cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modification of terahertz emission spectrum using microfabricated spintronic emitters

Terahertz (THz) radiation with sub-millimeter wavelength falls in the gap between optical and radio frequencies. Conventional THz emitters do not intertwine with spin degrees of freedom. However, it was recently shown that broadband THz radiation can be efficiently created also by exploiting spin-based effects on ultrafast time scales. Here, we demonstrate the generation and control of THz radiation from microstructured spintronic THz emitters based on the inverse spin-Hall effect. Using time-domain THz spectroscopy, we compare the THz spectra of different stripe patterns made of Fe/Pt bilayers with a spectrum obtained from an extended Fe/Pt bilayer film. It is found that the THz spectrum can be altered by a proper choice of the microstructure dimensions. The experimentally observed spectra are interpreted in terms of a simplified multi-slit interference model, which captures the main experimental features. Our results pave the way for an efficient control of THz light emitted from magnetic heterostructures. This is a crucial step forward for the design and realization of directional THz sources.
Utilization of High-Intensity Statins in Patients at Risk for Cardiovascular Events: A National Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND The 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association cholesterol guidelines, which identified four groups of patients at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events, departed from the target-based approach to managing cholesterol. The impact of these guidelines on high-intensity statin use across the United States is unclear. STUDY QUESTION The primary objective was to evaluate the rate of high-intensity potential (HIP) statin use before and after the 2013 guidelines. The secondary objective was to identify predictors of HIP statin use within the study population. STUDY DESIGN A national cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Office visits involving patients aged 21-75 years where criteria for HIP statin therapy were met were included. Visits involving pregnant patients were excluded. MEASURES AND OUTCOMES Prescribing trends of HIP statins were measured from National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data before and after the 2013 guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression identified variables associated with prescribing HIP statins. RESULTS A total of 48,884 visits were included, representing more than 940 million office visits nationally. HIP statins were listed in 9.5% and 16.5% of visits before and after 2013, respectively (odds ratio [OR] 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62-2.20). The strongest predictors of HIP statin use were antihypertensive use (OR 5.38, 95% CI 4.67-6.20), comorbid hyperlipidemia (OR 2.93, 95% CI 2.62-3.29), Black race (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.49-0.81), and Hispanic ethnicity (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.52-0.80). CONCLUSIONS Prescribing rates for HIP statins increased after the release of the 2013 guidelines. The prescribing rates were lower than expected, especially in Black and Hispanic patients. These observations signify opportunities to improve the quality of care for patients who are at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events in the United States.
Electromagnetic Model-Based Foreign Object Detection for Wireless Power Transfer

Foreign objects near wireless power transfer (WPT) systems are fire hazards that must be detected. In this article, a new accurate method is presented for foreign object detection based on an electromagnetic model for WPT. Foreign objects are detected by quantifying the deviation from a normal model. This deviation is caused by the foreign object's additional electromagnetic coupling. Advantages of this new method include invariance to receiver coil misalignment, and power level, allowing low-power detection prior to startup. Electromagnetic model-based foreign object detection was demonstrated in hardware to detect a 2 cm diameter U.S. nickel coin, a small disposable lighter, and a saline proxy for a living animal in a kilowatt-level wireless power transfer system, using a prestartup power of only 7 W. Furthermore, foreign objects can be detected regardless of an Rx coil misalignment of up to 10 cm. This article is accompanied by an instructional video.
Radioactive Contaminanant Transport in Subsurface Porous Environment

The deterministic model is developed based on the discrete advection-dispersion-adsorption equations with radioactive decay mechanism. The data assimilation scheme is designed to utilize the Kalman Filter (KF) to incorporate the knowledge of uncertainties in both the model and the measurement. Spatially correlated regional noise structures are proposed and integrated into a data assimilation scheme. This model demonstrates that the data assimilation scheme reduces the uncertainty and predicts more accurately than a deterministic model. Through absorbing information from observation, the predictive plumes of radioactive contamination from the assimilation system can follow the change of a randomized irregular plume shape in the real world more closely than a non-assimilation deterministic model.
Public health and Cuba: trading on a two-way street.

Since December 2014, President Obama has reopened diplomatic relations with Cuba, removed Cuba from the list of state-sponsored terrorism, and most recently announced the reestablishment of embassies. Travel to Cuba by US citizens has been expanded. From January through May 2015, Cuba experienced a 14% rise in worldwide tourism, with a 36% increase in the number of US citizens visiting the island.1 US businesses—from telecommunications, to agricultural, to “big box” retailers—are exploring early entry points into what has been a forbidden marketplace for half a century. “Cubans”—the United States seems to be saying—“get ready to drink from a fire hose” (i.e., get ready for being inundated with all things American). Yet, in all the clamor, there is very little attention to what might be flowing in the other direction—from Cuba to the United States—other than Cuban rum and cigars. Are we about to miss the opportunity to import ideas and solutions to problems we Americans face and to learn from Cuban experiences? The focus of this editorial is precisely on what should be a two-way street in this developing relationship.
CCR5 regulates high dose oral tolerance by modulating CC chemokine ligand 2 levels in the GALT.

Oral tolerance is an immunomodulatory mechanism used by gut tissues to induce systemic tolerance to ingested proteins. In models of disease, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, oral tolerance has been used to protect against paralysis induced by immunization with myelin proteins. Previous work in our laboratory has shown a role for the chemokine, CCL2, and its receptor in the induction of high dose oral tolerance. In the present study, we report that two CCR5 ligands, CCL4 and CCL5, are expressed in gut tissues after Ag feeding. CCR5−/− mice were unable to be tolerized by feeding a high dose of Ag and were not protected from developing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Moreover, CCR5−/− mice did not display cytokine deviation as normally seen after high dose oral Ag. Using a selective CCR5 antagonist, methionine-RANTES, CCL2 expression was inhibited, resulting in enhanced IL-12 production and the inability for mice treated with methionine-RANTES to become orally tolerized. This current study suggests that CCR5 ligands may function to modulate CCL2 levels in the gut after Ag feeding, promoting a cellular environment that favors tolerance rather than immunity.
A Generalized Parametric Selection Model for Non-Normal Data

I develop a new approach for sample selection problems that allows parametric forms of any type to be chosen for both for the selection and the observed variables. The Generalized Parametric Selection (GPS) model can incorporate both duration and count data models, unlike previous parametric models. MLE does not require numerical integration or simulation techniques, unlike previous models for count data. I discuss application to common duration models (exponential, Weibull, log-logistic) and count models (Poisson, negative binomial). I demonstrate the usefulness of the model with an application to the effects of insurance status and managed care on hospitalization duration data. The example indicates that the GPS model may be preferred even in cases for which other parametric approaches are available.
Structural studies on the O‐polysaccharide of the lipopolysaccharide produced by Citrobacter rodentium (ATCC 51459)

Citrobacter rodentium is the etiologic agent of transmissible murine colonic hyperplasia (TMCH) and is the only Citrobacter species known to possess virulence factors homologous to human enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. Members of this species are considered clonal and represent the only known attaching and effacing bacterial pathogen of mice and thus provides a useful animal model for studying the molecular basis of attaching and effacing pathology. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced by C. rodentium has not been previously studied or its possible role as a virulence factor determined. The structure of the LPS has been undertaken as a first step in an investigation of its possible role in pathogenesis. The structure of C. rodentium (ATCC 51459, prototype TMCH isolate, original biotype 4280, previously designated DBS 100) LPS was determined from composition and methylation analyses, mass spectrometry, and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The antigenic O-polysaccharide was found to be a high molecular mass branched polymer of repeating pentasaccharide units composed of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose (D-GlcNAc), d-glucose (D-Glc), and L-rhamnose (L-Rha) in the molar ratio 2 : 2 : 1 linked through phosphate, and has the structure: [structure: see text]
Teacher Identification of the Gifted: A New Look:

Teacher recommendation as a means of identifying gifted children traditionally has been regarded as ineffective and inefficient, although such conclusions are based upon studies in which teachers were required to make global assessments of students' ability. The present study sought to re-examine the issue through the use of checklists on which the teachers were asked to indicate the presence or absence of certain behaviors. Significant, moderate, positive correlations between teacher rating and IQ were obtained, and the ratings were found to possess both high efficiency and stability. Teacher rating was found to be a better predictor of giftedness for girls than for boys. With IQ as the dependent variable, a main effect for achievement was found, but there was none for rating nor was there an interaction effect. Teacher rating was a better identifier of gifted underachievers than of gifted achievers.
Evolution of Steroid-Inducible RP2 mRNA Expression in the Mouse Kidney

ABSTRACT We have examined the structure and expression of mRNAs encoded by the androgen-inducible RP2 gene in the kidneys of nine mouse species within the genus Mus . There is considerable interspecies variation in the lengths of the major RP2 transcripts; some of this variation is due to the presence or absence of a B1 repetitive element in the 3′-untranslated region of the gene. In addition, the extent of RP2 mRNA induction by testosterone differs among the species. Two species show 10-20-fold induction, while others display a reduced response or none at all. Analysis of an interspecific hybrid indicates that the inducibility phenotype is inherited in an additive fashion. A correlation between RP2 inducibility and the time of formation of lineages within the Mus genus suggests that induction evolved in a stepwise fashion, with the acquisition of a modest hormonal response being followed by the appearance of a greater response. The interspecies variations in RP2 mRNA structure and regulation provide a useful model for the identification and study of genetic elements that elicit evolutionary alterations in steroid-modulated gene expression.
Evidence for the existence of endothelial factors regulating contractility in rat heart.

Force developed by isolated papillary muscle decreases as the cross-sectional area increases. The basis for this decline in force is not clear in as much as theoretical considerations and experimental data have indicated that the rate of diffusion of oxygen into thin bundles should not be limiting. Decline of maximum Ca-activated force with increasing cross-sectional area of detergent skinned papillary muscle can be attributed to the accumulation of inorganic phosphate in the center of the bundle. In both cases, the bundle of intact cells with a possible limitation of diffusion of oxygen into the bundle and of skinned cells with a limitation of diffusion of Pi outward, the lowest level of activity should be in the center of the bundle. We have used quantitative histochemistry for measuring Ca- and actin-activated myosin ATPase activity in cryostatic sections of rapidly frozen isolated traveculae. The technique is very sensitive and has sufficient spatial resolution to resolve individual myofibrils. At different times after dissection, ventricular trabeculae were quickly frozen, transversely sectioned and Ca- and actin-activated myosin ATPase, measured in serial sections both without and with 1 μM cAMP in the assay solution. In none of over 40 trabeculae studied was there an inward gradient of actin-activated ATPase activity of myosin. The most superficial cells had very low enzymatic activity. Cyclic AMP decreased the gradient by raising the enzymatic activity of the less active cells more that the more active cells. Ca-activated myosin ATPase was always uniform across the transverse section. These observations are incompatible with a limitation of diffusion of oxygen inward or of an inhibitory factor produced by muscular activity outward. The results are, however, consistent with the production of a regulatory factor within the bundle.
Vector quantization codebook generation using simulated annealing

The authors present an algorithm for the generation of codebooks from a set of training vectors using simulated annealing. Convergence of the algorithm to the globally optimal codebook in finite time is proved, and experimental results comparing simulated annealing with Lloyd algorithms for image quantization are presented. The experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm obtains the best known codebook for the experimental situation described by R.M. Gray and E.D. Karnin (IEEE Trans. on Inf. Theory, vol.IT-28, no.2, p.256-61, Mar. 1982). It has also been demonstrated that this technique works well for the construction of codebooks from real image data. >
Manager Characteristics and Employee Job Insecurity around a Merger Announcement: The Role of Status and Crossover

Most existing research theorizes individual factors as predictors of perceived job insecurity. Incorporating contextual and organizational factors at an information technology organization where a merger was announced during data collection, we draw on status expectations and crossover theories to investigate whether managers' characteristics and insecurity shape their employees' job insecurity. We find having an Asian as opposed to a White manager is associated with lower job insecurity, whereas managers' own insecurity positively predicts employees' insecurity. Also contingent on the organizational climate, managers' own tenure buffers, and managers' perceived job insecurity magnifies insecurity of employees interviewed after a merger announcement, further specifying status expectations theory by considering context.
International geoscience: Past and future

The International Geophysical Year (IGY) differed from the preceding international polar years in that it had a significant component of solid earth research. The success of this venture led to succeeding programs, still under way, that have maintained and improved upon the communication mechanisms established during IGY. These programs differed from IGY in that they have a longer time span, usually a decade, and in that they have focused more on the exchange of ideas and data rather than shorter-term, specially funded research programs aimed at particular goals. To borrow an analogy from oceanography, one might liken IGY to the Challenger expedition of a century ago; a one-shot venture that collected vast amounts of data during a single cruise; data that occupied the energies of a number of scientists over a period of years. The succeeding programs followed more the pattern of modern oceanography in which cruises take place continuously, steadily building the data base a n d generating new ideas. There is no question but that IGY was a major shot in the arm for solid earth research and it is fair to ask whether it is not time for another such venture. Our support mechanisms have tended to become more narrowly focused on disciplines and subdisciplines through time, reflecting the increasing complexity o f science. Perhaps it is time to choose some broad goals: to identify some experiments that require inputs from a number of disciplines and international collaboration in research and that promise us new and better insights into the nature and properties, the history and development of the earth.
ELECTROCHEMICAL GENERATION OF SOLUTION LUMINESCENCE—II: LUMINOL AND PHTHALHYDRAZIDE

— The electrochemical techniques of voltage-scan, chronopotentiometry, chrono-amperometry, coulometry and square-wave pulse have been applied to the electro-oxidation of luminol and phthalhydrazide in an attempt to elucidate the mechanism and species responsible for electroluminescence in the presence of oxygen and base. The rate of electro-oxidation has been shown to be diffusion controlled with no evidence of a reverse reduction wave. Monitoring of light intensity decays after a potential-pulse has given a first order rate of 1.63 times 103 sec-1 at 25“. A heat of activation of 2.89 + 0.12 kcal/mole was determined for the reaction from the temperature dependence of the rate. A general reaction sequence for the electroluminescent pathway is proposed.
Solid Electrolyte Interfaces and Interphases in Lithium Batteries: In Situ Studies Using Nonlinear Optical Probes

Solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) regions play a critical role in stabilizing lithium batteries, but little is known about the detailed mechanism of growth and formation. We have developed a novel method for in situ study of the interfacial regions of SEI layers, using an interface-selective nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy method termed femtosecond broadband multiplex vibrational sum-frequency generation spectroscopy (SFG) and a lithium battery electrochemical cell with optical access. SFG has high sensitivity and high selectivity needed to study vibrational transitions of molecular species during the SEI growth. SFG is most sensitive to interfacial regions, so with SFG we ignore the bulk electrolyte and focus on interface regions just a few molecules thick. During SEI growth there are two such interfaces, the electrode-SEI interface and the electrolyte SEI interface. We will present results obtained using a lithium battery and model materials relevant to Li batteries, where during successive cycles of charge and discharge we selectively probe the structural evolution of these two interfaces on Au, Cu and carbon.
Optimization of variables for screening solid-supported metal complexes as oxidation catalysts

Abstract Evaluation of polymer-supported metal complexes as oxidation catalysts revealed that product distribution is not dependent on metal stoichiometry, or resin but is dependent on the oxidant, oxidant stoichiometry and the metal incubation times. The model systems investigated under the optimized conditions afforded highly reproducible results, indicating that this methodology can be used to reliably screen libraries of metal complexes.
Quantitative assessment of emphysema using hyperpolarized 3He magnetic resonance imaging

In this experiment, Sprague-Dawley rats with elastase-induced emphysema were imaged using hyperpolarized (3)He MRI. Regional fractional ventilation r, the fraction of gas replaced with a single tidal breath, was calculated from a series of images in a wash-in study of hyperpolarized gas. We compared the regional fractional ventilation in these emphysematous rats to the regional fractional ventilations we calculated from a previous baseline study in healthy Sprague-Dawley rats. We found that there were differences in the maps of fractional ventilation and its associated frequency distribution between the healthy and emphysematous rat lungs. Fractional ventilation tended to be much lower in emphysematous rats than in normal rats. With this information, we can use data on fractional ventilation to regionally distinguish between healthy and emphysematous portions of the lung. The successful implementation of such a technique on a rat model could lead to work toward the future implementation of this technique in human patients.
Overt and Relational Aggression and Victimization: Multiple Perspectives within the School Setting

The current study involved a comprehensive comparative examination of overt and relational aggression and victimization across multiple perspectives in the school setting (peers, teachers, observers in the lunchroom, self-report). Patterns of results involving sociometic status, ethnicity and gender were explored among 4th graders, with particular emphasis on girls. Controversial and rejected children were perceived as higher on both forms of aggression than other status groups, but only rejected children were reported as victims. Both European American and African American girls showed a greater tendency toward relational aggression and victimization than overt aggression or victimization. Results indicated negative outcomes associated with both relational and overt victimization and especially overt aggression for the target girl sample. Poorer adjustment and a socially unskillful behavioral profile were found to be associated with these three behaviors. However, relational aggression did not evidence a similar negative relation to adjustment nor was it related to many of the behaviors examined in the current study. Implications of these results are discussed.
Long-term Anastomotic Complications After Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Benign Diseases

The study of long-term complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for malignant disease has been problematic given the paucity of patients with long-term survival after diagnosis and surgical resection. We therefore studied patients who were surgically treated with a PD for a benign diagnosis to evaluate long-term anastomotic durability. A retrospective analysis of 122 patients who had PD performed in the interval 1993–2003 inclusive for benign pancreatic diseases was undertaken. Long-term morbidity and mortality (specifically biliary, pancreaticojejunostomy [PJ], and gastrojejunostomy [GJ] strictures) were evaluated. Gender was equally represented with 53% female and 47% male. The median age at surgery was 55 years (range 15–81 years). The three most frequent diagnoses were chronic pancreatitis (40%), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (16%), and cystic neoplasms (9%). Median follow-up in the 95 patients alive at last follow-up was 4.1 years (10 days–12.6 years). The 5- and 10-year survival rates were 83% (76, 91%) and 62% (49%, 78%), respectively. The observed survival was significantly lower than the expected survival in an age- and gender-matched U.S. white population, p < 0.001 (one-sample log-rank test). The 5- and 10-year cumulative probability of biliary stricture was 8% (2%, 14%) and 13% (4%, 22%), respectively. For pancreatic strictures the 5- and 10-year rates were 5% (0%, 9%) and 5% (0%, 9%), respectively. No GJ strictures were noted. The management of biliary strictures was primarily with dilatation and stent (78%) and less commonly operative intervention (22%). Pancreatic strictures required surgery alone (25%), surgery followed by endoscopic intervention (25%), or endoscopic therapy alone (50%). Intervention for anastomotic strictures after pancreaticoduodenectomy is uncommon. Biliary strictures can usually be treated nonoperatively with dilation and stent. Our study likely underestimates the incidence of stricture formation. Prospective imaging studies may be warranted for a more accurate assessment of the rate of long-term anastomotic complications.
Childhood leukemia in California-born twins.

In a study of the childhood leukemia experience in a California twin birth cohort, there was an apparent deficit of leukemia in twins compared to the occurrence in single births. The rough estimate of the deficit of leukemia in monozygotic twins tends to confirm that found in 2 other studies. The concordance rate for monozygotic twins was estimated to be 25%, which is in agreement with that made by MacMahon and Levy. Relative to the comparison group, the leukemic twins and their unaffected co-twins had a significantly greater disparity in birth weights, and heavy leukemic females made the greatest contribution to this result. More first-born twins died of leukemia than second-born, but an independent twin birth order effect was not shown when birth weight and sex composition were controlled.
Comparison of several inflow control devices for flight simulation of fan tone noise using a JT15D-1 engine

The paper describes the tests of four devices intended to reduce inflow disturbances and turbulences using a JT15D-1 turbofan engine. The tests were made to simulate the in-flight fan tone noise; the inflow control devices (ICD's) consisted of honeycomb/screen structures mounted over the engine inlet. The ICD's ranged from 1.6 to 4 fan diameters in size, and were made with several fabrication methods. All the ICD's significantly reduced the BPF tone in the far-field directivity patterns, but the smallest ICD's introduced propagating modes which could be recognized by additional lobes in the patterns. The JT15D-1 engine had a tone source which generated a strong propagating mode at fan speeds corresponding to 'approach' power and higher. Data from a typical transducer showed that the unsteady inflow distortion modes were eliminated or reduced when either of the ICD's was installed.
User preferences for features in back of book indexes

A survey of 255 librarians and college professors obtained their opinions of three elements of back of book indexes. Both groups overwhelmingly preferred line-by-line subheadings to the run-on arrangement, even though many books use the latter format. Almost all librarians preferred word-by-word alphabetization to the letter-by-letter method, but only about two thirds of the professors shared this preference. Strongest disagreement between the two groups occurred when most of the librarians preferred see references to duplicate entries, while most professors selected duplicate entries instead of see references. Indexers and developers of indexing standards should consider the preferences of index users
Ocular renin angiotensin: EM immunocytochemical localization of prorenin.

Prorenin (PR) was localized by electron microscopic (EM) immunostaming of cryo-ultramicrotomy sections of human ciliary body and correlated with light microscopic immunoskuning. Both layers of the ciliary epithelium contained the prohormone. However, density was much higher in the adjacent extracellular spaces, particularly in the vitreous cortex. This observation adds further evidence to a role of the the ciliary epithelium in the transfer, storage or synthesis of components of a putative ocular renin angiotensin system.
Analytical studies of pyrethrin formulations by gas chromatography.

Commercial formulations of mixtures of pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide, and n-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide were quantitatively measured by gas chromatography. The three active ingredients of the formulations were measured simultaneously using gas chromatographic columns containing the support Chromosorb W coated with either 3% or 5% SE-30 silicone. The individual pesticide components present in the formulations, ranging in amounts of 0.05 to 50.0% of the mixtures, could be measured within a reasonable degree of accuracy.
Decidual Stromal Cells as regulators of T Cell Access to the Maternal-Fetal Interface

A recent study in the journal Science offers insights into the mechanism behind feto-maternal tolerance, as evidenced by changes in the immuno-logical environment of the uterus and decidua. They also provide a rich area of research for the understanding of the regulation of the immune system in other complicated medical conditions, including cancer and pregnancies affected by infection or autoimmunity.
Interactions of intracerebroventricular pertussis toxin treatment with the ataxic and hypothermic effects of ethanol.

Pretreatment with pertussis toxin (0.5 and 1.0 μg/animal, i. c. v., seven days prior to testing) reversed the reduction in locomotor activity in the holeboard test caused by administration of the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist, medetomidine (0.1 mg/kg, i. p.). Intrinsic behavioral effects of pertussis toxin treatment were also observed, these included a reduction in exploratory head-dipping and an increase in locomotor activity. These doses of pertussis toxin also reduced the ataxia induced by a 2.4 g/kg dose of ethanol. Pertussis toxin treated animals also exhibited a diminished hypothermic response to ethanol (2 g/kg), although the pertussis toxin treated animals had lower body temperatures prior to ethanol administration compared to sham treated animals. Neither the behavioral effect of pertussis holotoxin in the holeboard nor its effects on reversing medetomidine hypolocomotion or ethanol-induced ataxia were seen following administration of the binding oligomer of pertussis toxin which binds to the cell membrane but does not possess the enzymatically active subunit. These findings implicate mechanisms involving pertussis toxin sensitive G-proteins in modulating some behavioral and physiological effects of ethanol.
Physical processes in small titanium ion pumps

Abstract Experiments with small ion pumps in which titanium is continuously deposited are described. Two types were investigated, the first being a conventional thermionic ionisation gauge with titanium evaporating from a directly heated source in the envelope and the second a Penning type of discharge tube in which titanium was sputtered from the end plates. In the first type all the gases and vapours tested were pumped by ion burial and all except argon were also pumped by adsorption onto the already deposited titanium film and then covered by the arriving titanium. In addition the hot tungsten could combine chemically with oxygen and also convert hydrogen into the atomic form which was then able to diffuse into the titanium. Water vapour and organic vapours were also decomposed by the hot tungsten. In the Penning discharge pump the speed of pumping was constant for each gas over a wide range of pressures, and depended on the titanium sputtering rate and rate of adsorption of the various gases. It was found that appreciable desorption of pumped gases took place in the sputter-ion pump but could be made negligible in the evaporation-ion pump.
Topological simplification of isosurfaces in volumetric data using octrees

Volumetric data, such as output from CT scans or laser range scan processing methods, often have isosurfaces that contain topological noise-small handles and holes that are not present in the original model. Because this noise can significantly degrade the performance of other geometric processing algorithms, we present a volumetric method that removes the topological noise and patches holes in undefined regions for a given isovalue. We start with a surface completely inside the isosurface of interest and a surface completely outside the isosurface. These surfaces are expanded and contracted, respectively, on a voxel-by-voxel basis. Changes in topology of the surfaces are prevented at every step using a local topology test. The result is a pair of surfaces that accurately reflect the geometry of the model but have simple topology. We represent the volume in an octree format for improved performance in space and time.
Coupled direct numerical simulation and experimental approach to develop framework for nano fluids

Nanofluids are considered to be attractive as heat transfer fluids (HTF) and thermal energy storage (TES) for concentrated solar power (CSP) applications. Solvents doped with relatively low concentrations of nanoparticles (with diameters up to 100 nm) are termed as nanofluids. Numerical models for exploring the forces experienced by the nanoparticles are needed in order to ascertain the transport processes responsible for the anomalous material properties of the nanofluids that are observed in experimental measurements.In this study a multiscale approach to modeling the forces acting on these particles was performed and the dynamics of transient nanoparticle agglomeration have been explored. The validity of the multiscale approach is demonstrated by examining a pair of nanoparticles in a fluid. The force interactions due to the presence of the electric double layer (EDL) were identified as a significant factor in determining the propensity for agglomerative of the nanoparticles. Simulations were performed to demonstrate the clustering and agglomeration of an ensemble of nanoparticles. The simulation results provide an estimate for the time scale for the agglomeration and the resultant structure of the agglomerated ensemble of nanoparticles. Subsequently simulations were performed using this numerical model corresponding to the available experimental data in the literature. The predictions from the numerical simulations show that the change in zeta potential (determined in part by the pH of the solvent phase) is a crucial parameter that affects the level of agglomeration of the nanoparticles. Finally, the numerical scheme is extended for performing true 3-D simulation. This approach is more sophisticated than the contemporary schemes that are reported in the literature that project 3-D forces on to a 2-D plane.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Characterization and corrosion resistance of organically modified silicate–NiZn ferrite/polyaniline hybrid coatings on aluminum alloys

Abstract Hybrid coatings based on organically modified silicate (Ormosil)–NiZn ferrite/polyaniline (10–30 wt.%) were synthesized through a sol–gel technique. Tetraethylenepentamine, 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, tetraethoxysilane and Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4/polyaniline were used as precursors for the hybrid coatings. These hybrid films were deposited via spin coating onto an aluminum alloy to improve the corrosion protection. The effects induced by the NiZn ferrite/polyaniline content on the chain dynamics, ferromagnetic behavior and corrosion performances of the coated samples were investigated. The rotating-frame spin–lattice relaxation times and scale of the spin-diffusion path length indicated that the configuration of the hybrid films was highly cross-linked, dense and adhered to the aluminum alloy substrates. The magnetic properties of the resulting hybrids showed super-paramagnetic behavior, such as zero coercive force (coercivity = 0 G) and a low blocking temperatures (45 K). Potentio-dynamic and salt-spray analysis revealed that the hybrid films provided an exceptional barrier and corrosion protection in comparison with untreated aluminum alloy substrates.
The Process Communication Model: Understanding Ourselves and Others.

Development of effective communication skills is important, if not critical. The process communication model shows that attending to the needs of staff members and students can stim ulate more acceptable performance and greater growth.
Rioting in Northern Ireland The Effects of Different Policies

This article addresses empirically the effects of three different policy approachesreformist, repressive, and constitutional-to reducing the level of rioting in Northern Ireland over the 1968-1973 period. The analysis shows that none of these policy approaches is singularly successful in decreasing monthly levels of rioting. Furthermore, a given policy's effects on violent activity is shown to vary depending on the group involved in the rioting, be it Catholics, Protestants, or both.
Uniform Coverage of Automotive Surface Patches

In spray painting applications, it is essential to generate a spray gun trajectory such that the entire surface is completely covered and receives an acceptably uniform layer of paint deposition; we call this the “uniform coverage” problem. The uniform coverage problem is challenging because the atomizer emits a non-trivial paint distribution, thus making the relationships between the spray gun trajectory and the deposition uniformity complex. To understand the key issues involved in uniform coverage, we consider surface patches that are geodesically convex and topologically simple as representative of subsets of realistic automotive surfaces. In addition to ensuring uniform paint deposition on the surface, our goal is to also minimize the associated process cycle time and paint waste. Based on the relationships between the spray gun trajectory and the output characteristics (i.e., uniformity, cycle time and paint waste), our approach decomposes the coverage trajectory generation problem into three subpro...
Rehabilitation after head injury

Abstract Children and adolescents commonly sustain injuries including traumatic brain injuries. Those with moderate-to-severe injuries are routinely referred to the rehabilitation services for further assessment and management during the course of the hospital admission. Many studies have reported on the role of rehabilitation in effecting the outcome of children and adults sustaining a TBI. The purpose of this paper is to review the present literature to establish the recommendations for the role of rehabilitation in supporting children and their families in recovering from traumatic brain injury. Conclusions Despite a lack of randomized controlled trials in rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury in children the consensus of world opinion is that rehabilitation is a critical part of care. Rehabilitation should involve the whole family and should be actively continued in to the community setting.
Implications of ligand binding studies for the catalytic mechanism of cytochrome c oxidase

The reaction of oxidized bovine heart cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) with one equivalent of hydrogen peroxide results in the formation of two spectrally distinct species. The yield of these two forms is controlled by the ionization of a group with a pKa of 6.6. At basic pH, where this group is deprotonated, an intermediate called P dominates (P, because it was initially believed to be a peroxy compound). At acidic pH where the group is protonated, a different species, called F (ferryl intermediate) is obtained. We previously proposed that the only difference between these two species is the presence of one proton in the catalytic center of F that is absent in P. It is now suggested that the catalytic center of this F form has the same redox and protonation state as a second ferryl intermediate produced at basic pH by two equivalents of hydrogen peroxide; the role of the second equivalent of H2O2 is that of a proton donor in the conversion of P to F. Two chloride-binding sites have been detected in oxidized CcO. One site is located at the binuclear center; the second site was identified from the sensitivity of g=3 signal of cytochrome a to chloride in the EPR spectra of oxidized CcO. Turnover of CcO releases chloride from the catalytic center into the medium probably by one of the hydrophobic channels, proposed for oxygen access, with an orientation parallel to the membrane plane. Chloride in the binuclear center is most likely not involved in CcO catalysis. The influence of the second chloride site upon several reactions of CcO has been assessed. No correlation was found between chloride binding to the second site and the reactions that were examined.
Dupuytren's Contracture

Successful Dupuytren's surgery requires the cooperation of the patient, the surgeon, and the therapist. Cooperation of the patient is enhanced by nursing care. Preoperative and postoperative teaching by the nurse also contribute to positive outcomes. The type of incision or surgery performed does not affect the time of recovery if the diseased tissue is removed and there are no postoperative complications.
The pathway to femaleness: current knowledge on embryonic development of the ovary.

Increasing evidence indicates that organogenesis of the ovary is not a passive process arising by default in the absence of the testis pathway. A coordinated interaction is actually in force between somatic cells and female germ cells in embryonic ovaries, thus creating a unique microenvironment that facilitates the formation of follicles. Identification of the functional roles of several novel regulatory elements such as Figα, Foxl2, follistatin, and Wnt4 reveals the complexity of early ovarian organization. Challenges await us to establish the molecular connections of these molecules as well as to discover new candidates in the pathway of early ovarian development.
Sequential estimation of the mean exponential survival time under random censoring

Abstract This paper proposes a sequential estimator \ gq of the papameter θ of an exponential distribution when the data is censored. Without any further conditions, it is shown that asymptotically the regret has the same order of magnitude as the cost per observation when the loss is measured by the squared error loss of estimation of θ plus a linear cost function of the number of observations.
Evaluation of wind energy as a power generation source in a selected site in Jordan

Abstract This paper uses the Annual Specific Output (ASO) as a main parameter for determining the expected annual energy output of a wind turbine and in conducting cost-benefit analysis of wind-electricity generation. This parameter is used in evaluating the efficiency of different Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) in one sample site for power generation. An example of 1 year of data for a selected site in the northern part of Jordan, namely Ras Muneef (geographical co-ordinates N: 32° 22′, E: 35° 45′) is presented. Results show the economic feasibility of harnessing wind energy towards electricity generation. The procedure adopted is extensible to other sites. The cost of 1 kWh generated by wind using a 75 kW machine is 0.015 JD corresponds to an annual energy output of 232 500 kWh and against 0.011–0.020 JD using conventional electricity generation depending on cost of fuel.
Dynamic load balancing in parallel and distributed networks by random matchings (extended abstract)

The fundamental problems in dynamic load balancing and job scheduling in parallel and distributed computers involve moving load between processors. In this paper, we consider a new model for load movement in synchronous parallel and distributed machines. In each step of our model, each processor can transfer load to at most one neighbor; also, any amount of load can be moved along a communication link between two processors in one step. This is a reasonable model for load movement in significant classes of dynamic load balancing problems.We derive efficient algorithms for a number of task reallocation problems under our model of load movement. These include dynamic load balancing on processor networks, adaptive mesh re-partitioning such as those in finite element methods, and progressive job migration under dynamic generation and consumption of load.To obtain the above-mentioned results, we introduce and solve the abstract problem of Incremental Weight Migration (IWM) on arbitrary graphs. Our main result is a simple, randomized, algorithm for this problem which provably results in asymptotically optimal convergence towards the state where weights on the nodes of the graph are all equal. This algorithm utilizes an appropriate random set of edges forming a matching. Our algorithm for the IWM problem is used in deriving efficient algorithms for all the problems mentioned above.Our results are very general. The algorithms we derive are local, and hence, scalable. They work for arbitrary load distributions and for networks of arbitrary topology which can possibly undergo link failures. Of independent interest is our proof technique which we use to lower bound the convergence of our algorithms in terms of the eigenstructure of the underlying graph.Finally, we present preliminary experimental results analyzing issues in load balancing related to our algorithms.
The psychological bases of food rejections by humans

Through questionnaires and interviews with American university students, an inclusive set of psychological categories of substances rejected as food is delineated. Substances are rejected primarily because of: disliked sensory characteristics (distastes); anticipated negative consequences of ingestion (danger); offensiveness of the idea of what something is (disgust); or classification of something as not edible (inappropriate). This classification confirms a prior, preliminary taxonomy derived through a different technique, and expands and elaborates that taxonomy. The extent to which each type of rejection is focussed on the substance‐in‐mouth varies across categories. Dangerous substances are rejected in the mouth and in the body (post‐ingestional stages). Disgusting substances are rejected in the environment (pre‐ingestional stages), in the mouth and in the body. Distastes are rejected only when in the mouth. When taught this taxonomy, subjects could readily and consistently categorize a wide range of...
Cultural Policy Studies and the Problem of Political Representation

Since the 1980s, writers in cultural policy studies have used Michel Foucault\rquote s writing on governmentality to rethink the relationship between intellectuals in the humanities and liberal (or neoliberal) states. One of the founding members of the Australian cultural policy studies school, Tony Bennett, has argued for a model of intellectual as a cultural technicisn who works with the state bureaucracies. This article uses Bennett\rquote s work as an entry-point into questions about the role of critical intellectual, the nature of state power and bureaucracy, and function of culture. It argues that if cultural policy studies is going to claim to be doing bureaucratic work for the sake of politics (rather than for purposes of self-interest), then it will have to supplement governmentality with other theories that help sort our relationships among intellectuals, political constituencies, and the state.
The galanin antagonist, M-15, inhibits growth hormone release in rats

The neuropeptide, galanin, has been implicated in the regulation of rat growth hormone (rGH) release. In the present study, adult male rats were implanted dually with cannulae to the lateral cerebral ventricle and the right atrium. After surgical recovery, rats were infused with M-15, a specific galanin antagonist, into the lateral ventricle. During the course of this brain infusion, rats were subjected to serial blood sampling with red cell and artificial plasma replacement under stress-free conditions. Plasma was saved for rGH assay. Treatment with M-15 reduced rGH pulse amplitude and pulse frequency when compared to vehicle-infused controls. These data suggest that brain galanin participates in the ongoing stimulation of pulsatile rGH release in the adult male rat.