from forested watersheds. A total of 30 small eastern United States forested watersheds with no wetland component, with a total of 5,176 DOC and accompanying discharge measurements were used in this analysis. There is a clear increase in DOC concentration during hydrologic events (storms and snow melt) that follows a power relationship. We estimate that 86% of DOC is exported during events. The majority (70%) of this event based DOC flux occurs during the rising hydrograph and during large events. Events with a discharge greater than 1.38 cm day−1 make up only 4.8% of the annual hydrograph, yet are responsible for 57% of annual DOC flux. The relationship between event discharge and both DOC concentration and flux is also regulated by temperature and antecedent conditions, with a larger response in both fluxes and concentrations to events during warmer periods and periods where the preceding discharge was low. The temperature relationship also shows seasonality indicating a potential link to the size or reactivity of watershed OM pools. The 86% of DOC lost during events represents a conservative estimate of the amount of allochthonous forested DOC transported laterally to streams. Future research on watershed cycling of DOC should take into account the importance of events in regulating the transport of DOC to downstream ecosystems, determine the relative importance of abiotic versus biotic processes for the temperature regulation of event-associated DOC fluxes, and elucidate the interactions between processes that respond to climate on event versus longer time scales.
Quantitation and occurrence of hydroxy fatty acids in fats and oils

A relatively simple method is detailed for the routine quantitation and isolation of hydroxy fatty acids (HFA) in the glycerides of lipids. The lipid in cyclohexane is transmethylated in a two-phase, 3.5 min procedure, and the hydroxyl compounds in the methyl ester fraction are derivatized with pyruvic acid chloride 2,6-dinitrophenyl-hydrazone in the presence of triethylenediamine. The derivatives are fractionated on alumina, and the HFA fraction is evaluated spectrophotometrically. A large variety of animal, plant and marine lipids contain HFA in concentrations ranging from 1000 μmoles/g lipid. The derivatives lend themselves admirably to purification techniques. A procedure for regenerating the parent HFA from the derivative is described.
Positive-selection vectors utilizing lethality of the ECORI endonuclease

Abstract The construction and use of a series of positive-selection vectors are described. These plasmids encode EcoRI endonuclease, the synthesis of which is under the control of the lacUV5 promoter. The pKG2 plasmid encodes a wild-type EcoRI endonuclease. In the absence of EcoRI methylase, the endonuclease is lethal. Cloning into any of the unique restricion sites within the endonuclease-coding gene allows survival of the transformed EcoRI-methylase-less host. The pKGW and pKGS plasmids encode an altered EcoRI endonuclease which, when repressed in a lacIQ host, allows survival in the absence of the methylase. Induction with IPTG, however, results in cell death as a result of high-level EcoRI synthesis. Cloning into any of the unique restriction sites within the EcoRI gene of pKGW or pKGS allows survival of derepressed transformed cells. These vectors strongly select for cloning events which inactivate the endonuclease gene.
Functional inorganic nanostructures, new opportunities for future electronics

Silicon based semiconductor electronics have experienced enormous growth in the past several decades and are rapidly evolving into two extremes: highly integrated circuits with device size approaching single digit nanometer scale (nanoelectronics) and large area electronics with system size measured in square meters (macroelectronics). However, significant challenges are expected in both extremes. Functional inorganic nanostructures, with precisely controlled chemical composition, physical dimension and electronic properties, can offer unique opportunities to address these critical challenges. In this talk, I will discuss several examples to illustrate the potential of exploring functional inorganic nanostructures to address the emerging challenges in semiconductor electronics.
Epistemological beliefs and the information-seeking behavior of undergraduates

Abstract This study explores the relationship between undergraduates' epistemological beliefs and their information-seeking behavior. Kuhlthau's (1993) information search process (ISP) model and four models of epistemological development from educational psychology formed the theoretical foundation of this investigation. Twenty undergraduates attending an Ivy League university were interviewed about their search process as they completed a major research paper during their senior year. Epistemological beliefs affected topic, the use of mediators, search techniques, the evaluation of information, and the ability to recognize authority. Epistemological beliefs also affected several stages of the ISP model: topic selection, prefocus formulation, focus formulation, and collection. These findings provide a rich theoretical foundation for future information-seeking behavior research and will assist academic reference librarians by providing insights into the impact of undergraduates' epistemological beliefs on their information-seeking behavior.
Dephosphorylation of GluN2B C-terminal tyrosine residues does not contribute to acute ethanol inhibition of recombinant NMDA receptors.

Abstract N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are ion channels activated by the neurotransmitter glutamate and are highly expressed by neurons. These receptors are critical for excitatory synaptic signaling and inhibition of NMDA receptors leads to impaired cognition and learning. Ethanol inhibits NMDA currents at concentrations associated with intoxication and this action may underlie some of the behavioral effects of ethanol. Although numerous sites and mechanisms of action have been tested, the manner in which ethanol inhibits NMDA receptors remains unclear. Recent findings in the literature suggest that ethanol, via facilitation of tyrosine phosphatase activity, may dephosphorylate key tyrosine residues in the C-terminus of GluN2B subunits resulting in diminished channel function. To directly test this hypothesis, we engineered GluN2B mutants that contained phenylalanine in place of tyrosine at three different sites and transiently expressed them with the GluN1 subunit in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. Whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology was used to record glutamate-activated currents in the absence and presence of ethanol (10–600 mM). All mutants were functional and did not differ from one another with respect to current amplitude, steady-state to peak ratio, or magnesium block. Analysis of ethanol dose–response curves showed no significant difference in IC 50 values between wild-type receptors and Y1252F, Y1336F, Y1472F or triple Y-F mutants. These findings suggest that dephosphorylation of C-terminal tyrosine residues does not account for ethanol inhibition of GluN2B receptors.
Acute Cancer Cognitive Therapy

The utility of cognitive therapy (CT) for ambulatory cancer patients is clear but the acute cancer setting significantly shapes the therapeutic interaction, parameters, and delivery of CT. In this article, we describe how to apply CT to acute cancer settings, focusing on how this approach differs from traditionally taught, ambulatory CT. We highlight the importance of a tailored history and formulation, how the cognitive model is applied within an acute cancer context to promote coping and adaptation. Reframing must consider the "grain of truth" to many so-called distorted cognitions, such as "cancer means death." Fear of recurrence is an example of a common reframing challenge. Another is the "tyranny of positive thinking." Here there is avoidance of considering negative outcomes such as death; patients are told to "think positive," leaving them alone at a time of life-threatening crisis. Instead, acute cancer CT utilizes a stance of realistic optimism. Empathy plays a vital role in turning off the bracing reaction to threat and facilitating problem-solving. Successfully combining CT with medications is integral to this model. We also discuss how CT can be applied to discussing prognosis, the desire for hastened death and suicidality, as well as death and dying in general. Because of the ubiquitous nature of cancer, most cognitive therapists will encounter patients with cancer in their practices. Acute cancer CT is a skill set that should be widely taught to cognitive therapists and flagged as a priority for academic programs and professional organizations.
Time-lapse two-color 3D imaging of live cells with doubled resolution using structured illumination

Previous implementations of structured-illumination microscopy (SIM) were slow or designed for one-color excitation, sacrificing two unique and extremely beneficial aspects of light microscopy: live-cell imaging in multiple colors. This is especially unfortunate because, among the resolution-extending techniques, SIM is an attractive choice for live-cell imaging; it requires no special fluorophores or high light intensities to achieve twice diffraction-limited resolution in three dimensions. Furthermore, its wide-field nature makes it light-efficient and decouples the acquisition speed from the size of the lateral field of view, meaning that high frame rates over large volumes are possible. Here, we report a previously undescribed SIM setup that is fast enough to record 3D two-color datasets of living whole cells. Using rapidly programmable liquid crystal devices and a flexible 2D grid pattern algorithm to switch between excitation wavelengths quickly, we show volume rates as high as 4 s in one color and 8.5 s in two colors over tens of time points. To demonstrate the capabilities of our microscope, we image a variety of biological structures, including mitochondria, clathrin-coated vesicles, and the actin cytoskeleton, in either HeLa cells or cultured neurons.
Negative mood regulation expectancies moderate the relationship between psychological abuse and avoidant coping

This study explored the relationships among psychological abuse, attitudes about intimate partner violence (IPV), negative mood regulation expectancies (NMRE), and coping. Participants were 126 female college students in dating, cohabitating, or married relationships within the previous year. In one single session, they completed self-report scales measuring IPV, NMRE, and coping. Results indicated that women reporting higher levels of psychological abuse reported less negative attitudes toward IPV, engaged in less-active coping responses, and had lower NMRE. Psychological abuse was a significant predictor of avoidant coping, while NMRE significantly predicted both active and avoidant coping. In addition, the interaction of NMRE × Psychological abuse added incremental prediction of avoidant coping. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Advances In Far-Field Holography--Theory And Applications

The current status of far-field holography is reviewed with particular attention to the work reported since the previous reviews of 1974 and 1975. The basic techniques continue to be improved and very good resolution can now be achieved. Automatic readout is a current problem that still requires further attention. Application of single and multiple pulse methods continue to be developed in a variety of important fields including agricultural pest control, cavitation studies, and evaluation of fuel droplet size and burning in engines.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Isothermal aging of near-eutectic Sn-Ag-Cu solder alloys and its effect on electrical resistivity

Solder joints were prepared from seven eutectic and near-eutectic Sn-based compositions and characterized for electrical resistivity after 100 h and 1,000 h of isothermal aging at 423 K. The solder joint samples were prepared by hand soldering to copper substrates, and the post-heat treatment resistivity was measured at room temperature in a specially designed, four-point probe fixture. Compositions tested included Sn-3.5Ag, Sn-3.7Ag-0.9Cu, Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu, Sn-3.6Ag-1.0Cu, and Sn-3.9Ag-0.6Cu. In addition, the effect of a minor addition of a fourth element, designed to improve high-temperature shear strength, was also evaluated in the compositions Sn-3.7Ag-0.6Cu-0.3Co and Sn-3.7Ag-0.7Cu-0.2Fe. The observed changes in electrical resistivity are discussed in terms of microstructural coarsening, diffusional transport from the substrate, and nucleation of precipitate phases.
DYNAMICS OF RECTANGULAR PLATES

Abstract The dynamic response of a simply supported rectangular plate is treated within the framework of classical, three-dimensional elasticity theory. The plate is subjected to a suddenly applied, uniformly distributed transverse load over a rectangular area, the sides of which are parallel and perpendicular to the sides of the plate. An exact solution in series form is given, and a comparison of this solution with previously obtained corresponding solutions within the framework of classical and improved plate theories is also presented.
Crack bridging models for fiber composites with slip-dependent interfaces

Abstract A theoretical study is made of the role of slip-dependent interfaces in fracture of fiber reinforced composites. The fiber-matrix interface is characterized by the interfacial sliding stress τ which is a function of the position in the sliding zone owing to asperity wear and damage to fiber coatings. Three interface models are proposed to correlate τ with the interfacial sliding displacement Δ : (1) τ linearly increases with Δ; (2) τ linearly decreases with Δ; and (3) τ exponentially decreases with Δ. Crack bridging traction laws are derived based on a fiber pull-out analysis coupled with the interface models. Systematic calculations are carried out for the stress distribution in the bridging zone and crack tip stress intensity using the linear hardening interface model. It is found that slip-dependent interface properties may have a strong effect on fiber fracture, while the effect on matrix cracking is relatively small. It is also found that the influence of interface damage is coupled with the applied load : the larger the applied load, the stronger the effect. The implications of these findings for fatigue cracking of fiber composites are briefly discussed.