cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CACS and the Frequency of Stress-Induced Myocardial Ischemia During MPI: A Meta-Analysis.

Abstract Objectives This study sought to systematically assess the relationship between the magnitude of coronary artery calcium (CAC) and presence of myocardial ischemia. Background The likelihood of myocardial ischemia rises with increasing CAC score. However, the likelihood of ischemia according to different CAC abnormality cutoffs has not been systematically evaluated. Methods A comprehensive systematic search was undertaken to identify all relevant studies that compared CAC with myocardial perfusion imaging and reported ischemia rates by CAC categories. The following thresholds of CAC scores were analyzed and correlated with rates of ischemia: scores of 0, 1 to 100, 101 to 399, and ≥400. Results Overall, 20 studies reported frequencies of stress-induced myocardial ischemia by various CAC categories. Six studies (n = 2,123 patients) reported ischemia rates for all 4 CAC categories. A stepwise increase in the frequency of ischemia according to CAC abnormality was noted. The frequency of ischemia was low among patients with zero or very low CAC score. However, among the patients with CAC scores ≥400, the reported frequencies of ischemia varied widely among studies. Notably, most studies involved small sample sizes; only 5 of 20 studies included >500 patients and very few studies examined clinical parameters that may potentially modify the relationship between CAC score and ischemia. Conclusions Our meta-analysis indicates the presence of a quantitative relationship between the magnitude of CAC abnormality and the likelihood of inducible myocardial ischemia. Zero to low CAC scores were infrequently associated with ischemia, but there was a wide variance in the frequency of ischemia among patients with intermediate to high CAC scores. Thus, there is a need for prospective study involving larger patient samples to better define the clinical factors that influence the relationship between CAC scores and inducible myocardial ischemia.
Influence of curcumin on hippocampus neuron ChAT in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice

Objective To observe the expression of neuron choline acetyl-transferase(ChAT) in hippocampus CA1 zone in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice,and review the influence of curcumin on learning and memory ability.Methods All APP/PS1 double transgenic mice(3 months old) were randomly divided into model group,rosiglitazone group,and high-dose,mid-dose and low-dose curcumin group(high-dose group,mid-dose group and low-dose group),and C57BL/6J mice with the same age and genetic background were assigned into normal group.All groups were intragastrically given relevant medicinal respectively once a day for 3 months.The changes of learning and memory ability and hippocampus neuron ChAT were detected by using platform experiment,immunohistochemistry technique and Western blot method.Results Compared with normal group,latency time was much shorter in model group(P0.01).Compared with control group,latency time was much longer in all curcumin groups(P0.05 or P0.01).The results of immunohistochemistry technique showed that ChAT positive cells in hippocampus CA1 zone decreased significantly in model group compared with normal group(P0.01),and recovered in varying degrees in all curcumin groups.The results of Western blot method showed that the protein strips of ChAT became thinner and the color became paler in model group(P0.01),and became thicker and became darker(P0.05 or P0.01) in all curcumin groups.Conclusion Curcumin can improve learning and memory ability in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice through improving the protein expression of ChAT and alleviate the disorder of neural conduction in animal model of Alzheimer's Disease.
Production of RANKL by Memory B Cells: A Link Between B Cells and Bone Erosion in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that often leads to joint damage. The mechanisms of bone damage in RA are complex, involving activation of bone-resorbing osteoclasts (OCs) by synoviocytes and Th17 cells. This study was undertaken to investigate whether B cells play a direct role in osteoclastogenesis through the production of RANKL, the essential cytokine for OC development. Methods RANKL production by total B cells or sorted B cell subpopulations in the peripheral blood and synovial tissue from healthy donors or anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide–positive patients with RA was examined by flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemical analysis. To define direct effects on osteoclastogenesis, B cells were cocultured with CD14+ monocytes, and OCs were enumerated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining. Results Healthy donor peripheral blood B cells were capable of expressing RANKL upon stimulation, with switched memory B cells (CD27+IgD−) having the highest propensity for RANKL production. Notably, switched memory B cells in the peripheral blood from RA patients expressed significantly more RANKL compared to healthy controls. In RA synovial fluid and tissue, memory B cells were enriched and spontaneously expressed RANKL, with some of these cells visualized adjacent to RANK+ OC precursors. Critically, B cells supported OC differentiation in vitro in a RANKL-dependent manner, and the number of OCs was higher in cultures with RA B cells than in those derived from healthy controls. Conclusion These findings reveal the critical importance of B cells in bone homeostasis and their likely contribution to joint destruction in RA.
Magic Cubes: A Total Experience.

Magic squares have played various roles in the mathematics classroom: as a motiva tional device, as a problem-solving venture, and as an alternative way to review con tent. Magic squares are relatively easy to construct. Various algorithms exist that en able students of mathematics to construct magic squares as well as other magic fig ures. The construction of their own magic figures gives students the satisfaction that comes from realizing that for one small in stance in a numerical eternity they have harnessed number (see Andrews 1960). The topic of magic cubes provides an added dimension to the wealth of dis cussions abounding on magic squares. It leads each classroom "Alice" to conclude
Prospective evaluation of the influence of iterative reconstruction on the reproducibility of coronary calcium quantification in reduced radiation dose 320 detector row CT

Abstract Background Coronary artery calcium (CAC) predicts coronary heart disease events and is important for individualized cardiac risk assessment. This report assesses the interscan variability of CT for coronary calcium quantification using image acquisition with standard and reduced radiation dose protocols and whether the use of reduced radiation dose acquisition with iterative reconstruction (IR; “reduced-dose/IR ”) allows for similar image quality and reproducibility when compared to standard radiation dose acquisition with filtered back projection (FBP; “standard-dose/FBP”) on 320-detector row computed tomography (320-CT). Methods 200 consecutive patients (60 ± 9 years, 59% male) prospectively underwent two standard- and two reduced-dose acquisitions (800 total scans, 1600 reconstructions) using 320 slice CT and 120 kV tube voltage. Automated tube current modulation was used and for reduced-dose scans, prescribed tube current was lowered by 70%. Image noise and Agatston scores were determined and compared. Results Regarding stratification by Agatston score categories (0, 1–10, 11–100, 101–400, >400), reduced-dose/IR versus standard-dose/FBP had excellent agreement at 89% (95% CI: 86–92%) with kappa 0.86 (95% CI: 0.81–0.90). Standard-dose/FBP rescan agreement was 93% (95% CI: 89–96%) with kappa = 0.91 (95% CI: 0.86–0.95) while reduced-dose/IR rescan agreement was similar at 91% (95% CI: 87–94%) with kappa 0.88 (95% CI: 0.83–0.93). Image noise was significantly higher but clinically acceptable for reduced-dose/IR (18 Hounsfield Unit [HU] mean) compared to standard-dose/FBP (16 HU; p Conclusion Rescan agreement was excellent for reduced-dose image acquisition with iterative reconstruction and standard-dose acquisition with filtered back projection for the quantification of coronary calcium by CT. These methods make it possible to reduce radiation exposure by 74%. Clinical trial registration URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01621594 . Unique identifier NCT01621594 .
Renewal Theory Background

A renewal process may be defined as a sequence {X n , n = 1, 2,...} of independent, identically distributed random variables that are placed one after another. We may think of X n as the interval from the n — 1st to the n-th occurrences of an event,although X n may have nothing to do with time and may not separate events as such. In this chapter, we provide an informal review of the basic concepts and results in renewal theory and introduce the interval distributions of interest in the sequel. We also report some new results, both theoretical and empirical, that are required for later use.
Prenatal Drug Exposure and Adolescent Cortisol Reactivity: Association with Behavioral Concerns.

Objective: To examine stress reactivity in a sample of adolescents with prenatal drug exposure (PDE) by examining the consequences of PDE on stress-related adrenocortical reactivity, behavioral problems, and drug experimentation during adolescence. Methods: Participants (76 PDE, 61 non-drug exposed [NE]; 99% African-American; 50% male; mean age = 14.17 yr, SD = 1.17) provided a urine sample, completed a drug use questionnaire, and provided saliva samples (later assayed for cortisol) before and after a mild laboratory stress task. Caregivers completed the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC II) and reported their relationship to the adolescent. Results: The NE group was more likely to exhibit task-related cortisol reactivity compared to the PDE group. Overall behavior problems and drug experimentation were comparable across groups with no differences between PDE and NE groups. In unadjusted mediation analyses, cortisol reactivity mediated the association between PDE and BASC II aggression scores (95% bootstrap confidence interval [CI], 0.04–4.28), externalizing problems scores (95% bootstrap CI, 0.03–4.50), and drug experimentation (95% bootstrap CI, 0.001–0.54). The associations remain with the inclusion of gender as a covariate but not when age is included. Conclusion: Findings support and expand current research in cortisol reactivity and PDE by demonstrating that cortisol reactivity attenuates the association between PDE and behavioral problems (aggression) and drug experimentation. If replicated, PDE may have long-lasting effects on stress-sensitive physiological mechanisms associated with behavioral problems (aggression) and drug experimentation in adolescence.
Classification via regularization on graphs

We present a novel data classifier that is based on the regularization of graph signals. Our approach is based on the theory of discrete signal processing on graphs where the graph represents similarities between data and we interpret labels for the dataset elements as a signal indexed by the nodes of the graph. We postulate that true labels form a low-frequency graph signal and the classifier finds the smoothest graph signal that satisfies constraints given by known data labels. Our experiments demonstrate that our approach achieves high accuracy in multiclass classification and outperforms other classification approaches.
Laboratory versus plant production: impact of material properties and performance for RAP and RAS mixtures

AbstractAgencies are moving towards performance-based design methodologies for asphalt pavements, and different methods to evaluate the asphalt performance in the laboratory have been developed. The laboratory performance can be evaluated at the mix design and/or production stages. A good understanding of differences in the behaviour of mixtures produced in the laboratory and plant is required to assess anticipated field performance at the mix design stage. The objectives of this paper are to compare the measured properties of plant-produced and laboratory-produced mixtures, to evaluate the effect of mixture variables on the differences observed, and to translate these to anticipated differences in fatigue performance through pavement evaluation using a linear viscoelastic layered analysis. In this study, 11 plant mixed, plant compacted, and their corresponding laboratory-mixed, laboratory-compacted mixtures are evaluated through binder and mixture testing. Mixture variables include aggregate gradation, b...
Optimal timing of same-admission orthotopic heart transplantation after left ventricular assist device implantation

Optimal timing of same-admission orthotopic heart transplantation after left ventricular assist device implantation
Variable selection through adaptive MAVE

Abstract Adaptive minimum average variance estimation (MAVE) is an efficient approach for dimension reduction as it can adapt to different error distributions. In this paper, we combine the ideas of adaptive estimation and regression shrinkage, and propose the sparse adaptive MAVE (saMAVE). The saMAVE can estimate the central mean subspace and select informative covariates simultaneously, without assuming any particular model or distribution on the predictor variables. The efficacy of saMAVE is verified through both theoretical results and simulation studies.
Chronic lithium treatment induces novel patterns of pendrin localization and expression.

Prolonged lithium treatment is associated with various renal side effects and is known to induce inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) remodeling. In animals treated with lithium, the fraction of ...
Students’ perceptions of adopting minimal transformable wardrobes

ABSTRACTThis exploratory research incorporates the publicly pressed ideas regarding minimal wardrobe adoption with academic research on transformable clothing to evaluate the understanding of sustainability awareness in college students’ life. After their unknown exposure to the instructor’s adoption of minimal transformable wardrobe, the students were surveyed regarding the perceptions of their instructor’s appearance, transformable clothing, gender role in adoption, and reasons for their adoption. Qualitative analysis revealed the perceived benefits of the instructor’s wardrobe adoption, including the themes of simplification, professional appearance, and saving time and money. Students expressed interest in transformable clothing, which could reduce clothing consumption for themselves and other consumers. Gender differences were identified when adopting minimal wardrobe; environmental sustainability and increased work productivity were the main reasons to adopt minimal wardrobe for males and females, r...
Effect of Herbicide Management Practices Used by Invasive Plant Managers on Berteroa incana (Hoary Alyssum) Seed Biology and Control

Hoary alyssum [Berteroa incana (L.) DC.] is a nonnative invasive forb that is noxious in California, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Managing B. incana is difficult, because it has an extended flowering period, during which plants simultaneously flower and produce seeds. Consequently, poorly timed herbicide applications may kill B. incana flowers but not prevent viable seed production. We examined how different herbicide management practices used by invasive plant managers affected B. incana seed production and viability the year of application as well as population density 1 yr after application. Professional invasive plant managers sprayed B. incana with various herbicides as part of their current management practices at six sites in southwestern Montana in summer 2016. We collected B. incana plants at 4 wk postapplication for seed biology analyses. Across the six sites, nonsprayed B. incana produced 5 to 1,855 seeds plant -1 and averaged 429 seeds plant -1 Seed production was reduced by 64% to 99% with 7 of the 11 herbicide applications. Berteroa incana seed viability in nonsprayed areas averaged 53% and ranged from 36% to 73% across the sites. Nine of the 10 herbicide applications used by invasive plant managers reduced seed viability 49% to 100%. Few of the herbicide management practices reduced B. incana's population density the following growing season, suggesting that managers should expect reoccurring infestations at least 1 yr after application. Our results show that invasive plant managers can reduce B. incana viable seed production even when spraying plants that have flowered and formed seed pods. However, sites may need to be monitored for additional years to treat reoccurring infestations.
A semi-analytic approach to model signal plans in urban corridors and its application in metaheuristic optimization

This article introduces a new formulation for modeling and evaluating the effects of traffic signal timing over arterial roads, based on the Lighthill Whitham Richards model. We introduce a Hamilto...
A new class of analysis-based fast transforms

We introduce a new approach to the rapid numerical application to arbitrary vectors of certain types of linear operators. Inter alia, our scheme is applicable to many classical integral transforms, and to the expansions associated with most families of classical special functions; among the latter are Bessel functions, Legendre, Hermite, and Laguerre polynomials, Spherical Harmonics, Prolate Spheroidal Wave functions, and a number of others. In all these cases, the CPU time requirements of our algorithm are of the order O (n log n), where n is the size of the matrix to be applied. The performance of our algorithm is illustrated via a number of numerical examples.
Robust Control of DC-DC Boost Converter by using µ-Synthesis Approach

Abstract Boost converters are used in many renewable energy systems in order to interface a lower voltage source such as a solar array or battery to the dc input of a grid-connected inverter. The boost converter must be controlled in order to correct for the effects of variable input voltages and changing output loads. This paper develops an improved controller design method using a µ-synthesis approach. The goal is to achieve a low order controller that can be implemented at a reduced cost. This is an improvement over H∞ controllers that achieve robust performance with more complex realizations. Detailed simulation results for a wide range of parametric changes in the boost circuit environment confirm the benefits of the proposed method. The results are compared with a PI controller whereby it is shown that µ-synthesis provides improved performance compared to a conventional controller.
Irrigation and its effect on polyphagous shot hole borer attack

Polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB), Euwallacea whitfordiodendrus (Schedl) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae), is an ambrosia beetle that has recently invaded southern California, USA. This beetle successfully attacks and reproduces in a multitude of tree species. As direct control methods are limited, we investigated cultural management options, and sought to determine whether irrigation affects the number of attacks host trees experienced. If irrigation plays a role, cultural control methods could be recommended to managers and growers. Three separate experiments were conducted that monitored the number of attacks on trees with different levels of irrigation. Two experiments examined PSHB attacks in established landscape trees where irrigation was either present or absent. A third experiment used young potted box elder with irrigation controlled with timed emitters. In all three experiments, the level of irrigation received by the trees did not affect the number of attacks. The results suggest that changes in irrigation practices do not affect risk from PSHB attack.
Actinic keratosis area and severity index is not correlated with photodynamic therapy procedural pain.

Abstract Background The Actinic Keratosis Area and Severity Index (AKASI) is a validated quantitative tool used to measure the severity of actinic keratoses. Given the success of AKASI in measuring outcomes and therapies related to actinic damage, we hypothesized that AKASI would be correlated to photodynamic therapy (PDT)-related pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate AKASI’s correlation with PDT-associated pain for patients with AKs being treated with 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) PDT. Methods Thirty consecutive patients being treated for AKs with ALA PDT on the face and/or scalp were recruited from a single center. The AKASI of the treated areas were collected. The patient underwent a standard treatment with ALA-PDT for a total of 10 J/cm2 to treated area. Immediate post-procedural pain scores were measured using a visual-analog pain scale. Pain and AKASI scores were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results AKASI was not correlated to pain score (Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.027, p = 0.87). In sub-group analyses, there was no strong correlation between the scalp AKASI or face AKASI and respective pain scores (p = 0.59 and p = 0.38, respectively). Furthermore, there was no strong correlation between the individual components of AKASI and pain score: distribution (p = 0.26), erythema (p = 0.66) and thickness (p = 0.43). Conclusion There is no correlation between the AKASI score and perceived pain from PDT. Therefore, the need for pain relief using a fan and evaporative cooling should be anticipated for all patients. We feel that this negative result is noteworthy as it supports mechanisms outside of AK destruction as the cause of immediate PDT-related pain.
Positioning public health surveillance for observational studies and clinical trials: The St. Louis region-wide hospital-based violence intervention program data repository

Abstract Introduction Firearm injuries are a public health epidemic in the United States, yet a comprehensive national database for patients with firearm injuries does not exist. Here we describe the methods for a study to develop and query a new regional database of all patients who present to a St. Louis level I trauma hospital with a violent injury, the St. Louis Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program Data Repository (STL-HVIP-DR). We hypothesize that the STL-HVIP-DR will facilitate identification of patients at risk for violent injury and serve as a comparison population for participants enrolled in clinical trials. Methods The STL-HVIP-DR includes all visits made for violent injury to four level I trauma hospitals in St. Louis, Missouri between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2019. Two health systems representing the four participating hospitals executed a data sharing agreement to aggregate clinical data on firearm injuries, stabbings, and blunt assaults. Dataset variables include demographic hospital and timestamp, medical, and insurance information. Results A preliminary cross-sectional query of the STL-HVIP-DR reveals 121,955 patient visits among the four partner level I trauma hospitals for a violent injury between 2010 and 2019. This includes over 18,000 patient visits for firearm injury. Discussion The STL-HVIP-DR repository fills a critical gap regarding identification and outcomes among individuals who are violently injured, especially those with non-lethal firearm injuries. It is our hope that the methods presented in this paper will serve as a primer to develop repositories to help target violence prevention services in other regions.
Finding a New Fit for Student Success: Librarians as Agents of Teaching Innovation and Institutional Change

This article describes the role of librarians as integral partners in the development and implementation of an innovative university quality enhancement plan designed to promote success for undergr...
A Correlation between Upper Extremity Compressive Neuropathy and Nerve Compression Headache.

BACKGROUND Compressive neuropathies of the head/neck that trigger headaches and entrapment neuropathies of the extremities have traditionally been perceived as separate clinical entities. Given significant overlap in clinical presentation, treatment, and anatomical abnormality, the authors aimed to elucidate the relationship between nerve compression headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome, and other upper extremity compression neuropathies. METHODS One hundred thirty-seven patients with nerve compression headaches who underwent surgical nerve deactivation were included. A retrospective chart review was conducted and the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, and cubital tunnel syndrome was recorded. Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and thoracic outlet syndrome who had a history of surgery and/or positive imaging findings in addition to confirmed diagnosis were included. Patients with subjective report of carpal tunnel syndrome/thoracic outlet syndrome/cubital tunnel syndrome were excluded. Prevalence was compared to general population data. RESULTS The cumulative prevalence of upper extremity neuropathies in patients undergoing surgery for nerve compression headaches was 16.7 percent. The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome was 10.2 percent, which is 1.8- to 3.8-fold more common than in the general population. Thoracic outlet syndrome prevalence was 3.6 percent, with no available general population data for comparison. Cubital tunnel syndrome prevalence was comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS The degree of overlap between nerve compression syndromes of the head/neck and upper extremity suggests that peripheral nerve surgeons should be aware of this correlation and screen affected patients comprehensively. Similar patient presentation, treatment, and anatomical basis of nerve compression make either amenable to treatment by nerve surgeons, and treatment of both entities should be an integral part of a formal peripheral nerve surgery curriculum.
The role of the visual system's orientation mechanisms in the perception of spatial aliasing

While visual models have been used for several decades to improve the perceived image quality of image processing algorithms and display design, the complexity of these visual models has been steadily increasing as progress is made in basic visual science. Beginning in the early 1990's applied visual models began to use not only a multiband approach in radial spatial frequency (e.g., the Laplacian pyramid) but also in orientation. At this point, the ability to predict the important effects of masking became more accurate. This paper will provide a close look at the role of these orientation bands in the application image scaling, which must balance the tradeoffs between sharpness, aliasing, and ringing, all acting in concert with the masking caused by the signal itself.
Determinants of Municipal Bond Ratings for General‐Purpose Governments: An Empirical Analysis

In the wake of the destabilization of the tax-exempt bond insurance industry, this paper presents an ordered probit model of the determinants of the credit ratings of 965 county and city governments from throughout the nation. The underlying Moody's rating of these governments is posited as a function of a vector of publicly available economic, demographic, governmental, fiscal, and financial variables. The empirical results demonstrate the relative importance of economic base diversity, the growth rates of earnings, and population as well as existing full faith and credit debt on credit ratings. Additionally, our findings support the proposition that the existence of tax limits reduce the perception of credit quality, while expenditure limits raise credit ratings.
Evaluation of weed control and phytotoxicity of preemergence herbicides applied to container-grown herbaceous and woody plants

Abstract Six different preemergence herbicides were used with eight different plant species to evaluate weed control efficacy and possible phytotoxicity. The species used were Stachys byzantina C. Koch (lamb's ears), Campanula persicifolia L. (peachleaf bellflower), Achillea millefolium L. ‘Summer Pastel’ (common yarrow), Coreopsis lanceolata L. (Lance coreopsis), Gypsophila pacifica Kom. (baby's breath), Wisteria sinensis Sims (Chinese wisteria), Syringa vulgaris L. (common lilac), Phlox paniculata L. (perennial phlox), Dahlia Cav. x hybrida (garden dahlia). Herbicides were applied to the soil surface at rates of lx and 2x as recommended by the label. The herbicides and rates were as follows: Pennant (Dual) 7.8 Liquid, 4.6, 9.1 kg ai/ha (4, 8 lb ai/A); Gallery 75DF, 1.1, 2.3 kg ai/ha (1, 2 lb ai/A); Ronstar 2G, 4.5, 9.0 kg ai/ha (4, 8 lb ai/A); Rout 3G, 3.4, 6.8, 13.6 kg ai/ha (3, 6, 12 lb ai/A); Surflan AS, 2.3, 4.6 kg ai/ha (2, 4 lb ai/A); and Treflan 5G, 4.5, 9.0 kg ai/ha (4, 8 lbs ai/A). Weed seeds o...
Interference in glucose and other clinical chemistry assays by thiocyanate and cyanide in a patient treated with nitroprusside

A 3-year-old patient treated with nitroprusside for congestive heart failure had 6.5 mmol/L thiocyanate (toxic, >1.5 mmol/L) and 110 micromol/L cyanide (toxic, >5 micromol/L) present in her blood. At this time a whole-blood glucose concentration assayed on the Nova Stat Profile 5 Plus (Stat Profile) was 25.1 mmol/L. Plasma from that specimen analyzed on a Kodak Ektachem 700 analyzer (E700) indicated 5.2 mmol/L glucose. We investigated the potential interference of dissolved thiocyanate or cyanide on glucose and other routine assays. Toxic concentrations of thiocyanate increased Stat Profile glucose values and E700 total calcium, chloride, and creatinine values. Stat Profile ionized calcium values were decreased by toxic concentrations of thiocyanate. Cyanide (100 micromol/L) decreased alanine aminotransferase activity measured on the E700. Interference with the Stat Profile glucose assay may have been caused by thiocyanate oxidation at the glucose electrode.
A general anisotropic yield criterion for pressure-dependent materials

Abstract Many engineering materials exhibit strong anisotropy along with a pressure dependence on the plastic yield behavior. The ability to predict the effects of pressure dependence and plastic anisotropy of these materials on their respective yield surfaces is important for accurately analyzing their behavior during deformation. The current work develops a general anisotropic yield criterion that includes the capability of modeling pressure-dependent effects either additively or multiplicatively in the yield criterion at the onset and during the evolution of plastic deformation. The developed yield criterion can be used to represent both quadratic and non-quadratic yield surfaces and has no restrictions on the symmetricity of the plastic behavior, allowing the entire spectrum from isotropic to fully anisotropic. The pressure dependence of the yield criterion and the corresponding plastic rate of deformation equation are expressed as general functional forms to allow development and incorporation of new pressure dependence functions or to accept existing pressure dependence functions directly. Therefore, the developed yield criterion can be used as a framework for accurately modeling the plastic behavior of various material systems, largely reducing the complexity in yield surface description for different classes of materials and allowing a systematic approach for implementation in numerical analysis procedures such as the finite element method. Two existing pressure-dependent models are reformulated to show the applicability of the general yield criterion framework presented herein to developing new non-quadratic anisotropic models with a dependence on pressure. While the general yield criterion is developed as an extension of a specific non-quadratic anisotropic yield criterion, the same model development methodology can be applied to other novel or existing yield criteria that are defined in the deviatoric stress space.
In vitro enzymatic degradation kinetics of polymeric blends of crosslinked starch and carboxymethyl cellulose

Hydrophilic blend matrices of crosslinked starch and carboxymethyl cellulose were synthesized and their susceptibilities to enzymatic degradation were assessed by taking α-amylase as a model enzyme. The polymeric blends were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The influence of the chemical compositions of the blends, and the pH values and temperatures of the α-amylase solutions was investigated by studying the swelling and degradation kinetics of the blends. The impact of the concentrations of the enzyme solutions on the degradation profiles was also examined. The blends were found to exhibit a mixed type of degradation mechanism, ie both diffusion and surface erosion. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Phase diagrams and critical behavior of Ising square lattices with nearest-, next-nearest-, and third-nearest-neighbor couplings.

Monte Carlo simulations are used to study the location and nature of phase boundaries for Ising square lattices with antiferromagnetic coupling ${J}_{\mathrm{NN}}$ between nearest neighbors and additional interactions ${J}_{\mathrm{NNN}}$ between next-nearest neighbors and ${J}_{3\mathrm{N}\mathrm{N}}$ between third-nearest neighbors. Results in zero magnetic field are obtained for a wide range of R=${J}_{\mathrm{NNN}/{J}_{\mathrm{NN}}}$ and R'=${J}_{3\mathrm{N}\mathrm{N}/{J}_{\mathrm{NN}}}$. In addition to the c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2) and (2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) phases, which also occur for R'=0, we find new (4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4) and (4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2) ordered states, for R'\ensuremath{\ne}0, which are separated from the disordered state by lines of first-order transitions. The nonuniversal critical behavior of the (2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) phase is studied using the block-distribution method and finite-size scaling. The possible existence of incommensurate phases is also explored.
Microglia Activation as a Biomarker for Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has become the signature wound of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Injury may result from a mechanical force, a rapid acceleration-deceleration movement, or a blast wave. A cascade of secondary cell death events ensues after the initial injury. In particular, multiple inflammatory responses accompany TBI. A series of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines spreads to normal brain areas juxtaposed to the core impacted tissue. Among the repertoire of immune cells involved, microglia is a key player in propagating inflammation to tissues neighboring the core site of injury. Neuroprotective drug trials in TBI have failed, likely due to their sole focus on abrogating neuronal cell death and ignoring the microglia response despite these inflammatory cells’ detrimental effects on the brain. Another relevant point to consider is the veracity of results of animal experiments due to deficiencies in experimental design, such as incomplete or inadequate method description, data misinterpretation and reporting may introduce bias and give false-positive results. Thus, scientific publications should follow strict guidelines that include randomization, blinding, sample-size estimation and accurate handling of all data (Landis et al., 2012). A prolonged state of inflammation after brain injury may linger for years and predispose patients to develop other neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. TBI patients display progressive and long-lasting impairments in their physical, cognitive, behavioral, and social performance. Here, we discuss inflammatory mechanisms that accompany TBI in an effort to increase our understanding of the dynamic pathological condition as the disease evolves over time and begin to translate these findings for defining new and existing inflammation-based biomarkers and treatments for TBI.
Reactions of b-cytochromes with ATP and antimycin A in pigeon heart mitochondria

In pigeon heart mitochondria antimycin A induces a red shift of less than 1 nm in the λmax of ferrocytochrome bK (Em7.0 + 40 mV; λmax 561 nm) but not of ferro-cytochrome bT (Em7.0 - 30 mV; λmax 565 nm). Antimycin A inhibits the ability of ATP to induce a measurable high-potential cytochrome bT. The stoichiometry of these interactions is one antimycin A per cytochrome bK or cytochrome bT. Antimycin A binding to mitochondrial membranes elicits no significant alteration of the oxidation-reduction midpoint potential of either cytochrome bK or T in the resting state. No spectrophotometric alterations were detected in either ferrocytochrome b on addition of ATP.
Viscous film flow in the stagnation region of the jet impinging on planar surface

A capillary jet of liquid impinges on a planar surface that is normally oriented to the axis of the jet. The surface is initially covered with a thin uniform film of a viscous liquid. The impact and radial spreading of the liquid from the jet cause the underlying viscous film to be removed from the surface. An approximate analysis predicts the thinning rate of the film in the stagnation region of the jet. It uses the shear stress and pressure distribution of the classical Homann flow as boundary conditions for an analytical solution of the Reynolds lubrication equations in this underlying viscous film. A more exact analysis modifies the Homann flow to account for the mobility of the liquid film beneath the spreading jet and sheds light on the limitations of the analytical lubrication analysis. Data presented are in excellent agreement with the theory, subject only to the choice of a value for the hydrodynamic constant that appears in the Homann analysis.
Regional effects of the minimum wage on teenage employment

previous research on the minimum wage using national-level data concludes that the minimum wage has a small effect on the employment of teenagers. This paper provides new evidence that there is substantial regional variation in the effect of the minimum wage, and in some regions it has a decidedly larger impact on teenage employment than previously measured Estimates from a panel data set of the US states suggest that the minimum wage may cause almost a 7% reduction in teenage employment in some regions. This results is robust to different econometric specifications, and holds whether a relative or real specification of the estimating equation is used.
A Network Evaluation of Attitudes Toward Gays and Lesbians Among U.S. Military Cadets

The U.S. military's ban on open homosexuality has become an increasingly salient issue since its implementation in 1993 and its repeal in 2011. The military is an organization with a unique professional and social organization. Evaluating military attitudes from a network perspective may offer insight into the role of formal and informal leadership in engendering attitudinal change and cultural tolerance around homosexuality. This study evaluates the role of network centrality and network exposure across formal (command networks) and informal (friendship and perceived leadership networks) structures on attitudes toward homosexuality in the military. This work analyzes survey data from a single cadet company within the U.S. Military Academy (n = 139) prior to the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Results indicate that popular students tend to show tolerance toward homosexuality, whereas those who hold command leadership positions are more likely to have personal and professional opposition to homosexuality. In addition, formal superior-subordinate relationships are somewhat more likely to suggest social contagion compared to informal leadership and friendship relationships. Recommendations offer guidance for training strategies particularly with respect to a military leaders and socialization. Future research should monitor these issues relative to the post-DADT environment.
Ives’ harmonic language

The music of Ives has long been considered some‐what of an enigma, especially with regard to pitch organization and, specifically, harmonic relations. The consistency of development away from tonality which characterized Schoenberg and the Viennese school is seemingly lacking in Ives output with mature works (Concord Sonata, Fourth Symphony, et al.) being basically atonal but containing sections and even entire movements within a diatonic tonal framework. The reasons behind this seeming inconsistency are manifold and, in effect, determine the aesthetic of Charles Ives.
Relationship of Trait Anger and Anger Expression to C-Reactive Protein in Postmenopausal Women

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death for women worldwide. Chronic inflammation and risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, and high cholesterol, are well-established risk factors for CHD. Little is known, however, about the mechanisms by which psychosocial factors, such as general anger proneness (trait anger) and anger expression style, may be associated with proinflammatory processes that contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in women. Our purpose in conducting this study was to examine the relationship of trait anger and anger expression to the proinflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP). A cross-sectional between-groups design was used to determine differences in serum levels of CRP in 42 American postmenopausal women, ages 45 to 65, who scored high on the selected anger characteristics, compared with women with lower scores. We did not find differences between high anger women and low anger women in mean levels of CRP, but we did find significant inverse relationships between CRP and some anger control characteristics. Specific health-promoting anger coping behaviors could minimize the deleterious effects of inflammatory responses in postmenopausal women.
Variation in Clinician Recommendations for Multiple Injections During Adoption of Inactivated Polio Vaccine

Objectives. To describe variation in clinician recommendations for multiple injections during the adoption of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) in 2 large health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and to test the hypothesis that variation in recommendations would be associated with variation in immunization coverage rates. Design. Cross-sectional study based on a survey of clinician practices 1 year after IPV was recommended and computerized immunization data from these clinicians9 patients. Study Settings. Two large West Coast HMOs: Kaiser Permanente in Northern California and Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound. Outcome Measures. Immunization status of 8-month-olds and 24-month-olds cared for by the clinicians during the study. Results. More clinicians at Group Health (82%), where a central guideline was issued, had adopted the IPV/oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) sequential schedule than at Kaiser (65%), where no central guideline was issued. Clinicians at both HMOs said that if multiple injections fell due at a visit and they elected to defer some vaccines, they would be most likely to defer the hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) for infants (40%). At Kaiser, IPV users were more likely than OPV users to recommend the first HBV at birth (64% vs 28%) or if they did not, to defer the third HBV to 8 months or later (62% vs 39%). In multivariate analyses, patients whose clinicians used IPV were as likely to be fully immunized at 8 months old as those whose clinicians used all OPV. At Kaiser, where there was variability in the maximum number of injections clinicians recommended at infant visits, providers who routinely recommended 3 or 4 injections at a visit had similar immunization coverage rates as those who recommended 1 or 2. At both HMOs, clinicians who strongly recommended all possible injections at a visit had higher immunization coverage rates at 8 months than those who offered parents the choice of deferring some vaccines to a subsequent visit (at Kaiser, odds ratio [OR]: 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–1.5; at Group Health, OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1–2.8). Conclusions. Neither IPV adoption nor the use of multiple injections at infant visits were associated with reductions in immunization coverage. However, at the HMO without centralized immunization guidelines, IPV adoption was associated with changes in the timing of the first and third HBV. Clinical policymakers should continue to monitor practice variation as future vaccines are added to the infant immunization schedule.
The influence of localized electronic states on the photoelectrochemical behavior of passive films

Abstract The Poole-Frenkel effect describes the influence of a superimposed electric field on the escape probability of a charge carrier from a localized electronic state. This effect, including the possibility of tunneling through the escape barrier, is applied to photoinduced currents in disordered materials. Model calculations are performed to obtain photocurrents, resulting from sub-band gap adsorption, in a thin passive film. At high fields, which correspond to moderate potential drops in the passive film, the escape probability is increased due to tunneling contributions.A comparison with experimental results show that the Poole-Frenkel effect can be important for describing the photoelectrochemical behavior of passive films. The sub-band gap photocurrent behavior of ion implanted passive films on hafnium indicates that tunneling contributions exist at high fields, which is inferred from the results of the model calculations.
Into the Cuckoo's Nest: "Silver Linings Playbook" and Movies about Odd People.

Odd people have always been identified and often treated differently in human societies. In modern times, they have been described as being afflicted with a psychological condition to be treated by specialists and assigned to a “crazy” category by general society. Movies about such odd people have a long history. A recent movie, Silver Linings Playbook, presents a picture of mental patients displaying symptoms, but accepted into their home community. A pair of them shows the beginnings of a subcultural community among “odd people,” a version that has not been seen before.
SOCIAL LINGUISTICS AND LITERACIES: IDEOLOGY IN DISCOURSES (2nd ed.). James Paul Gee. Bristol, PA: Taylor & Francis, 1996. Pp. xi + 218. $75.00 cloth, $25.95 paper.

Social linguistics is now in its second edition and has been integrated into a series of publications edited by Allan Luke entitled Critical perspectives on literacy and education. Thoroughly revising his first edition, Gee offers researchers, teachers, and students a challenging compendium of theory and analysis of language use in society. He integrates social and political relations of power and dominance into his discussion of literacies, highlighting the potential ideological conflicts between non-mainstream communities and schools, conflicts rooted in divergent uses, and evaluations of language.
Large-Scale Estimation in Cyberphysical Systems Using Streaming Data: A Case Study With Arterial Traffic Estimation

Controlling and analyzing cyberphysical and robotics systems is increasingly becoming a Big Data challenge. We study the case of predicting drivers' travel times in a large urban area from sparse GPS traces. We present a framework that can accommodate a wide variety of traffic distributions and spread all the computations on a cluster to achieve small latencies. Our framework is built on Discretized Streams, a recently proposed approach to stream processing at scale. We demonstrate the usefulness of Discretized Streams with a novel algorithm to estimate vehicular traffic in urban networks. Our online EM algorithm can estimate traffic on a very large city network (the San Francisco Bay Area) by processing tens of thousands of observations per second, with a latency of a few seconds.