cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A robust signal processing method for quantitative high-cycle fatigue crack monitoring using soft elastomeric capacitor sensors

A large-area electronics (LAE) strain sensor, termed soft elastomeric capacitor (SEC), has shown great promise in fatigue crack monitoring. The SEC is able to monitor strain changes over a mesoscale structural surface and endure large deformations without being damaged under cracking. Previous tests verified that the SEC is able to detect, localize, and monitor fatigue crack activities under low-cycle fatigue loading. In this paper, to examine the SEC’s capability of monitoring high-cycle fatigue cracks, a compact specimen is tested under cyclic tension, designed to ensure realistic crack opening sizes representative of those in real steel bridges. To overcome the difficulty of low signal amplitude and relatively high noise level under high-cycle fatigue loading, a robust signal processing method is proposed to convert the measured capacitance time history from the SEC sensor to power spectral densities (PSD) in the frequency domain, such that signal’s peak-to-peak amplitude can be extracted at the dominant loading frequency. A crack damage indicator is proposed as the ratio between the square root of the amplitude of PSD and load range. Results show that the crack damage indicator offers consistent indication of crack growth.
Interaction Behind the Scenes: Exploring Knowledge and User Intent in Interactive Decision-Making Processes

Logging user interaction data with computational artifacts can be handy in identifying activities and issues associated with interactive decision-making processes. However, while such data commonly results in a temporally linear construction, information involved in such processes is not well structured from a knowledge engineering perspective. Consequently, both its consumption and understanding are not straightforward processes. Considering highly immersive environments with interaction through multiple modalities, the tracking of such knowledge becomes even more complex. Such environments have been increasingly used to support decision-making practices, which may involve cognitive-intense activities and critical thinking. Inferring concepts and knowledge from logging data in such activities is key for improving design of decision support systems, and general systems as well.
Fuzzy Differential Modeling and Control of a Class of Nonlinear Systems

Abstract This paper proposes a new modeling method, fuzzy differential modeling (FDM), to deal with ill-conditioned or modeling-intractable plants. Instead of using physical laws, the proposed FDM technique uses measured data to construct a mathematical model for the controlled plant. The unknown functions to be modeled in FDM are encoded by fuzzy systems. Then a controller is synthesized such that the approximation errors between the FDM and its corresponding physical plant are taken into account to obtain the ultimate-boundedness of output tracking errors. Computer simulations were conducted on a benchmark problem, a simple heat-exchanger, to verify the performance of the proposed FDM and its associated controller synthesis.
An American Icon in Limbo: How Clarifying the Standing Doctrine Could Free Wild Horses and Empower Advocates

The American wild horse has long been considered a cultural icon and an integral part of the ecosystem. In recognition of the need for wild horse protection, Congress enacted the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act in 1971. Although the Act instructs Congress to manage the wild horse population by removing “excess” wild horses from public lands, it does not explicitly provide for the use of shortor long-term holding facilities as a means for removal. In considering the legality of the use of holding facilities in the service of wild horse removal programs that the plaintiffs deplore, two district courts have come to opposite conclusions on the standing issue of how directly the plaintiffs’ injury must be linked to the particular action being challenged. This Note argues that if the wild horse dispute comes before the Supreme Court in the form of a circuit split, the Court should hear the case to resolve lingering ambiguities in standing causation. Specifically, the Court should apply proximate cause analysis to the standing causation inquiry, as this would promote many of standing’s underlying functions and also benefit advocates.
Knowledge Net: A Web-enabled Information Service For Continuing Education

The National Defense University Knowledge-Net is a web-enabled service of the Information Resources Management (IRM) College. It is seen as an alternative Information Age strategy for the university to deliver justin-time continuing education to its graduates and provide a vehicle for life-long learning. The first channel under development is intended for Chief Information Officer staff. It provides the following frequently updated services for each of ten CIO competencies:
Linear Regression Models

The correlation coefficient discussed in the last chapter is a component of one of the most important techniques in statistics: linear regression modeling. In this section, we introduce this topic and the subject of statistical modeling, in general. We begin with the familiar step of analyzing the association between a study endpoint and one explanatory variable, with both as quantitative variables. We then expand our model to include several explanatory variables, using the multiple linear regression model. Examples drawn from the GSS and the journal literature help to flesh out this topic.
Protective effects of high potassium administered after ischemic arrest against reperfusion injury in isolated rat hearts

High potassium solution is one of the most commonly used cardioplegic solution, but the mechanism of action is still poorly defined. In the present study, isolated rat hearts were utilized to investigate the protective effects and mechanism of action of high potassium against ischemia/reperfusion injury. The results showed that high potassium (22 mmol/L) apparently improved the recovery of contraction amplitude (P < 0.01), inhibited the rise of resting tension (P < 0.01) and abolished ventricular fibrillation during reperfusion after global ischemia for 40 minutes. Moreover, high potassium could preserve myocardial Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity (P < 0.01) and inhibit sodium and calcium overload (P < 0.01) during reperfusion. The results indicate that small amount of high potassium solution (5 ml) administered even after ischemic arrest of rat heart has remarkable protective effects against ischemia/reperfusion injury at 37 degrees C. Its mechanism of action is at least partially by preserving Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity and inhibiting sodium and calcium overload.
Calcite Centers of Calcification in Mussa Angulosa (Scleractinia)

Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis demonstrates that centers of calcification in the exoskeleton of the scleractinian coral Mussa angulosa are composed of submicron sized crystals of calcite, the rhombohedral polymorth of calcium carbonate.
Relationship Between Quantitative MRI Biomarkers and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures After Cartilage Repair Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Background:Treatment of articular cartilage injuries remains a clinical challenge, and the optimal tools to monitor and predict clinical outcomes are unclear. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) allows for a noninvasive biochemical evaluation of cartilage and may offer advantages in monitoring outcomes after cartilage repair surgery.Hypothesis:qMRI sequences will correlate with early pain and functional measures.Study Design:Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A PubMed search was performed with the following search terms: knee AND (cartilage repair OR cartilage restoration OR cartilage surgery) AND (delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI OR t1-rho OR T2 mapping OR dgemric OR sodium imaging OR quantitative imaging). Studies were included if correlation data were included on quantitative imaging results and patient outcome scores.Results:Fourteen articles were included in the analysis. Eight studies showed a significant relationship between quantitative cartilage imaging and patient outcome ...
An Architecture for Analog VLSI Implementation of Embedded Model Predictive Control

This work proposes an analog very large scale integration (VLSI) circuit for ultra fast embedded Model Predictive Control (MPC). The proposed architecture emulates a fixed-point iterative scheme for quadratic programming that can be regarded as a Euler step of a set of nonlinear differential equations. This framework can be realized using analog computational primitives comprising of complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transistors configured as Operational Transconductance Amplifiers (OTAs) and capacitors. ORCaD PSpice simulations demonstrate both the architectural simplicity and the computational efficiency of the proposed scheme.
Nanophosphor-Based Contrast Agents for Spectral X-ray Imaging.

Lanthanide-based nanophosphors (NPhs) are herein developed as contrast agents for spectral X-ray imaging, highlighting the chemical, macromolecular and structural differences derived from ligand exchange on computed tomography (CT) and solvent dispersibility. Taking advantage of the ability of spectral X-ray imaging with photon-counting detectors to perform image acquisition, analysis, and processing at different energy windows (bins), enhanced signal of our K-edge materials was derived, improving sensitivity of CT imaging, and differentiation between water, tumor-mimic phantoms, and contrast materials. Our results indicate that the most effective of our oleic acid-stabilized K-edge nanoparticles can achieve 2–4x higher contrast than the examined iodinated molecules, making them suitable for deep tissue imaging of tissues or tumors. On the other hand, ligand exchange yielding poly(acrylic acid)-stabilized K-edge nanoparticles allows for high dispersibility and homogeneity in water, but with a lower contrast due to the high density of the polymer grafted, unless further engineering is probed. This is the first well-defined study that manages to correlate NPh grafting density with CT numbers and water dispersibility, laying the groundwork for the development of the next generation CT-guided diagnostic and/or theranostic materials.
Providing Crisis-oriented and Recovery-based Treatment in Partial Hospitalization Programs.

Partial hospitalization programs represent a midpoint along the treatment intensity continuum between an inpatient and an outpatient service. Partial hospitalization programs can be used in place of an inpatient unit for patients who need crisis stabilization and amelioration of their acute symptoms, but who are not imminently homicidal or suicidal. Partial hospitalization programs can also manage adjustments in pharmacotherapy, conduct skills classes, and engage patients in group psychotherapy. In this article, the authors describe the roles and functions of partial hospitalization programs in today’s spectrum of psychiatric services and describe the process of transition from an acute inpatient unit to a partial hospitalization programs.
Diastolic Dysfunction Accompanies Alterations in Myocardial Structure, Cellular Composition and Macrophage Polarization in Survivors of Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Rationale: Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a significant, delayed/late effect of ionizing radiation exposure. Objective: To determine the cardiac effects of total body irradiation (TBI) in male rhesus macaques, a translational non-human primate (NHP) model. Methods and Results: Echocardiography was performed on survivors of a single dose (6.4-8.5 Gy) of TBI (n=34) and non-irradiated controls (n=26) divided into long (LT IRR) and short term (ST IRR) survivors and controls to assess the effects of time since TBI on phenotypes. LT IRR had increased Doppler transmitral early filling velocities (E), decreased early mitral annular descent velocities (e9), and higher E/e9 ratio compared to LT CTL (all p < 0.05), indicating left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. Echocardiographic stroke volume, cardiac output, and end-diastolic and systolic volumes were also lower in LT IRR than controls (all p < 0.05). ST IRR had similar alterations in LV diastolic function but not in cardiac volumetric measures. Analyses of LV, interventricular septum (IVS), and right ventricle (RV) myocardium from deceased irradiated animals (n=17) exposed to a single dose (6.9-8.05 Gy) TBI and non-irradiated controls (n=12) showed that IRR animals had decreased LV and IVS capillary density, and increased LV fibrosis, pan-cardiac fibroblast and macrophage staining, LV and IVS M2 macrophages, and pan-cardiac M1 macrophages (all p<0.05). While M2 predominated over M1 macrophages in both groups, M1 showed greater increases than M2 in IRR. Conclusions: LV diastolic dysfunction due to radiation exposure may be due to a combination of capillary rarefication, activation and expansion of fibroblasts, and increased accumulation of both pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory macrophages, all of which lead to increased myocardial stiffness due to fibrosis. Collectively, these findings provide insights into the delayed effects of acute ionizing radiation exposure and suggest that therapies targeting macrophage regulation of fibrosis may mitigate radiation-induced heart disease.
El español y sus dialectos históricos en América: reconstrucción de la pronunciación

En este trabajo presento una vision de conjunto de los principales dialectos del espanol que pasaron a America durante la conquista y la colonizacion. Con base en evidencia procedente de distintas fuentes pruebo que aunque la mayoria de los colonizadores hablaba un espanol nivelado; al cual cabe llamar vernaculo americano; esta variante convivia durante el siglo XVI en America con el estandar toledano y otros dialectos peninsulares del espanol; tales como el andaluz y el castellano viejo. No obstante que ya se habia sugerido la convivencia de dialectos peninsulares en la America colonial; como lo hizo Menedez Pidal en 1962; hasta ahora no se habian dado pruebas de la convivencia de tales dialectos en America. Aqui proporciono datos concretos que comprueban la existencia de este complejo dialectal americano a principios de la colonia.
Decadence in the age of modernism: edited by Kate Hext and Alex Murray, Baltimore, Johns Hopkins U P, 2019, 289 pp., $54.95 (hardcover), ISBN: 978-1-4214-2942-7

The story of early twentieth-century Anglophone literature has often been told as the story of how modernists such as Ezra Pound and T. S. Eliot made a clean break with the decadent movement of the...
Optical coherence tomography and plaque morphology for revascularization of the superficial femoral artery

Background The optical coherence tomography (OCT) catheter, Ocelot (Avinger Inc., Redwood City, CA), has been utilized to cross Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus Document (TASC) D lesions. Studies have assessed the characteristics of high-risk plaques in the carotid artery, but few, if any data exist evaluating OCT and plaque morphology in the superficial femoral artery (SFA). This study assessed SFA plaque morphology using OCT and lesion crossing success in chronic total occlusions (CTOs). Methods We reviewed patients who underwent attempted infrainguinal revascularization with TASC D CTOs using the Ocelot catheter between June 2014 and June 2018, and recorded demographic information, smoking status, and medical comorbidities. A matched cohort of 44 successfully crossed lesions was compared to 44 that failed; images insufficient for analysis were excluded. The morphology of the plaque was studied using OCT at the proximal cap, midpoint of the lesion, and the distal cap. Morphologic data studied included the intima-media thickness ratio, cross-sectional area of the plaque, and gray-scale median of the plaque. Results A total of 140 patients who underwent lower extremity procedures for TASC D lesions of the SFA with OCT imaging were reviewed with a crossing rate of 69.0%. No significant differences were found between crossed and uncrossed lesions for intima-media thickness or cross-sectional area at the proximal cap, the midpoint, or the distal cap. A lower gray-scale median at the proximal cap was associated with the ability to cross the chronic SFA occlusion (P=0.05). Subgroup analysis stratified by smoking and calcium content also demonstrated that a lower gray-scale median at the proximal cap was associated with the ability to cross the chronic SFA occlusion (P=0.01 and P=0.04, respectively). Conclusions Lower gray-scale median at the proximal cap of a chronic SFA occlusion calculated using OCT images was associated with the ability to successfully cross the lesion. Higher plaque gray-scale median is correlated with increased calcium, greater fibrous tissue, and signal-rich plaques. Gray-scale median in the proximal cap is useful marker to determine plaque composition and subsequent technical success for crossing chronic SFA occlusions. Further studies are needed to fully determine the utility of OCT images to predict successful endovascular revascularization of chronic SFA occlusions.
Magnet Ingestions in Children Presenting to Emergency Departments in the United States 2009-2019: A Problem in Flux.

OBJECTIVES Small rare-earth magnet (SREM) ingestions are a dangerous, potentially fatal health hazard in children. The U.S. Consumer Safety Commission removed these products from the market in 2012 until a federal court decision vacated this action in 2016. The present study aims to investigate whether the reintroduction of SREMs is associated with an increase in the national frequency of magnet ingestions in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) were used to evaluate suspected magnet ingestion (SMI) trends within patients (0-17 years) from 2009 to 2019. SMI cases were stratified (total, small/round, and multiple magnet ingestions) and trend analyses were performed for 2 periods: 2013-2016 (off-market) and 2017-2019 (on-market). National SMI estimates calculated using the NEISS-supplied weights and variance variables. RESULTS An estimated 23,756 children (59% males, 42% < 5 years old) presented with a SMI from 2009 to 2019 with an average annual case increase of 6.1% (P = 0.01). There was a significant increase in both small/round SMI encounters and multiple magnet ingestion encounters from 2009 to 2019 (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). From 2017 to 2019, there was a greater proportion of small/round type SMIs to total SMIs estimated n = 541 (confidence interval [CI], 261-822) and a greater proportion of multiple magnet ingestions to total SMIs estimated n = 797 (CI, 442-1152) (both, P < 0.01). After 2017, there was a 5-fold increase in the escalation of care for multiple magnet ingestions (estimated n = 1094; CI 505-1686). CONCLUSIONS The significant increase in magnet ingestions by children from 2017 to 2019 indicates that regulatory actions are urgently needed to protect children and reverse these trends.
A cognitive dissonance perspective on threats to self-concept in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract Cognitive-behavioral models of OCD and models of cognitive dissonance have converged in emphasizing how intrusive or dissonant thoughts conflict with – and therefore threaten - one's self-concept. In the present article, we review the rich history of theory on self-concept in OCD, culminating in the contemporary fear of self conceptualization. We then draw conceptual parallels between the internal psychological tension generated by intrusive thoughts, and the experience of cognitive dissonance. A review of the literature reveals considerable overlap between these two cognitive phenomena and demonstrates particular compatibility between self-affirmation theory and models of OCD in which fear of self is a central feature. Drawing on a theoretical synthesis of these literatures, it is suggested that cognitive dissonance research can provide insights that can be utilized to gain a deeper understanding of OCD. Potential applications of self-affirmation theory to OCD treatment are discussed.
Performance of the Emergency Surgery Score (ESS) Across Different Emergency General Surgery Procedures.

Abstract Background The Emergency Surgery Score (ESS) has been previously validated as a reliable tool to predict postoperative outcomes in emergency general surgery (EGS). The purpose of this study is to assess the differential performance of the ESS in specific EGS procedures. Methods The American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was retrospectively analyzed for patients undergoing EGS between 2007 and 2017. Patients who underwent the following EGS procedures were identified: laparoscopic appendectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, surgery for small bowel obstruction (SBO), colectomy, and incarcerated ventral or inguinal hernia repair. The performance of the ESS in predicting mortality in each procedure was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analyses. Results A total of 467,803 patients underwent EGS (mean age 50 ± 19.9 y, females 241,330 [51.6%]), of which 191,930 (41%) underwent laparoscopic appendectomy, 40,353 (8.6%) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and 35,152 (7.5%) patients underwent surgery for SBO. The ESS correlated extremely well with mortality for patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy (area under the curve (AUC) 0.91), laparoscopic cholecystectomy (AUC 0.91), lysis of adhesions for SBO (AUC 0.83), colectomy (AUC 0.83), and incarcerated hernia repair (AUC 0.85). Conclusions ESS performance accurately predicts mortality across a wide range of EGS procedures, and its use should be encouraged for preoperative patient counseling and for nationally benchmarking the quality of care of EGS.
GranatumX: A community engaging, modularized and flexible software environment for single-cell analysis

Abstract We present GranatumX, a next-generation software environment for single-cell data analysis. GranatumX is inspired by the interactive web tool Granatum. It enables biologists to access the latest single-cell bioinformatics methods in a web-based graphical environment. It also offers software developers the opportunity to rapidly promote their own tools with others in customizable pipelines. The architecture of GranatumX allows for easy inclusion of plugin modules, named Gboxes, that wrap around bioinformatics tools written in various programming languages and on various platforms. GranatumX can be run on the cloud or private servers, and generate reproducible results. It is a community-engaging, flexible, and evolving software ecosystem for scRNA-Seq analysis, connecting developers with bench scientists. GranatumX is freely accessible at http://garmiregroup.org/granatumx/app.
Light-Front Wave Functions, Exclusive Processes and Instanton-Induced Quark Interactions

Historically, understanding of quark substructure of hadrons started in 1960’s with two theoretical breakthroughs, both related with the corresponding symmetries.
Pseudoelastic Deformation in Refractory (MoW) 85 Zr 7.5 (TaTi) 7.5 High-Entropy Alloy

Phase diagrams supported by density functional theory methods can be crucial for designing high-entropy alloys that are subset of multi-principal-element alloys. We present phase and property analysis of quinary (MoW)xZry(TaTi)1-x-y refractory high-entropy alloys from combined Calculation of Phase Diagram (CALPHAD) and density-functional theory results, supplemented by molecular dynamics simulations. Both CALPHAD and density-functional theory analysis of phase stability indicates a Mo-W-rich region of this quinary has a stable single-phase body-centered-cubic structure. We report first quinary composition from Mo-W-Ta-Ti-Zr family of alloy with pseudo-elastic behavior, i.e., hysteresis in stress-strain. Our analysis shows that only Mo-W-rich compositions of Mo-W-Ta-Ti-Zr, i.e., Mo+W ≥ 85 at.%, show reproducible hysteresis in stress-strain responsible for pseudo-elastic behavior. The (MoW)85Zr7.5(TaTi)7.5 was down-selected based on temperature-dependent phase diagram analysis and molecular dynamics simulations predicted elastic behavior that reveals twinning-assisted pseudoelastic behavior. While mostly unexplored in body-centered-cubic crystals, twinning is a fundamental deformation mechanism that competes against dislocation slip in crystalline solids. This alloy shows identical cyclic deformation characteristics during uniaxial loading, i.e., the pseudoelasticity is isotropic in loading direction. Additionally, a temperature increase from 77 to 1,500 K enhances the elastic strain recovery in load-unload cycles, offering possibly control to tune the pseudoelastic behavior.
Fast and universal approach for quantitative measurements of bistable hysteretic systems

Abstract Accurate and fast characterization of hysteretic systems can accelerate progress in fields as diverse as biomedicine, sensors, data storage, and logic devices. Here, we introduce a fast approach to determine magnetic parameters (intrinsic coercivities of elementary domains, interaction fields between the domains, and the variances of both) of bistable hysteretic systems. The approach uses the first few points in first-order reversal curves (FORC) to mathematically and empirically determine the projections of traditional FORC diagrams onto the reversal field and applied field axes. Since this projection approach only requires a few points per each reversal curve (rather than 100+ points for 100+ curves compared to the traditional FORC method), the time of measurement is reduced by 50-100x over traditional FORC measurements. In addition, the projection results do not contain the typical FORC artifacts that have been disputed for decades. As a proof of concept, the projection analysis was used to determine the magnetic parameters of several arrays of bistable magnetic nanowires (MNWs), and the results were compared with the hysteresis loop and FORC results. For non-interacting arrays of MNWs, all three methods give the intrinsic coercivity with minor difference. While, the differences become significant for the interacting arrays of the MNWs that will be discussed in details.
Ki-67/MIB-1 and Recurrence in Pituitary Adenoma

Objectives Ki-67/MIB-1 is a marker of cellular proliferation used as a pathological parameter in the clinical assessment of pituitary adenomas, where its expression has shown utility in predicting the invasiveness of these tumors. However, studies have shown variable results when using Ki-67/MIB-1 association with recurrence. The purpose of this study is to determine if a high Ki-67/MIB-1 labeling index (LI) is predictive of recurrence in pituitary adenomas. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed for patients undergoing pituitary adenoma resection with at least 1 year of follow-up. Additionally, systematic data searches were performed and included studies that correlated recurrence rate to Ki-67/MIB-1 LI. Our institutional data were included in a synthesis with previously published data. Results Our institutional review included 79 patients with a recurrence rate of 26.6%. We found that 8.8% of our patients had a high Ki-67/MIB-1 LI (>3%); however, high Ki-67/MIB-1 was not associated with recurrence. The systematic review identified 244 articles and 49 full-text articles that were assessed for eligibility. Quantitative analysis was performed on 30 articles including our institutional data and 18 studies reported recurrence by level of Ki-67/MIB-1 LI. Among studies that compared Ki-67/MIB-1 ≥3 vs. Conclusion This systematic review suggests that a high Ki-67/MIB-1 should prompt an increased duration of follow-up due to the higher odds of recurrence of pituitary adenoma.
The Report of the International Financial Institution Advisory Commission: comments on the critics

When the US Congress approved $18 billion of additional funding for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in November 1998, it authorised a study of international financial institutions. Congressional concerns included the growing frequency, severity and cost of financial disturbances, the fragility of the international monetary system, the ineffectiveness of development banks, and corruption in Russia, Indonesia, Africa and elsewhere. But Congress also expressed concern about whether international financial institutions (IFIs) had adapted appropriately to the many changes since the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1944. In July 1999, Congress completed appointment of the members of the International Financial Institution Advisory Commission (usually called the Meltzer Commission). Between 9 September 1999 and 8 March 2000, the Commission met twelve times and, in addition, held three days of public hearings. On 8 March 2000, it presented its Report to the Speaker and the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives (International Advisory Commission, 2000). The Report stimulated active discussion of issues that might have been addressed at the fiftieth anniversary of the Bretton Woods Conference, in 1994, but were not. Discussion was overdue. As the US Congress recognised, the world economy and the international financial system are very different from the world envisioned at Bretton Woods in 1944. The principal international financial institutions responded to many past changes and crises by expanding their mandate and adding new facilities and programmes. New regional institutions opened to serve the needs of regional populations.
Work schedule and physical factors in relation to fecundity in nurses.

Objectives To evaluate the association of work schedule and physical factors with fecundity. Methods Women currently employed outside the home and trying to get pregnant (n=1739) in the Nurses’ Health Study 3 cohort (2010–2014) were included in this analysis. Work schedule and physical labour were self-reported on the baseline questionnaire, and every 6 months thereafter the women reported the duration of their ongoing pregnancy attempt. Multivariable accelerated failure time models were used to estimate time ratios (TR) and 95% CIs. Results Among the 1739 women (median age=33 years, 93% Caucasian) the estimated proportions of women not pregnant after 12 and 24 months were 16% and 5%, respectively. None of the various shift work patterns were associated with duration of pregnancy attempt (as a surrogate for fecundity). However, women working >40 h/week had a 20% (95% CI 7 to 35%) longer median duration of pregnancy attempt compared to women working 21–40 h/week (p-trend=0.005). Women whose work entailed heavy lifting or moving (ie, 25+ pounds) >15 times/day also had a longer median duration of pregnancy attempt (adjusted TR=1.49; 95% CI 1.20 to 1.85) compared to women who never lifted or moved heavy loads (p-trend=0.002). The association between heavy moving and lifting and duration of pregnancy attempt was more pronounced among overweight or obese women (body mass index, BMI Conclusions Working greater than 40 h per week and greater frequency of lifting or moving a heavy load were associated with reduced fecundity in a cohort of nurses planning pregnancy.
Electrochemical aptamer scaffold biosensors for detection of botulism and ricin toxins

Protein toxins present considerable health risks, but detection often requires laborious analysis. Here, we developed electrochemical aptamer biosensors for ricin and botulinum neurotoxins, which display robust and specific signal at nanomolar concentrations and function in dilute serum. These biosensors may aid future efforts for the rapid diagnosis of toxins.
Billing diagnoses do not accurately identify out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients: An analysis of a regional healthcare system.

Abstract Background International Classification of Diseases 9th Edition's Clinical Modification (ICD-9CM) codes are frequently used in health services research. We tested the operating characteristics of ICD-9CM codes for identifying out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) subjects. Methods We used ICD-9CM codes to generate an "administrative cohort" of subjects treated after possible OHCA at one of six emergency departments (EDs) between January 2010 and April 2014. We performed a structured chart review to determine proportion of this administrative cohort with actual OHCA (true positive rate for the ICD-9CM-based search method). The largest study site maintains a prospective registry of consecutive OHCA subjects, which we used to construct a "registry cohort". We used this cohort to calculate the sensitivity of the ICD-9CM-based search strategy at this site, and compared in-hospital mortality and discharge dispositions between the two cohorts using Chi-square tests. Results ICD-9CM codes identified 2461 subjects that comprised the administrative cohort. Of these, the true positive rate for actual OHCA on chart review was 40%. ICD9-CM code sensitivity was 100% for subjects coded as dead on arrival and 19% for subjects coded as surviving to ED disposition. There were 609 OHCA subjects in the registry cohort and 268 subjects in the administrative cohort who presented to registry site. Only 26 subjects appeared in both cohorts. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the administrative cohort than the registry cohort (91% vs. 61%, p p Conclusion Compared to a prospective registry, ICD-9CM codes are an insensitive method to identify OHCA subjects. Moreover, ICD-9CM codes identify a biased sample of the OHCA population with higher mortality.
Out-Of-Plane Behavior of URM Arching Walls with Modern Blast Retrofits: Experimental Results and Analytical Model

A series of framed unreinforced masonry (URM) infill walls were retrofitted with modern materials to evaluate the abilities of these materials to mitigate blast effects. The walls were constructed from traditional and alternative masonry materials to assess the applicability of using a wood-fiber fly ash material for infill construction. The walls were tested in the laboratory under static conditions and were evaluated using several criteria: energy absorption, out-of-plane load resistance, out-of-plane deformability, and the reduction of masonry debris scatter upon collapse. Due to the presence of the surrounding frame structure, all of the walls in this program experienced some form of an arching mechanism. The use of a spray-on polyurea material was found to be highly effective in improving URM energy absorption and reducing masonry fragmentation. Infill walls retrofitted with a combination of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) grids and polyurea material were found to fail prematurely due to a lack of anchorage between the strengthened walls and surrounding structure. A simplified analytical model to estimate the ultimate out-of-plane capacity for FRP strengthened URM arching walls was developed. The analytical model was empirically calibrated using test data from this work as well as previous studies. The model predictions agree well with the experimental results reported in this paper.
Can an auditor ever be a first responder to financial frauds

Purpose – A first responder to a crisis acts by stabilizing the situation and preventing further losses to victims. The purpose of this paper is to explore the issue of whether auditors can act as first responders to a financial fraud.Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews Securities and Exchange (SEC) regulations and auditing practice pronouncements to identify the role of digital evidence in those statements.Findings – Auditors will act as first responders if such a role is required in SEC regulations or under the auditors' professional practice guidelines. Recent SEC regulations and practice guidelines are reviewed to determine if any such role exists. The effectiveness of a first responder to financial frauds is dependent on the tools they use to evaluate the crisis.Originality/value – In order for auditors to act effectively, they must carefully take into consideration fraudulent digital documents.
Mechanism of the dehydration of D-fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in dimethyl sulfoxide at 150 °C : an NMR study

The anomeric composition of d-fructose in dimethyl sulfoxide changes when the solution is heated from room temperature to 150 degrees C, with a small increase in the alpha-furanose form at the expense of the beta-pyranose tautomer. Additionally, a small amount of alpha-pyranose form was also observed at 150 degrees C. A mechanism is proposed for the dehydration of D-fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in DMSO at 150 degrees C, where the solvent acts as the catalyst. A key intermediate in the reaction was identified as (4R,5R)-4-hydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl-4,5-dihydrofuran-2-carbaldehyde by using (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra of the sample during the reaction.
Hemostasis and sealing of air leaks in the lung using high-intensity focused ultrasound.

Background Operative management of parenchymal lung injury can be complicated by persistent hemorrhage and air leak, which might require resection. Techniques that preserve parenchyma are associated with improved survival. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been demonstrated as a useful method for hemostasis in experimental solid organ injuries. We wished to investigate whether this could be applied to lung injuries. Methods An intraoperative HIFU device (frequency of 5.7 MHz, acoustic power of 65 W), equipped with a titanium coupler, was used. Incisions (average length of 2.5 cm, and depth of 5 mm) were made in the lungs of 11 pigs, which created both parenchymal hemorrhage and air leakage. In treatment experiments, 70 incisions were sealed with HIFU. The HIFU application started within 10 seconds of inducing the injury. Hemostasis was assessed by visual observation of sealed incisions. The possible air leakage was determined by submersing the sealed incision under the layer of water and observing for air bubble formation. In control experiments, five incisions were left untreated to monitor air leaks and bleeding for 2 minutes. Results Hemostasis and pneumostasis (sealing of air leaks) of the treated incisions were achieved in 51 +/- 37 seconds (mean +/- SD) (range of 10-210 seconds) of HIFU application time. Over 95% of incisions were hemostatic within 2 minutes of HIFU application. The treatment time was not dependent on the incision length or depth. In control experiments, the air leaking and bleeding were still present at 2 minutes after the injury. Conclusion Intraoperative HIFU might provide an effective method of hemostasis and control of air leaks from lacerations caused by trauma.
Sedimentary Environments, Pennsylvanian and Early Permian, Southeastern Arizona: ABSTRACT

In southeastern Arizona, Pennsylvanian and Early Permian strata have 15 complex transgressive and regressive cycles. Sedimentary environments were influenced primarily by a stable central Arizona shelf (divisible into Papago inner shelf, San Pedro outer shelf, and Mogollon inner shelf) and an unstable Pedregosa basin on the southeast. Morrowan and earliest Derryan deposits (Black Prince Limestone) have a basal red clastic unit overlain by thin, sheetlike carbonate units. During late Derryan and early and middle Desmoinesian deposition (lower part of Horquilla Limestone), successive carbonate banks separated the 3 parts of the central Arizona shelf, but there was little differentiation of sediments on the San Pedro outer shelf and in the Pedregosa basin. During the latter part of the Desmoinesian, a clastic influx from the north initiated carbonate-poor depositional cycles. Missourian and Virgilian deposition (upper part of Horquilla Limestone) produced more clearly differentiated carbonate-bank margins around the Pedregosa basin and San Pedro outer shelf. Northward, these strata become dominantly clastic and pass into interdistributary bay and lagoonal deposits and supratidal, deltaic redbeds and conglomerates of the Supai Formation. Wolfcampian depositional environments (part of Supai and Earp Formations) shifted southeast with time. On the Mogollon inner shelf, supratidal deltas and gypsiferous lagoonal deposits form this part of the Supai Formation; and on the San Pedro outer shelf, shallow-shelf sandstones, siltstones and shales intertongue with a few thin limestones. Massive, lenticular carbonate banks enclosed the Pedrogosa basin, and within the basin, dark fetid clastics and carbonates suggest restricted environments. Latest Wolfcampian or early Leonardian sediments (part of Supai and Earp Formations) are sandy dolostones and siltstones with impoverished faunas that suggest a series of poorly aerated lagoons. End_of_Article - Last_Page 802------------
Diversity Analysis of Tomato Cultivars Based on Coefficient of Parentage and RAPD Molecular Markers

Genetic diversity analysis provides information on the genetic base of the gene pool of released genotypes. The objectives of this study were to assess the diversity of tomato cultivars and breeding lines released from North Carolina State University based on their coefficient of parentage (COP) and RAPD markers, and to estimate the contribution of ancestors to these tomato cultivars and breeding lines. The COP analysis revealed that a single ancestor Walter constituted 25.17% of the North Carolina tomato gene pool followed by Blazer (11.57%) and Fla. 2153 (6.29%). Walter was used in developing 30 lines, whereas Blazer and Fla. 2153 were used in developing 29 lines each. The highest COP value (0.828) was between Summit and Monte Verde, indicating that they were the most similar lines. Similarity coefficients based on the RAPD molecular markers ranged from 0.461 to 0.935, with an average of 0.77. The similarity coefficient of NC3Grape with NCEBR8 was the lowest (0.461), whereas it was the highest (0.935) b...
A Canonical Ramsey Theorem

Say a graph H selects a graph G if given any coloring of H, there will be a monochromatic induced copy of G in H or a completely multicolored copy of G in H. Denote by s(G) the minimum order of a graph that selects G and set s(n) = max {s(G): |G| = n}. Upper and lower bounds are given for this function. Also, consider the Folkman function fr(n) = max{min{|V(H)|: H (G)1r}: |V(G)| = n}, where H (G)1r indicates that H is vertex Ramsey to G, that is, any vertex coloring of H with r colors admits a monochromatic induced copy of G. The method used provides a better upper bound for this function than was previously known. As a tool, we establish a theorem for projective planes.
On the Large Deviations of Resequencing Queue Size: 2-M/M/1 Case

In data communication networks, packets that arrive at the receiving host may be disordered for reasons such as retransmission of dropped packets or multipath routing. Reliable protocols such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) require packets to be accepted, i.e., delivered to the receiving application, in the order they are transmitted at the sender. In order to do so, the receiver's transport layer is responsible for temporarily buffering out-of-order packets and resequencing them as more packets arrive. In this paper, we analyze a model where the disordering is caused by multipath routing. Packets are generated according to a Poisson process. Then, they arrive at a disordering network (DN) modeled by two parallel M/M/l queues, and are routed to each of the queues according to an independent Bernoulli process. A resequencing buffer follows the DN. In such a model, the packet resequencing delay is known. However, the size of the resequencing queue (RSQ) is unknown. We derive the probability for the large deviations of the queue size.
Immunoglobulin D multiple myeloma with thrombocytosis.

Excerpt To the editor: Multiple myeloma is usually associated with a normal or decreased platelet count. The rarity of thrombocytosis accompanying multiple myeloma has been noted by Waldenstrom (1)...
Functional analysis of Fas signaling in vivo using synthetic inducers of dimerization

Abstract Background: Genetic abnormalities in the Fas receptor or its trimeric ligand, FasL, result in massive T-cell proliferation and a lupus-like autoimmune syndrome, which was initially attributed to excessive lymphoproliferation but is now ascribed to the absence of Fas-mediated cell death. Although Fas is normally expressed on most thymocytes, negative selection seems to be unperturbed in Fas-deficient ( lpr ) mice. This suggests that Fas has an important function in peripheral, but not thymic, T cells. Results To explore the Fas-mediated cell death pathway both in vitro and in vivo , we used conditional alleles of the Fas receptor that can be triggered by an intracellularly active chemical inducer of dimerization known as FK1012. We found that membrane attachment is important for Fas function and, unlike previous results with anti-Fas monoclonal antibodies, we show that dimerization is sufficient to trigger apoptosis. Finally, the administration of FK1012 in vivo to transgenic animals expressing the conditional Fas receptor in thymocytes demonstrates that sensitivity to Fas-mediated apoptosis is restricted to CD4 + CD8 + thymocytes. Conclusion Here, we describe the first in vivo application of non-toxic, cell-permeable synthetic ligands to regulate signal transduction in transgenic mice expressing a conditional receptor. Using this system, we show that the Fas pathway is restricted to double-positive thymocytes in vivo , consistent with recent in vitro findings with thymocytes. This method promises to be useful not only for developmental studies involving cell ablation, but also for studies involving the regulation of a wide variety of signaling molecules.
Study of devitrification of Dicor glass.

Abstract The nucleation and crystallization of tetrasilicic fluormica crystals in the Dicor ® group of glass ceramics is not as well understood as the crystallization sequence of trisilicic mica in the Macor group of glass ceramics. The main aim of this investigation was to obtain kinetic data of crystallization and to examine the devitrification process at different stages of heat treatment during non-isothermal heating. The kinetic parameters, such as the activation energy, E c , the reaction order, n , and the frequency factor, v , for the devitrification reaction were computed using the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) equation and the data from differential thermal analysis (DTA). The crystallization at different stages of devitrification was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with KBr-reflectance technique. All DTA curves at different heating rates showed a single exothermic crystallization peak, just above the glass transition temperature in the temperature range of 745–850°C. Linear relationships between the logarithm of heating rate and the reciprocal of temperature, and the logarithm of temperature rise and the reciprocal of temperature were observed. The computation of kinetic parameters gave the values for activation energy, E c = 203kJmol −1 , the reaction order n = 3.4 ± 0.20 and the frequency factor v = 2.88 × 10 11 s −1 . SEM observation showed precipitation of crystals in the DTA run which were considerably finer (~ 0.1 μm) than the block shaped mica plates (~ 4μm) observed in the sample subjected to recommended non-isothermal-isothermal heating cycle. The FTIR spectra of beyond the exothermic peak DTA run samples, and the completely cerammed samples showed two additional peaks at wave numbers of 705 and 671 cm −1 compared with the ascast glass and the samples heated before the onset of the exothermic peak. Similar peaks in FTIR spectra also appeared from MgF 2 powder at the same wave numbers. Based upon these results, it is proposed that during non-isothermal heating a spinodal decomposition of glass matrix occurs, which is followed by the exothermal precipitation of round tetrasilicic fluormica crystals by a cellular precipitation mechanism.
Computing the half-plane pull-in range of second-order PLLs

A definition is given for the half-plane pull-in range Ω2 of a second-order PLL with imperfect integrator. A formula for approximating Ω2 is not available. However, an iterative computational algorithm is presented for computing Ω2, and it is applied to a simple example.