cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A numerical study of chemically reacting flow in nozzles

The space station uses small rocket motors, called thrusters, for orientation control. Because of the lack of viable design tools for small rockets, the initial thruster design was basically a very small version of a large rocket motor. Thrust measurements of the initial design were lower than predicted. To improve predictions it was decided to develop a verison of the RPLUS2D reacting flow code for thruster calculations. RPLUS2D employs an implicit finite volume, lower-upper symmetric successive overrelaxation (LU-SSOR) scheme for solving the complete two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations and species transport equations in a coupled and very efficient manner. The combustion processes are modeled by a 9-species, 18 step finite-rate chemistry model, and the turbulence is simulated by a Baldwin-Lomax algebraic model. The code is extended to handle multiple subsonic inlet conditions where the total mass flow is governed by conditions calculated at the thruster-throat. Results are shown for a thruster design where the overall mixture ratio is hydrogen rich. A calculation of a large area ratio divergent nozzle is also presented.
Simulation of the ultrahigh energy resolution IXS analyzer system at NSLS-II

The ultrahigh energy resolution IXS spectrometer being developed at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLSII) employs an innovative optical design. Its analyzer system utilizes an L-shaped laterally graded multilayer mirror in tandem with a multi-crystal arrangement. The multi-crystal arrangement explores the angular dispersion effect in extremely asymmetric Bragg reflections to achieve sub-meV energy resolution at an energy about 9.1 keV. Its angular acceptance (~ 0.1 mrad) is about two orders of magnitude lower than the spherically-bent backscattering analyzers conventionally used in other IXS spectrometers. The L-shaped laterally graded multiplayer mirror was designed to increase the angular acceptance of this new multi-crystal optics to a comparable level. It performs angular collimation of the incoming beam from about 15 mrad down to 0.1 mrad in both vertical and horizontal directions. Here we present simulations of the mirror performance and study the positioning and stability requirements in conjunction with the multicrystal energy analyzer.
Elastic Interaction Between Fasteners in Gasketed Bolted Joints

An experimental study is presented in order to determine the effect of several parameters on the elastic interaction between various fasteners in a gasketed joint. Parameters include the gasket thickness, bolt spacing, tightening sequence, fastener grip length, and the level of fastener preload. The joint is made of two steel flanges with a Styrene Butadiene Rubber gasket of various thicknesses. The joint is fastened together using 1/2” - 13 SAE Grade 8 fasteners that are specially instrumented to measure the initial preload and the residual tension in each fastener. Four different gasket thicknesses are considered, namely, 1/16”, 1/8”, 3/16”, and 1/4”. For the same bolt circle of the flange, bolt spacing is varied by using different number of bolts; spacing that corresponds to using three, five, or seven bolts are considered in this study. The effect of the tightening sequence is studied by using sequential bolt tightening, star pattern, and simultaneous tightening. Bolt tightening is accomplished by using either an electric digital torque wrench with various control options, or a production-size multiple spindle fastening system that is capable of simultaneous tightening of all fasteners using torque, torque-turn, or torque-to-yield control of each fastener.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Luteal Dysfunction in Ewes Induced to Ovulate Early in the Follicular Phase

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the timing of ovulation induction during the follicular phase is a determinant of consequent luteal function. Ewes were treated on day 14 of the estrous cycle with PGF2α to synchronize luteal regression and 12 or 36 h later with an ovulatory dose of GnRH. Luteal phase serum progesterone concentrations of normal magnitude were characteristic of animals elicited to ovulate by GnRH injection 36 h after PGF2α treatment. Follicles stimulated at 12 h of the induced follicular phase formed subfunctional corpora lutea that were deficient in large steroidogenic cells. Endometrial gland development was attenuated in ewes exhibiting luteal insufficiency. The pathophysiology of the luteal defect was associated with a retrospective lack of granulosal cells in preovulatory follicles not adequately primed by estradiol. Preovulatory LH surges were not affected by the time of GnRH treatment. Corpus luteum rescue indicative of maternal recognition of pregnancy occu...
Histopathologic changes of porcine dermis xenografts for transvaginal suburethral slings

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the histopathologic changes of HMDI (Hexamethylene di-isocyanate) cross-linked porcine dermis grafts used for suburethral sling surgery. Study design Twelve patients underwent reoperation with graft removal for urinary retention or recurrent stress urinary incontinence after transvaginal sling surgery. Tissue specimens were available for pathologic evaluation in 7 patients. Graft specimens underwent histologic preparation including hematoxylin and eosin staining. A single pathologist reviewed the slides blinded to clinical outcomes. Results Histopathologic analyses revealed only limited collagen remodeling, and evidence of a foreign body type reaction was present in some specimens. In cases of recurrent stress incontinence, implants appeared to be completely replaced by dense fibroconnective tissue and moderate neovascularization without evidence of inflammation or graft remnants. Conclusion HMDI cross-linked porcine dermal collagen implants result in variable tissue reactions that may have unpredictable clinical outcomes in different patients, raising questions about the overall tolerability and efficacy of these grafts in pelvic reconstructive surgery.
Impact of rural residence and health system structure on quality of liver care.

Background Specialist physician concentration in urban areas can affect access and quality of care for rural patients. As effective drug treatment for hepatitis C (HCV) becomes increasingly available, the extent to which rural patients needing HCV specialists face access or quality deficits is unknown. We sought to determine the influence of rural residency on access to HCV specialists and quality of liver care.
A measured approach: determining the PLCγ1 docking site on Itk using a biochemical ruler.

In this issue of the Journal of Molecular Biology Xie et. al. describe the interaction between IL-2 inducible T-cell kinase (Itk), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, and its substrate PLCγ1. The authors demonstrate that a previously determined set of basic amino acid residues1 on the C-terminal SH2 domain of PLCγ1, interacts with an acidic patch on the G helix (αG) of the catalytic domain of Itk. The results described here reinforce the importance of αG as a mediator of intermolecular interactions in protein kinases.
Tracheal reconstruction: In vitro and in vivo animal pilot study

In order to further address the problem of tracheal stenosis, an animal model was created to simulate both local and regional tracheal injury. An epithelial equivalent created from a fibroblast-collagen matrix was used to attempt to either inhibit or lessen the degree of tracheal stenosis that was evident in animal models. Preliminary data appears to show that the epithelial equivalent is effective in limiting and perhaps even abolishing the development of tracheal stenosis.
Effects of Soil and Topographic Properties on Spatial Variability of Corn Grain Ethanol Yield

To maximize biofuel production requires understanding relationships of soil properties and topography with variation of biofuel production within fields. The objective of this study was to determine the potential impacts of terrain attributes and soil properties on the variation of corn (Zea mays L.) grain ethanol yield at different locations within a corn–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation field located in southwest Michigan. Ethanol yield at 33 geo-referenced points in the field was obtained for the rotational corn years of 2006 and 2008. In both years, ethanol yield was significantly negatively correlated with elevation and positively correlated with soil total C, N, and organic C probably due to nutrient availability associated with these variables. Partial least square regression (PLSR) analyses were conducted between the ethanol yield and five combinations of terrain attributes, soil properties, and three-degree polynomial of spatial coordinates, and number of factors for each analysis was selected based on leave-one-out cross validation. Two factors from PLSR analyses on the combination of terrain and soil properties explained about 46 and 44% of the ethanol yield variation for 2006 and 2008, respectively. Combining a three-degree polynomial of spatial coordinates with soil and terrain attributes improved the R ² only from 0.46 to 0.50 for 2006 ethanol yield, while improved the R ² from 0.44 to 0.70 in 2008. The overall result indicates that soil and topographic properties explained most of the spatial variation in ethanol yield in the relatively dryer year of 2006, while only a small fraction of spatial variation was explained in 2008.
Chronic Kidney Disease Mineral Bone Disorder and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Incident End-Stage Renal-Disease Patients

Objective Our objective was to determine the extent to which chronic kidney disease mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is associated with health-related quality of life among incident dialysis patients. Design This study's design was a cross-sectional analysis. Setting This was part of the United States Renal Data System Dialysis Morbidity and Mortality Study (DMMS), Wave 2. Patients The patients comprised 2590 adult participants in DMMS Wave 2, for whom quality of life and laboratory data were available. Methods We stratified patients according to their serum concentrations of phosphorus, calcium, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), and compared health-related quality of life as a function of these indicators in analyses adjusted for demographic, clinical, and other laboratory variables. Main Outcome Measures Main outcome measures included Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores, and the Symptom score of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life. Results Both high and low serum phosphorus concentrations were associated with lower PCS scores (−1.25 to −1.48 points compared with the reference category), as was low PTH (−1.49 points). Low serum phosphorus was associated with more severe symptoms of kidney disease (−3.88 points), but there were no associations between high phosphorus or either extreme of PTH and the Symptom score. Serum calcium concentration and the calcium × phosphorus product were unassociated with PCS or Symptom scores. There were no associations among phosphorus, calcium, or PTH and MCS. Analyses simultaneously controlling for serum phosphorus, calcium, and PTH showed similar results. Conclusion High and low serum phosphorus and low PTH are associated with slightly poorer self-reported physical functioning. Clinical trials will be necessary to determine whether and to what extent improvement in health status may occur with the correction of selected disorders of mineral metabolism.
Molecular and Cellular Biology Animations: Development and Impact on Student Learning

Educators often struggle when teaching cellular and molecular processes because typically they have only two-dimensional tools to teach something that plays out in four dimensions. Learning research has demonstrated that visualizing processes in three dimensions aids learning, and animations are effective visualization tools for novice learners and aid with long-term memory retention. The World Wide Web Instructional Committee at North Dakota State University has used these research results as an inspiration to develop a suite of high-quality animations of molecular and cellular processes. Currently, these animations represent transcription, translation, bacterial gene expression, messenger RNA (mRNA) processing, mRNA splicing, protein transport into an organelle, the electron transport chain, and the use of a biological gradient to drive adenosine triphosphate synthesis. These animations are integrated with an educational module that consists of First Look and Advanced Look components that feature captioned stills from the animation representing the key steps in the processes at varying levels of complexity. These animation-based educational modules are available via the World Wide Web at http://vcell.ndsu.edu/animations. An in-class research experiment demonstrated that student retention of content material was significantly better when students received a lecture coupled with the animations and then used the animation as an individual study activity.
Alcoholic subtypes: are two sufficient?

Aims Guided by the literature on alcohol subtypes, cluster analytical solutions ranging from two to five were evaluated for a large (n = 802), ethnically diverse sample of alcoholic in-patients. Design Personal interview data were collected from in-patients regarding their substance abuse and psychiatric disorder status, risk factors for psychopathology and health outcomes. Setting The data were collected at five alcohol in-patient treatment settings in New York; three settings were in New York City, one in Rochester and one in Buffalo. Participants The sample included 802 participants (481 males and 321 females) with racial/ethnic group diversity (418 blacks, 180 whites, 187 Hispanics, 17 of other ethnic origin). Measurements Subjects were assessed with standardized measures of substance abuse and psychiatric disorders, family history of alcoholism, psychopathy, temperament, alcohol expectancies and clinical health variables. Findings Based on internal and external criteria and compatibility with the existing literature, four subtypes were identified: mild course, polydrug, negative affect and chronic/antisocial. On external criteria, the polydrug subtype had the highest rate of family criminality, high-risk sexual behavior and intravenous drug use; the negative affect subtype had the highest rate of childhood sexual abuse, attempted suicide and childhood homelessness; the chronic/antisocial personality (ASP) subtype had the most severe pattern of drinking and antisocial behavior. Conclusions Findings are discussed with regard to the etiological and clinical utility of the four-subtype formulation, and consistency with recent studies in molecular genetics and pharmacology.
Searching for Competitive Advantage in the Black Box

This paper deals with the sources of potential competitive advantage. It builds upon previous work by Flamholtz (1995) to develop a model of the determinants of organizational success and failure as well as subsequent empirical studies of the link between the model and financial performance (Flamholtz and Aksehirli, 2000; Flamholtz and Hua, 2002). The paper discusses the extension of the model from a framework for organizational development to a framework or ‘lens’ for building competitive advantage. It also hypothesizes that an organization’s infrastructure (defined in terms of four of the model’s variables) are likely to be the true source of sustainable competitive advantage. Data originally collected for the study reported in Flamholtz and Aksehirli to test the relation between the model and financial performance was utilized to test hypotheses concerning the model and competitive success and sources of competitive advantage. Some of the data derived from the prior study by Flamholtz and Aksehirli, which has not been previously analyzed or reported, was used to identify empirically the sources of competitive advantage, and, in turn, test the hypothesis about the role of infrastructure as the true source of sustainable competitive advantage. Two different statistical methods were used to analyze the hypothesized relationship between the variables included in the Pyramid of Organizational Development and competitive success: (1) the Friedman two-way analysis of variance by ranks and (2) regression analysis. SPSS statistical software was used for both analyses. Results of the Friedman test indicate that ROE scores are significantly associated with total Pyramid of Organizational Development scores. At the significance level of 0.005, higher values of total scores are connected
Microstructure and mechanical behavior of Al–Mg/Ni–P composites

The microstructure and mechanical behavior of electroless deposited Ni–P on Al–Mg substrates were investigated. The microstructures of the as-deposited and annealed samples were characterized through optical and scanning electron microscopy. Hardness measurements were made both on the Al–Mg substrate and the Ni–P coating using a depth sensing hardness machine. The plastic deformation behavior of the composites was studied and the results show that the initial deformation is accompanied by the appearance of serrations on load-displacement curves. Decohesion of the hard Ni–P takes place at large strains. An estimate of the ultimate shear strength of the Al–Mg/Ni–P interface was made and the strength of the interface was determined to be −0.45 GPa. The tribological properties of the amorphous Ni–P were studied using ball-on-disk and slider-on-disk tests. In particular, the influences of humidity, surface roughness, and heat treatment on friction and durability of the coatings were investigated.
Is Maternal Parity an Independent Risk Factor for Birth Defects

BACKGROUND Although associations between maternal parity and birth defects have been observed previously, few studies have focused on the possibility that parity is an independent risk factor for birth defects. We investigated the relation between levels of parity and a range of birth defects, adjusting each defect group for the same covariates. METHODS We included infants who had an estimated delivery date between 1997 and 2007 and participated in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a multisite case-control study. Cases included infants or fetuses belonging to 38 phenotypes of birth defects (n = 17,908), and controls included infants who were unaffected by a major birth defect (n = 7173). Odds ratios (ORs) were adjusted for 12 covariates using logistic regression. RESULTS Compared with primiparous mothers, nulliparous mothers were more likely to have infants with amniotic band sequence, hydrocephaly, esophageal atresia, hypospadias, limb reduction deficiencies, diaphragmatic hernia, omphalocele, gastroschisis, tetralogy of Fallot, and septal cardiac defects, with significant ORs (1.2 to 2.3). Compared with primiparous mothers, multiparous mothers had a significantly increased risk of omphalocele, with an OR of 1.5, but had significantly decreased risk of hypospadias and limb reduction deficiencies, with ORs of 0.77 and 0.77. CONCLUSIONS Nulliparity was associated with an increased risk of specific phenotypes of birth defects. Most of the phenotypes associated with nulliparity in this study were consistent with those identified by previous studies. Research into biologic or environmental factors that are associated with nulliparity may be helpful in explaining some or all of these associations. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Berkeley Networks of Workstations (NOW) Project

The paper describes the Berkeley Network of Workstations (NOW) Project. This project leverages the high bandwidth, switch based local area networks with a custom low latency network interface and global layer operating system; this makes a building full of desktop computers act as a single large computer: "the building is the computer".
Competing for Attention in Knowledge Markets: Electronic Document Dissemination in a Management Consulting Company:

The relatively recent explosion of information available in electronic forms makes attention, rather than information, the scarce resource in organizations. In this paper, we theorize about how sup...
EMERGENCY MEDICINE RESIDENT PERFORMED BEDSIDE ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF THE GALLBLADDER IN NON-FASTED HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS

Abstract Background: Gallbladder ultrasonography is a commonly performed test in the emergency department. It is unknown whether a non-fasting state alters the visualization of the gallbladder by emergency medicine (EM) residents. Objectives: We conducted this study to determine whether EM residents are able to visualize the gallbladder in volunteers who have recently consumed a fatty meal. Methods: This study used a prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled design. Initial scans were performed on fasting volunteers. A fatty meal was then consumed. Thirty minutes after eating, a different resident, who was unaware of whether the volunteer had eaten or fasted, performed a second scan. To control for operator bias, 10% of subjects remained fasting between scans. Student's paired-samples t -test, Pearson's chi-squared, and McNemar test were determined as appropriate. Results: A total of 92 scans from 46 volunteers were analyzed. EM residents were able to visualize the gallbladder in all 40 pre-prandial scans (100%) and all 40 post-prandial scans (100%). Gallbladder area as measured in the longitudinal axis decreased 20% from a mean baseline of 11.58 ± 4.86 cm 2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.17–12.98) to 9.2 ± 5.04 cm 2 (95% CI 7.74–10.66, p = 0.0009) after food intake. Total time to scan for the fasting volunteers (110.2 s, 95% CI 84.34–136) did not change significantly from non-fasting volunteers (129.7 s, 95% CI 110.29–149.01, p = 0.153). Conclusions: EM residents are able to visualize the gallbladder in non-fasted healthy volunteers.
Atrial fibrillation in the elderly: a review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in the elderly population. Elderly patients with AF are often asymptomatic, may have atypical presentation or may present with heart failure or thromboembolic complications. The optimal management strategy of AF in the elderly population is challenging. We present an overview of AF in elderly patients, in particular addressing the pros and cons of various management strategies, and provide a practical approach within the guidelines.
Statistical analysis of factors affecting landslide distribution in the new Madrid seismic zone, Tennessee and Kentucky

Abstract More than 220 large landslides along the bluffs bordering the Mississippi alluvial plain between Cairo, Ill., and Memphis, Tenn., are analyzed by discriminant analysis and multiple linear regression to determine the relative effects of slope height and steepness, stratigraphic variation, slope aspect, and proximity to the hypocenters of the 1811-12 New Madrid, Mo., earthquakes on the distribution of these landslides. Three types of landslides are analyzed: (1) old, coherent slumps and block slides, which have eroded and revegetated features and no active analogs in the area; (2) old earth flows, which are also eroded and revegetated; and (3) young rotational slumps, which are present only along near-river bluffs, and which are the only young, active landslides in the area. Discriminant analysis shows that only one characteristic differs significantly between bluffs with and without young rotational slumps: failed bluffs tend to have sand and clay at their base, which may render them more susceptible to fluvial erosion. Bluffs having old coherent slides are significantly higher, steeper, and closer to the hypocenters of the 1811-12 earthquakes than bluffs without these slides. Bluffs having old earth flows are likewise higher and closer to the earthquake hypocenters. Multiple regression analysis indicates that the distribution of young rotational slumps is affected most strongly by slope steepness: about one-third of the variation in the distribution is explained by variations in slope steepness. The distribution of old coherent slides and earth flows is affected most strongly by slope height, but the proximity to the hypocenters of the 1811-12 earthquakes also significantly affects the distribution. The results of the statistical analyses indicate that the only recently active landsliding in the area is along actively eroding river banks, where rotational slumps formed as bluffs are undercut by the river. The analyses further indicate that the old coherent slides and earth flows in the area are spatially related to the 1811-12 earthquake hypocenters and were thus probably triggered by those earthquakes. These results are consistent with findings of other recent investigations of landslides in the area that presented field, historical, and analytical evidence to demonstrate that old landslides in the area formed during the 1811-12 New Madrid earthquakes. Results of the multiple linear regression can also be used to approximate the relative susceptibility of the bluffs in the study area to seismically induced landsliding.
Kinematic state estimation for a Mars rover

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is embarking on a series of exploration missions to Mars. Long-range rovers with several science instruments on board will traverse many kilometers on the surface. This paper describes some of the research underway at JPL as they pertain to navigation of these long-range rovers. A brief description is provided of the Sojourner rover which recently completed a short-range, near-lander Mars mission. A research rover called Rocky-7 under development at JPL implements a number of new technologies for long-range Mars traverses. The kinematic configuration of this vehicle is described as is tile sensor set. The paper then focuses on state estimation techniques used on-board Rocky-7. A brief review of rover-related state-estimation work is presented and an Extended Kalman Filter framework is introduced. This includes process models for translation, small-angle/quaternion based rotations, gyro bias and wheel contact as well as observation models for a gyro, sun-sensor, and accelerometer. A novel slip constraint technique is developed to allow incorporation into the filter of the highly non-linear kinematics resulting from the rover's rocker-bogey suspension mechanism and wheel-to-ground contact point variations. Simulation results are discussed to allow detailed comparisons with ground-truth data and experimental results from Rocky-7 are presented.
Communication failures lead to airline disasters

Communications problems have contributed, directly or indirectly, to some of the most disastrous aviation accidents in history. An analysis of past accidents reveals that common factors associated with poor communication include confusing phraseology, similar call signs, ambiguity, inference problems, and a host of other linguistic issues. The last category includes problems arising from unclear English or heavy foreign accents and poor enunciation. Examples of aviation disasters caused by communications errors are used to illustrate the variety of elements inherent in this area. Potential solutions are examined.
Ultrastructural evidence indicating reorganization at the neuromuscular junction in the normal rat soleus muscle.

The ultrastructural organization of 40 soleus neuromuscular junctions from ten normal young adult male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD)-derived rats (Charles River Breeders, CD-Crl:COBS (SD)BR) has been studied. A smaller sample of motor endplates from the gastrocnemius, diaphragm, and extensor digitorum longus muscles of these rats as well as from the soleus muscles of two adult Wistar (W) rats (Crl:COBS(WI)BR) was included. Widespread ultrastructural reorganization was evident at the soleus neuromuscular junction during the growth period from three to five months of age. A major characteristic of reorganization is the presence of junctional folds not associated with axonal terminals; such sites occur within a single endplate adjacent to areas with typical intact synaptic associations. Additional features possibly related to remodelling are: (1) spatial separation of axonal terminals from the myofiber, (2) intervention of Schwann cell cytoplasm between an axon terminal and myofiber, (3) aggregates of satellite cells, and (4) folded or multilayered basal lamina. These features are most pronounced in the soleus muscle but occur to varying degrees in the neuromuscular junctions of other muscles of SD-derived rats. Distinctive characteristics of the rat soleus postjunctional sarcoplasm include the widespread occurrence of myofibrillar components, abundant free and membrane-associated polysomes, and triads oriented in various planes. Away from such discrete sites, myofibers possess the usual highly oriented organization of myofibrils, T tubules, sarcoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. The soleus muscle is a postural muscle that responds directly to rising workload imposed by continuous body growth during young adulthood by steady myofiber hypertrophy and conversion of motor units (Kugelberg, '76). This changing structural-functional relationship may be reflected also by ultrastructural remodelling of the neuromuscular junctions reported here.
Single-dose pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime and fluconazole during concurrent clinical use in cold-stunned Kemp's ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii).

Innis, C. J., Ceresia, M. L., Merigo, C., Scott Weber III, E., Papich, M. G. Single-dose pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime and fluconazole during concurrent clinical use in cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii). J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 82–89. Single-dose pharmacokinetics of intramuscularly administered ceftazidime (22 mg/kg) and subcutaneously administered fluconazole (21 mg/kg) were investigated during concurrent clinical use in naturally cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii). Maximum mean concentration for ceftazidime was 61.31 μg/mL, and time of maximum concentration was 1.56 h postinjection. Maximum mean concentration for fluconazole was 26.16 μg/mL, and time of maximum concentration was 0.79 h postinjection. Results indicate that the ceftazidime dose and dosing interval used in this study are likely to be effective in treating susceptible strains of bacteria in Kemp’s ridley turtles. However, the fluconazole dose and dosing interval are not likely to be effective against filamentous fungal pathogens that are often involved in marine turtle fungal infections.
Pink or Blue ... Black and Blue? Examining Pregnancy as a Predictor of Intimate Partner Violence and Femicide

This study explores the effect of pregnancy on women’s risk of IPV victimization. Previous studies have produced conflicting findings and have been limited by comparing only two categories of IPV. The current study included analyses of the effect of pregnancy on three statuses of IPV: no abuse, nonlethal abuse, and lethal abuse. The data used for this project are taken from the first phase of the Chicago Women’s Health Risk Study (CWHRS). Findings suggest that both nonlethal and lethal abuse statuses differ significantly from no abuse in that women’s risk of IPV victimization may decrease during pregnancy.
Depth-dependent stretching: A different approach

Uplift of the crust during rifting is a major problem that has been left unresolved by uniform stretching models. Various depth-dependent stretching models have been proposed to account for this, but these require decoupling of the crust and mantle and result in space problems within the mantle. A significant modification of these discontinuous nonuniform or depth-dependent stretching models is proposed here that accounts for synrift uplift and doming but does not result in these problems. The model involves continuous nonuniform stretching within a polygonal region bounded by symmetrical, outward-sloping boundaries within the mantle. This geometry results in thinning of the lithosphere below crustal regions that are less stretched or unstretched, crustal uplift resulting from asthenospheric upwelling below these regions. This in turn results in stretching factors for the mantle that are less than those for the crust, a relationship opposite to relationships derived by discontinuous nonuniform stretching models. Corollary predictions for mantle-derived heat flow within and outside regions of stretching of these two different depth-dependent models may allow them to be distinguished from each other and from regions where uniform stretching predominates.
Design of a Scalable Event Notification Service: Interface and Architecture

Event-based distributed systems are programmed to operate in response to events. An event notication service is an application-independent infrastructure that supports the construction of event-based systems. While numerous technologies have been developed for supporting event-based interactions over local-area networks, these technologies do not scale well to wide-area networks such as the Internet. Wide-area networks pose new challenges that have to be attacked with solutions that specically address issues of scalability. This paper presents Siena, a scalable event notication service that is based on a distributed architecture of event servers. We rst present a formally dened interface that is based on an extension to the publish/subscribe protocol. We then describe and compare several different server topologies and routing algorithms. We conclude by briey discussing related work, our experience with an initial implementation of Siena, and a framework for evaluating the scalability of event notication services such as Siena.
Positron Interactions with Atoms and Ions

Dirac, in 1928, combining the ideas of quantum mechanics and the ideas of relativity invented the well-known relativistic wave equation. In his formulation, he predicted an antiparticle of the electron of spin n-bar/2. He thought that this particle must be a proton. Dirac published his interpretation in a paper 'A theory of electrons and protons.' It was shown later by the mathematician Hermann Weyl that the Dirac theory was completely symmetric between negative and positive particles and the positive particle must have the same mass as that of the electron. In his J. Robert Oppenheimer Memorial Prize Acceptance Speech, Dirac notes that 'Blackett was really the first person to obtain hard evidence for the existence of a positron but he was afraid to publish it. He wanted confirmation, he was really over cautious.' Positron, produced by the collision of cosmic rays in a cloud chamber, was detected experimentally by Anderson in 1932. His paper was published in Physical Review in 1933. The concept of the positron and its detection were the important discoveries of the 20th century. I have tried to discuss various processes involving interactions of positrons with atoms and ions. This includes scattering, bound states and resonances. It has not been possible to include the enormous work which has been carried out during the last 40 or 50 years in theory and measurements.
Improved SHSAW transduction efficiency using gratings and uniform electrode guiding

Pure shear horizontal surface acoustic wave (SHSAW) devices have been increasingly considered for liquid-phase and biosensing applications due to their ability to operate under liquid-loaded conditions and intrinsic sensitivity to mass, stiffness, viscosity, and electrical surface perturbations. Typically, the SHSAW is weakly guided by a free surface boundary condition, or in certain orientations may not even exist, e.g. ST-90° orientation of quartz. As a result strong excitation of spurious bulk acoustic wave (BAW) by the interdigital transducer (IDT) is typical. For that reason dense or thick electrodes in periodic or uniform configurations must be placed between IDTs in delay-line devices in order to increase the ratio of excited SHSAW power to IDT input power, ηSHSAW. The degree of ηSHSAW improvement depends on the structure metallization thickness, composition, and geometry. In previous work the authors evaluated ηSHSAW using hybrid finite and boundary element method (FEM/BEM) models, but were limited to cases of free or finite thickness periodic electrode surrounding surfaces. This work extends the analysis to the important case of uniform electrode guiding, which is used in many liquid-phase and biosensor applications. The reported analysis depends on the simulation of a modified structure which behaves as if the uniform guiding electrodes extend infinitely and allows estimation of ηSHSAW for the actual infinite-length structure. To verify the model, an IDT with uniform guiding electrodes was simulated and compared to a fabricated device. The simulations predict SHSAW excitation directivity of 9 dB by the IDT, which is experimentally confirmed to within 1 dB.
The Physiology of Eructation

Eructation is composed of three independent phases: gas escape, upper barrier elimination, and gas transport phases. The gas escape phase is the gastro-LES inhibitory reflex that causes transient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which is activated by distension of stretch receptors of the proximal stomach. The upper barrier elimination phase is the transient relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter along with airway protection. This phase is activated by stimulation of rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors of the esophageal mucosa. The gas transport phase is esophageal reverse peristalsis mediated by elementary reflexes, and it is theorized that this phase is activated by serosal rapidly adapting tension receptors. Alteration of the receptors which activate the upper barrier elimination phase of eructation by gastro-esophageal reflux of acid may in part contribute to the development of supra-esophageal reflux disease.
Abstract 252: Renal Rescue of D2R Function in Mice Using an AAV9 Vector Reverses the Renal Injury and High Blood Pressure Induced by D2R Silencing in the Kidney

Lack or downregulation of dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) function in mice increases the vulnerability to renal inflammation. Recent studies from our laboratory showed that long-term (28 days) selective down regulation of D2R in one kidney in mice with two intact kidneys increases systolic blood pressure and the expression of inflammatory and injury markers. We hypothesized that rescuing D2R function by re-expressing the receptor in the kidney of mice with D2R silencing will reduce renal inflammation and injury, and normalize blood pressure. To test our hypothesis we silenced D2R expression by the renal subcapsular infusion of D2RsiRNA and then we rescued the silenced D2R expression using retrograde ureteral infusion of AAV9 vector carrying wild-type D2R (D2RAAV). Mice were treated with non-silencing siRNA (NS siRNA) or D2RsiRNA (3 μg/day, n=6 per group) using 28 day osmotic minipumps. Fourteen days following the initiation of siRNA treatment, each group was treated with control AAV (CAAV) or D2RAAV (n=3 per group, 1e+11 viral genome particles per mouse). Fourteen days following AAV administration, blood pressure was recorded and organs were collected. D2R expression was decreased in D2RsiRNA-treated kidneys compared with NS siRNA-treated kidneys (immunoblotting: 54 ± 0.8 vs 100± 22 %; P<0.05). D2RAAV treatment increased D2R expression (7.5 -11 fold; P<0.01) in both D2R and NS siRNA-treated mice. Mice treated with D2RsiRNA+CAAV had increased systolic blood pressure (121±3 mmHg; P<0.05) in comparison with mice treated with D2RsiRNA+D2RAAV (100±6 mm Hg) (rescued mice), NS siRNA +CAAV (101±4 mm Hg), or NS siRNA +D2RAAV (101±1 mm Hg). The expression of TGF-β was higher in the mice treated with D2RsiRNA+CAAV than in D2R rescued mice (D2RsiRNA+D2RAAV) (100±22 vs 54± 11%; P<0.05). The number of cells positive for the marker of proliferation ki-67 was higher in kidneys of D2RsiRNA+CAAV mice than in D2RsiRNA+D2RAAV (32± 5 vs 15±2 per field; P<0.01). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that increased blood pressure and renal injury due to D2R silencing could be rescued by over expression of D2R using AAV9 vector in the kidney. Furthermore, these data confirms the protective effects of renal D2R and may provide the basis for designing novel therapies for kidney disease.
Money and Banking in a “Bankless” State: Iowa, 1846–1857

During the first half of the nineteenth century, a number of American states prohibited the establishment of banks of issue within their borders. In theory, these states seemingly opted for the slow economic development associated with an inelastic currency supply. In the case of Iowa, however, the people's demand for an elastic currency was met by the creation of substitute financial institutions — land agency-banks — that functioned as de facto banks of issue.
Permissive Schwann cell graft/spinal cord interfaces for axon regeneration

The transplantation of autologous Schwann cells (SCs) to repair the injured spinal cord is currently being evaluated in a clinical trial. In support, this study determined properties of spinal cord/SC bridge interfaces that enabled regenerated brainstem axons to cross them, possibly leading to improvement in rat hindlimb movement. Fluid bridges of SCs and Matrigel were placed in complete spinal cord transections. Compared to pregelled bridges of SCs and Matrigel, they improved regeneration of brainstem axons across the rostral interface. The regenerating brainstem axons formed synaptophysin(+) bouton-like terminals and contacted MAP2A(+) dendrites at the caudal interface. Brainstem axon regeneration was directly associated with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP(+)) astrocyte processes that elongated into the SC bridge. Electron microscopy revealed that axons, SCs, and astrocytes were enclosed together within tunnels bounded by a continuous basal lamina. Neuroglycan (NG2) expression was associated with these tunnels. One week after injury, the GFAP(+) processes coexpressed nestin and brain lipid-binding protein, and the tips of GFAP(+)/NG2(+) processes extended into the bridges together with the regenerating brainstem axons. Both brainstem axon regeneration and number of GFAP(+) processes in the bridges correlated with improvement in hindlimb locomotion. Following SCI, astrocytes may enter a reactive state that prohibits axon regeneration. Elongation of astrocyte processes into SC bridges, however, and formation of NG2(+) tunnels enable brainstem axon regeneration and improvement in function. It is important for spinal cord repair to define conditions that favor elongation of astrocytes into lesions/transplants.
Hispanic parents’ perceptions of their preschool children's weight status

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of Hispanic parents’ perceptions of their preschool children's weight status. Design and Methods A cross-sectional descriptive design with Hispanic parent–child dyads (n = 83) from a Head Start setting was used to compare parents’ perceptions of their children's weight status with their 2- to 5-year-old children's body mass index (BMI) and weight categories. Methods included a word choice from five response options, and varying body size silhouettes presented in a linear fashion and a random circular pattern. Parents’ perceptions were compared with the children's BMI, and in relationship to parents’ demographic characteristics and BMI. Results Approximately half of parents underestimated their child's weight status, and overweight/obese parents tended to underestimate their overweight/obese children's weight status. Practice Implications Eliciting parent perception of their child's weight is one way providers can engage in obesity prevention dialogue.
Antioxidant enzyme expression in rat lungs during hyperoxia

To understand the molecular mechanisms that upregulate the activities of pulmonary antioxidant enzymes in adult rats during exposure to 85% oxygen, the relative contents of corresponding mRNA in no...
Comparative study of colorimetric and fully automated enzyme-linked immunoassay system for rapid screening of Listeria spp. in foods.

Two enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) systems for rapid screening of Listeria spp. were compared for their use in analysis of spiked foods regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Tecra Listeria kit is a 48 h visual ELISA that detects Listeria spp. through colorimetry. It has been approved for first action by AOAC INTERNATIONAL. The Vitek immunodiagnostic assay system for Listeria (VIDAS LIS) is a fully automated 48 h ELISA that detects Listeria spp. by immunofluorescence. Fifty-two food samples were artificially contaminated with high (11-42 colony-forming units [cfu]/25 g food) and low (2-8 cfu/25 g food) levels of L. monocytogenes and screened by the 2 protocols. Unspiked samples were also assayed as negative controls. Six unspiked samples were found positive for Listeria spp. by both methods: 3 were identified as L. monocytogenes and 3 as L. innocua by official methods. Both ELISA methods detected all spiked samples. One unspiked sample was assayed positive by Tecra and negative by VIDAS LIS. No Listeria spp. were recovered when the sample was tested by the conventional method. No interference due to background fluorescence of food matrixes was observed in the VIDAS LIS method. Results suggest a modified VIDAS LIS preenrichment medium may be used in place of the VIDAS standard medium in the protocol.
Yield Editor: Software for Removing Errors from Crop Yield Maps

Yield maps are a key component of precision agriculture, due to their usefulness in both development and evaluation of precision management strategies. The value of these yield maps can be compromised by the fact that raw yield maps contain a variety of inherent errors. Researchers have reported that 10 to 50% of the observations in a given field contain significant errors and should be removed. Methods for removing these outliers from raw yield data have not been standardized, although many different filtering techniques have been suggested to address specific error types. We developed a software tool called Yield Editor to simplify the process of applying filtering techniques for yield data outlier detection and removal. Yield Editor includes a map view of the yield data, allowing the user to interactively set, assess the effects of, and refine a number of previously reported automated filtering methods. Additionally, Yield Editor allows manual selection of erroneous points, transects, or regions for investigation and possible deletion. This paper describes the filters implemented in Yield Editor, discusses input, output, and filtering options, and documents availability of the program. Example applications of Yield Editor on five test fields are used to show how the user interacts with the software and to analyze the relative importance of the various filters.
Scaling of Stark-Shifted Nonlinearities in Multiple Quantum Well Structures

Optical switching and logic devices require a large optical nonlinearity (absorptive or refractive) per absorbed photon (or injected charge), combined with a rapid excitation recovery time. The accumulated absorptive (or index) changes during a laser pulse are proportional to the shorter of either the pulse duration or the excitation lifetime. Optimally the two are matched, in which case the switching energy (power-time product) is determined primarily by the change in absorption coefficient (or refractive index) per photogenerated carrier-pair. Any mechanism, material or structure that will enhance the per-carrier nonlinear response is therefore of considerable interest. Device structures (such as self-electrooptic effect devices (SEED’s), hetero n-i-p-i’s, and piezoelectric multiple quantum wells (MQWs)) that rely on the screening of applied, built-in or intrinsic fields are purported to have large per carrier nonlinearities primarily because the carriers generated in a single well can escape and move to screen multiple wells. As a class, we refer to the nonlinearities in such structures as Stark-shifted nonlinearities, since they arise from a reduction in the quantum-confined Stark effect (QCSE) as the field is screened by the photogenerated charge.