cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic-loading behavior and anisotropic deformation of pre- and post-heat-treated IN718 fabricated by laser powder bed fusion

Abstract The microstructures of additively manufactured (AM) metal components have been shown to be heterogeneous and spatially variable when compared to conventionally manufactured counterparts. Consequently, the mechanical properties of AM-metal parts are expected to vary locally within their volume. For AM structural components intended to operate in extreme environments, including high-strain-rate loading scenarios, there is a need to quantify variability of mechanical behavior within the same AM-build domain at quasi-static and dynamic strain-rates as well as the effect of heat treatment on the mechanical properties. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of loading direction and direct-age hardening heat treatment on quasi-static and dynamic mechanical response within an Inconel 718 volume produced by laser powder bed fusion using manufacturer-recommended processing parameters. Uniaxial compression tests and a split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) were used to investigate the quasi-static and dynamic response, respectively, of as-built and heat-treated specimens extracted along the three principal processing directions. Electron backscatter diffraction measurements were made for representative specimens within the build domain to correlate microstructural features to observed location-specific mechanical deformation. Results from both quasi-static and dynamic loading show that the recommended processing parameters yield a homogeneous stress-strain response throughout the material volume in the as-built condition. In the direct-age-hardened condition, statistically significant differences were observed in the stress–strain responses between the build direction and sweep and transverse directions (although the latter two exhibited no statistically significant differences). Deformed specimen geometries showed a systematic and repeatable preferential deformation along the build direction, regardless of condition or loading strain rate when loading was applied in either of the two orthogonal processing directions. The deformation dependence is found to be related to the underlying, process-induced crystallographic texture and grain morphology. This study provides important insight that can be used for qualifying large AM Inconel 718 parts for critical structural applications used in extreme conditions.
Public health principles and approaches to systems interventions to support children's emotional and behavioral health

Mental health problems1 in children present a national public health crisis (U.S. Public Health Service, 2000). Data from the National Health Interview Surveys indicate that approximately 5% of U.S. children ages 4 to 17 had emotional or behavioral problems, and for approximately 80% of these children there was an impact on their family life, friendships, learning or leisure activities (Simpson, Bloom, Cohen, Blumber & Bourdon, 2005). Studies of the prevalence of psychiatric disorders during childhood and adolescence suggest even higher rates (Kessler et al., 1994, 2005; Shaffer et al., 1996). Costello, Egger and Angold (2005) estimated that 3% to 18% of children in the United States have a psychiatric disorder that causes significant functional impairment (Federal Definition of Serious Emotional Disturbance, 1993), with the median estimate of 12% being twice the estimate produced by the National Health Interview Surveys.
Using internal micro-scale architectures from additive manufacturing to increase material efficiency

Abstract Several strategies have been posed to mitigate environmental burdens from plastics manufacturing. Two growing areas of exploration have been the use of bio-derived plastics and the use of material efficiency principles to reduce overall plastics demand. Bio-derived plastics are typically considered to be more environmentally sustainable than their petroleum-based counterparts. Additionally, advances in manufacturing technology have broadened the potential to use materials in an efficient manner by controlling internal structures, thus reducing dependency on solid components. The goal of this work was to provide an initial perspective into how internal microstructures in bio-derived plastics can broaden their range of mechanical and thermal properties, while reducing resource consumption. To determine the ability to influence material efficiency in this manner, poly(lactic) acid specimens were manufactured with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% infill percentages, using additive manufacturing to incorporate a microscale internal octagram spiral geometry. Tensile, flexural, and thermal conductivity properties of these plastics were compared to properties attained through conventional injection molding of poly(lactic) acid. Results showed the incorporation of an internal microstructure in thermoplastics caused reductions in both tensile and flexural moduli and strength, with typical losses of 30% in tensile properties and 20% in flexural properties. Yet improvements were noted to toughness and elongation properties, as well as lower thermal conductivity with the incorporation of a complex internal structure. Additionally, examination of specific properties of the poly(lactic) acid components and use of Ashby material indices showed the use of additive manufacturing could notably improve material efficiency, particularly apparent for the 25% infilled specimens. This work revealed potential improvements to energy dissipation and ductility through unique deformation mechanisms attained by additive manufacturing processing.
Simultaneous quantification of vitamin E and vitamin E metabolites in equine plasma and serum using LC-MS/MS.

Vitamin E deficiencies can impact normal growth and development in humans and animals, and assessment of circulating levels of vitamin E and its metabolites may be an important endpoint for evaluat...
“Going Virtual Helped Me Learn That I Can Handle Everything”: Campus Magazine Production as a High Impact Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This case study documents a large, 4-year university magazine?s transition to virtual instruction during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using theoretical frameworks from Kuh?s work on high impact practices (HIPs), this analysis offers empirical evidence that virtual student newsrooms may provide impactful learning experiences during crisis situations. Based on interviews, surveys, and newsroom observation, 23 magazine staff members reported improvements in their professional self-efficacy as they overcame logistics challenges and interpersonal hurdles similar to working media professionals. The case study also identifies strengths and weaknesses of crisis pedagogy. Implications for post-pandemic pedagogy and course planning are discussed.
Does Cariogenic Streptococcus mutans Play a Role in Cardiovascular Disease

The link that exists between oral health and the entire well-being of the body is continuously becoming more emphasized. As illnesses such as cardiovascular disease become more prevalent, dentists and researchers have suggested that a link between the transfer of bacteria in the mouth into the blood stream plays a direct cause in onset of the disease in some patients. The American Dental Association has begun stressing the importance of preventive care techniques and also the importance of understanding the role the mouth plays in a multitude of processes that occur in the body. Streptococcus mutans, which is the main bacteria found in the mouth, will be reviewed, including its physical makeup and how it manages to find its way into the bloodstream. In addition, a specific form of cardiovascular disease will be discussed as well as the bacteria’s suggested mechanism for causing the disease. This article is available in The Review: A Journal of Undergraduate Student Research: http://fisherpub.sjfc.edu/ur/vol15/iss1/3 Does Cariogenic Streptococcus mutans Play a Role in Cardiovascular Disease?
Engineering as Performance: An “Experiential Gestalt” for Understanding Engineering

There is a growing interest in exploring engineering practice, especially as it reveals that which might be considered essential or distinctive. However, such an exploration often constructs a dichotomous view that artificially separates science from non-science, the technical from the social; and thereby distorts what engineering actually is and what engineers really do. In this paper, I propose an alternative to that dichotomous view – engineering as performance. Like engineering practice, engineering as performance highlights the everyday activities of engineers, although the focus changes from what is essential or distinctive about those activities to the “performative accomplishment.” Consequently, the actual work of engineering and the real performances of engineers can now be viewed as a genuine ensemble that includes both science and non-science, the technical and the social.
Chapter 10 A Second Iron Age Ahead

Publisher Summary The magnitude of the world's annual needs for newly mined substances has grown so large that it is difficult to view the volume in perspective. The annual per capita consumption of newly mined mineral products for all the peoples of the world now totals 3.75 mg. The total includes coal, oil, iron, copper, cement, and a myriad of substances used in countless different ways: the total is still rising, doubling approximately every decade, and there is no sign that it is likely to stop in the near future. Whichever way one anticipates the use of geochemically scarce metals in the future, it is clear that there are very real limits to the amounts available in traditional ore deposits of the continental crust. Efficient recycling, which surely must come as existing deposits are worked out and new ones become harder and harder to find, will guarantee that even the scarcest metals will always be available in at least small amounts. Nevertheless, recycling can at best sustain a declining use rate. While growth or even level use rates pertain, newly mined material must continue to be added.
Magnetic flux generation and sawteeth in the MST reversed-field pinch

The Madison Symmetric Torus (MST) is a reversed-field pinch (RFP) that began operation in June 1988 (major radius of 1.50 m and minor radius of 0.52 m). Since its initial operation, discrete magnetic disturbances that result in an increase in the average toroidal magnetic flux and a decrease in the toroidal field at the wall have been observed. The plasma column also experiences a sudden inward shift as seen by magnetic pickup coils. These events suggest a flattening of the profile. Other RFPs have exhibited similar sawteeth, and they are believed to be related to the m=1 tearing mode. On MST, the sawteeth are observed for Theta as low as 1.2, whereas on other RFPs they are seen at larger Theta . Typically low frequency (10-25-kHz), global fluctuations are seen on edge magnetic pickup coils, as well as on soft X-ray signals, just prior to a sawtooth crash. On MST, these fluctuations have a poloidal mode number, m, of 1 and a toroidal mode number, n, of about -6. This suggests that n scales as aspects ratio, as would be expected for resonant modes. >
Silent Spring at 50, Chapter 1

This introduction from the book Silent Spring at 50 describes the various contributors’ insights into Rachel Carson’s landmark work. The authors come from a variety of disciplines, including conservation biology, English, law, and economics, and offer critical assessments of Silent Spring and its legacy. The first part has three chapters that put the book into the context of its time, examining it in light of Carson’s previous books on the sea (Wallace Kaufman); the larger tradition of authors warning against human hubris in environmental matters (Pierre Desrochers & Hiroko Shimizu); and the contest between “environmental religion” and “economic religion” that shaped American political discourse in the 20th century (Robert Nelson). The second part examines Silent Spring in the context of the science of its time examining: evidence on bird populations (Desrochers and Shimizu); cancer (Roger Meiners); ecological science (Nathan Gregory); and the political struggles between USDA and FDA (Roger Meiners and Andrew Morriss). The third part examines the legacy in the policy arena on federalism (Jonathan Adler); the precautionary principle (Larry Katzenstein); and risk (Gary Marchant).
A real-time direct method of measurement of AC skin impedance based on an artificial neural network approach

A fast direct method of measurement AC skin impedance based on an artificial neural network is presented in this paper. Conventional methods for determining AC skin impedance with a multi-frequency process resulting from off-line estimation are accurate but lack real time convenience. In this paper, a novel direct method which uses instantaneous input data of voltage and current as a function of time is desired. These data are subsequently processed with a discrete Fourier transform and an artificial neural network computation yielding a set of resistance and capacitance values of the components of the skin equivalent circuit. This technique is faster than the previous methods because it uses a real-time, online measurement and computation, and requires only one high frequency input signal. >
An approximation property of harmonic functions in Lipschitz domains and some of its consequences

An extension of an inequality of J. B. Garnett (1979), with improvements by B. E. J. Dahlberg (1980), on an approximation property of harmonic functions is proved. The weighted inequality proved here was suggested by the work of J. Pipher (1993) and it implies an extension of a result of S. Y. A. Chang, J. Wilson and T. Wolff (1985) and C. Sweezy (1991) on exponential square integrability of the boundary values of solutions to second-order linear differential equations in divergence form. This implies a solution of a problem left open by R. Banuelos and C. N. Moore (1989) on sharp estimates for the area integral of harmonic functions in Lipschitz domains.
Why Creativity Isn’t in IQ Tests, Why it Matters, and Why it Won’t Change Anytime Soon Probably

Creativity is a part of most theories of intelligence—sometimes a small part and sometimes a large part. Yet even IQ tests that assess aspects of intelligence that supposedly reflect creative abilities do not actually measure creativity. Recent work has argued that intelligence and creativity are more conceptually related than we have thought. In addition, creativity offers a potential way to counter issues of test bias from several different angles. That said, inherent difficulties in measuring creativity and inherent sluggishness in the test industry mean the odds are small that creativity will find its way into IQ tests as currently defined. However, there remain other potential possibilities in related fields.
A Human Cadaver Fascial Compartment Pressure Measurement Model

Abstract Background Fresh human cadavers provide an effective model for procedural training. Currently, there are no realistic models to teach fascial compartment pressure measurement. Objectives We created a human cadaver fascial compartment pressure measurement model and studied its feasibility with a pre-post design. Methods Three faculty members, following instructions from a common procedure textbook, used a standard handheld intra-compartment pressure monitor (Stryker ® , Kalamazoo, MI) to measure baseline pressures ("unembalmed") in the anterior, lateral, deep posterior, and superficial posterior compartments of the lower legs of a fresh human cadaver. The right femoral artery was then identified by superficial dissection, cannulated distally towards the lower leg, and connected to a standard embalming machine. After a 5-min infusion, the same three faculty members re-measured pressures ("embalmed") of the same compartments on the cannulated right leg. Unembalmed and embalmed readings for each compartment, and baseline readings for each leg, were compared using a two-sided paired t -test. Results The mean baseline compartment pressures did not differ between the right and left legs. Using the embalming machine, compartment pressure readings increased significantly over baseline for three of four fascial compartments; all in mm Hg (±SD): anterior from 40 (±9) to 143 (±44) ( p = 0.08); lateral from 22 (±2.5) to 160 (±4.3) ( p p p Conclusion We created a novel and measurable fascial compartment pressure measurement model in a fresh human cadaver using a standard embalming machine. Set-up is minimal and the model can be incorporated into teaching curricula.
Alignment in two-step pulsed laser excitation of Rydberg levels in light atoms: The example of sodium

Aligned atomic Rydberg states of sodium can be prepared using two-step excitation from the ground state by linearly polarized pulsed lasers. Information that is normally inaccessible, e.g., sublevel partial cross sections in charge-transfer experiments, can be obtained when aligned targets are used. The calculations of orbital alignment must carefully allow for fine and hyperfine structure, laser linewidths, pulse widths and delays, sublevel coherences, and other factors. In this paper we derive the orbital alignments and time-averaged d-state sublevel populations for 3 $^{2}$${\mathit{S}}_{1/2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3 $^{2}$${\mathit{P}}_{\mathit{J}1}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n $^{2}$D excitations in Na using angular-momentum and density-matrix methods. We consider both quadrupole alignment ${\mathit{A}}^{(2)}$ and hexadecapole alignment ${\mathit{A}}^{(4)}$, with excitation through either ${\mathit{J}}_{1}$=1/2 or 3/2 intermediate states considered on the same footing. We show sublevel populations for \ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathit{M}}_{\mathit{L}}$\ensuremath{\Vert}=0, 1, and 2 analytically and graphically. Finally, we formulate the experimental design problem quantitatively in order to ascertain how to optimize the choice of polarizer angles for extraction of sublevel partial cross sections. Although perhaps the commonest instance, two-step excitation of Na(nd) is but one of a large number of interesting cases, and this study is further intended to illustrate and guide the application of these methods to other light atoms.
Adherent Malathion Flour Granules as an Environmentally Selective Control for Chewing Insect Pests of Dent Corn Ears: Indirect Reduction of Mycotoxigenic Ear Molds

Reductions of incidence of chewing ear pests produced by application of adherent granular malathion were associated with reductions of mycotoxigenic fungi in each of 4 yr. In a 2-yr comparative study, the incidence of potentially mycotoxigenic Fusarium fungi was significantly reduced by a single hand application of 0.1% (AI) granules at 11 kg granules/ha (0.011 kg/ha [AI]) compared with control plots, and was approximately equal to plots receiving 5 sprays of malathion at 1.1 kg/ha (AI) each. In a 2nd series of studies at this site, the use of 1% malathion granules at 11 kg granules/ha (0.11 kg/ha [AI]) significantly reduced the incidence of chewing corn ear insect pests and visible Fusarium mold in 2 corn hybrids that differed in relative resistance to Fusarium moniliforme Scheld. Different rates of adherent malathion granules were applied with conventional equipment in a small-plot study near Metamora, IL. Because of poor coverage in the ear zone, control of insects and indirect control of Fusarium ear mold was limited. Although year and hybrid effects were involved, there was generally a positive association between insect damage and incidence of mold in the 1994 and 1995 hand-application studies. Relative insect damage at harvest was significantly correlated with fumonisin levels of the hybrids treated in 1995. Thus, in addition to the economic and environmental benefits derived from using granules containing low malathion compared with conventional formulations for insect control described previously, use of these granules also may indirectly reduce ear molds and associated mycotoxins in corn.
The structure of deformable particles in applied external fields

The structure of two dimensional deformable particles of low interfacial tension is studied theoretically. Closed loops in the plane are used to model droplets of one liquid in a second with surface active molecules residing at the liquid-liquid interface. The mechanical properties of the surfactant layer are represented by a bending energy contribution due to Helfrich, where the relevant parameters are rigidity and local curvature, and a surface tension. Thermal shape fluctuations and the deformational response to external fields, such as those due to confining walls or neighbouring particles, are studied by a method of functional integration in conjunction with a Monte Carlo sampling technique. Our results include particle shape distribution functions for different geometrical constraints and interfacial conditions which are relevant to bilayer lipid vesicles, microemulsion particles and emulsion droplets.
An experimental analysis of the pigment defect caused by mutations at the w and sl loci in mice.

Abstract The pigment defect caused by mutations at the W and Sl loci in mice was investigated by grafting normal and mutant embryonic skin and neural crest in various combinations to the coelom of host chick embryos. Since the mutant homozygotes of both loci are sterile, embryos were produced by breeding heterozygotes and therefore only one-fourth of the resulting embryos were expected to be of the black-eyed white phenotype. Grafts obtained from the combination of Sl neural tubes with +/+ skin produced pigment in all the cases recovered. The reciprocal combination of +/+ neural tubes with Sl skin failed to produce pigment in the grafted skin in 33% of the cases. On the other hand, grafts produced by combining +/+ tubes with W skin resulted in 100% pigment production, whereas only 39% of the W tube- +/+ skin combination grafts formed pigment. These results indicated that the black-eyed white phenotype in Sl and W homozygotes was caused by gene action at different sites. In the W mutants, the neural crest appeared to be abnormal, and in the Sl mutants, the skin was involved. A study of the pigment occurrence in 4 nonepidermal locations of 5 day W and Sl mice revealed that a general pigment reduction in these locations resulted from the action of both mutant genes. Since in the case of Sl the pigment-forming component of the neural crest was found to be normal, it appeared that the skin affected the differentiation of nonepidermal melanoblasts as well as those in the skin. Alternatively, other tissues in addition to the skin might be affected by Sl and thereby result in the general pigment cell reduction. The relationship between the pigment defect, macrocytic anemia and deficiency of primordial germ cells produced by the two mutant genes remains obscure. It is noteworthy that both the pigment defect and the anemia in the W mutants are the results of factors acting within the pigment and blood forming cells themselves. In the case of Sl, the tissue environments in which the melanoblasts and hematopoietic cells reside are responsible for producing the two abnormalities.
Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopy (FT-IRIS) of mineralization in bisphosphonate-treated oim/oim mice

Fourier transform infrared microscopy (FT-IRM) and imaging spectroscopy (FT-IRIS) are increasingly used to analyze the molecular components of mineralized tissues. A primary advantage of these techniques is the capability to simultaneously image the quantity and quality of multiple components in histological sections at 7 µm spatial resolution. In the current study, FT-IRM and FT-IRIS were used to characterize bone mineralization in a mouse model of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) after treatment with the bisphosphonate alendronate (ALN). This application is currently relevant since recent studies have demonstrated great promise for the treatment of children with OI with bisphosphonates, but have not identified bisphosphonate-associated bone quality changes. Growing oim/oim mice, a model of moderate-to-severe OI, were treated with ALN (73 µg ALN/kg/day for 4 weeks followed by 26 µg/kg/day for 4 weeks) or saline from 6 to 14 weeks of age, and mineralization was evaluated in femoral cortical and metaphyseal bone. Infrared vibrations of the mineral (a carbonated apatite) and the matrix phases were monitored. The relative amounts of mineral and matrix present (min:matrix), the relative amount of carbonate present in the mineral (carb:min), and the crystallinity of the mineral phase were calculated. In untreated oim/oim bone, the min:matrix was greater and the crystallinity was reduced (indicative of less mature mineral) in the primary versus the secondary spongiosa, most likely due to the presence of calcified cartilage. With ALN treatment, the oim/oim mm:matrix increased in the secondary spongiosa, but the mineral crystallinity was not changed. In the cortical bone, no changes were evident with ALN treatment. These data demonstrate that in this mouse model, ALN treatment results in increased metaphyseal bone mineralization, but does not improve mineral maturity.
On-Chip Programmable Dual-Capture for Double Data Rate Interface Timing Test

Memory interface speed has been rapidly increasing to overcome the performance gaps between microprocessor and memory. Testing the I/O timing parameters at-speed has become a challenge because of the limitations on the test clock frequencies provided by low-cost testers. This paper presents a technique to generate a dual-capture signal with a programmable delay for both rising and falling transitions, which effectively tests double-data rate memory interface timing. The relative delay difference between data and clock paths is measured for the I/O timing test instead of using complicated test vectors. The test clock frequency is programmed in a wide operating range with 20 ps resolution. The proposed on-chip programmable double-capture generator can be also easily integrated with the current scan-based delay test methods. The scheme has low area overhead, low design effort, and is also compatible with low-cost testers.
Spatial predictability of resources and the ideal free distribution in convict cichlids, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum

Abstract Abstract. An investigation was conducted to determine whether the spatial predictability of food affects the ability of groups of juvenile convict cichlids, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum , to achieve an ideal free distribution (IFD). Groups of six fish competed for Daphnia magna prey in one of three environments differing in the degree to which food was predictable in space. Prey were distributed among four patches, each defined by its probability of receiving the prey (0·667, 0·167, 0·083 and 0·083). Spatial predictability was manipulated by varying how often these probabilities were re-assigned to the patches over six trials. In the Predictable treatment, patch probabilities remained the same throughout the six trials. In the Intermediate treatment, probabilities were re-assigned to the patches prior to each of the six trials. In the Unpredictable treatment, probabilities were re-assigned to the patches six times within each trial. Thus, groups of fish experienced either one, six or 36 spatial configurations of the patch probabilities in the Predictable, Intermediate and Unpredictable treatments, respectively. The distributions of fish and their patterns of resource use were compared with those predicted by the IFD, ideal despotic, and the IFD with perceptual constraints models of habitat selection. In the Predictable treatment, the distribution of fish was qualitatively consistent with the predictions of the ideal despotic distribution. Dominant fish were the most successful foragers, spending more of their time and obtaining more of their food in the best patch than subordinates. In the Unpredictable treatment, both dominant and subordinate fish under-used the best patch, suggesting they were unable to track its location. However, dominant fish had higher foraging rates than subordinates, probably because they were better at detecting and capturing prey. The distribution of fish in the Intermediate treatment was closest to an IFD, despite differences between fish in competitive ability. These results suggest that the predictive power of the IFD is influenced by the spatial predictability of the environment.
The electroencephalogram in cerebellar seizures.

Abstract 1. 1. The EEG recorded in a series of cats undergoing cerebellar seizures was not specific in type. 2. 2. It was unlike the EEG accompanying clonic seizures elicited by cerebral stimulation. 3. 3. Involvement of a specific limb in the slow march of the seizure was not accompanied by specific alteration of the EEG from either side of the brain. 4. 4. The EEG during a cerebellar seizure was best described as an activation pattern. being made of low amplitude fast waves. 5. 5. When tracings from the cerebellum were recorded no alterations were observed during a seizure, but the type of apparatus used did not allow complete analysis of the waves out of the range of the ordinary frequencies of the EEG.
Effects of acute cannabis use on urinary neurotransmitter metabolites and cyclic nucleotides in man

The noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin metabolites methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), as well as the cyclic nucleotides c-AMP and c-GMP were estimated in urine samples of five normal volunteers. Ten control samples and two samples after cannabis use were analyzed for each volunteer. Cannabis use caused significant decreases in MHPG and c-AMP, and increases in HVA, while 5-HIAA and c-GMP excretion remained unchanged. The results indicate that cannabis use interferes with catecholaminergic mechanisms in man, decreasing the noradrenaline and increasing dopamine turnover, probably through action on presynaptic receptors.
Statins Are Associated With Better Outcomes After Carotid Endarterectomy in Symptomatic Patients

The authors conducted a study to determine if patients who were administered a statin at their hospital admission for carotid endarterectomy had a reduction in in-hospital adverse outcomes. A chart review of 3360 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy was used to collect data on patient characteristics, surgical indication, statin use, and perioperative complications (death, ischemic stroke or death), and cardiac outcomes. Pretreatment statin use by symptomatic patients was associated with reduced in-hospital mortality and ischemic stroke or death, but not in in-hospital cardiac outcomes. The same associations were not noted in asymptomatic patients taking statins. The authors conclude that the results suggest pretreatment with statins has a protective effect in symptomatic patients at the time of carotid endarterectomy.
Evaluation of the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index as an estimate of insulin sensitivity in humans

Abstract The goal of this study was to compare estimates of insulin resistance generated by the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) with a direct measure of insulin-mediated glucose disposal in healthy, nondiabetic volunteers. For this purpose, the results of measurements of plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in 490 nondiabetic, healthy subjects were used to compute several surrogate estimates of insulin resistance, and these values were compared with a direct measure of insulin-mediated glucose disposal. The results of this analysis showed that estimates of insulin resistance derived from use of QUICKI were significantly correlated ( r = [minus ].60, P [lt ] .001) with direct measures of insulin-mediated glucose in the 490 subjects studied. It was also noted that QUICKI estimates of insulin resistance were highly correlated with fasting insulin concentrations ( r = [minus ].98) and the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, r = [minus ].99). On the other hand, the correlation between all 3 of the surrogate methods for estimating insulin resistance and the direct assessment of insulin-mediated glucose disposal was relatively weak, ie, r = .61, r = .64, and r = [minus ].60) for fasting insulin concentration, HOMA-IR, and QUICKI, respectively. The results of these comparisons do not provide support for the superiority of QUICKI over other commonly used surrogate measures of insulin resistance based upon use of fasting insulin concentration or equations utilizing fasting insulin and glucose concentration. Furthermore, none of the 3 surrogate estimates can account for more than approximately 40% of the variability of the difference in insulin-mediated glucose disposal measured directly in 490 healthy, nondiabetic volunteers.
Transfusion Transmitted Cytomegalovirus

Transfusion transmitted cytomegalovirus (TT-CMV) continues to be a significant risk for patients vulnerable to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease. Leukocytes appear to be a reservoir, and blood components containing greater numbers of leukocytes are more likely to transmit CMV. TT-CMV may be prevented either by screening blood donors for evidence of CMV infection or by processing blood components so as to remove leukocytes. The relative merits of these two strategies continue to be debated. More sensitive screening techniques and a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of CMV infection may allow enhancements in efforts to prevent TT-CMV. Investigation of methods to inactivate viruses in blood components may also prove fruitful.
Li, Be, and B production in the 3-GeV proton bombardment of Ni

Measurements have been made of the energy spectra and angular distributions of Li, Be, and B nuclei emitted from a Ni target bombarded with 3-GeV protons, using a counter telescope technique. By integrating the spectra and normalizing to the radiochemically determined cross section of $^{7}\mathrm{Be}$, total isotopic cross sections have been determined, and these are discussed in terms of the cosmic ray production of Li, Be, and B. The experimental cross sections are compared with a recent semiempirical formula; within the uncertainties the agreement between experiment and prediction is satisfactory.NUCLEAR REACTIONS Ni with 3-GeV protons; measured energy spectra, angular distributions, yields for Li, Be, and B isotopes.
A long road to overnight success [optical disc storage]

Optical data storage once seemed to be failing, and the lessons to be learned from its turnaround apply to other high-tech products. The author discusses the four obstacles which may have caused the problems and how they were overcome. The various types of optical disc technologies are explained. Future market strategies for the optical disc are also discussed. >
Shoot Regeneration of Callus Derived from Globular to Torpedo Embryos from 59 Sunflower Genotypes

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential for shoot organogenesis from callus, of globular- to torpedo-stage embryos (0.2-1.2 mm long), of 59 sunflower genotypes.
Identification and purification of factor A-GHRH from hypothalami which releases growth hormone.

Abstract Exploratory purifications and assays of fractions for release of growth hormone (GH) revealed two separable entities each of which unambiguously released GH by radioimmunoassay. They are provisionally designated factor A-GHRH and factor B-GHRH until they are chemically and biologically characterized. After initial steps of isolation from porcine hypothalami, factor B-GHRH was extensively purified by stepwise chromatography using Bio-Gel P-2, Sephadex LH-20, Sephadex G-25 with a partition system of acetic acid-butanol-pyridine, DEAE-Sephadex A-25, and Bio-Gel CM-2. Assays showed that certain fractions were active, in vitro , at levels of ca . 15 μg. Factor B-GHRH is inhibited by somatostatin.
Path-integral simulation of the superfluid transition in two-dimensional 4He.

The superfluid transition in a two-dimensional /sup 4/He system has been studied using computational-path-integral methods. Thermodynamic and structural properties, the single-particle momentum distribution, the one-particle off-diagonal density matrix (or order-parameter correlation function), the momentum correlations, the superfluid density (based on the winding-number distribution) and the vorticity correlation function were calculated for temperatures above and below the superfluid transition for a film density of 0.0432 A/sup -2/ (which corresponds to zero pressure in the ground state). The order-parameter correlation function shows an algebraic decay in good agreement with spin-wave theory. An indirect estimate based on an analysis of finite-size effects using the Kosterlitz-Thouless recursion relations leads to a vortex diameter of 3.7 +- 0.4 A, a vortex core energy of 2.7 +- 0.2 K and a critical temperature of 0.72 +- 0.02 K.
Increased enzymatic activity of the neutral ribonuclease II-inhibitor system of liver and muscle after the administration of polyinosinylyl-polycytidylyl complex to mice

Abstract Administration of the synthetic, double-stranded polynucleotide, (I)n·(C)n, to mice in the range from 10–100 μg per g body weight results 24 hr later in increases approaching 2-fold in total RNase II (EC 3.1.4.22) activity levels in liver and skeletal muscle. Free RNase inhibitor levels fall so that free RNase II activities approach 5-fold increases. This response of RNase II may be part of the general defensive response against infectious agents exhibited by mammalian and avian cells and could also account for accompanying effects on inhibition of cellular protein synthesis which are caused by agents such as viruses and (I)n·(C)n.
Outcomes of a community workshop to identify and rank barriers to the systematic literature review process

Systematic Literature Reviews (SLRs) are an important tool used by software engineering researchers to summarize the state of knowledge about a particular topic. Currently, SLR authors must perform the difficult, time-consuming task in largely manual fashion. To identify barriers faced by SLR authors, we conducted an interactive community workshop prior to ESEM'13. Workshop participants generated a total of 100 ideas that, through group discussions, formed 37 composite barriers to the SLR process. Further analysis reveals the barriers relate to latent themes regarding the SLR process, primary studies, the practitioner community, and tooling. This paper describes the barriers identified during the workshop along with a ranking of those barriers that is based on votes by workshop attendees. The paper concludes by describing the impact of these barriers on three important constituencies: SLR Methodology Researchers, SLR Authors and SLR consumers.
Flow characteristics in flow networks

A flow network is a system of mutually intersecting holes in a plate or an assembly of plates. The flow at each intersection is characterized by a collision of two flow streams, resulting in complex flow patterns through the downstream holes. In the case of multiple intersections, the flow is periodically disrupted at each succeeding intersection, thus preventing the formation of a fully-developed flow through the holes. An experimental study is presented in this paper to determine flow characteristics in flow networks with various geometry. The intersecting pressure loss coefficient which represents the performance of flow networks is defined and its magnitude empirically determined as functions of geometric and flow conditions. A method is developed to measure the ramming loss in an intersection tube. Flow visualization by means of hydrogen bubble method is applied to observe flow patterns and mixing behavior in the flow network. A physical model is developed to predict the intersection pressure loss in flow networks.
Large screen display for the Mission Control Center

The Mission Control Center (MCC), located at the Johnson Space Center near Houston, Texas, is the primary point of control and monitoring for National Space Transportation System (NSTS) flight activities. NSTS flight managers monitor and command spacecraft from one of two Flight Control Rooms (FCR). Each FCR is equipped with five large screen displays for group dissemination of spacecraft system status and vehicle position relative to Earth geography. The primary or center screen display is ten feet in height and twenty feet in width. The secondary or side screens are seven and one-hald feet high and ten feet wide. The center screen projection system is exhibiting high maintenance costs and is considered to be in wear-out phase. The replacement of the large center screen displays at the MCC is complicated by the unique requirements of the Flight Controller user. These requirements demand a very high performance, multiple color projection system capable of the display of high resolution text, graphics and images produced in near real time. The current system to be replaced, the replacement system requirements, the efforts necessary to procure the major element of this system (the projector) for the government, and how the new capabilities are to be integrated into the existing MCC operational configuration are discussed.
Fluoxetine Attenuates Adrenocortical but Not Subjective Responses to Cocaine Cues

Preclinical data suggest a link between stress reactivity and cocaine self-administration by rodents. Serotonin appears to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. We studied the effects of chronic treatment with the serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine 40 mg/day on subjective and hormonal responses to cocaine cues in 22 subjects participating in a controlled clinical trial for cocaine dependence. Fluoxetine antagonized the cue-induced increase in cortisol but increased subjects' ratings of the likelihood of cocaine use in response to cocaine cues. Cortisol response to cocaine cues was not related to subjective craving. Activation of the HPA axis by cocaine cues does not appear to be a necessary mediator of cue-induced craving.
Valve replacement for appetite suppressant-induced valvular heart disease

Valvular heart disease associated with the use of appetite-suppressant medication is a recently described clinical entity. Although the mechanism of valvular injury remains elusive pathologically, the valvular abnormalities resemble those observed in carcinoid syndrome. The incidence of clinically evident valvular heart disease is low with short-term (less than 3 months) exposure to appetite-suppressant drugs. Prolonged exposure to higher doses in addition to combination drug therapy confers an excess risk for valvular pathologic changes. We report the case of a patient with severe mitral regurgitation who had short-term exposure (3 weeks) to the combination of fenfluramine (20 mg) and phenteramine (15 mg).
Recursive algorithm with C++ program for floating-point arithmetic

Floating point Arithmetic is a topic included in virtually all textbooks for Computer Systems (CS 3: ACM's Curriculum Recommendation) or for Computer Organization (CS 4: ACM's Curriculum Recommendation). This paper presents a mathematical optimization model for the topic. The problem of converting real (float) numbers into binary equivalents is first modeled as a Zero-One Integer Programming problem. Then, a Recursive Algorithm is formulated for Floating-Point Formats. Computer programs are written in both C and C++ for a 32-bit floating-point format, using the recursive algorithm. [The computer programs are available at the email
Political membership and the demands of global justice

Political membership refers to the condition of being a member of a particular political community. It is a relational concept by virtue of the fact that it presupposes a political relation shared by several individuals. Thus, a simple way to think about political membership is in terms of the rights and duties common to all full members of a specific community that it enforces. Those privileges and obligations are commonly delimited by political boundaries which regulate the relations among members and aliens. (Published: 27 February 2012) Citation: Ethics & Global Politics, Vol. 5 , No. 1, 2012, pp. 57-69. DOI: 10.3402/egp.v5i1.14926
Current issues in Chinese Neolithic archaeology

Every year archaeologists in China discover numerous rich sites demonstrating significant regional variability in Neolithic cultures, primarily from about 6500 B.C. to 1900 B.C. This paper discusses a topic not covered in detail in current or forthcoming publications, the origins and development of agricultural systems. Recent fieldwork in both northern and southern China suggests that initial steps toward settled agricultural villages began circa 11,000 B.P. I review evidence for the cultivation of millet, rice, and other plants as well as animal husbandry in different regions of China. There are several later Neolithic sites in northern China with evidence for rice cultivation. I suggest how future research projects can investigate regional variation and change over time in subsistence and settlement during the Neolithic Period.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FOODBORNE BACTERIAL PATHOGENS AND THE REACTIVE ARTHRITIDES

Certain individuals suffer complications after diarrheic episodes caused by Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, or Yersinia. One of these complications may be a sterile arthritis such as reactive arthritis, Reiter's syndrome and anklylosing spondylitis. Reactive arthritis and Reiter's syndrome have been shown to have a bacterial etiology; however, such etiology, while suspected, has not been definitely confirmed for ankylosing spondylitis. These arthritides show a strong familial assocation and here, reactive arthritis, Reiter's syndrome and ankylosing spondylitis are characterized and the relationship of the diseases to the major histocompatility complex antigen, HLA-B27, is described. Studies have indicated that there may be molecular mimicry between certain microbial antigens and HLA-B27. Molecular mimicry is discussed in terms of its possible explanation of the etiology of the reactive arthritides. The roles of antibodies, lymphocytes, bacterial antigens, and stress proteins in the symptomology of the arthritides are reviewed.
Official crime rates and victim surveys: An empirical comparison

This paper compares the Uniform Crime Reports (UCRs) to the results of the National Crime Survey (NCS). Six Part I offenses are used to form the basis for comparison across twenty-six large American cities. The two data sources are conceptually comparable. Empirically, the NCS reveals significantly higher rates for all offenses but auto theft. The two sources are compatible in that the UCR revealed the same distributional pattern as the NCS. Thus it was concluded that the UCR provides an accurate indicator of the relative occurrence of criminal acts.