cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observations on the Regulation of Arterial Blood Pressure in Unanesthetized Dogs

Aortic pressure rises as a dog's head is raised and falls as it is lowered. Systemic pressure change was 49%±3% of the hydrostatic pressure change at the carotid sinus, chosen as an arbitary reference, so that pressure at the carotid sinus changed only 51% as much as it would have if systemic pressure had not changed. The responses to head raising and lowering were dynamically asymmetrical, in a way which permits them to be described as being dependent on the rate of head lowering as well as on vertical position. When chloralose-anesthetized dogs maintained with positive-pressure breathing were studied under water, the response was abolished, suggesting its hydrostatic basis. Chronic carotid baroreceptor deafferentation or carotid sinus excision only diminished the response to changes in head position in most animals, and a transient response to head lowering persisted in all. An apparent CNS adaptation to the disruption of baroreceptor afferents makes it impossible to judge the quantitative role of the c...
Bioprocess Engineering Aspects of Biopolymer Production by the Cyanobacterium Spirulina Strain LEB 18

Microbial biopolymers can replace environmentally damaging plastics derived from petrochemicals. We investigated biopolymer synthesis by the cyanobacterium Spirulina strain LEB 18. Autotrophic culture used unmodified Zarrouk medium or modified Zarrouk medium in which the NaNO3 content was reduced to 0.25 g L−1 and the NaHCO3 content reduced to 8.4 g L−1 or increased to 25.2 g L−1. Heterotrophic culture used modified Zarrouk medium containing 0.25 g L−1 NaNO3 with the NaHCO3 replaced by 0.2 g L−1, 0.4 g L−1, or 0.6 g L−1 of glucose (C6H12O6) or sodium acetate (CH3COONa). Mixotrophic culture used modified Zarrouk medium containing 0.25 g L−1 NaNO3 plus 16.8 g L−1 NaHCO3 with the addition of 0.2 g L−1, 0.4 g L−1, or 0.6 g L−1 of glucose or sodium acetate. The highest biopolymer yield was 44% when LEB 18 was growing autotrophically in media containing 0.25 g L−1 NaNO3 and 8.4 g L−1 NaHCO3.
Evolution of fuzzy uncertainty in neural network learning

The paper explores the development of artificial neural network learning dynamics in terms of fuzzy uncertainty. In conventional artificial neural networks utilizing crisp variables, a set of error metrics required to achieve network convergence can be developed in the information-theoretic plane (based on the probabilistic uncertainty of the network variables). However, in a fuzzy neural network, consideration of fuzzy uncertainties can also facilitate a model to depict the convergence dynamics in the information-theoretic plane. A formulation is presented to achieve the fusion of a fuzzy neural network with the information-theoretic cost functions.
Effects of morcellation of uterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential and endometrial stromal sarcoma: case series and recommendations for clinical practice.

Abstract Study Objective To assess the consequences of inadvertent morcellation of uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMPs) or endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESSs) and to investigate the findings of surgical re-exploration procedures including the frequency and nature of disease dissemination. Design A retrospective chart review from January 1, 1999, to October 31, 2014. Cases were identified by cross-referencing the terms “morcellate” and “morcellation” with the terms “smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential,” “STUMP,” “endometrial stromal sarcoma,” and “low grade endometrial stromal sarcoma” within the University of Michigan electronic medical record. One additional patient was identified at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital using the pathology database with keywords “uterine sarcoma” (Canadian Task Force classification III). Setting University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI. Patients Patients who underwent hysterectomy or myomectomy with morcellation and were subsequently found to have a STUMP or ESS on pathologic review. Interventions None, retrospective chart review. Measurements and Main Results Eight patients were identified who underwent morcellation and were subsequently found to have a STUMP or ESS. Five patients underwent power morcellation, 2 patients underwent hand morcellation, and 1 patient underwent laparoscopic bivalving. Seven patients had a secondary surgical assessment 6 to 19.2 weeks after their initial procedure. Five patients were found to have benign implants comprised of myometrium or endometrium, 1 patient had widespread malignant implants, and 1 patient had no evidence of peritoneal implants. One patient underwent power morcellation within a specimen bag after supracervical hysterectomy. This patient had evidence of benign implants at the time of her re-exploration procedure. All patients who underwent surgical re-exploration are living. The patient with malignant implants has been maintained on megestrol for more than 8 years without disease recurrence. The remaining patients have no evidence of disease with follow-up ranging from 2.8 to 35.1 months. Conclusion Surgical re-exploration procedures after morcellation of a uterine STUMP or ESS have a high likelihood of detecting peritoneal implants, which can be benign or malignant.
Sustainable competitive advantage and the management of technology and innovation

Sustainable competitive advantage has become part of the jargon in the practise of management. Unfortunately the term has become diluted and is often used to describe organizational strengths that do not fully comply with the meaning of the term in traditional strategic management theory. This paper explains the concept of sustainable competitive advantage with a focus on the management of technology and innovation, comparing and contrasting the relevant theories grounded in extant research and scholarship.
CONCEALED UMBILICAL STOMA: LONG-TERM EVALUATION OF STOMAL STENOSIS

Purpose: The technique of forming a concealed umbilical stoma has been described previously and includes a posterior umbilical flap for improved cosmesis and stenosis prevention. We assessed long-term stomal stenosis.Materials and Methods: We reviewed retrospectively the charts of 46 patients (mean age at surgery 14 years) of whom 35 had undergone concealed umbilical stoma creation and 11 the Malone antegrade continence enema procedure for continent urinary diversion. Urinary stomas were created from appendix in 20 cases, ileum in 8, sigmoid colon in 5, bladder in 1 and stomach in 1. Malone antegrade continence enema stomas were constructed from appendix in 10 cases and sigmoid colon in 1. A total of 21 patients underwent urinary diversion and augmentation cystoplasty.Results: At followup of 12 to 84 months (median 3.4 years) 93.5% of patients had an intact stoma with no need for surgical revision. Of the remaining patients 3 (6.5%) required revision of the stoma at skin level for stomal stenosis at 1, 4 ...
Interdecadal Changes of 30-Yr SST Normals during 1871–2000

Abstract SST predictions are usually issued in terms of anomalies and standardized anomalies relative to a 30-yr normal: climatological mean (CM) and standard deviation (SD). The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) suggests updating the 30-yr normal every 10 yr. In complying with the WMO's suggestion, a new 30-yr normal for the 1971–2000 base period is constructed. To put the new 30-yr normal in historical perspective, all the 30-yr normals since 1871 are investigated, starting from the beginning of each decade (1871–1900, 1881–1910, … , 1971–2000). Using the extended reconstructed sea surface temperature (ERSST) on a 2° grid for 1854–2000 and the Hadley Centre Sea Ice and SST dataset (HadISST) on a 1° grid for 1870–1999, eleven 30-yr normals are calculated, and the interdecadal changes of seasonal CM, seasonal SD, and seasonal persistence (P) are discussed. The interdecadal changes of seasonal CM are prominent (0.3°–0.6°) in the tropical Indian Ocean, the midlatitude North Pacific, the midlatitude No...
Soil–Litter Mixing Accelerates Decomposition in a Chihuahuan Desert Grassland

Decomposition models typically under-predict decomposition relative to observed rates in drylands. This discrepancy indicates a significant gap in our mechanistic understanding of carbon and nutrient cycling in these systems. Recent research suggests that certain drivers of decomposition that are often not explicitly incorporated into models (for example, photodegradation and soil‐litter mixing; SLM) may be important in drylands, and their exclusion may, in part, be responsible for model under-predictions. To assess the role of SLM, litterbags were deployed in the Chihuahuan Desert and interrelationships between vegetation structure, SLM, and rates of decomposition were quantified. Vegetation structure was manipulated to simulate losses of grass cover from livestock grazing and shrub encroachment. We hypothesized that reductions in grass cover would promote SLM and accelerate mass loss by improving conditions for microbial decomposition. Litter mass decreased exponentially, with the greatest losses occurring in concert with summer monsoons. There were no differences in decay constants among grass cover treatments. A significant, positive relationship between mass loss and SLM was observed, but contrary to expectations SLM was independent of grass cover. This suggests that processes operating at finer spatial scales than those in our grass removal treatments were influencing SLM. Shifts in litter lipid composition suggest increased bacterial contribution to decomposition through time. SLM, which is seldom included as a variable controlling decomposition in statistical or mechanistic models, was a strong driver of decomposition. Results are discussed in the context of other known drivers of decomposition in drylands (for example, UV radiation and climate) and more mesic systems.
Scaling theory for quasibrittle structural failure.

This inaugural article has a twofold purpose: (i) to present a simpler and more general justification of the fundamental scaling laws of quasibrittle fracture, bridging the asymptotic behaviors of plasticity, linear elastic fracture mechanics, and Weibull statistical theory of brittle failure, and (ii) to give a broad but succinct overview of various applications and ramifications covering many fields, many kinds of quasibrittle materials, and many scales (from 10–8 to 106 m). The justification rests on developing a method to combine dimensional analysis of cohesive fracture with second-order accurate asymptotic matching. This method exploits the recently established general asymptotic properties of the cohesive crack model and nonlocal Weibull statistical model. The key idea is to select the dimensionless variables in such a way that, in each asymptotic case, all of them vanish except one. The minimal nature of the hypotheses made explains the surprisingly broad applicability of the scaling laws.
Yield and Energy Spectrum of Secondary Electrons Generated by Fission Fragments

A technique for measuring the yield and energy spectrum of secondary electrons generated by the passage of a fission fragment through a metal foil is described. The electrons are accelerated through an electrostatic potential V and focused on a solid state detector using a lens. A number N of low energy secondaries are thus detected as a pulse corresponding to energy NV in coincidence with the fragment. An integral energy spectrum is obtained by using a suppression grid. The technique also yields information about the response of solid state detectors to electrons in the energy region below 30 kev.
Global dimension of rings with krull dimension

The left global dimension of a semiprime ring, with left Krull dimension α≥1 is found to be the supremum of the projective dimensions of the p-critical cyclic modules where β≤α. A similar result is true for upper triangular matrix rings whose entries come from a domain with Krull dimension. In addition if R is a a ring of the form where S is a semiprime ring with left Krull dimension α≥1, T is any ring with l.K dim T≤α, and A is an S-T bimodule such that sA has Krull dimension then the left global dimension of R is the supremum of the projective dimensions of the -critical cyclic left R-modules where β<αa. These results are used to compute homological dimensions of rings with Krull dimension. Some analogues are given for weak dimension and for rings with Gabriel dimension.
Allografting versus Autografting for Follicular Lymphoma: An Ongoing Conundrum

It has been more than 2 decades since the initial reports on autologous transplantation for follicular lymphoma [1,2]. These studies were paradigm changing because they provided the first evidence of a curative therapy in this chronically relapsing illness. However, autologous transplantation was effective in only a fraction of carefully selected patients with chemotherapy-sensitive disease. Relapse rates were high, possibly caused by infusion of occult lymphoma cells [3]. Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia, mostly occurring in the first 5 years after transplant, emerged as a considerable problem, attributable to conditioning, to prior treatment, and possibly to stem cell mobilization method [4,5]. Allogeneic transplantation was soon found to have a very low incidence of disease recurrence but also a high early mortality [6]. Three prior studies have compared autologous and allogeneic transplantation with consistent conclusions: allogeneic transplantation has much higher treatment-related mortality, regardless of conditioning intensity, but lower rates of recurrence [7-9]. In this issue, Klyuchnikov et al. [10] address the same issue again, from a somewhat different angle: They include only patients with prior exposure to rituximab, only allo-transplants undergoing reduced-intensity conditioning, and limit their analysis to patients with follicular grades I and II disease. They find that allogeneic transplant recipients tend to have more advanced disease, die much more frequently from complications, and relapse less. Patients with high lactate dehydrogenase and poor
Circularly Polarized Light Detection with Hot Electrons in Chiral Plasmonic Metamaterials

We report on a circularly polarized light detector based on chiral plasmonic metamaterials and hot electron injection. The detector has the ability to distinguish left and right hand circularly polarized light without additional optical elements.
The Role of Ambiguity in Insurance Policy Interpretation

The "first principle of insurance law" is that ambiguities in an insurance policy must be construed in favor of the policyholder. In general, if a policy provision is found to be ambiguous, the policyholder prevails; if the provision is found to be unambiguous, the insurer prevails. The purpose of this monograph is to describe and analyze the role of ambiguity in insurance policy interpretation. It identifies a "broad" version of the rule supported in the majority of courts, and a "narrow" version that is a minority rule. The broad version generally provides that a provision is ambiguous when it is susceptible to more than one reasonable interpretation. The narrow version of the rule provides that a provision is ambiguous only if the rules of interpretation cannot resolve the purported ambiguity. In other words, a provision is ambiguous only if the two proffered interpretations are equally likely based on the language of the policy and the applicable circumstances. The monograph argues that the narrow version of the rule is superior to the broad version because it will result in more consistent judgments, is consistent with linguistic practices, and improves the likelihood the policy will be interpreted consistently with the expectations of the policyholder and the insurer.
Safe Patient Handling Laws and Programs for Health Care Workers.

Safe patient handling laws and programs offer considerable benefits to health care workers, who have higher rates of exertion injuries than other workers.
Oral and visual presentation and production of original responses.

and sound. Johnson and Khatena (2) found that hearing Ss scored significantly higher than deaf Ss on Onomatopoeia and Images giving support to this proposition. This study was performed to examine further the proposition of Torrance, Khatena, and Cunnington (4) that both the sound and meaning of the onomatopoeic words are critical in enabling Ss to reduce idiosyncratic behaviors and to produce original responses. Thus, the primary purpose of this smdy was to assess whether the performance of hearing Ss on Onomatopoeia and lmages is affected adversely when the onomatopoeic words are presented visually without sound. An ancillary purpose was to examine if the hearing of onomatopoeic words was equally important at different age levels. A posttest only design was employed (I), with Ss assigned randomly to either the visual or oral group. The data were analyzed using a weighted means analysis with a 2 x 2 factorial analysis of variance (5) and two word administration levels and two age levels as the independent variables.
Brucella abortus siderophore 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) facilitates intracellular survival of the bacteria.

Siderophores are low molecular weight molecules that allow bacteria to acquire iron from host cell proteins. 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) is the only known siderophore produced by the intracellular pathogen Brucella abortus. Here its role in virulence was assessed by evaluating the ability of a mutant with a disruption of the entC gene to survive and replicate in vitro in murine and bovine cells and in vivo in resistant and susceptible murine hosts. It was hypothesized that DHBA is vital for bacterial virulence by its ability to chelate intracellular iron thereby preventing generation of anti-bacterial hydroxyl radicals via the Haber-Weiss reaction, to scavenge reactive oxygen intermediates and for acquisition of iron needed for nutritional purposes. The data showed DHBA played a significant role for bacterial survival in host cells after infection including in murine macrophages cultured in the presence and absence of exogenous interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and in bovine trophoblasts supplemented with erythritol. In severely iron-depleted conditions, DHBA was also found to be essential for growth in murine macrophages. Despite these deficiencies, the absence of DHBA had no long-term significant effect on the number of CFU recovered in vivo from either the Brucella-resistant C57BL/6 mice or Brucella-susceptible IFN-gamma knock-out C57BL/6 mice.
Function of Adjusting Correcting Degree of Cornea's Optical Reflection at Operation End after General Anesthesia of Children's Level Strabismus

Objective:To study the situations of cornea's optical reflection under shadowless lamp at the operation end after general anesthesia and the effects on children's level strabismus.Methods:Observing the situation of cornea's optical reflection under shadowless lamp at the operation end after general anesthesia,adjusting and changing the degree of under-correcting and over-correcting to reach the final right position of optical reflection,were observed and compared with the situations after coming to consciousness.Results:Among the 248 cases,195 cases reached the right position (78.63%),under-correcting and over-correcting cases 53 (21.37%).After operation adjustment and changing the operation degree,the right position of optical reflection after general anesthesia reached 231 cases (93.15%).Conclusion:The examination of corneas optical reflection under shadowless lamp at the operation end after general anesthesia is helpful to conduct operation adjustment and apparently improve the successful rate of operations on children's level strabismus.
Speculative histories : photo essay

History and Speculation, Past and Future, are not as separate as they once were in our disciplinary imaginations. Science fiction has emerged as one of many new speculative frequencies in today's scholarly spectrum. Visual representation is an older mode that brings thought and feeling, analytics and prediction together. It pre-dates both historical and fictional narrative forms. Shaped by long histories of artistic and critical conversations, images today are being used in ways that extend and complicate our interdisciplinary scholarly methods. Here, they are put to work in order to pose different questions and suggest alternative analyses of the histories and futures of Asia's changing landscapes.
Marine and Terrestrial Environments

Primary production refers to the production of organic matter by photosynthesis. As the principal producers of all of the Earth’s carbohydrates, terrestrial plants have been the traditional focus of biogeography. In this chapter the focus will be on biogeographic processes by describing both marine and terrestrial plants.
Pathology of Systemic Sclerosis

Autopsy studies played a key role in initially characterizing the protean manifestations of systemic sclerosis. Today, pathologic evaluation of tissue from affected patients is still vital to the diagnosis and management of this disease. Scleroderma is associated with a wide range of distinctive pathologic findings, including morpheaform skin thickening, pulmonary interstitial fibrosis and hypertension, renal thrombotic microangiopathy, and myocardial fibrosis. Microscopic examination of such lesions allows direct visualization of the classic triad of vascular damage, immune dysfunction, and tissue remodeling that is fundamental to disease pathogenesis. Additionally, systemic sclerosis has a wide range of associated complications that can also be seen on pathologic examination of the skin, lungs, kidneys, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal system, and placenta. Pathologic recognition of all of these features continues to guide clinical evaluation of the disease process in individual scleroderma patients as well as contributing to deeper understanding of this devastating condition in general.
Not Just for Products Liability: Applying the Economic Loss Rule Beyond Its Origins

Most litigants, if given the chance, prefer to assert tort theories to recover their economic losses, rather than rely on the remedies provided under contract law. This is primarily because plaintiffs have the potential to recover more damages under tort law than contract law. However, most courts have adopted a doctrine known as the economic loss rule to bar plaintiffs from asserting certain tort theories to recover for their economic loss. Although the economic loss rule may seem like an easy way to maintain the boundary between tort law and contract law, confusion abounds when courts attempt to determine the proper contexts in which to apply the doctrine. In 2013, the Florida Supreme Court resurrected issues of the doctrine’s proper scope when it rendered Tiara Condominium Ass‘n v. Marsh & McLennan Cos., which restricted application of the doctrine to products liability cases. Although the Florida Supreme Court has held that the economic loss rule applies only when a defective product causes pecuniary loss to the plaintiff, other jurisdictions adhere to a broader application of the doctrine. In these jurisdictions, the doctrine serves a fundamental purpose to protect the boundary line between tort law and contract law by preventing parties who are in contractual privity from circumventing the bargain that they made in their contract. This Note argues that the economic loss rule is not just for products liability, but should be applied to serve such a fundamental purpose, specifically where sophisticated parties engage in arms-length transactions, bargaining for the allocation of risk and economic loss in their contract.
Aspatial and Spatial Applications of Indices of Uneven Distribution

The difference of means formulations of indices of uneven distribution makes it relatively straightforward to implement segregation measurement in either conventional aspatial formulations or in spatial formulations. Aspatial versions of segregation indices are familiar because they are widely used in empirical studies. They are obtained by applying any of the computing formulas reviewed here using data for non-overlapping, bounded areas such as census tracts, block groups, or blocks. It is appropriate to designate the resulting scores as “aspatial” because the spatial arrangements of the units (e.g., blocks, block groups, tracts) have no implications for the scores obtained. Spatial formulations would differ on this key point; namely, the spatial arrangement of units can potentially impact index scores.
When Terrorists Play Ball

Public discourse often forwards Muslim athletes as examples of “exceptional” Muslims who are “moderate.” This signals that engaging in discourse about sports can allow U.S. Muslims to tap into the ...
The Formation of a Community Academic Partnership to Address Health Disparities and Improve Outcomes for Latino Family Caregivers Living in a Rural Community.

Edited byJanna Lesser, RN, PhDUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, School of Nursing, San Antonio, Texas, USAJacquelyn H. Flaskerud RN, PhD, FAANUniversity of California, Schoo...
Accelerometry Data in Health Research: Challenges and Opportunities

Wearable accelerometers provide detailed, objective, and continuous measurements of physical activity (PA). Recent advances in technology and the decreasing cost of wearable devices led to an explosion in the popularity of wearable technology in health research. An ever-increasing number of studies collect high-throughput, sub-second level raw acceleration data. In this paper, we discuss problems related to the collection and analysis of raw accelerometry data and refer to published solutions. In particular, we describe the size and complexity of the data, the within- and between-subject variability, and the effects of sensor location on the body. We also discuss challenges related to sampling frequency, device calibration, data labeling, and multiple PA monitors synchronization. We illustrate these points using the Developmental Epidemiological Cohort Study (DECOS), which collected raw accelerometry data on individuals both in a controlled and the free-living environment.
A combinatorially developed Zr-Ti-Fe-Al metallic glass with outstanding corrosion resistance for implantable medical devices

Abstract This paper explores a Zr-Ti-Fe-Al metallic glass, fabricated via combinatorial approach using magnetron co-sputtering. The paradigm of combinatorial synthesis is demonstrated via X-Ray Diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy. The metallic glass is probed electrochemically in contrast with a distinguished biomaterial, commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti). The metallic glass shows no susceptibility to pitting corrosion and manifests better corrosion resistance properties than cp-Ti in terms of roughly one order improvement in corrosion current density and charge transfer resistance, attributed to the combined role of homogeneous amorphous structure and chemically stable oxide film predominantly composed of ZrO2 and TiO2.
Routine Inpatient Mobility Assessment and Hospital Discharge Planning

This cohort study examines whether use of a mobility assessment tool in hospitalized patients with impaired mobility is associated with discharge to a postacute facility.
Using the Technology Acceptance Model to Explore User Experience, Intent to Use, and Use Behavior of a Patient Portal Among Older Adults With Multiple Chronic Conditions: Descriptive Qualitative Study

Background: Patient portals offer modern digital tools for older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) to engage in their health management. However, there are barriers to portal adoption among older adults. Understanding portal user interface and user experience (UI and UX) preferences of older adults with MCC may improve the accessibility, acceptability, and adoption of patient portals. Objective: The aim of this study was to use the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a framework for qualitatively describing the UI and UX, intent to use, and use behaviors among older patients with MCC. Methods: We carried out a qualitative descriptive study of Kaiser Permanente Colorado’s established patient portal, My Health Manager. Older patients (N=24; mean 78.41 (SD 5.4) years) with MCC participated in focus groups. Stratified random sampling was used to maximize age and experience with the portal among participants. The semistructured focus groups used a combination of discussion and think-aloud strategies. A total of 2 coders led the theoretically driven analysis based on the TAM to determine themes related to use behavior, portal usefulness and ease of use, and intent to use. Results: Portal users commonly used email, pharmacy, and lab results sections of the portal. Although, generally, the portal was seen to be easy to use, simple, and quick, challenges related to log-ins, UI design (color and font), and specific features were identified. Such challenges inhibited participants’ intent to use the portal entirely or specific features. Participants indicated that the portal improved patient-provider communication, saved time and money, and provided relevant health information. Participants intended to use features that were beneficial to their health management and easy to use. Conclusions: Older adults are interested in using patient portals and are already taking advantage of the features available to them. We have the opportunity to better engage older adults in portal use but need to pay close attention to key considerations promoting usefulness and ease of use.
Effect of ZrB2 content on the densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties of ZrC-SiC ceramics

Abstract ZrC ceramics containing 30 vol% SiC-ZrB2 were produced by high-energy ball milling and reactive hot pressing. The effects of ZrB2 content on the densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties of ceramics were investigated. Fully dense ceramics were achieved as ZrB2 content increased to 10 and 15 vol%. The addition of ZrB2 suppressed grain growth and promoted dispersion of the SiC particles, resulting in fine and homogeneous microstructures. Vickers hardness increased from 23.0 ± 0.5 GPa to 23.9 ± 0.5 GPa and Young’s modulus increased from 430 ± 3 GPa to 455 ± 3 GPa as ZrB2 content increased from 0 to 15 vol%. The increases were attributed to a combination of the higher relative density of ceramics with higher ZrB2 content and the higher Young’s modulus and hardness of ZrB2 compared to ZrC. Indentation fracture toughness increased from 2.6 ± 0.2 MPa⋅m1/2 to 3.3 ± 0.1 MPa⋅m1/2 as ZrB2 content increased from 0 to 15 vol% due to the increase in crack deflection by the uniformly dispersed SiC particles. Compared to binary ZrC-SiC ceramics, ternary ZrC-SiC-ZrB2 ceramics with finer microstructure and higher relative densities were achieved by the addition of ZrB2 particles.
Emotion Concept Development from Childhood to Adulthood

Emotion concepts are the internally held representations of what defines any given emotion. Contemporary emotion theories posit that emotion concepts occupy a central role in shaping our perceptions and experiences of emotion. However, like other concepts, emotion concepts actively change over the life course. Here, we review classic and contemporary ideas, and recent empirical research, that concern how emotion concepts develop from childhood to adulthood. Emerging evidence suggests that emotion concepts change in complex ways across early life development, which has a tangible impact on the emotional experiences of children, adolescents, and adults. Charting emotion concept development in this way holds implications for basic theories of emotion and development as well as more clinical theories focused on helping children and adolescents overcome emotion-regulatory challenges.
Learning the grain boundary manifold: tools for visualizing and fitting grain boundary properties

Abstract With the proliferation of grain boundary data in materials science from both experiments and simulations, tools are needed to explore the five dimensional space of grain boundaries and visualize and fit structure property relationships along arbitrary paths through this space. In this work, we leverage a recently developed geodesic metric for grain boundaries to visualize the global geometry of grain boundary datasets and fit grain boundary energy to macroscopic grain boundary geometry. It is found that the 5D connectivity of the 388 grain boundary Olmsted dataset can be visualized via dimensionality reduction in 3D with a high degree of interpretability. Furthermore, after selectively adding new grain boundaries to the dataset, these visualizations suggest new global features of grain boundary space, including the existence of a grain boundary fundamental zone with well defined subsets of high symmetry boundaries along faces. Geodesic sampling is shown to be an effective tool to extend grain boundary datasets to new regions of the 5D space. Finally, a simple grain boundary energy kernel regression model with only one fitting parameter is demonstrated to predict grain boundary energy in the Olmsted dataset to within 10% RMSE.
"The Laryngectomee Guide" is available in 18 languages (Free eBooks).

Abstract “The Laryngectomee Guide” contains information about the diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal cancer, side effects of radiation and chemotherapy; methods of speaking; airway, stoma, and voice prosthesis care; eating and swallowing; medical, dental and psychological concerns; respiration; anesthesia; and travelling. The Guide is available now in 18 languages (English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish (4 versions), Bulgarian, Bosnian, Greece, Romanian, Turkish, Arabic, Persian, Simple and traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Filipino, and Russian).
Comparative toxicokinetics of bisphenol S in rats and mice following gavage administration

Abstract Bisphenol S (BPS) is a component of polyether sulfone used in a variety of industrial applications and consumer products. We investigated the plasma toxicokinetic (TK) behavior of free (unconjugated parent) and total (parent and conjugated) BPS in rats and mice following a single gavage administration (34, 110, or 340 mg/kg). In male rats, BPS was rapidly absorbed with free BPS maximum concentration (Cmax) reached at ≤2.27 h. Elimination of free BPS in male rats was dose-dependent with estimated half-lives of 5.77–11.9 h. Cmax and area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC) increased with dose although the increase in AUC was more than dose proportional. In male rats, total BPS Cmax was reached ≤2.77 h with both Cmax (≥ 10-fold) and AUC (≥ 15-fold) higher than free BPS demonstrating rapid and extensive conjugation of BPS. In male mice, the increase in Cmax and AUC of free BPS was dose-proportional; Cmax was higher and AUC was lower than in male rats. BPS was cleared more rapidly in male mice (half-life 2.86–4.21 h) compared to male rats (half-life 5.77–11.9 h). Similar to rats, total BPS Cmax (≥ 6-fold) and AUC (≥ 12-fold) were higher than corresponding free BPS. Oral bioavailability of free BPS was low to moderate (rats, ≤ 21%; mice, ≤ 19%). There were some species differences in TK parameters of free and total BPS and limited sex difference in rats and mice. In addition, there were dose-related effects of plasma TK parameters in rats.
Dynamic inference-based learning of Markov network structure

In this thesis we address the problem of leaning Markov network structure from data by presenting the Dynamic GSIMN or DGSIMN algorithm. DGSIMN is an extension of GSIMN algorithm, and works by conducting a series of statistical conditional independence tests on the data, and uses the axioms that govern the independence relation to avoid unnecessary tests i.e., tests that can be inferred from the results of known ones. However, DGSIMN improves on the GSIMN algorithm by dynamically selecting the locally optimal test that will increase the state of knowledge about the structure the most. This is done by estimating the number of inferences that will be obtained after executing a test (before it is actually evaluated on data), and selecting the one that is expected to maximize the number of such inferences. This helps decreasing the number of tests required to be evaluated on data, resulting in an overall decrease in the computational requirements of the algorithm. Experiments show that DGSIMN yields savings of up to 85% while achieving similar or better accuracy in most cases.
Acousto-Optics in Lithium Niobate-on-Sapphire

We demonstrate nanophotonic waveguides modulated by surface acoustic waves and use them to study the piezoelectric and photoelastic properties of thin-film lithium niobate-on-sapphire.
An Explainable and Statistically Validated Ensemble Clustering Model Applied to the Identification of Traumatic Brain Injury Subgroups

We present a framework for an explainable and statistically validated ensemble clustering model applied to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The objective of our analysis is to identify patient injury severity subgroups and key phenotypes that delineate these subgroups using varied clinical and computed tomography data. Explainable and statistically-validated models are essential because a data-driven identification of subgroups is an inherently multidisciplinary undertaking. In our case, this procedure yielded six distinct patient subgroups with respect to mechanism of injury, severity of presentation, anatomy, psychometric, and functional outcome. This framework for ensemble cluster analysis fully integrates statistical methods at several stages of analysis to enhance the quality and the explainability of results. This methodology is applicable to other clinical data sets that exhibit significant heterogeneity as well as other diverse data science applications in biomedicine and elsewhere.
Can geotechnical liquefaction indices serve as predictors of foundation settlement

Geotechnical liquefaction indices, such as the liquefaction potential index, are commonly used as proxies for the risk of liquefaction-induced damage at site or regional scales. However, these indi...
Sustainable Energy Utility Design: Options for the District of Columbia

Cities and states in the US are playing a leadership role in enacting innovative policies to promote energy sustainability. For example, twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have passed renewable portfolio standards that require or encourage utilities to derive a percentage of their electricity from renewable sources. Given the magnitude of the present energy challenges, a growing number of states and cities are seeking even more aggressive policies in order to fundamentally alter energy demand from the bottom up. This trend has given rise to the concept of the sustainable energy utility, which was first established through legislation by the State of Delaware in 2007. A sustainable energy utility is an independent and financially self-sufficient entity responsible for delivering energy efficiency, energy conservation, and customer-sited renewable energy to end users. An SEU targets all sectors and fuels, including transportation. This is a major departure from supply-side approaches, and from traditional demand-side policies, which tend to address only certain types of fuels (e.g. electricity, but not heating or transportation), or limited “silos” of end users (e.g. residential but not municipal consumers). This report reviews the sustainable energy service delivery models of several leading jurisdictions and compares their structure, function, and design to that of the sustainable energy utility concept. The paper then examines the potential energy and environmental impacts of a sustainable energy utility adopted by the District of Columbia.
Combining transcranial magnetic stimulation with functional magnetic resonance imaging for probing and modulating neural circuits relevant to affective disorders

Combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with functional magnetic resonance imaging offers an unprecedented tool for studying how brain networks interact in vivo and how repetitive trains of TMS modulate those networks among patients diagnosed with affective disorders. TMS compliments neuroimaging by allowing the interrogation of causal control among brain circuits. Together with TMS, neuroimaging can provide valuable insight into the mechanisms underlying treatment effects and downstream circuit communication. Here we provide a background of the method, review relevant study designs, consider methodological and equipment options, and provide statistical recommendations. We conclude by describing emerging approaches that will extend these tools into exciting new applications. This article is categorized under: Psychology > Emotion and Motivation Psychology > Theory and Methods Neuroscience > Clinical Neuroscience.
The University of Georgia's Mobile Field Investigational Vehcile

In December, 1974, in order to support various instructional missions, especially those related to food producing animal medicine, the College of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Georgia acquired a motor home type vehicle. This vehicle, suitably equipped, served as a mobile laboratory and was primarily employed in the implementation of various herd health and consultative-medicine programs conducted by the Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery. The following describes the physical characteristics of the unit and how it was employed.
The Physical Environment

In the past few years, American newspapers and television programs have carried such varied reports as the volcanic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines, the attempts of Vietnam and the U.S. governments to move closer to trade and normalization of relations, the booming economy of the world’s prototype city state, Singapore, the turning of Burma (Myanmar) inward to a virtually closed society, and the continuing concern in this country for American M.I.A.’s of the Vietnam War. All of these Southeast Asian stories have confronted an American population basically unfamiliar both with Southeast Asia, its culture and its geography.
LINEAR PROGRAMMING (A GEOMETRIC APPROACH)

This chapter presents a relatively new area of mathematics called linear programming. The word programming is derived from the early applications of the subject to problems in the programming or allocation of supplies. The transportation problem is an important type of linear programming problem. In this kind of problem there are various warehouses and various stores and the cost of shipping an item from any warehouse to any store is known. A convex set means connecting any two points in the set by a line segment to put the line segment completely in the set. The convex sets are of two types: bounded and unbounded. A bounded set is one that can be enclosed by some suitably large circle, and an unbounded set is one that cannot be so enclosed. A corner point in a convex set is any point in the set that is the intersection of two boundary lines. An optimal solution is a feasible solution that makes the objective function as large or as small as possible.
Electron mobility in n-type Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Te and Hg(1-x)Zn(x)Te alloys

Calculations of electron mobility in n-type mercury cadmium telluride (MCT), a candidate material for IR detectors, and n-type mercury zinc telluride (MZT) are compared. It is found that electron mobilities in MCT and MZT are nearly the same for equivalent energy gaps. The results are also found to compare will with experimental data. Directions of future research are briefly discussed.
Online Dispute Resolution: Applications in E-HRM

The past few decades have seen explosive growth in the degree to which persistent and costly disputes are being dealt with constructively by a range of processes for alternative dispute resolution (ADR). These developments have greatly affected, inter alia, the way conflict is handled inside organizations and in the workplace. In the age of e-communication, new types and sources of organizational conflict are emerging and organizational dispute resolution experts need to update their toolbox. As HRM makes the transition to e-HRM, traditional ADR is adopting new methods for coping with conflict through e-methods and processes. The technology and skills necessary for managing online mediation, arbitration and negotiation are facilitating the emergence of a line of ADR processes: Online Dispute Resolution (ODR).The aim of this paper is to introduce ODR to the e-HRM community, elaborating on one process which is particularly suitable for widespread use in e-HRM: online mediation. In addition, we will also suggest other potentialities of ODR for e-HRM, in the hopes that this discussion will be taken up and developed by others in both fields.
Asymptomatic golden macule on the ankle.

A 35-year-old man presented with a 4-week history of an asymptomatic golden-brown macule on his right lateral ankle (Figures ​(Figures11 and ​and22). He first noted the lesion one morning when he was pulling on his socks, and the lesion had not changed in color or size since it appeared. He reported no associated trauma. His past medical history was unremarkable, and he took no medications. Figure 1 Golden macule on lateral ankle. Figure 2 Closer view of golden macule. What is your diagnosis? DIAGNOSIS: Lichen aureus. Lichen aureus is a rare and chronic localized variant of pigmented purpuric dermatoses. It may present at any age but is most commonly reported in younger patients (1, 2). The pigmented purpuras comprise a group of dermatoses (Table) that present most commonly on the lower extremities and have clinical and histopathologic similarities. Lichen aureus usually presents as asymptomatic golden or rust-colored macules (which may have associated papules or petechiae) on the lower legs. Rarely, lesions may present in a dermatomal distribution. Table Pigmented purpuric dermatoses Etiology is unknown; however, a history of trauma at the site of involvement has been seen (3). Additionally, a recent report described lichen aureus induced by interferon-alpha plus ribavirin (4). Clinical characteristics alone are usually adequate to diagnose lichen aureus. Typical histologic findings include a dense lymphocytic bandlike infiltrate and numerous hemosiderin-laden macrophages (5). As with the other pigmented purpuras, there is hemorrhage without associated fibroid necrosis in vessel walls. Lesions are slow to evolve, and while spontaneous resolution has been reported, the lesions may persist for years without change. There are no associated laboratory abnormalities. There has been one case of localized morphea that was preceded by lichen aureus (6). Treatment is aimed at improving cosmetic appearance or reducing pruritus (if present). No therapy is needed if lesions are asymptomatic and not concerning to the patient (7). A variety of therapies have been used for lichen aureus, including topical localized persistent form of pigmented purpuric dermatitis. Br J Dermatol steroids, topical pimecrolimus 1% cream (8), phototherapy (9), and systemic calcium dobesilate (10), as well as a combination of pentoxifylline and prostacyclin (11).
An efficient algorithm to compute the synchronized product

Computing all the reachable states of synchronized automata is important in the mechanical verification of concurrent programs. It is however a hard task because this set of states typically grows exponentially in the number of automata involved. We present a new approach that yields interesting experimental results, both an memory requirements and computation times. It uses a new data structure, the sharing tree, which allows to store large sets of states in a compact way. Moreover, we have designed algorithms that use global operations and caching on the data structure itself. >