cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis: the University of Minnesota experience.

Objective To present the experience of a large referral center with patients with the rare but specific syndrome of uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. Design, Patients Between 1953 and 1991, 15 patients with the syndrome were evaluated by the authors; each patient's records were carefully reviewed. Main Outcome Measures For each patient, the clinical course, specific anatomic findings, treatment(s) offered, and obstetrical outcome are presented. Results The specificity of the association of uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis was confirmed by our series, the largest in the literature to date. The findings suggest a specific developmental anomaly of the mullerian ductal system, probably secondary to a wolffian duct anomaly. The most common clinical presentation was that of the onset of pelvic pain and/or dysmenorrhea shortly after menarche, in association with the finding of a vaginal/pelvic mass. When a communication between the two sides existed, symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge and bleeding were common. Optimal outcome appears to have occurred for patients initially managed using a conservative surgical approach, i.e., simple vaginal septum resection combined with conservative treatment of associated endometriosis. Obstetrical outcome in our patients was similar to that in patients with the more common combination of uterus didelphys and sagittal vaginal septum. Conclusion A greater awareness of the syndrome of uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis should lead to its prompt diagnosis, allowing for early and appropriate surgical intervention as well as decreased long-term morbidity.
The Transition to College of English Learner and Undocumented Immigrant Students: Resource and Policy Implications:

Background/ContextThe analysis contained in this article was commissioned by the Social Science Research Council's Transitions to College project. Although the historical context and contemporary i...
Theory and Analysis of Laminated Composite Plates

Composite materials consist of two or more materials which together produce desirable properties that may not be achieved with any of the constituents alone. Fiber-reinforced composite materials, for example, consist of high strength and high modulus fibers in a matrix material. Reinforced steel bars embedded in concrete provide an example of fiber-reinforced composites. In these composites, fibers are the principal loadcarrying members, and the matrix material keeps the fibers together, acts as a load-transfer medium between fibers, and protects fibers from being exposed to the environment (e.g., moisture, humidity, etc.).
Smart Floating Balls: 3D Printed Spherical Antennas and Sensors for Water Quality Monitoring

This paper proposes a novel additively manufactured floating ball sensor for water monitoring applications. A chipless RFID phase modulation configuration is used along with spherical patch antennas and phase delay microstriplines that are sensitive to the liquid content. The spherical patch antenna array provides omni-directional gain in water level plane and can be used in MIMO applications in the water. The phase delay line utilizes a microfluidic channel embedded into the microstripline so that the phase introduced by the line can be reconfigured by the liquid inside the channel. Due to its complex shape, the floating ball fabrication process combines both 3D printing and 3D stamping, which enables selective 3D metalization using the same platform. The smart floating ball can monitor reservoir water quality while preserving its original function as a “shadow ball” featuring low-cost, light-weight and battery-less, which are important features for massively scalable “smart” systems.
A Markov Decision Process to Determine Optimal Policies in Moving Target

Moving Target Defense (MTD) has been introduced as a new game changer strategy in cybersecurity to strengthen defenders and conversely weaken adversaries. The successful implementation of an MTD system can be influenced by several factors including the effectiveness of the employed technique, the deployment strategy, the cost of the MTD implementation, and the impact from the enforced security policies. Several efforts have been spent on introducing various forms of MTD techniques. However, insufficient research work has been conducted on cost and policy analysis and more importantly the selection of these policies in an MTD-based setting. This poster paper proposes a Markov Decision Process (MDP) modeling-based approach to analyze security policies and further select optimal policies for moving target defense implementation and deployment. The adapted value iteration method would solve the Bellman Optimality Equation for optimal policy selection for each state of the system. The results of some simulations indicate that such modeling can be used to analyze the impact of costs of possible actions towards the optimal policies.
A systematic review and network meta-analysis of regorafenib and TAS-102 in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer.

619Background: Regorafenib (at a starting dose of 160 mg/day, rego 160), regorafenib (with a weekly dose escalation, rego 80+) and TAS-102, are suggested treatment options for refractory metastatic...
Benefit-to-Cost Analysis Framework for Intersection Illumination: A Case Study of Rural Conventional Intersections in Georgia:

Lighting provides one of the most effective night-time intersection safety countermeasures. However, lighting is also one of the main contributors to intersection maintenance and operation costs. F...
Looking at Graviton Properties, as Either Classical or QM, in Nature, Via Alicki-Van Ryn Experimenal Realization

Recently, the author read the Alicki-Van Ryn test as to behavior of photons in a test of violations of classicality. The same thing is propoosed via use of a spin two graviton, using typical spin 2 matrices. While the technology currently does not exist to perform such an analysis yet, the same sort of thought experiment is proposed in a way to allow for a first principle test of the either classical or quantum foundations of gravity. The reason for the present manuscript topic is due to a specific argument presented in a prior document as to how Planck's constant is formed from semiclassical reasoning. We referred to a procedure as to how to use Maxwell’s equations involving a closed boundary regime, in the boundary regime between Octonionic Geometry and quantum flat space. Conceivably, a similar argument could be made for gravitons, pending further investigations. Also the anlysis of if gravitons are constructed by a similar semiclassical argument is pending if gravitons as by the Alicki-Van Ryn test result in semiclassical A and B matrix observable eigenvalue behavior. This paper also indirectly raises the question of if Baysian statistics would be the optimal way to differentiate between A and B matrix observable eigenvalue behavior for reasons brought up in the conclusion.
The role of groundwater flow in controlling the spatial distribution of soil salinity and rooted macrophytes in a southeastern salt marsh, USA

Groundwater flow is an important factor in governing botanical zonation in the salt marsh at North Inlet, SC. Areas of the marsh adjacent to upland forest are characterized by upward flow of fresh groundwater. This inhibits the infiltration and evapoconcentration of saline tidal water and the development of a habitat for hypersaline-tolerant fugitive species such as Salicornia europaea. Areas of high marsh that are not adjacent to extensive upland forest are characterized by downward gradients in hydraulic head. This allows the infiltration and evapoconcentration of tidal water and the development of hypersaline conditions that are suitable for salt-tolerant fugitives.
Investigator Training and Education for Clinical Trials

Clinical trials with pharmaceuticals and medical devices have been and will continue to be an area of discussion for all of the different stakeholders involved (regulators, captains of industry, patients, healthcare professionals) within the public. The requirements for protecting the rights, safety
Deuteration of Formyl Groups via a Catalytic Radical H/D Exchange Approach

H/D exchange at formyl groups represents the straightforward approach to C-1 deuterated aldehydes. This transformation has been recently realized by transition metal and NHC carbene catalysis. Mech...
The body as the space in which power operates: Sexual violence of clergymen in the Korean church:

The Korean version of the #MeToo movement has greatly influenced Korean society, and the new social awareness of sexual assault became a hot topic in the field of religion, especially in Korean Chr...
Performance analysis of portable HEPA filters and temporary plastic anterooms on the spread of surrogate coronavirus

The outbreak of COVID-19, and its current resurgence in the United States has resulted in a shortage of isolation rooms within many U.S. hospitals admitting COVID-19-positive cases. As a result, hospital systems, especially those at an epicenter of this outbreak, have initiated task forces to identify and implement various approaches to increase their isolation capacities. This paper describes an innovative temporary anteroom in addition to a portable air purifier unit to turn a general patient room into an isolation space. Using an aerosolization system with a surrogate oil-based substance, we evaluated the effectiveness of the temporary plastic anteroom and the portable air purifier unit. Moreover, the optimal location of the portable unit, as well as the effect of negative pressurization and door opening on the containment of surrogate aerosols were assessed. Results suggested that the temporary anteroom alone could prevent the migration of nearly 98% of the surrogate aerosols into the adjacent corridor. Also, it was shown that the best location of a single portable air purifier unit is inside the isolation room and near the patient's bed. The outcome of this paper can be widely used by hospital facilities managers when attempting to retrofit a general patient room into an airborne infection isolation room.
Disentangling policy effects using proxy data: Which shutdown policies affected unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Abstract We use high-frequency Google search data, combined with data on the announcement dates of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in U.S. states, to disentangle the short-run direct impacts of multiple different state-level NPIs in an event study framework. Exploiting differential timing in the announcements of restaurant and bar limitations, non-essential business closures, stay-at-home orders, large-gatherings bans, school closures, and emergency declarations, we leverage the high-frequency search data to separately identify the effects of multiple NPIs that were introduced around the same time. We then describe a set of assumptions under which proxy outcomes can be used to estimate a causal parameter of interest when data on the outcome of interest are limited. Using this method, we quantify the share of overall growth in unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic that was directly due to each of these state-level NPIs. We find that between March 14 and 28, restaurant and bar limitations and non-essential business closures can explain 6.0% and 6.4% of UI claims respectively, while the other NPIs did not directly increase own-state UI claims. This suggests that most of the short-run increase in UI claims during the pandemic was likely due to other factors, including declines in consumer demand, local policies, and policies implemented by private firms and institutions.
Antiviral-nanoparticle interactions and reactions

From the current pandemic has blossomed a considerable range of virus and antiviral research including, but not limited to, surface disinfection, fluid filtration, vaccines, and therapeutics. Over the last decade, nanoparticle-microbe and antimicrobial nanomaterial research has flourished with a vast number of publications. In comparison, nanoparticle-virus and antiviral nanomaterial research has been relatively quiet and understudied, in particular considering the present need. Here, we present a brief review on the virus-nanoparticle literature focusing on antiviral potential of nanoparticle-virus interactions and nanoparticle-driven viral reactions. We then propose nanomaterial design parameters to optimize for viral interactions to reduce infectivity and to ultimately inactivate the virus. Future directions for antiviral nanomaterial research will be discussed.
Risk factors associated with driving under the influence of drugs in the USA

Background Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is a burgeoning public health concern in the USA. Because little is known about individuals who engage in DUID, the purpose of this study was to analyse potential sociodemographic characteristics and behavioural risk factors associated with the behaviour. Methods Self-reported data from drivers ≥18 years of age who ever used drugs and participated in the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health were used. Characteristics of those who reported to engage and not engage in DUID were compared via frequencies, percentages and logistic regression analyses, which accounted for the multistage survey design. Results Among eligible respondents, 10.4% (weighted n=117 275 154) reported DUID. DUID was higher among those aged 18–25 year (34%), males (65%), unmarried individuals (61%), lesbian/gay/bisexuals (13%), those whom abused or were drug dependent (45%), engaged in numerous risky lifestyle behaviours (12%) and those taking medication for a mental health issue (22%). Nearly 20% and 6% of respondents engaged in DUID abused or were dependent on marijuana or methamphetamine, respectively. The adjusted odds of DUID were greatest among those 18–25 years of age (OR 3.7; 95% CI 2.8 to 5.0), those never/not married (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.5 to 2.2), those who abused or were drug dependent (OR 4.0; 95% CI 3.5 to 4.7), exhibited riskier lifestyle behaviours (OR 8.0; 95% CI 5.9 to 11.0), were employed (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.6) or lesbian/gay/bisexuals (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.7). Conclusions DUID was common among some population sub-groups who may benefit from intervention.
The epigenetic and morphogenetic effects of molecular oxygen and its derived reactive species in development.

Abstract The development of multicellular organisms involves the unpacking of a complex genetic program. Extensive characterization of discrete developmental steps has revealed the genetic program is controlled by an epigenetic state. Shifting the epigenome is a group of epigenetic enzymes that modify DNA and proteins to regulate cell type specific gene expression. While the role of these modifications in development has been established, the input(s) responsible for electing changes in the epigenetic state remains unknown. Development is also associated with dynamic changes in cellular metabolism, redox, free radical production, and oxygen availability. It has previously been postulated that these changes are causal in development by affecting gene expression. This suggests that oxygen is a morphogenic compound that impacts the removal of epigenetic marks. Likewise, metabolism and reactive oxygen species influence redox signaling through iron and glutathione to limit the availability of key epigenetic cofactors such as α-ketoglutarate, ascorbate, NAD+ and S-adenosylmethionine. Given the close relationship between these cofactors and epigenetic marks it seems likely that the two are linked. Here we describe how changing these inputs might affect the epigenetic state during development to drive gene expression. Combined, these cofactors and reactive oxygen species constitute the epigenetic landscape guiding cells along differing developmental paths.
Elevated Blood Pressure Before Left Ventricular Assist Device Support Implant is Associated with an Increased Risk of Stroke

Purpose Despite the recent advances in Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) therapy, stroke remains a frequent and catastrophic complication. Hypertension (HTN) after LVAD implant has been associated with an increased risk of stroke, but the association between HTN before LVAD implant and stroke has never been studied. We hypothesized that LVAD patients with elevated blood pressure (BP) during outpatient visits before the LVAD implant may have an increased risk of stroke. Methods We retrospectively identified 175 patients on HeartMate II or HeartMate 3 LVAD support (age 54.3±13.1 y, 77% male, 35% ischemic etiology, 32% HeartMate 3) who had at least one outpatient BP measurement with a regular BP cuff in the 2 years preceding the LVAD implant. Average pre-implant BP was calculated based on outpatient visits. Stroke was defined based on clinical and radiographic evidence. Patients who had any event (death, stroke, device exchange, pump thrombosis, heart transplant) in the first 30 days post-implant were excluded. Results 17 patients (9.7%) had a stroke. Average pre-implant SBP was significantly higher in the patients who had a stroke after LVAD implant (105±13 vs 116±13 mmHg, p Conclusion High SBP in the years before LVAD implant is associated with an increased risk of post-implant stroke. Further studies are necessary to establish if high SBP before the implant may represent an early sign of vascular dysfunction that eventually leads to stroke.
The Implementation of Educational Videos in Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Improved Patient Satisfaction and Comprehension: A Review of Literature

Background: Patients are reported to understand less than half of the information communicated to them by physicians. In an effort to better promote patient education, instructional videos have been implemented in surgical specialties, with demonstrable improvement in patient satisfaction and knowledge. In Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), Mohs surgeons have begun to implement educational videos to supplement the traditional informed consent discussion and wound care demonstration. Objective: To review published literature to determine if video education in MMS can improve patient satisfaction and comprehension of their procedure. Methods: A review of literature was performed using the PubMed database from 2000 to 2020. The articles selected focused on the implementation of educational videos in Mohs surgery for the improvement of the informed consent process, post-surgical wound care instructions, and overall patient satisfaction and comprehension. Results: A total of seven articles met the criteria for review. The videos were noted to improve certain aspects of the informed consent discussion, including patients knowledge on the procedural risks. In regard to wound care education, some patients preferred video education to surgeon instruction. While patient comprehension was similar between the intervention and control groups, most studies demonstrated overall patient satisfaction. In addition, the results noted that most patients who watched a video would recommend it to a peer undergoing MMS. Conclusion: Educational videos have demonstrated promise for patient education in MMS and patients are receptive to learn from them.
The Experimental Fire: Inventing English Alchemy, 1300–1700

I learned to appreciate alchemy as a topic of historical investigation on a sweltering day in July when I was sitting on an aged stone bench built into the wall at a bus stop on the High Street of ...
Anthracyclines and Anthracenediones in the Management of Breast Cancer

Anthracyclines have now been used for treatment of breast cancer for almost two decades. The goal of prolonged life of good quality remains elusive for most women with cancer of the breast although our ability to palliate has improved greatly. We have learned a great deal, but much remains to be done. The anthracyclines continue to play a major role as new therapeutic approaches are developed. This chapter is not intended as a comprehensive review of the literature relating to anthracyclines and breast cancer. An attempt will be made to examine the state of the art and evolving treatment principles. In the interest of brevity and focus, representative works have been selected to support positions. Randomized studies are used preferentially if available. Apologies are due to the many fine investigations not mentioned that have contributed substantially to our present knowledge.
A bifunctional protein in the folate biosynthetic pathway of Streptococcus pneumoniae with dihydroneopterin aldolase and hydroxymethyldihydropterin pyrophosphokinase activities.

Abstract A protein encoded by sulD, one of four genes in a previously cloned folate biosynthetic operon of Streptococcus pneumoniae, had been shown to harbor 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase activity. This SulD protein was purified and shown now to harbor also dihydroneopterin aldolase activity. The bifunctional protein therefore catalyzes two successive steps in folate biosynthesis. The aldolase activity can be ascribed to the N-terminal domain of the SulD polypeptide, and the pyrophosphokinase activity can be ascribed to the C-terminal domain. Homologs of the dihydroneopterin aldolase domain were identified in other species, in one of which the domain was encoded as a separate polypeptide. The native SulD protein is a trimer or tetramer of a 31-kDa subunit, and it dissociated reversibly after purification. Dihydroneopterin aldolase activity required the multimeric protein, whereas pyrophosphokinase was expressed by the monomeric form. With purified SulD, the amount of 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin product formed by the aldolase was proportional to the fourth power of the enzyme concentration, as expected for a reversibly dissociating tetramer. By identifying the gene encoding dihydroneopterin aldolase, this work extends our understanding of the molecular basis of the folate biosynthetic system common to many organisms.
Developmental Anatomy and Anomalies of the Gastrointestinal Tract, with Involvement in Major Malformative Syndromes

A clear understanding of normal gastrointestinal development is essential for the understanding of the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The following account of the embryology of the human gastrointestinal tract is largely based upon descriptions by numerous authors of staged human embryos in the Carnegie Embryological Collection. Many of these appear in Contributions to Embryology published by the Carnegie Institution of Washington (1915–1966). Of special interest is the series Developmental Horizons in Human Embryos by Streeter (1942, 1945, 1948, 1951) and Heuser and Corner (1957). O’Rahilly (1973) continued and amplified Streeter’s “Horizons” and renamed them “Stages.” These are now known as the “Carnegie Stages.” O’Rahilly and Muller (1987) have supplemented and revised the “Stages,” contributed extensively to the literature of human embryology based on the staged embryos of the Carnegie Collection, and published the third edition of their text (O’Rahilly and Muller 2001). Some of their work was utilized extensively in the preparation of this chapter. Classical texts and atlases of descriptive human embryology also used include those of Wilhelm His (1885), Franz Keibel and Franklin P. Mall (1912), Thomas S. Cullen (1916), Erich Blechschmidt (1961, 1963, 1973), Raymond F. Gasser (1975, 2002), Jan J. Jirasek (1983, 2001, 2004), Kalousek et al. (1990), Marjorie A. England (1996), and Gerd Steding (2009). Modern studies have added ultrastructural, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and other important details, but with few exceptions, the descriptive embryology of the human gastrointestinal tract established a century ago remains unchanged.
A Note on Soil Erosion and Its Environmental Consequences in the United States

Soil erosion has both on-farm and off-farm impacts. Reduction ofsoil depth can impair the land's productivity, and the transportof sediments can degrade streams, lakes, and estuaries. Since1933, soil conservation policies have existed in the UnitedStates. Originally they focused on the on-farm benefits ofkeeping soil on the land and increasing net farm income.Beginning in the 1980s, however, policy goals increasinglyincluded reductions in off-site impacts of erosion. As aconsequence of conservation efforts associated with explicitU.S. government policies, total soil erosion between 1982 and1992 was reduced by 32% and the sheet and rill erosion ratefell from an average of 4.1 tons per acre per year in 1982 to 3.1 tons per acre in 1992. Wind erosion rate fell from anaverage of 3.3 tons per acre per year to 2.4 tons per acre peryear over the same period. Still, soil erosion is imposingsubstantial social costs. These costs are estimated to be about$37.6 billion annually. To further reduce soil erosion andthereby mitigate its social costs, there are a number of policyoptions available to induce farmers to adopt conservationpractices including education and technical assistance,financial assistance, research and development, land retirement,and regulation and taxes.
History in Support of Synchrony

In a recent paper I argued that diachronic linguistics can explain certain typological phenomena that are otherwise problematic; in the present paper I want to discuss two other ways the study of historical data can contribute to synchronic linguistics. In §1 I argue that consideration of a prior stage of a language offers the kind of insight also provided by the examination of closely related languages. In §2 I show that diachronic data offer a way of testing hypotheses and claims.
Strategies for cutting carbon

What can be done to slow global warming? Huge new sources of carbon-free power may be needed. But other options also exist, and with so many uncertainties dogging predictions of technology and climate, choosing the best portfolio is hard.
Optical-absorption spectrum of CdGa 2 Se 4 : Co 2 +

We present a theoretical study of the energy levels of ${\mathrm{Co}}^{2+}$ in the ternary compound ${\mathrm{CdGa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Se}}_{4}$. We develop a formalism in which the doubly ionized cobalt atom is in a crystal field of symmetry ${S}_{4}$ whose predominant contribution is axial. We investigate the $^{4}\mathrm{F}$ ground state as well as the first excited state, which is a $^{4}\mathrm{P}$ multiplet, in the absence and in the presence of the spin-orbit coupling. On the basis of this model we give an interpretation of the absorption spectrum of ${\mathrm{CdGa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Se}}_{4}$:${\mathrm{Co}}^{2+}$ single crystals as measured by Kim et al.
Advanced (“End-Stage”) Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is rarely an “end-stage” disease—a concept that implies futility of further treatment. Instead, we suggest the use of the term advanced pulmonary sarcoidosis which encompasses the ideas that the disease has progressed to the point that there is substantial morbidity, there is relatively high risk of mortality, and less reversibility than usual pulmonary sarcoidosis. While it may be equated with chronic, progressive, or fibrotic disease, none of those phenotypes are synonymous with advanced pulmonary sarcoidosis, since all of them may be asymptomatic or do not require therapy.
A behavioral model of timber supply

Abstract A dynamic behavioral model of timber supply is developed. The diverse motivation of forest owners is recognized and the implications for optimal harvest patterns is explored. This model is particularly relevant for the non-industrial private forest (NIPF) sector, and has possible uses for public forest management. Properties of the optimal NIPF timber supply curve are established, and the effects of various taxes are examined. To explore a more structured model, simulations are conducted based upon data from a typical redwood region. The projections provide indicative results for tax and other timber land policies. These results are seen to depend crucially on the forms of the landowner's utility function and upon the function relating standing timber to non-income outputs of the forest. Directions for needed empirical research are then indicated.
Japan's increasing investments abroad

Abstract This article looks at why a dynamic programme of foreign direct investments has been Japan's response to a changing international milieu. These have logically followed its huge trade flows and consequently encompass a wide range of products and involve countries throughout the world. The movement abroad has enhanced Japan's economic base, added to its expertise in international business, and ensured its role as a formidable competitor. Investing overseas, for Nippon, continues to be a good thing.
Human visual processing: beyond 3 sensors

Much of image processing and vision uses 3 sensors because we ourselves have trichromatic vision. However, some solutions to vision problems use additional hardware not available to ourselves in order to get the best performance. For example, the idea of placing a coloured filter in front of a vision system, and capturing two images: one with-and another one without the filter has recently been revisited in the context of the illumination estimation problem. It was shown that the plus-filter illuminant estimation is easier to solve and so it is easier to estimate and discount illumination compared with traditional methods. In this paper we propose that this two image approach is in fact plausible for human visual processing. Indeed, a little known and little explained optical fact is that the light striking the central part of the retina is pre-filtered with a yellow filter (the macular pigment) but no pre-filtering occurs to light striking other parts of the retina. Since the world we see is a composite of several images taken at different fixation points we argue that the visual system in principle has access to two images: normal RGBs + RGBs measured through a yellow filter. Experiments demonstrate that the illumination estimation performance that is possible starting with the human vision system sensitivities is excellent and as for machine vision is much better than the non plus-filter algorithms. We discuss the wider relevance of this result to the vision and imaging community.
The Role of Epistemic Uncertainty of Contact Models in the Design of Mechanical Systems

Impact is a wide-spread phenomenon in mechanical systems that can have a significant effect on the systems dynamics, stability, wear, and damage. The simulation of impact in complex, mechanical systems, however, is often too computationally intensive for high fidelity finite element analyses to be useful as design tools. As a result, rigid body dynamics and reduced order model simulations are often used, with the impact events modeled by ad hoc methods such as a constant coefficient of restitution or penalty stiffness. The effect of epistemic uncertainty in the choice of contact model is investigated in this paper for a representative multiple-degree of freedom mechanical system. Five contact models are considered in the analysis: a constant coefficient of restitution model, a piecewise-linear stiffness and damping (i.e. Kelvin-Voight) model, two similar elastic-plastic constitutive models, and one dissimilar elastic-plastic constitutive model. The predictions of wear and mechanical failure are assessed for each of the contact models. The ramifications of the choice of the contact model for an optimization study of the system’s geometric design are also presented. These results emphasize the importance of choosing an accurate contact model when simulations are being used to drive the design of a system.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A Rapid Quantitative Method for the Analysis of Galanthamine and Other Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids by Capillary Column Gas Chromatography

A rapid and sensitive capillary column gas chromatographic method for the identification and quantification of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids is reported. Well-resolved, sharp and symmetrical peaks were obtained for compounds of four different chemical skeleton types of these alkaloids. A 15 m DB-1 capillary column was used for this purpose, and the time of analysis of all compounds was 15 min. This procedure required only small amounts of dried plant material and was developed with the addition of an internal standard.
FORCE DISTRIBUTION IN A GRANULAR MEDIUM

We report on systematic measurements of the distribution of normal forces exerted by granular material under uniaxial compression onto the interior surfaces of a confining vessel. Our experiments on three-dimensional, random packings of monodisperse glass beads show that this distribution is nearly uniform for forces below the mean force and decays exponentially for forces greater than the mean. The shape of the distribution and the value of the exponential decay constant are unaffected by changes in the system preparation history or in the boundary conditions. An empirical functional form for the distribution is proposed that provides an excellent fit over the whole force range measured and is also consistent with recent computer simulation data.
Ungated Medstone Outpatient Lithotripsy

Ungated lithotripsy has raised the specter of possible cardiac arrhythmias. We reviewed ungated outpatient lithotripsy performed on 82 patients to evaluate the incidence of arrhythmias encountered and time saved. All patients were chosen in a random nonselected, prospective fashion. All treatments were performed on a mobile Medstone 1050 STS lithotriptor. The incidence of arrhythmias was 21%. All but 2 arryhthmias were benign and all reversed with gating. No arrhythmias occurred during treatment of right ureteral stones. In the left ureter only 1 patient had benign premature ventricular contractions during treatment. Arrhythmias occurred at 20 to 24 kv. in 20% of patients with right renal stones and 31% with left renal stones. All arrhythmias resolved with gating. No arrhythmias were encountered at an energy level of less than 20 kv. There was no evidence of electrocardiographic changes up to 1 hour after treatment. Pharmacological manipulation to maintain a heart rate of 100 may allow a treatment time of approximately 24 minutes. With ungating the rate may reach 120, allowing for a treatment time of approximately 20 minutes. In this series average ungated lithotripsy time was 36 minutes. In comparison, the average treatment time in 20 patients undergoing gated lithotripsy was 38.7 minutes. It is not clear from this study whether persistent ungated lithotripsy would have precipitated any life threatening arrhythmias since our practice has been to terminate the procedure and re-gate the shocks at the first sign of any persistent change in cardiac rhythm. Our data indicate that ungated lithotripsy with the Medstone device is safe when simple monitoring rules are followed.
Asymptotic values and expansions for the correlation between different measures of spread

Abstract For i.i.d. samples from a normal, uniform, or exponential distribution, we give exact formulas for the correlation between the sample variance and the sample range for all fixed n . These exact formulas are then used to obtain asymptotic expansions for the correlations. It is seen that the correlation converges to zero at the rate log n / n in the normal case, the 1 / n rate in the uniform case, and the ( log n ) 2 / n rate in the exponential case. In two of the three cases, we obtain higher-order expansions for the correlation. We then obtain the joint asymptotic distribution of the interquartile range and the standard deviation for any distribution with a finite fourth moment. This is used to obtain the nonzero limits of the correlation between them for some important distributions as well as some potentially useful practical diagnostics based on the interquartile range and the standard deviation. It is seen that the correlation is higher for thin tailed and smaller for thick tailed distributions. We also show graphics for the Cauchy distribution. The graphics exhibit interesting phenomena. Other numerics illustrate the theoretical results.
Ferromagnetoelastic Resonance in Thin Films. I. Formal Treatment

We have undertaken a theoretical study of the effect of magnetoelastic interactions on ferromagnetic resonance in thin films as a possible mechanism for an appreciable anisotropy in resonance linewidth. This study is based on a formalism developed by Tiersten, which is exact within the framework of the quasistatic approximation. The resonance frequency and linewidth are calculated from the simultaneous solution of the coupled magnetoelastic equations of motion under various magnetic and elastic boundary conditions. We find that the magnetoelasticity has an appreciable effect on the resonance linewidth only in the cases where an elastic wave undergoes a thickness resonance near the ferromagnetic-resonance frequency, which we call the "ferromagnetoelastic resonance condition." The above facts have made it possible to develop a self-consistent approximate method, which greatly simplifies the mathematical treatment without sacrificing the physical model. The agreement between the approximate and exact calculations is excellent.
Stochastic modeling of scientific data

Table of contents Discrete time Markov chains Continuous time Markov chains Markov random fields Point processes Brownian motion and diffusion Appendix 1: Statistical theory for the multinomial distribution Appendix 2: Linear difference equations with constant coefficients Appendix 3: Some theory of partial differential equations.
Reprogramming paces the heart

Rodent cardiomyocytes are converted into pacemaker cells by viral delivery of a single transcription-factor gene.
Motion induced signals of Coriolis flowmeters

Abstract Rotation induced Coriolis flowmeter output was observed in a robotic fluid dispensing test. This motion sensitivity of Coriolis flowmeters was confirmed to be universal for various noninertial reference frames. It was also confirmed that this motion sensitivity is a general aspect of many Coriolis flowmeter types. Qualitative tests revealed that the motion induced signals appear to be proportional to frame rotation rate and are strongly dependent on the flow tube oscillation velocity vectors.
Finite element models of folding

Abstract The finite element method presents numerous advantages in the modelling of geological deformations. The incompressibility condition must be taken into account. Examples of axisymmetric phenomena in which body forces dominate (salt domes) and of planestrain phenomena in which surface forces dominate show that high viscosity materials bend in beam-like fashion while low viscosity materials undergo longitudinal flow. A non linear viscosity further concentrates the strains where they were already largest. Some laminated structures show chevron-like folds, a behavior not easily predictable by other methods.
The Flattened Face of Type IIβ Phosphatidylinositol Phosphate Kinase Binds Acidic Phospholipid Membranes

Type IIβ phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase is a representative phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase that is active against membrane-bound substrates. The structure of the enzyme contains a flattened basic face that spans the crystallographic dimer interface and is adjacent to the active site. Analytical ultracentrifugation shows that phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase is a dimer in solution. Modeling suggested that the flattened face binds to acidic phospholipids by electrostatic interactions. The enzyme binds to acidic vesicles containing phosphatidylserine, phosphatidic acid, or phosphoinositides mixed with phosphatidylcholine, but not to neutral phosphatidylcholine vesicles. Binding to acidic vesicles is abolished in the presence of 1.0 M NaCl, consistent with an essential electrostatic contribution to the free energy of binding. The +14 charge on the flattened face of the dimer was reduced to +2 in the triple mutant Lys72Glu/Lys76Glu/Lys78Glu. The mutation has no effect on dimerization, but re...
REM sleep deprivation increases aggressiveness in male rats

Abstract As a test of the hypothesis that REM deprivation increases aggressiveness in rats, the effects of two and four days of REM deprivation were measured on the frequency and latency with which male rats attack mice. The results showed that REM deprivation increased the frequency of attacks, the muricide rate, and the latency to first attack in a “dose-related” fashion. To a degree these behaviors persisted through a 21-day recovery period.
Protein degradation: De-ubiquitinate to decide your fate

The ubiquitination/de-ubiquitination system that controls the degradation of many cellular proteins can be regulated at several of its distinct steps; one recently discovered control is important in Drosophila eye development.
Myeloperoxidase up-regulates the catalytic activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase by preventing nitric oxide feedback inhibition

Kinetic and structure analysis of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) revealed that, in addition to the increase of iNOS expression in inflamed areas, the major pathway causing overproduction of NO is destabilization of the iNOS–nitrosyl complex(es) that form during steady-state catalysis. Formation of such a complex allows iNOS to operate at only a fraction (20–30%) of its maximum activity. Thus, bioavailability of NO scavengers at sites of inflammation may play an essential role in up-regulation of the catalytic activity of iNOS, by preventing the catalytic activity inhibition that is attributed to nitrosyl complex formation. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a major NO scavenger, is a pivotal enzyme involved in leukocyte-mediated host defenses. It is thought to play a pathogenic role under circumstances such as acute inflammatory tissue injury and chronic inflammatory conditions. However, a detailed understanding of the interrelationship between iNOS and MPO at sites of inflammation is lacking. We used direct spectroscopic, HPLC, and selective NO-electrode measurements to determine the interdependent relationship that exists between iNOS and MPO and the role of the MPO/H2O2 system in up-regulating the catalytic activity of iNOS that occurs at sites of inflammation. Scavenging free NO from the iNOS milieu by the MPO/H2O2 system subsequently restores the full capacity of iNOS to convert l-aginine to product (NO), as judged by the increase in the rates of citrulline and nitrite/nitrate production. Studies of iNOS catalytic mechanisms and function are essential to a more fundamental understanding of these factors, which govern iNOS-dependent processes in human health and disease.
A direct-reading current integrator for coulometric analysis

Abstract A direct reading current integrator for coulometric analysis has been developed. This employes a bevel gear differential and a standardization device incorporated to add stability to the instrument as a whole. The advantages over existing coulometers and integrators include a high power output, a stable curve through the origin, the integration of small currents, no dead zone, and a cancellation of the background current by a zero adjuster. Under good conditions about 0.3 % deviation may be achieved. The determination of copper by controlled potential shows that this instrument is applicable to coulometric analysis.
COMPUTING FORMULAS GIVEN A SINGLE DATUM FOR SENSITIVITY AND BIAS WHEN THE FALSE ALARM RATE IS GREATER THAN THE HIT RATE1

Summary.-Grier's 1971 computing formulas for sensitivitg and bias given only one datum are extended to the situation in which hit rate is less than false alarm rate. Grier ( 1971) presented computing formulas for sensitivity and bias given only one datum, P = (X, Y), where X is the false alarm rate (FAR) and Y is the hit rate (HR). His derivations were based on the assumption of the signal detection model that HR > FAR. However, there are certain situations in which it is meaningful to calculate sensitivity and bias where HR < FAR. One situation occurs when subjects are asked to perform a difficult task without feedback. In this situation, subjects might attempt to simplify the task resulting in a predictable, reliable pattern of incorrect responding. A task can be constructed so that the signal-detection bias index indicates the degree to which subjects' responding conforms to a hypothesized incorrect pattern. An example of such a task is now given. Rothstein and Markowitz (1982) presented 35 subjects with 120 problems in a format adopted from Jones, Schipper, and Holzworth (1978) (see Fig. 1).
Chilled Galleria mellonella: Salivary glands may mechanically inhibit development☆

Abstract The possible role of the stiffened salivary glands in inhibiting metamorphosis of last-instar chilled Galleria mellonella was explored. Inhibitory effects of chilling on the salivary glands and delayed development of the whole animal were clearly correlated. In animals less than 3 days post-ecdysis, the salivary glands accounted for less than 4% of the total body weight; chilling these animals resulted in an increased number of supernumerary apolyses and accelerated developmental time. From 4 to 10 days post-ecdysis, when the salivary glands accounted for 5% or more of total body weight, chilling significantly delayed larval-pupal ecdysis. Reduction of the dimensions of the salivary glands by prior space deprivation significantly reduced the effects of chilling. Extirpation of the salivary glands eliminated the chill effect, whereas insertion of a 7 mm piece of tubing into the body mimicked the effect. These results suggest that chill-stiffened salivary glands may mechanically inhibit development.
Raman scattering from electronic excitations of samarium in semiconducting and metallic Sm1−xYxS

Abstract The Raman spectra of Sm1−xYxS for x⪕0.4 have been measured. Electronic scattering between the J = 0 ground state and the J = 1 and 2 excited states of Sm2+ is observed. The singlet-triplet transition is observed on both sides of the black to gold phase transition in Sm1−xYxS.
Volatile constituents of male and female boll weevils and their frass

Abstract The volatile constituents of male and female boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis , and their frass were analysed by GLC-MS. The 4 previously identified components of the male pheromone were present only in the male volatile oil (3·9%) and in the male frass volatile oil (38·9%). The compounds found in one or both sexes and their frass include 26 carbonyls, 23 hydrocarbons, 12 alcohols, 6 phenols, 4 esters, 3 furans, 1 ether, and 1 lactone. Also found were 2 compounds containing nitrogen, 1 halogen, and 1 sulphur. There were 33 terpenes and 24 aromatic compounds. 3,7-Dimethyl-1-octanol comprised 15·6 per cent of the male frass oil. Carvone was found only in females (5·4%) and in female frass (6·8%). A series of monoterpene aldehydes (M + 152) were found only in the female frass oil. A pheromone role for these components was suggested.
Determination of polystyrene–carbon dioxide–decahydronaphthalene solution properties by high pressure dynamic light scattering

Abstract The diffusion coefficients of polystyrene (PS) in decahydronaphthalene (DHN) and in solutions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and DHN were measured for dilute PS solutions over a range of temperatures and CO2–DHN ratios using high pressure dynamic light scattering. Infinite dilution diffusion coefficients (D0) of PS and dynamic second virial coefficients (kD) were determined for essentially monodisperse 308 kDa PS. At a system pressure of 20.7 MPa, PS diffusion coefficients increased by a factor of 2.5, and the activation energy of diffusion decreased by approximately 16% when DHN was “expanded” with 44 mol% CO2. However, the hydrodynamic radius of PS at a given temperature was not particularly sensitive to the CO2 concentration. Solvent quality, as measured by kD, decreased at higher CO2 concentrations. The addition of CO2 to polymer solutions may offer a way to “tune” the properties of the solution to facilitate the heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of polymers.