cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The quantum mechanics-based polarizable force field for water simulations.

We report here a new force field for water based solely on quantum mechanics (QM) calculations with no empirical data. The QM was at a high level, coupled cluster single double triple, for all orientations and distances for water dimer plus X3LYP density functional theory (DFT) on 19 larger water clusters. In addition, we included charge and polarization based on the polarizable charge equilibration method and nonbond interactions from DFT-D3 calculations on the H2 and O2 crystal. This model, denoted as RexPoN, provides quite excellent agreement with experimental (expr) data for the solid and liquid phase of water: Tmelt = 273.3 K (expr = 273.15 K) and properties at 298 K: ΔHvap = 10.36 kcal/mol (expr = 10.52), density = 0.9965 gr/cm3 (expr = 0.9965), entropy = 68.4 (J/mol)/K (expr = 69.9), dielectric constant = 76.1 (expr = 78.4), and ln Ds (self-diffusion coef) = −10.08 (expr = −11.24). Such an accurate force field for water will, we believe, be useful for full solvent calculations of electrocatalysis, where we can restrict QM water to just the first one or two layers involving reactions, using RexPoN to provide the polarization for a more distant solvent. Also, RexPoN may provide a better description of the solvent for proteins, DNA, polymers, and inorganic systems for applications to biomolecular, pharma, electrocatalysis (fuel cells and water splitting), and batteries where interaction with explicit water molecules plays a significant role.We report here a new force field for water based solely on quantum mechanics (QM) calculations with no empirical data. The QM was at a high level, coupled cluster single double triple, for all orientations and distances for water dimer plus X3LYP density functional theory (DFT) on 19 larger water clusters. In addition, we included charge and polarization based on the polarizable charge equilibration method and nonbond interactions from DFT-D3 calculations on the H2 and O2 crystal. This model, denoted as RexPoN, provides quite excellent agreement with experimental (expr) data for the solid and liquid phase of water: Tmelt = 273.3 K (expr = 273.15 K) and properties at 298 K: ΔHvap = 10.36 kcal/mol (expr = 10.52), density = 0.9965 gr/cm3 (expr = 0.9965), entropy = 68.4 (J/mol)/K (expr = 69.9), dielectric constant = 76.1 (expr = 78.4), and ln Ds (self-diffusion coef) = −10.08 (expr = −11.24). Such an accurate force field for water will, we believe, be useful for full solvent calculations of electrocatalysis, ...
Illicit Drug Use and Substance Abuse

Abuse of legal and illegal substances during pregnancy presents management challenges to both obstetricians and anesthesiologists. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes are adversely affected in most parturients who abuse drugs. Antepartum maternal and fetal surveillance is increased over that in nonsubstance abusing women. While peripartum obstetric management is typically not changed, anesthetic management is often affected by alterations in anesthetic drug requirements and abnormal maternal hemodynamic responses to their administration. Post-delivery pain management is often challenging.
Toileting Behaviors of Women—What is Healthy?

Purpose:The objective of this study was to assess toileting behaviors in community dwelling women.Materials and Methods:Women 18 years old or older were recruited through a national registry of research volunteers. They were asked to complete validated questionnaires assessing urinary symptoms and toileting behaviors, specifically place preference for voiding, convenience voiding, delayed voiding, straining during voiding and position preference for voiding. The PPBC (patient perception of bladder condition) was administered to assess the participant impression of bladder health. Analyses were done to determine the prevalence of each toileting behavior reported to occur sometimes or more often as well as differences in toileting behaviors in women with vs without self-perceived bladder problems based on the PPBC response.Results:The 6,695 women who completed the questionnaires were 18 to 89 years old (mean ± SD age 41.4 ± 15). Of the women 79.9% identified as white and 71.0% were college educated. Of the ...
Subcutaneous furosemide for the treatment of heart failure: a state-of-the art review

The prevalence of heart failure (HF) is on the rise. By 2030, over eight million Americans (46% increase from current prevalence) will have heart failure. In the USA, approximately 30 billion dollars is spent annually on heart failure and this number will likely double in 2030. Thus, HF represents a significant economic burden. Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a clinical spectrum, which refers to increasing symptoms and signs of heart failure prompting an emergency room visit or hospitalization. In ADHF, inpatient administration of intravenous diuretic is the standard of care due to the variability in the absorption of oral diuretics. Within 30 days, 25–30% of these patients are readmitted with recurrent ADHF. Recent efforts have focused in reducing HF readmission, and thereby decreasing costs; hence, innovative outpatient treatment options have emerged. Subcutaneous furosemide use will potentially overcome the need to place intravenous lines, reduce associated expenses, and enable management of ADHF at home. This review presents data on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous furosemide, scientific evidence on the use of this therapy in the palliative and hospice population, and its experimental use as an outpatient therapy and/or as a bridge from inpatient to home.
Bilevel Programming Weight Minimization of Composite Flying-Wing Aircraft with Curvilinear Spars and Ribs

This paper studies weight minimization of a composite flying-wing aircraft using bioinspired arbitrarily shaped spars and ribs, known as SpaRibs, for the internal structural layout design. A genera...
Protection Efficacy of a Recombinant Herpesvirus of Turkey Vaccine Against Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus Administered In Ovo to Broilers at Three Standardized Doses.

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a highly contagious respiratory disease of chickens that produces significant economic losses to the poultry industry. The disease is caused by Gallid alpha herpesvirus-1 (GaHV-1), commonly known as the infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV). Vaccination remains necessary for the control of the disease. Due to the inherent virulence of live attenuated vaccines, in particular that of the chicken embryo origin (CEO) vaccines, the use of ILT viral vector recombinant vaccines has significantly expanded worldwide as a safer vaccination strategy. However, the protective efficacy of recombinant ILT vaccines can be compromised by the use of fractional doses and improper handling and administration of the vaccine. The objective of this study was twofold: 1) to evaluate the protection efficacy induced by a commercial recombinant HVT-LT (rHVT-LT) vaccine when administered in ovo to broilers at three standardized doses (6000 plaque-forming units [PFU], 3000 PFU, and 1000 PFU), and 2) to assess the potential of rHVT-LT–vaccinated chickens to spread virus to contact chickens after challenge. Independently of the vaccine dose, vaccinated chickens showed reduction in clinical signs, maintained body weight gain after challenge, and lessened the challenge virus replication in the trachea at a rate of 52%–65%. However, in spite of this reduction, transmission of challenge virus from rHVT-LT–vaccinated (6000/Ch, 3000/Ch) to contact-naive chickens was evident. This study is the first to support that rHVT-LT vaccination did not prevent spread of challenge virus to contact birds.
Impact of the revised haemodynamic definition on the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Introduction Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is one of the leading causes of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We explored the impact of the updated haemodynamic definition of pulmonary hypertension (PH), as proposed by the 6th World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension. Methods In this single-centre retrospective analysis, patients with SSc who had right heart catheterisation (RHC) were included. We compared the prior PH definition to the updated PH definition. The prior definition classified PH as mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) ≥25 mmHg and further divided into pre-capillary PH (PAH and PH due to lung disease and/or hypoxia), post-capillary PH, and combined pre- and post-capillary PH groups. For the updated definition, PH was classified as mPAP >20 mmHg and further divided into the different groups. We validated our findings in the DETECT cohort. Results Between 2005 and March 2019, 268 RHCs were performed in this single-centre cohort. Using the prior definition, 137 (51%) were diagnosed with PH, with 89 classified as pre-capillary PH (56 with PAH and 33 with PH due to lung disease and/or hypoxia), 29 as post-capillary PH, and 19 as combined pre- and post-capillary PH. When the updated definition was applied to the cohort, seven out of 131 (5%) with no PH were reclassified to pre-capillary PH (PAH (n=1), PH due to lung disease (n=3) and post-capillary PH (n=3)). In those with mPAP 21–24 mmHg, with no left heart or significant lung disease, one out of 28 (4%) in our cohort and four out of 36 (11%) in the DETECT cohort were reclassified as PAH. Conclusion The updated PH definition does not appear to have a significant impact on the diagnosis of PH in two different screening cohorts.
Characterizing and dissociating multiple time-varying modulatory computations influencing neuronal activity

In many brain areas, sensory responses are heavily modulated by factors including attentional state, context, reward history, motor preparation, learned associations, and other cognitive variables. Modelling the effect of these modulatory factors on sensory responses has proven challenging, mostly due to the time-varying and nonlinear nature of the underlying computations. Here we present a computational model capable of capturing and dissociating multiple time-varying modulatory effects on neuronal responses on the order of milliseconds. The model's performance is tested on extrastriate perisaccadic visual responses in nonhuman primates. Visual neurons respond to stimuli presented around the time of saccades differently than during fixation. These perisaccadic changes include sensitivity to the stimuli presented at locations outside the neuron's receptive field, which suggests a contribution of multiple sources to perisaccadic response generation. Current computational approaches cannot quantitatively characterize the contribution of each modulatory source in response generation, mainly due to the very short timescale on which the saccade takes place. In this study, we use a high spatiotemporal resolution experimental paradigm along with a novel extension of the generalized linear model framework (GLM), termed the sparse-variable GLM, to allow for time-varying model parameters representing the temporal evolution of the system with a resolution on the order of milliseconds. We used this model framework to precisely map the temporal evolution of the spatiotemporal receptive field of visual neurons in the middle temporal area during the execution of a saccade. Moreover, an extended model based on a factorization of the sparse-variable GLM allowed us to disassociate and quantify the contribution of individual sources to the perisaccadic response. Our results show that our novel framework can precisely capture the changes in sensitivity of neurons around the time of saccades, and provide a general framework to quantitatively track the role of multiple modulatory sources over time.
Concerns and Expectations: Burmese Refugee Parents’ Perspectives on Their Children’s Learning in American Schools

The purpose of this study is to explore Burmese refugee parents’ perspectives on the challenges they have experienced and the support that they expect to receive from their children’s schools and teachers. The data sources include interviews and informal conversations during home visits. The findings of this study show that two major challenges experienced by the participants were language barriers and challenges of parent involvement in children’s learning. The findings also indicate two kinds of support that the parents expected to receive from schools: after-school programs and school activities. Based on the findings, teachers and schools should provide after-school support, such as translation services for parents to help them communicate with teachers and understand letters from school. In addition, teachers and schools need to provide more opportunities for refugee parents to participate in school activities so they can be involved in their children’s education and build effective relationships with teachers.
Rolling Element Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on Deep Belief Network and Principal Component Analysis

Rolling element bearings are critical components in industrial rotating machines. Faults and failures of bearings can cause degradation of machine performance or even a catastrophe. Bearing fault diagnosis is therefore essential and significant to safe and reliable operation of systems. For bearing condition monitoring, acoustic emission (AE) signals attract more and more attention due to its advantages on sensitivity over the extensively used vibration signal. In bearing fault diagnosis and prognosis, feature extraction is a critical and tough work, which always involves complex signal processing and computation. Moreover, features greatly rely on the characteristics, operating conditions, and type of data. With consideration of changes in operating conditions and increase of data complexity, traditional diagnosis approaches are insufficient in feature extraction and fault diagnosis. To address this problem, this paper proposes a Deep Belief Network (DBN) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based fault diagnosis approach using AE signal. This proposed approach combines the advantages of deep learning and statistical analysis, DBN automatically extracts features from AE signal, PCA is applied to dimensionality reduction. Different bearing fault modes are identified by least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) using the extracted features. An experimental case is conducted with a tapered roller bearing to verify the proposed approach. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach has excellent feature extraction ability and high fault classification accuracy.
Shot-by-shot stochastic modeling of individual tennis points

Individual tennis points evolve over time and space, as each of the two opposing players are constantly reacting and positioning themselves in response to strikes of the ball. However, these reactions are diminished into simple tally statistics such as the amount of winners or unforced errors a player has. In this paper, a new way is proposed to evaluate how an individual tennis point is evolving, by measuring how many points a player can expect from each shot, given who struck the shot and where both players are located. This measurement, named “Expected Shot Value” (ESV), derives from stochastically modeling each shot of individual tennis points. The modeling will take place on multiple resolutions, differentiating between the continuous player movement and discrete events such as strikes occurring and duration of shots ending. Multi-resolution stochastic modeling allows for the incorporation of information-rich spatiotemporal player-tracking data, while allowing for computational tractability on large amounts of data. In addition to estimating ESV, this methodology will be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of specific players, which will have the ability to guide a player’s in-match strategy.
Basic concepts of genetics and genomics

Abstract An understanding of the relationship between genes or genetic variants and their associated phenotypes forms one cornerstone upon which the practice of genetics has been built, supporting the identification of molecular diagnoses that inform disease management as well as recurrence risks for families. The sections below provide a framework for understanding genomic architecture and DNA structure, genetic and genomic variation, and modes of disease trait inheritance in the context of genetic disease in adults.
Isolated defect evolution in laser accelerated targets

The hydrodynamic growth of pre-imposed isolated defects has been studied with varied laser drive. Targets were machined at NRL by etching narrow isolated grooves into thin polystyrene (CH) foils using femtosecond laser ablation. Two laser pulse shapes were used to drive the foils with and without a thin high-Z overcoat which produced a hybrid indirect–direct drive. The growth rate and saturation time were observed to vary with different laser drives as well as the initial perturbation depth and width. Faster growth was observed with a low adiabat drive both experimentally and in simulations. Hybrid drive reduced the apparent “closure” of defects at late time. Rear-surface structures were observed from the isolated defects, with the largest structures observed from high adiabat square pulses and the smallest from hybrid drive.
Performance Characteristics of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 RT-PCR Tests in a Single Health System: Analysis of >10,000 Results from Three Different Assays.

The current pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in the approval of numerous molecular diagnostic assays with various performance and technical capacities. There are limited data comparing performance among assays. We conducted a retrospective analysis of >10,000 test results among three widely used RT-PCR assays for coronavirus disease 2019 (CDC, Simplexa Direct, and TaqPath) to assess performance characteristics. We also retested remnant weakly positive specimens to assess analytical sensitivity. All assays had strong linear correlation and little bias among CT values for PCR targets. In patients with first-test negative results (n = 811), most (795, 98.0%) remained negative for all subsequent testing. Retesting of weakly positive specimens (CT > 30) showed sensitivities as follows: TaqPath (97.8%), CDC (91%), Simplexa (75.3%). Our analysis showed no performance difference among PCR targets within the same assay, suggesting a single target is sufficient for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Lower respiratory tract specimens had a higher negative predictive value (100%) than upper respiratory tract specimens (98%), highlighting the utility of testing lower respiratory tract specimens when clinically indicated. Negative predictive value did not increase on further repeated testing, providing strong evidence for discouraging unnecessary repeated testing for SARS-CoV-2.
Lag Sequential Analysis: Taking Consultation Communication Research Methodology to the Movies

This study describes lag sequential analysis and its unique contributions to the research literature addressing communication processes in school-based consultation. By assessing the statistical pr...
Double Edged Sword Cardiac Side Effect of Ondansetron: A Case Report

During the intra-operative time under anaesthesia, sudden onset of bradycardia is not unusual. It can be due to deeper planes of anesthesia, high spinal anesthesia, a surgical stimulus of the parasym-pathetic system, already existing cardiac disease, treatment with beta-blockers or use of intraoperative drugs like Clonidine, Dexmedetomidine. Cardiac arrhythmias have been related to ondansetron, especially in patients with QT prolongation. In this chapter, we are reporting the sixth case of Ondansetron induced sudden onset of severe bradycardia which when treated resulted in atrial and ventricular ectopics with hypertension in 25yr old female patient who came for elective Lower Segment Caesarean Section. We strongly believe that Ondansetron is the explanation behind the sudden occurrence of bradycardia in this patient, since even though the patient had SLE, she had no signs of the disease's cardiac involve-ment.
Naloxone availability in independent community pharmacies in Georgia, 2019.

BACKGROUND Increasing the availability of naloxone among people who use opioids, and friends and family of past and present people who use opioids is a vitally important mission to reduce the occurrence of opioid-related overdose deaths. The purpose of this study was to determine the availability of naloxone in independent community pharmacies in Georgia. Secondary objectives include determining pharmacists' knowledge regarding the standing order and ability to counsel regarding naloxone. METHODS A cross-sectional study using a secret shopper approach with phone contact was conducted over a period of 10 months. The study was population based and was conducted at all independent pharmacies in the state of Georgia. All independent community pharmacies in the state of Georgia were contacted and asked the naloxone questions with a 96% response rate (n = 520). RESULTS Five hundred fifty-eight independent community pharmacies were called, with a 96% response rate (n = 520 pharmacies). Two hundred-twenty pharmacies reported having naloxone in stock. Of the 335 pharmacists asked, 174 (51.9%) incorrectly said that a prescription was required. The mean (SD) cash price was $148.02 (27.40), with a range of $0 to $300. Of 237 pharmacists asked who had naloxone in stock or who stated they could get naloxone in stock, 212 stated that they could demonstrate how to use it, 8 stated they could not, and 17 said that they possibly could or were unsure how to use it. CONCLUSIONS This study provided insight into the limited availability of naloxone at independent community pharmacies in Georgia after the standing order was issued. The majority of pharmacists at independent pharmacies in Georgia were not using the publicly available state naloxone standing order. Additionally, the low availability of naloxone and its high cost for uninsured individuals are significant structural barriers for reducing opioid-related mortality.
Nuts and bolts of COVID-19 associated coagulopathy: the essentials for management and treatment.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC) is a well-recognized hematologic complication among patients with severe COVID-19 disease, where macro- and micro-thrombosis can lead to multiorgan injury and failure. Major societal guidelines that have published on the management of CAC are based on consensus of expert opinion, with the current evidence available. As a result of limited studies, there are many clinical scenarios that are yet to be addressed, with expert opinion varying on a number of important clinical issues regarding CAC management. METHODS: In this review, we utilize current societal guidelines to provide a framework for practitioners in managing their patients with CAC. We have also provided three clinical scenarios that implement important principles of anticoagulation in patients with COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Overall, decisions should be made on acase by cases basis and based on the providers understanding of each patient's medical history, clinical course and perceived risk.
Biologic therapies for checkpoint inhibitor-induced cutaneous toxicities: a single-institution study of 17 consecutively treated patients.

Purpose Treatment options for corticosteroid-refractory and/or high-grade checkpoint inhibitor (CPI)-induced cutaneous adverse events (CAEs) are limited; however, anecdotal reports of biologic therapies have been successful. We aim to characterize the appropriate treatment scenarios and safety and efficacy profiles of biologics used to treat patients with CPI-induced CAEs at a single institution. Methods This is a retrospective case series of patients from January 1st, 2015 to October 20th, 2020, with CPI-induced CAEs who were treated with biologics at a single cancer center. Patients were identified using institutional electronic medical record who underwent CPI therapy with subsequent CAEs that necessitated biologic therapy. Diagnostic criteria utilized for CAEs were based on documentation by four board-certified dermatologists, in combination with detailed chart reviews and pathology findings. Primary study outcome measurements include CAE response, tumor response, and adverse events during biologics treatment. Results We identified 17 patients who fit study criteria. Sixteen patients experienced some degree of CAE improvement on biologics, with 10 of 10 patients reaching CAE resolution at 6 months post biologics. Eight patients needed new systemic treatment post biologics treatment, while 9 patients received no further treatment or stayed on the CPI. Thirteen patients tolerated biologics well with no significant adverse events or blood abnormalities, with only 2 patients experiencing biologic dose delays. Conclusion In our cohort, biologics appear to be extremely efficacious in the treatment of severe-grade and/or steroid refractory CAEs. They also appeared to be well-tolerated without overtly negative effects on tumor response. In patients with limited cancer treatment options and good tumor response to CPIs, biologics should be considered for severe-grade and/or refractory CAEs.
Rinse But Don't Repeat: Single Application V.A.C. VERAFLO Salvages Infected Breast Prostheses.

Introduction Existing salvage protocols for infected breast prostheses using negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell (NPWTi-d) require multiple returns to the operating room and prolonged length of stay. We present our expedited salvage protocol and discuss outcomes and associated costs savings. Methods Using a retrospective review, we identified 25 consecutive patients (27 breasts) with peri-prosthetic breast infection. Nine patients (10 breasts) underwent removal of infected breast prostheses followed by autologous or staged implant-based reconstruction. Sixteen patients (17 breasts) underwent our single application salvage protocol. A cost analysis was performed comparing the two groups, and an economic model was used to project the cost savings associated with using single application NPWTi-d protocol. Results Fifteen of the 16 patients (94%) who underwent single application NPWTi-d had successful implant salvage. Average duration of NPWTi-d was 2 days, 7 hours, and average length of stay was 4.43 days. Compared to control, patients who received the single application protocol required significantly fewer hospitalizations and office visits. A total savings of $58,275 could have been achieved by using the single application NPWTi-d protocol in the patients who did not undergo NPWTi-d. Conclusions Single application of NPWTi-d is a simple, safe, and cost-effective technique for salvage of breast prostheses, with 94% success rate, even in immunocompromised patients and severe infection. Compared to previous protocols, ours requires fewer trips to the operating room, shorter length of stay, and more permanent implants placed during salvage. Our protocol is also associated with fewer office visits and fewer returns to the operating room.
Superscalar Processor Verification Using Efficient Reductions of the Logic of Equality with Uninterpreted Functions to Propositional Logic

We present a collection of ideas that allows the pipeline verification method pioneered by Burch and Dill [5] to scale very efficiently to dual-issue superscalar processors. We achieve a significant speedup in the verification of such processors, compared to the result by Burch [6], while using an entirely automatic tool. Instrumental to our success are exploiting the properties of positive equality [3][4] and the simplification capabilities of BDDs.
Current distribution and finite element mesh selection for electrical impedance tomography

The method of Electrical Impedance Tomography was originally developed for clinical applications, and it also shows great potential for process diagnostics. EIT enables the internal impedance distribution within a region to be reconstructed on the basis of electrical measurements taken on the region's periphery. It is limited to systems that consist of a conducting fluid and less conducting solids, and is therefore well suited to most water based slurries that are encountered the mineral industries. Many existing systems rely on fast but often crude algorithms. This study uses an iterative finite element approach, the effectiveness of which has been established in several studies, but, none have explored the combined choice of current projection and mesh geometry on the accuracy and speed of the reconstructions. A scheme is introduced in this paper to select the finite element mesh to improve the conditioning and the speed of the reconstruction. The effect of noise was also studied and the practice of using numerous active electrodes simultaneously was shown to have a superior noise handling capability over the use of two electrodes at a time, as used by other authors. The criteria for the selection of mesh/current projection also provide an efficient framework for adaptive mesh generation.
Educating Management in Z

The Z community is a steadily growing group of people with an interest in the theoretical basis of Z and the practical application of Z to software development. We have a lot of experience in teaching technical people what Z is, and how to use it, and in general we are successful in this teaching process. But there is considerable scope for improvement in the teaching of Z to industrial management, rather than technical staff.
The Tripartite Influence model of body image and eating disturbance: a covariance structure modeling investigation testing the mediational role of appearance comparison.

Recent theoretical approaches to the etiology of eating disorders and body image disturbances have begun to focus on multifactorial models. In the current study, the Tripartite Influence model was examined in a large sample of college females (ages 18-22). This model proposes that three primary core sources of influence--parents, peers and media--contribute to the development of body image and eating disturbances. Additionally, the model suggests that at least two factors mediate the relationship between influences and disturbance-appearance comparison and internalization of media information. In this study, appearance comparison was examined as a mediational link between peer, family and media influence variables and the outcome disturbance measures of eating dysfunction and body image dissatisfaction. Covariance structure modeling (CSM) was used to test the proposed pathways. The results indicated that appearance comparison mediated the effects of family and media influences on body dissatisfaction, which in turn influenced restrictive and bulimic behaviors. In addition, peer influences had a direct influence on restriction. Perfectionism was hypothesized to relate to body dissatisfaction, but was in fact found to influence appearance comparison. The findings were limited by the necessity of several modifications to the originally proposed models, yet offer replication and extension of previous work with appearance comparison and support for further testing of the Tripartite Influence model.
Heat Transfer Processes and Modeling of Arc Discharges

Abstract Energy transfer from an arc is of crucial importance in numerous applications, and its control will frequently determine the viability of a process or a device. Heat transfer from an arc plasma is characterized by several distinct features, such as transport of dissociation and ionization energy and of electrical charges in addition to mass transport. Any model of an arc therefore must contain not only the conservation of mass, momentum and energy, but also Maxwell's equation and current conservation. Furthermore, usually an arc is at least partially in a non-equilibrium state, and the model has to be adjusted to the specific non-equilibrium conditions. The thermodynamic and transport properties required for the model description of the arc represent one of the most important input, and a significant part of this contribution is devoted to a review of these properties for equilibrium and for kinetic non-equilibrium conditions. The arc models are introduced with a very simple one-dimensional example, but then equations and results are presented for two-dimensional and three-dimensional cases. The heat transfer is discussed with emphasis on heat transfer to the electrodes, and results of models with different assumptions are presented. The advantages and shortcomings of the present approaches are briefly summarized in the conclusions.
Continuum regularization of quantum field theory. (III). The QCD4 β-function

Abstract A Schwinger-Dyson renormalization program is formulated for continuum-regularized QCD 4 . Ward identities are verified at one loop, and the usual one-loop β-function is obtained.
Analysis and properties of carotenoids in vivo and in vitro

OF THE THESIS ANALYSIS AND PROPERTIES OF CAROTENOIDS IN VIVO AND IN VITRO by Yisi Cao Florida International University, 2007 Miami, Florida Professor John T. Landrum, Major Professor The purpose of this study was to develop a deeper understanding of the nature of carotenoid metabolism in the human and primate retina. We have sought to do this from two perspectives (1) through preparation and study of a carotenoid diketone that is a candidate metabolic product and (2) through measurement of the carotenoid distribution in the retinas of neonatal macaques. In this thesis we report the synthesis, purification, and characterization of the product using HPLC, UV/Vis, MS, 1H-NMR. The data obtained are all consistent with the proposed p,P-carotene-3,3'-dione. There has been no thorough study of the development of the macular pigment during the earliest stages of life immediately following birth. In this study 30 macaque retinas ranging from 148 days of gestation to 15 years in age were analyzed. The amounts of the carotenoids, lutein, R,R-zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin were determined using C 18 reversed-phase column and chiral, normal-phase column HPLC.
Ultrastructure of Mycoplasma laidlawii During Culture Development

Mycoplasma laidlawii B has been studied by phase-contrast and electron microscopy (thin-section and negative staining). Exponential-phase cells are filaments with the following structures: surface unit membrane, nuclear material, ribosomes, and intracellular granular region. These cells appear to reproduce by binary fission. In stationary phase, the filamentous cells have numerous constrictions, giving them a beaded appearance. Nonviable death-phase cultures contain cellular debris: swollen cells, granular bodies, and other aberrant forms.
The extent and distribution of linkage disequilibrium in a multi-hierarchic outbred canine pedigree

A canine integrated linkage-radiation map has been recently constructed by using microsatellite markers. This map, with a good coverage of the canine genome, allows for a genome-wide search for the extent and distribution of linkage disequilibrium derived from linkage and evolutionary forces. In this study, we genotyped an outbred pedigree between Labrador retriever and Greyhound breeds with a set of microsatellite markers (240) from the canine linkage map. Linkage disequilibrium was measured between all syntenic and nonsyntenic marker pairs. Analysis of syntenic pairs revealed a significant correlation (−0.229, P 40 cM. There is a clear trend for linkage disequilibrium to decline with marker distance. From our results, a genome-wide screen with markers at low to moderate density (1–2 per 10 cM) should take full advantage of linkage disequilibrium for quantitative trait locus mapping in dogs. This study supports the appropriateness of linkage disequilibrium analysis to detect and map quantitative trait loci underlying complex traits in dogs.
Measuring resetting of brain dynamics at epileptic seizures: application of global optimization and spatial synchronization techniques

Epileptic seizures are manifestations of intermittent spatiotemporal transitions of the human brain from chaos to order. Measures of chaos, namely maximum Lyapunov exponents (STL max ), from dynamical analysis of the electroencephalograms (EEGs) at critical sites of the epileptic brain, progressively converge (diverge) before (after) epileptic seizures, a phenomenon that has been called dynamical synchronization (desynchronization). This dynamical synchronization/desynchronization has already constituted the basis for the design and development of systems for long-term (tens of minutes), on-line, prospective prediction of epileptic seizures. Also, the criterion for the changes in the time constants of the observed synchronization/desynchronization at seizure points has been used to show resetting of the epileptic brain in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), a phenomenon that implicates a possible homeostatic role for the seizures themselves to restore normal brain activity. In this paper, we introduce a new criterion to measure this resetting that utilizes changes in the level of observed synchronization/desynchronization. We compare this criterion’s sensitivity of resetting with the old one based on the time constants of the observed synchronization/desynchronization. Next, we test the robustness of the resetting phenomena in terms of the utilized measures of EEG dynamics by a comparative study involving STL max , a measure of phase (φ max ) and a measure of energy (E) using both criteria (i.e. the level and time constants of the observed synchronization/desynchronization). The measures are estimated from intracranial electroencephalographic (iEEG) recordings with subdural and depth electrodes from two patients with focal temporal lobe epilepsy and a total of 43 seizures. Techniques from optimization theory, in particular quadratic bivalent programming, are applied to optimize the performance of the three measures in detecting preictal entrainment. It is shown that using either of the two resetting criteria, and for all three dynamical measures, dynamical resetting at seizures occurs with a significantly higher probability (α=0.05) than resetting at randomly selected non-seizure points in days of EEG recordings per patient. It is also shown that dynamical resetting at seizures using time constants of STL max synchronization/desynchronization occurs with a higher probability than using the other synchronization measures, whereas dynamical resetting at seizures using the level of synchronization/desynchronization criterion is detected with similar probability using any of the three measures of synchronization. These findings show the robustness of seizure resetting with respect to measures of EEG dynamics and criteria of resetting utilized, and the critical role it might play in further elucidation of ictogenesis, as well as in the development of novel treatments for epilepsy.
A reversible temperature-induced developmental arrest in Drosophila.

Abstract Temperatures between 35.5 and 38°C cause a reversible arrest of imaginal development of wildtype and temperature-sensitive Drosophila melanogaster. A temperature-sensitive mutant, shibire-temperature sensitive 1, which develops abnormally when exposed to 29°C heat pulses during various sensitive periods, fails to produce its ususal mutant phenotypes when exposed to heat pulses of 35–38°C during the same sensitive periods. The results indicate that developmental progress is required for the reversible temperature-sensitive cellular effect of shibire to cause a permanent developmental lesion.
1137 ALTERED GLUCOSE REGULATION ACCOMPANYING ASPHYXIA AT BIRTH IN THE RAT

Birth asphyxia is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality and produces dysfunction in many organ systems. To study effects on glucose metabolism, we developed an animal model of asphyxia at birth. Rat pups, delivered by hysterotomy at term and maintained in humidified chambers at 36°C, were subjected to hypoxia (H) Fi02 3-5% for 20 minutes immediately upon delivery then allowed to recover in room air. Blood sampling from consecutive litter mates was done at birth, 10,20,40,60,120,240,360 minutes. H pups were compared with control (C) animals not subjected to hypoxia. H pups showed severe asphyxia by arteriovenous blood gas tensions and pH at 20 minutes of age (PO2 16.4 PCO2 87.4mm Hg, pH 6.76) with elevated lactate and low pyruvate concentrations. These returned to control levels by 3 hours. Plasma epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) concentrations were elevated at birth and increased in the H pups to 16,872 pg/ml E and 11,187 pg/ml NE at 20 minutes, returning to control levels by 1 hour. The H pups were relatively hyperglycemic the first hour of life and their plasma insulin was also elevated and paralleled glucose values. Glucose and insulin concentrations returned to control levels by 2 hours. These data suggest that catecholamine release during asphyxia may be a dominant mediator of fuel availability. We speculate that during H, insulin is elevated in response to either hyperglycemia or to the insulin releasing effects of E taking precedence over NE.
Pyroelectric-field driven defects diffusion along c-axis in ZnO nanobelts under high-energy electron beam irradiation

When ZnO nanobelts are exposed to a high-dose electron probe of several nanometers to hundred nanometers in diameter inside a transmission electron microscope, due to the radiolysis effect, part of oxygen atoms will be ejected into the vacuum and leaving a Zn-ion rich surface with a pit appearance at both the electron-entrance and electron-exit surfaces. At the same time, a temperature distribution is created around the electron probe due to local beam heating effect, which generates a unidirectional pyroelectric field. This pyroelectric field is strong enough to drive Zn ions moving along its positive c-axis direction as interstitial ions. In the first case, for the ZnO nanobelts with c-axis lie in their large surfaces, defects due to the aggregation of Zn interstitial ions will be formed at some distances of 30–50 nm approximately along the c-axis direction from the electron beam illuminated area. Alternatively, for the ZnO nanobelts with ±(0001) planes as their large surfaces, the incident electron beam is along its c-axis and the generated pyroelectric field will drive the interstitial Zn-ions to aggregate at the Zn terminated (0001) surface where the local electrical potential is the lowest. Such electron beam induced damage in ZnO nanostructures is suggested as a result of Zn ion diffusion driven by the temperature gradient induced pyroelectric field along c-axis. Our study shows a radiation damage caused by electron beam in transmission electron microscopy, especially when the electron energy is high.
On the dynamics of crack growth in glass

An experimental investigation of crack growth has been performed using plates of glass subjected to impulsive loading by means of small explosive charges. For comparison, some experiments were also performed with two “glass-like” polymers. The formation of the resultant crack patterns in glass was observed by the use of high-speed photography during the period following the detonation. Information has been obtained about the physical features of crack growth with regard to crack velocity, bifurcation, and the interaction between growing cracks and propagating stress waves. The existence of a terminal velocity of crack propagation is considered and, in particular, the degree to which crack bifurcation provides an explanation for this phenomenon is discussed.
Improved syntheses of chlorodicyclopentadienyl derivatives of scandium(III), titanium(III) and vanadium(III)

Abstract An improved synthesis of chlorodicyclopentadienyl derivatives of scandium(III), titanium(III) and vanadium(III) has been developed by the reaction of thallium cyclopentadienide with the appropriate anhydrous metal trihalides.
Synthesis, structure, and electrochemistry of N-(3-thenoyl)fluorosulfonimide and bis(2-thenoic)imide. Preparation of polymers containing the fluorosulfonimide group

Abstract N-(3-Thenoyl)fluorosulfonimide, (1), C4H3SC(O)N(H)SO2F, was prepared by the reaction of 3-thenoic acid with fluorosulfuryl isocyanate in acetonitrile solution. The new compound is a moderately strong nitrogen acid having a pKa of 2.4. Single-crystal X-ray structural analysis of (1) shows a pattern of strong intermolecular hydrogen-bonding, resulting in the formation of linear chains. (1) is electroinactive over a range of 2 V but undergoes hydrogen reduction ( E p / 2 c = − 0.28 V ). The salt of (1) with TBA+, 2, has been prepared and its crystal structure determined. The new dithienyl compound, bis(2-thienyl)imide, 3, has been prepared and crystallographically characterized. The polymers of 1, 3, and a polymer containing the fluorosulfonimide group formed from a copolymer of 3-methylthiophene/3-thiophene carboxylic acid are also reported.
INFLUENCE OF SOIL PHYSICAL FACTORS ON SURVIVAL AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE LARVAE AND PUPAE OF THE BEAN LEAF BEETLE, CEROTOMA TRIFURCATA (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE)

Effects of soil moisture, texture, and temperature on larval and pupal survival and development of the bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster), were investigated in laboratory and greenhouse studies. In both cases, mortality rates were highest during the first instar, decreased during subsequent larval instars, then increased during the pupal stage. Under constant laboratory conditions, survival and adult weights were highest in wet and organic soils and lowest in dry and loamy sand soils. In wet and organic soils, developmental time was shorter than in other soils.Although survival/plant in the greenhouse was greatest in sandy clay loam, survival/nodule was greatest in organic soil.These studies, together with oviposition preference, egg survival, and larval movement experiments agree with field observations and provide some explanations for observed patterns of local and regional abundance of the bean leaf beetle in North Carolina.
Soil quality under different land uses in a subarctic environment in Alaska

As the demand for food, feed, fiber, and, most recently, bio-energy increases, more land may be converted from native conditions for arable uses. Our objective was to evaluate soil quality under native forest, arable land being used for continuous barley (Hordeum valgare L.) production and land that had been tilled and subsequently enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for at least 18 years. Several physical, chemical, and biological soil quality indicators were measured and a soil deterioration index (DI) was calculated using forest soil as the reference. Results indicated that most organic matter under forest resided on soil surface and was not mixed with mineral soil due to lack of activities by large soil fauna (e.g., earthworms). Soil samples from disturbed areas had a higher organic matter content, which caused most soil quality indicators to be considered ‘improved’ and resulted in better DIs for agricultural and CRP land than for forest soils. This study emphasized the importance of c...
Research on dynamic amplification factor of 1000kV transformation device supporting structures

1000kV ultra-high voltage (UHV) transformation devices, which supporting structures have been obviously modified in aspects of outside dimension and load capacity compared to those of low-voltage transformation device, are more susceptible to earthquake damage. The height of these device have exceeded the standards regulated by Code for Seismic Design of Electric Power Installations (GB 50260-96) and Seismic Design Guidelines for Electrical Device in Substations (JEAG5003-1998), etc., and a special research needs to be conducted on the value range of the dynamic amplification factor of such transformation device supporting structures under seismic action. A 1000kV loop system is taken as an example for analysis of seismic response, and the result show that the value range of dynamic amplification factor of the supporting structures in the existing standards could not meet the seismic requirements of the UHV transformation device supporting structures. The obtained results provides a valuable reference for the seismic analysis of UHV substation engineering.