cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spontaneously Broken Gauge Symmetries. I. Preliminaries

This is the first of a series of papers addressed to the renormalizability question of spontaneously broken gauge theories. We give a brief outline of the motivation for such an investigation and describe the manner in which the renormalizability of such theories will be proved in the sequel. Put briefly, we will show that in an appropriate gauge, ultraviolet divergences of a spontaneously broken gauge theory are removed completely by the gauge-invariant counterterms in the Lagrangian which would make the Greon's functions of the corresponding unbroken gauge theory finite, that the $S$ matrix computed in this gauge is unitary, and that the $S$ matrix is independent of the gauge chosen. In this paper, the renormalizability question of the unbroken gauge theory is considered. We derive the Ward-Takahashi identities of the theory. We discuss several ways of regulating divergent Feynman integrals of the theory without destroying gauge invariance. Infrared divergences are avoided by the device of intermediate renormalization, wherein we choose as subtraction points some points where external momenta are Euclidean. This suffices to establish that the Bogoliubov-Parasiuk-Hepp renormalization will give renormalized Green's functions which satisfy the Ward-Takahashi identities. The existence of finite, renormalized Green's functions satisfying the Ward-Takahashi identities provides us with the means of proving the renormalizability of the spontaneously broken symmetry case. The Ward-Takahashi identities were previously derived for the gauge bosons by Slavnov. We present here a new derivation. The discussions on regularization methods and intermediate renormalization procedure and the renormalization conditions for matter fields, we believe, are new contributions of the present paper.
Irradiance moments: their propagation and use for unique retrieval of phase

The functional dependence of irradiance moments with distance from the pupil plane is studied within the framework of Fresnel diffraction theory. The concept of analytic pupil function is introduced, and for such pupil functions it is shown that any finite-order irradiance moment exists, even in the presence of arbitrary continuous phase aberrations. The uniqueness of the relationship between pupil-plane phase and irradiance moments, when the moments are calculated over an orthogonal plane at a fixed point along the optical axis in image space, is obscure, and the relationship between phase and moments is generally nonlinear. However, by studying the behavior of irradiance moments throughout the neighborhood of a given axial point in image space, one may determine, for a large class of pupils, the pupil-plane phase uniquely (within an arbitrary additive constant), and only a linear problem need be solved for phase retrieval. In particular, unique phase retrieval may be accomplished by measuring moments in the neighborhood of either the pupil plane or the image plane. Examples of this technique are given.
The academic impact on children of maternal post-secondary enrollment

Abstract Numerous empirical studies have found that maternal educational attainment is correlated positively with desirable outcomes for children, including academic achievement. At the same time, little is known about the effect of the timing of mothers’ schooling on the same set of child outcomes. Using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study – Kindergarten Cohort (ECLS-K), I find a positive effect of full-time maternal post-secondary enrollment on the reading scores of kindergarten students after controlling for child-specific, time-persistent unobserved heterogeneity. This effect is especially strong when the sample is narrowed to children with married mothers or in households where a father is present. No similar effect is found for kindergarten math scores.
Well-Defined Vinyl Ketone-Based Polymers by Reversible Addition−Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization

Well-defined photodegradable poly(vinyl ketone)s with predictable molecular weights and low polydispersities (PDI = 1.16−1.21) were synthesized by RAFT homopolymerizations of vinyl ketone monomers using (S)-1-dodecyl-(S‘)-(α,α‘-dimethyl-α‘ ‘-acetic acid)trithiocarbonate as the RAFT agent and AIBN as the initiator at 70−75 °C in 2-butanone or 1,4-dioxane. The living characteristics of the RAFT processes were verified by excellent linearity agreement of polymer Mn values and monomer conversions to polymer. Further chain extension from these poly(vinyl ketone)s by subsequent RAFT polymerizations provided well-defined block copolymers. Confirmed by AFM characterization, a nanostructured film was prepared from a resulting diblock copolymer based on photodegradation of its poly(vinyl ketone) blocks.
Early cuticle formation in an adenophorean nematode

Abstract The ultrastructure of cuticular formation was studied during the first 8 days of development in Romanomermis culicivorax . On day 1 the plasma membranes of the blastomeres show no specialization. On day 2 short pseudopodial extensions from some of the outer cells begin to migrate over adjacent cells. Small spherical amembraneous structures, which may be connected by fine strands, are present external to the outer layer of cells. During day 3 many of the surface cells are polarized as plaques and minute projections occur on the apical plasma membranes. In addition these epidermal cells now have long pseudopodia which cover adjacent cells and interconnect by numerous desmosomes. On day 4 the apical epidermal membrane forms regularly aligned plicae which contain plaque material and closely associated ribosomes. Externally, there are two delicate membrane-like layers: only the inner one follows the contours of the plicae. On day 5 a distinct granular cuticle 1 (C-1) is present. In addition, the second cuticle (C-2) contains a cortical zone with radial lamellae. Distinct annulae now circumscribe the worm. The narrow C-1 is firmly attached to a dark band (the future epicuticle) of C-2. A ‘foamy’ region lies between the epidermis and the cuticle and possibly represents an area of recently synthesized cuticular material. The epidermis contains projections from which cuticular material appears by exocytosis. At this time the cell body of the epidermal cell is internal. On day 6, a narrow osmiophilic clear band separates C-1 from C-2. C-2 has a trilaminate epicuticle and a median zone appears. On day 7 regions of C-1 are detached and the basal zone of C-2 is present with several layers. By day 8 C-1 has molted and C-2 consists of an epicuticle, cortical zone, a median zone with two or more indistinct layers, a basal zone consisting of five alternating dark and pale wavy fibrillar bands. A wide osmiophilic pale zone separates C-2 from the underlying epidermis.
REVISITING MANAGERIAL PERSPECTIVES ON DIVIDEND POLICY

We survey managers of Nasdaq firms that consistently pay cash dividends to determine their views about dividend policy, the relationship between dividend policy and value, and four common explanations for paying dividends. The evidence shows that managers stress the importance of maintaining dividend continuity and widely agree that changes in dividends affect firm value. Managers give the strongest support to a signaling explanation for paying dividends, weak to little support for the tax-preference and agency cost explanations, and no support to the bird-in-the-hand explanation. The study provides new evidence about how managers view dividend life cycles and residual dividend policy.
Dislocation nucleation at nano-scale mechanical contacts

Abstract The plastic deformation of metals in highly localized stress fields is critical to macroscopic phenomena such as fracture, surface wear and adhesion where crack tips and surface asperities concentrate the applied stress. Controlled-probe contact techniques can be used to measure forces and displacements on the atomic scale, thereby directly exploring elastic and plastic deformation of solids at the nanometer level. In this study we use interfacial force microscopy to quantitatively examine the nano-scale elastic and plastic response of single crystal Au(111) surfaces using controlled-probe contacts with a range of radii extending down to 500 A. Our results show that the stress at the plastic threshold increases with decreasing probe-tip radius. We apply a model for dislocation nucleation which reproduces the scaling behavior with tip radius and discuss deficiencies in the model and plausible reasons for the underestimation in quantitative stress values.
Genetic Variants in P-Selectin and C-Reactive Protein Influence Susceptibility to Cognitive Decline After Cardiac Surgery

Genetic Variants in P-Selectin and C-Reactive Protein Influence Susceptibility to Cognitive Decline After Cardiac SurgeryJoseph P. Mathew, Mihai V. Podgoreanu, Hilary P. Grocott, William D. White, ...
BIOTA/FAPESP, Brazil's model program for assessing global biodiversity

Brazils state of Sao Paulo ranks among the few governments that has recognized the importance of biodiversity. It has successfully launched Biota as part of its FAPESP program in biology. The Biota program has been in operation for three years now, long enough to pose questions about its promise. The questions I will try to address here are: What attributes of the Biota progam have allowed it to succeed where others have failed? Can the Biota program serve as a global model for biodiversity efforts?
The vertical distribution of juvenile salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) and associated fishes in the Columbia River plume

Simultaneous trawling at surface and at depth at one location off the Columbia River, Oregon, in June 2000 identified the depth distribution of juvenile salmonids and associated fishes. Juvenile salmon off the Columbia River were distributed primarily near the surface, within the upper 12 m. Highest densities of subyearling chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) off the Columbia River were associated with high surface currents and decreasing tidal levels, with time of day possibly a co-factor. Densities of yearling chinook salmon increased with higher turbidity. Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) was the most abundant and commonly caught forage fish, with density increasing at night, probably related to diel vertical migration. Catches of juvenile salmonids were not associated with catches of forage fishes. Daytime surface trawling appears to be an appropriate method for assessing the distribution and abundance of juvenile salmonids in marine habitats.
Revisiting Titan's Earth‐based scattering data at 13 cm‐λ

[1] Earth-based measurements of scattering from Titan's surface at 13 cm-λ obtained by the Arecibo Observatory provide an almost complete record over longitude of the backscattering spectra from the surface of Titan at 25.5°S. The observations contain a quasi-specular component, indicating the presence of smooth surfaces on wavelength scale, that is distinct from an omni-present diffuse background. Previous modeling of this scattering using Hagfors law produces values for the surface dielectric constant consistent with liquid hydrocarbons. Use of plausible alternative models, such as a linear combination of two Gaussian scattering laws, yields higher dielectric constant results, which are consistent with a solid surface of simple organics or “dirty” water ice. In instances where several scattering laws are plausible models for the data, it is helpful to check the consistency of the inferred surface parameters before making conclusions concerning surface composition.
Political Responsiveness and Equity in Public Education Finance

This study explores how politics affects the propensity of the American states to pursue equity in local outcomes. Using state education finance as an object of analysis, we develop a theoretical model that emphasizes the social welfare implications of equity versus allocative efficiency and distributive politics. We then hypothesize that the relative liberalism of a state's citizens and institutions should affect both the weight attached to equity in the social welfare function and the ability of the courts to alter those weights. Using a panel design, we explain state funding allocations to 8,048 local school districts from 1992 through 1996. The statistical results show that the relative emphasis on equity differs substantially across states based on political values. States with conservative citizens and institutions place less emphasis on revenue equity than states with liberal citizens and institutions. Judicial mandates are generally unsuccessful in producing more equal allocations but are more suc...
Virtual actors and avatars in a flexible user-determined-scenario environment

VRaptor, a VR system for situational training that uses trainer-defined scenarios is described. The trainee is represented by an avatar; the rest of the virtual world is populated by virtual actors, which are under the control of trainer-defined scripts. The scripts allow reactive behaviors, but the trainer can control the overall scenario. This type of training system may be very useful in supplementing physical training.
System identification of permanent magnet machines and its applications to inter-turn fault detection

Permanent magnet machines are of high power density, high efficiency, small weight, and high reliability, and hence have found extensive applications. This paper employs system identification methods for stator winding fault detection and isolation, under noisy measurement data. Algorithms, estimation accuracy, and convergence properties are established. Simulation studies demonstrate the algorithms and their detection capability and reliability. Simulation results are used to illustrate potential usage of the methods.
Cellular Honeycomb-Like Structures With Internal Buckling and Viscous Elements for Simultaneous Load-Bearing and Dissipative Capability

Cellular structures with hexagonal unit cells show a high degree of flexibility in design. Based on the geometry of the unit cells, highly orthotropic structures, structures with negative Poisson’s ratios, structures with high strain capability in a particular direction, or other desirable characteristics may be designed. Much of the prior work on cellular structures is based on hexagonal honeycomb-like unit cells, without any inclusions. A companion paper to the current paper presented a vision of cellular honeycomb-like structures with diverse inclusions or internal features within the unit cells (such as contact elements resulting in stiffening behavior, buckling beams resulting in softening behavior, bi-stable elements producing negative stiffness or viscous dashpots producing dissipative behavior). That paper further went into details on linear springs as the most fundamental of inclusions.In the present paper, a buckling beam and viscous dashpots are used as inclusions in the basic pin-jointed rigid-walled hexagonal unit cell. The buckling beam provides the cell with a high initial stiffness and load carrying capability. At loads beyond the critical buckling load, the unit cell softens (while still retaining the ability to carry a “design” load), and undergoes large deformation under incremental load. The viscous dampers undergo a correspondingly large stroke resulting in high dissipative capability and loss factor under harmonic or transient disturbance beyond the design load. In the paper, an analysis and design study of the cell behavior with variation in unit cell geometric parameters, buckling beam parameters and viscous dashpot parameters is presented. The analytical results in the paper are validated against ANSYS Finite Element results. Further, a prototype unit cell with an aluminum internal buckling beam and viscous dashpots is fabricated and tested under static and dynamic loads in an Instron machine. Good correlation is observed between the tests, the FE results and the analytical simulations when accounting for the non-linear behavior of the viscous dashpot used in the tests.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Circulating growth hormone binding protein levels and mononuclear cell growth hormone receptor expression in uremia

Background Resistance to growth hormone (GH) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) causes growth retardation and muscle wasting. In humans, circulating GH binding protein (GHBP), the extracellular domain of the GH receptor that is shed into the circulation and is believed to reflect tissue GH receptor levels, is reduced in uremia and suggests that cellular GH receptor levels are correspondingly reduced. If true, this could be a cause of GH resistance. We set out to establish whether serum GHBP levels reflect cellular GH receptor levels and whether changes in serum GHBP levels are related to nutritional or inflammatory status. Methods GH receptor protein expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 21 ESRD and 14 normal subjects were analyzed by fluorochrome flow cytometry. Results The GH receptor density and percent total PBMCs expressing the GH receptor were similar in the 2 groups, and there was no difference in percent GH receptor positive T or B cells or monocytes. In contrast, serum GHBP levels were 80% lower in ESRD. GHBP levels did not correlate with serum albumin, body mass index, or muscle mass but seemed to be partly related to the log serum C-reactive protein levels. Conclusions Serum GHBP levels are markedly reduced in ESRD; this seems to occur independent of nutritional status and may in part be caused by inflammation. Because GH receptor expression on PBMC of ESRD and control subjects was similar, our findings argue against a reduction in GH receptor as a cause of GH resistance and the use of serum GHBP levels as a reliable marker of specific tissue GH receptor levels.
The usage model: a structure for richly describing product usage during design and development

User-centered design plays an influential role in product differentiation, especially within competitive markets. In order for industrial designers and interaction designers to do their jobs effectively, a rich description of product usage and the resulting requirements is essential. Historically, product usage has been described in various ways, some more successful than others. Among the more common formats used to capture usage are use cases, scenarios, and concept-of-operations documents. Several years ago, the term "usage model" began to be used within Intel to describe product use in a stated context. While the concept of a usage model was appealing and intuitive, agreeing on its structure and content proved far more challenging. A usage model structure was established that contains three separate tiers: supporting data, overview, and usage details. This structure provides a common taxonomy across various teams and business units, allows reuse of usage model data where appropriate, and aids communication within and between product development teams. Far more than a simple collection of use cases or scenarios, the usage model provides a rich, deep picture of product usage that can be utilized by strategic planners, requirements engineers, industrial designers, architects, managers, and others throughout product planning, design, development, and validation.
Clinical Observations: A Nutrition Intervention With Families of Low-Birth-Weight Infants

A randomized, prospective, family-centered study investigated the outcome of a telephone-based, nutrition intervention that provided monthly nutritional guidance and support to families of infants (N = 25) born at < 1750 g and evaluated the effects of the intervention on the stress level of the infants' mothers. Growth in length normalized at 1-year adjusted age (p = .08) after using regression modeling to control for the effects of broncho-pulmonary dysplasia. Maternal stress related to parental expectations was negatively correlated with the intervention (p = .027). Infants' 24-hour recall at 4 months was pooled, and the mean, which was 117 kcal/kg, was significantly above the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for age (p = .008). Results suggest that interventions focusing on early catch-up growth and ensuring that preterm infants have an intake higher than the RDA for age in the first few months of life may normalize growth and developmental outcomes and decrease maternal stress.
Autoantibodies in infertility: current opinion

The concept of autoimmune-related infertility has remained controversial. Traditionally, abnormal autoimmune function has been implicated as a contributing factor to female as well as male infertility. In the female, abnormal autoimmunity primarily relates to autoantibody activity against ovarian tissue components, whereas in the male, abnormal autoimmunity, believed to be clinically relevant, is mostly directed against the spermatozoon itself. Historically, abnormal autoimmune function has been seen as a rather organ-specific process in both female and male infertility, with either ovarian or testicular antigens as the primary targets. In recent years it has, however, also been recognized that additional, and possibly less organ-specific, processes of autoimmune nature may play a role. For example, female infertility patients have demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of nonorgan-specific autoantibody abnormalities. The incidence of such autoantibody abnormalities appears to be positively correlated to increasing intractability of infertility (Gleicher et al., 1993). On the other hand, there is doubt as to whether such non-organ-specific autoantibodies themselves cause disease or only serve as epiphenomena for a still undefined immunological defect which causes infertility (Gleicher, 1994). Lastly, the newly evolving field of neuroimmunology needs to be considered here. Since reproductive function is under neuroendocrine control, autoimmune processes that affect the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis at the central nervous system (CNS) level will have considerable impact on infertility. This review will therefore report on autoimmune abnormalities at CNS and gonadal levels and on non-organ-specific abnormalities systemically. It will also separate female from male findings since they are usually distinct, though both can often be found in a single couple presenting with an infertility problem.
Animal age, weight and estrus cycle stage impact the quality of in vitro grown follicles

background: Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is an emerging fertility preservation option, and culturing follicles isolated from this tissue to obtain mature gametes may ultimately be the best solution for patients for whom transplantation is contraindicated. It is unclear, however, how patient-specific variables (including age, weight and menstrual cycle stage) impact follicle growth and quality during three-dimensional culture. methods: We used a mouse model to systematically determine how these variables impact in vitro follicle growth. We characterized metabolic and hormonal profiles of mice at specific ages, weights and cycle stages and secondary follicles from these cohorts were isolated and cultured. We then assessed follicle survival, growth and function, as well as meiotic competence and spindle morphology of the resulting oocytes. results: We found that older mice and mice with increased body weight had higher serum cholesterol, abnormal glucose tolerance and
Measuring RCM implementation

Reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) is a proven methodology for optimizing maintenance practices, but implementing an RCM program represents a major undertaking for an organization. An effective implementation must balance the organization's desire for progress with the need for quality RCM analyses to achieve bottom-line results. A well-organized suite of metrics can aid implementation. Such a system must measure progress, quality, and benefits, making these attributes widely accessible to those involved in management and implementation. Supporting systems must be designed to draw the data for these metrics without creating excessive overhead.
Images in vascular ultrasound Stenosis of the innominate or left common carotid artery origin diagnosed on carotid ultrasound examination

Carotid ultrasound is quite accurate in identifying lesions of the carotid bifurcation. One of the criticisms of carotid duplex ultrasound is that it can miss lesions at the origin of the left common carotid or innominate artery. A common error encountered when performing a carotid duplex ultrasound examination is the failure to adequately image the proximal (right common carotid artery, innominate artery, left common carotid artery) arteries. While direct imaging of these vessels can determine with a high degree of certainty whether a signi cant stenosis is present, there are other clues that should convince the ultrasonographer to search for a more proximal lesion. Panel A: Doppler spectral display found in the right distal common carotid artery (CCA). Note the appearance of a dampened, widened waveform with low peak systolic velocity of 21.6 cm=s. The systolic acceleration is slowed and the systolic peak is rounded as blood passing through a tight stenosis takes longer to reach peak systolic velocity. The maximum systolic velocity is low becauseblood  ow is reduced by the obstruction, and the diastolic  ow is increaseddue to dilatation of the capacitancevessels, thus decreasing peripheral resistance. Dampening is usually most evident in the CCA but may also be seen in the external carotid and internal carotid arterywaveforms. The recognitionof CCA dampening is important, as it may be the only ultrasonographic evidence of innominate artery or proximal left CCA stenosis. Panel B: The spectral waveformof this normal contralateralCCA is a combination of the low resistive waveform of the internal carotid artery (represents 80% of  ow) and a high resistivewaveform Panel A
Nonlinear Effects and the Limitation of Electron Streaming Instabilities in Astrophysics

Nonlinear effects, such as soliton collapse, will result in evolution of hydromagnetic waves excited by a field-aligned charged particle beam. If the time scale for such evolution is comparable to, or shorter than, linear time scales such as those for wave growth or pitch angle isotropization, then nonlinear effects may limit the instability. For conditions appropriate to relativistic electron streaming in a radio galaxy, the nonlinear time scale may be comparable to the linear time scales.
Postoperative Care After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is now commonplace throughout the developed world because of both the obesity pandemic and a substantial body of literature documenting the safety and efficacy of these procedures for the treatment of morbid obesity.
Gender: a major determinant of brain response to nicotine

Biological factors responsible for nicotine initiation and dependence are largely unknown. Men and women smoke differently, and may smoke for different reasons. Brain metabolic response to nicotine may explain gender differences in nicotine use. We used FDG-PET to measure brain metabolic response on placebo and following nicotine administered by patch in 42 females and 77 males (smokers and non-smokers) while performing a Continuous Performance Task (CPT) or the Bushman Competition and Retaliation Task (CRT). Nicotine administration affected brain metabolism much differently in males and females, and these differences were dependent on task and smoking history. In the placebo condition female smokers performing the CPT and female non-smokers performing the CRT consistently had higher brain metabolism than males, especially in the entire prefrontal system and the mid and anterior temporal lobe, language cortices, and related subcortical systems. The overall effect of nicotine was to decrease these gender differences in brain metabolism.
Effect of halothane on myocardial infarct size in rats

The effect of halothane on myocardial infarction caused by ligation of the left descending coronary artery was studied in rats. The extent of infarction was quantified 48 hours after ligation of the artery by planimetric measurement of left ventricular slices stained with nitrobluetetrazolium. Animals exposed to halothane one per cent for three hours after the coronary ligation were compared with a control group which received halothane for only 5-7 minutes during surgery. It was found that halothane caused a small increase in infarction size (31.3 ± 1.5 per cent of the left ventricle compared to 25.7 ± 2.3 percent, p < 0.05). This effect was accompanied by a decrease in systolic blood pressure (91 ± 2 mmHg compared to 113 ± 3 mm Hg, p < 0.001). Heart rate did not change significantly.
Relation of nursing activities to increases in intracranial pressure

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP), a frequent finding in head trauma and other cerebral pathology, poses a serious threat to patients' prognosis and recovery. While considerable attention has been given to medical therapies used in reducing ICP, only recently has nursing looked at the effect care specific activities may have. In this descriptive and observational study of nine patients with cranial pathology and a Richmond bolt for measuring ICP, findings confirmed that nursing activities and environmental factors are associated with pressure increases. Respiratory care activities (mean 12.7 mmHg) and repositioning (mean 12.6 mmHg) resulted in the highest increases while lesser increases were associated with doing neuro-assessments (mean 7.2 mmHg) and spontaneous movements (mean 7.9 mmHg) of the patient. When the conversation was directed to the patient, the pressure increased in 33 of the 86 observations (mean 8.6 mmHg), in 21 of the 35 conversations about the patient, the mean pressure increase was 9.03 mmHg. Because many activities occurred simultaneously, it was difficult to derive the extent of elevation associated with a specific activity. Findings from this study and studies by other nurse researchers suggest actions nurses can use to minimize pressure increases. Many areas for further study exist.
Correctional Facilities as Community Health Clinical Placement Sites for RN to BSN Students

Correctional health care often remains invisible to students in professional health programs. In an effort to inform nursing students about this specialty area, an RN to BSN program provided an opt...
Evaluation of canine Bordetella bronchiseptica isolates using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA fingerprinting and ribotyping.

Abstract Bordetella bronchiseptica is a respiratory tract pathogen in a variety of species. Previous studies suggest little genetic variation among canine B. bronchiseptica isolates. The degree of genetic diversity in 26 canine B. bronchiseptica strains was evaluated using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting and ribotyping. Strains evaluated include historic reference strains ( N = 3), vaccine strains ( N = 5) and clinical isolates ( N = 18). RAPD fingerprinting with the 10-nucleotide primer OPA-4 resulted in four distinct fingerprint patterns. RAPD fingerprinting consistently separated four previously characterized electromorphotype (EMT) 6 strains into two fingerprint types. Ribotyping, using the restriction endonuclease Pvu I, resulted in six distinct ribotypes. With the exception of vaccine strains, considerable genetic diversity exists in the canine B. bronchiseptica isolates examined. These findings indicate the genetic variability within canine strains of B. bronchiseptica is greater than appreciated previously. Additionally, OPA-4 RAPD fingerprinting and Pvu I ribotyping will be useful tools in epidemiologic studies of canine B. bronchiseptica isolates.
Physical and Chemical Stability of Pemetrexed in Infusion Solutions

Background:Pemetrexed is a multitargeted, antifolate, antineoplastic agent that is indicated for single-agent use in locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer after prior chemotherapy and in combination with cisplatin for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma not treatable by surgery. Currently, there is no information on the long-term stability of pemetrexed beyond 24 hours.Objective:To evaluate the longer-term physical and chemical stability of pemetrexed 2, 10, and 20 mg/mL in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags of dextrose 5% injection and NaCI 0.9% injection.Methods:Triplicate samples of pemetrexed were prepared in the concentrations and infusion solutions required. Evaluations for physical and chemical stability were performed initially and over 2 days at 23 °C protected from light and exposed to fluorescent light, and over 31 days of storage at 4 °C protected from light. Physical stability was assessed using turbidimetric and particulate measurement as well as visual observation...
NONLINEAR FEEDBACK CONTROL OF PARABOLIC PDE SYSTEMS

Transport-reaction processes with significant diffusive and dispersive mechanisms (e.g. packed-bed reactors, rapid thermal processing systems, chemical vapor deposition reactors, etc.) are typically characterized by strong nonlinearities and spatial variations, and are naturally modeled by nonlinear parabolic PDE systems. The main feature of parabolic PDEs is that the eigenspectrum of the spatial differential operator can be partitioned into a finite-dimensional slow one and an infinite-dimensional stable fast complement [18, 1, 29]. This implies that the dynamic behavior of such systems can be approximately described by finite-dimensional systems. Motivated by this, the standard approach to control parabolic PDEs involves the application of Galerkin’s method to the PDE system to derive ODE systems that describe the dynamics of the dominant (slow) modes of the PDE system, which are subsequently used as the basis for the synthesis of finite-dimensional controllers [20, 1, 26, 8]. However, there are two key controller implementation and closed-loop performance problems associated with this approach. First, the number of modes that should be retained to derive an ODE system that yields the desired degree of approximation may be very large, leading to high dimensionality of the resulting controllers [19]. Second, there is a lack of a systematic way to characterize the discrepancy between the solutions of the PDE system and the approximate ODE system in finite time, which is essential for characterizing the transient performance of the closed-loop PDE system.
New ancillary service market design to improve MW-frequency performance: reserve adequacy and resource flexibility

With the high penetration of renewable energy resources such as wind and solar, the power system is facing the degradation of frequency response. The major reasons for the degradation of frequency performance can be summarized as following reasons: first, the cheap and clean renewable energy is displacing the conventional thermal generator. While the wind turbine is connecting with the bulk power grid with AC-DC-AC converter and the solar panel is connected to the grid via the DC-AC inverter. The power electronic device isolates the wind or solar unit from the synchronous bulk power grid, therefore, the wind and solar is not designed to response the frequency excursion naturally. Secondly, the wind and solar energy is highly dependent on the weather condition therefore is highly uncertain and variable. This uncertainty and variability increase the difficulties for balancing the generation and demand therefore causes the frequency performance deteriorate than before. In this dissertation, the major contribution is to design the more efficient and effective frequency responsive reserve methods to ensure the reserve adequacy and resource flexibility in handling deteriorating frequency performance. The frequency constrained economic dispatch is first proposed to incorporate the frequency dynamic constraint into economic dispatch problem to ensure sufficient primary and secondary frequency reserve. Then the model is extended to a stochastic unit commitment model with inertial, primary and secondary frequency constraints and the demand side frequency responsive reserve. The method for regulation reserve requirement is also proposed to meet the satisfactory frequency performance under normal operation condition. The Multiple Linear Regression model is
Bound collective modes in nonuniform superconductors

We study the dynamics of a superconducting condensate in the presence of a domain wall defect in the order parameter. We find that broken translation and reflection symmetries result in collective excitations, bound to the domain wall region. Two additional amplitude/Higgs modes lie below the bulk pair-breaking edge $2\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}$; one of them is a Goldstone mode with vanishing excitation energy. The spectrum of bound collective modes is related to the topological structure and stability of the domain wall. The ``unbound'' bulk collective modes and transverse gauge field mostly propagate across the domain wall, but the longitudinal component of the gauge field is completely reflected. Softening of the amplitude mode suggests reduced damping and a possible route to its detection in geometrically confined superfluids or in superconductor-ferromagnetic heterostructures.
Baclofen Toxicity Causing Acute, Reversible Dyskinesia

The following unique case demonstrates an episode of acute dyskinesia secondary to oral baclofen toxicity. We discuss an 80-year-old man with a history of Stage III chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, diabetes and stroke who presented to the Emergency Department with new onset of behavioral changes and irregular jerking movements. The patient had been recently prescribed baclofen 10mg twice daily for a back strain he suffered; he subsequently was admitted to the hospital, and his symptoms resolved within 48 hours of admission and discontinuance of baclofen.
Effect of insulin on rat heart and skeletal muscle phenylalanyl-tRNA labeling and protein synthesis in vivo

In vivo measurement of muscle protein synthesis and its hormonal regulation is limited by the difficulty of measuring aminoacyl-tRNA specific activity (SA). We assessed the kinetics of heart and sk...
Mammalian tolloid-like peptidases

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the structural chemistry and the biological aspects of mammalian tolloid-like peptidases. The mammalian tolloid-like peptidases, mammalian tolloid-like 1 (mTLL 1) and mammalian tolloid-like 2 (mTLL2), are closely related to the two peptidases first shown to provide procollagen C-proteinase activity, bone morphogenetic protein 1 and mammalian tolloid. Mice homozygous null for the gene that encodes both BMP-1 and mTLD are perinatal lethal, with abnormalities in formation of the ventral body wall and membranous bones of the skull, and with abnormal collagen fibrils in soft tissues. The formation of even abnormal fibrils in these animals plus grossly normal endochondral bone formation, in which type I collagen is the major structural protein, suggested residual procollagen C-proteinase activity. The domain structures of mTLL-1 and mTLL-2 are identical to that of mTLD in that each contains an N-terminal prodomain, followed by an astacin-like metalloprotease domain, and then more C-terminal CUB protein-protein interaction and EGF motifs in the order CUB1, CUB2, EGF1, CUB3, EGF2, CUB4 and CUB5. A number of genetically distinct astacin-like peptidases in various species have been described that have CUB and EGF domains, and which thus share a general similarity of domain structure with the mammalian TLD-like peptidases.
On Illustrations of Yi Classics and Its Context

The preservation of Han Chinese and ethnic minority classics comes in line with the global movement of cultural heritage and folkloric nationalism. Manuscripts written in Yi symbols, therefore, receive more and more scholarly attention. The Illustrations of Yi Classics is a valuable addition to the existing Chinese translations of Yi manuscripts, as it provides not only visual aids but also hints of knowledge transmission through generations and across places. This review article deciphers one by one three major parts of this book: funeral picture-scrolls, cosmological symbols, and fortune-telling drawings. It aims to contextualize this book by describing how these illustrations function in the everyday life of Yi people, and by cross-referencing other books published before it.
Multiple critical points for variational problems on partially ordered Hilbert spaces

Abstract We are studying the existence of multiple critical points for functionals whose potential operators preserve an order structure. By using Morse type arguments we prove that the existence of local minima of a functional Φ which are ordered in a special way « forces » Φ to have many additional critical points. We also show how these abstract results apply to a concrete situation.
Creating hope: Assisting Veterans with Job Search Strategies using Cognitive Information Processing Theory

Providing effective employment services to today's veterans is essential. Given the high unemployment rate that currently exists for the veteran population, it is essential that career development professionals consider ways to effectively address their needs. This article highlights the complexities veterans experience in the job preparation and job search processes, as well as current efforts addressing the veteran unemployment concern. A clinical case study shows how cognitive information processing theory, a theory of career problem solving and decision making, can be used as a foundation for assisting veterans in the job search process.
Immersive Visualization and Curation of Archaeological Heritage Data: Çatalhöyük and the Dig@IT App

Advanced data capture techniques, cost-effective data processing, and visualization technologies provide viable solutions for the documentation of archaeological heritage and material culture. Work at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Catalhoyuk has demonstrated that new digital approaches for capturing, processing, analyzing, and curating stratigraphic data in 3D are now feasible. Real-time visualization engines allow us to simulate the stratigraphy of a site, the three-dimensional surfaces of ancient buildings, as well as the ever-changing morphology of cultural landscapes. Nonetheless, more work needs to be done to address methodological questions such as follows: can three-dimensional models and stratigraphic relationships, based on 3D surfaces and volumes, be used to perform archaeological interpretation? How can a 3D virtual scenario become the interface to cultural data and metadata stored in external online databases? How can we foster a sense of presence and user embodiment in the simulation of ancient cities and archaeological sites? This article aims to provide viable solutions to the methodological challenge of designing a comprehensive digital archaeological workflow from the data acquisition and interpretation in the field to a three-dimensional digital data curation based on interactive visualization, searchable 3D data, and virtual environments. This work describes the results we achieved developing the application Dig@IT, a multi-platform, scalable virtual reality tool able to foster archaeological data analysis, interpretation, and curation in a realistic and highly interactive virtual environment.
A joint synchrony/mean-rate model of auditory speech processing

This paper describes a speech processing system that is based on properties of the human auditory system. A bank of critical-band filters defines the initial spectral analysis. Filter outputs are processed by a model of the nonlinear transduction stage in the cochlea, which accounts for such features as saturation, adaptation and forward masking. The parameters of the model were adjusted to match existing experimental results of the physiology of the auditory periphery. The output of this model is delivered to two parallel channels, each of which produces spectral representations appropriate for distinct subtasks of a speech recognition system. One path yields an overall energy measure for each channel that can be identified with the average rate of neural discharge. The outputs of this path appear to be useful for locating acoustic events and assigning segments to broad phonetic categories. In the other path, the extent of dominance of periodicities at each channel’s center frequency is captured by a synchrony measure, which yields a spectral representation with enhanced spectral contrast, relative to the mean-rate spectrogram. The outputs of this stage show distinct formant peaks during sonorant regions, with smooth transitions over time, as well as preserving spectral prominences in the high-frequency region for fricatives and stops.
Balancing Section 230 and Anti-Sex Trafficking Initiatives

This is my testimony from "Latest Developments in Combating Online Sex Trafficking," a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Communications & Technology. My testimony discusses how to balance Section 230's policy objectives with anti-sex trafficking initiatives such as the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017.
Abstract WMP43: Bright Signals of MCA Plaque on T2 Weighted Vessel Wall Imaging are Associated With Ischemic Stroke

Objective: Hyperintensity of intracranial atherosclerotic plaque on T2 weighted vessel wall imaging (VWI) may indicate certain components such as fibrous caps, juxtaluminal thrombus, or intraplaque hemorrhage. We aim to explore if the plaque signal of middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis on T2 weighted VWI is associated with ischemic stroke. Methods: Patients with recent stroke ( Results: Eighty-two MCAs were analyzed (from 66 patients, 51 male, mean age 58±16 years, mean stenosis degree 68±14%, mean remodeling ratio 1.10±0.21), including 60 culprit MCAs and 22 contralateral asymptomatic MCAs. Logistic regression analysis indicated the model of pixel number with normalized plaque signal ≥1.4 (OR 1.08 per 1-pixel increase, 95% CI 1.01-1.15) and remodeling ratio (OR 1.90 per 0.1 increase, 95% CI 1.25-2.89) was of the highest diagnostic value (AUC 0.861, 95% CI 0.779-0.943). Stenosis degree was not independently associated with culprit MCA. Other tested thresholds from 1.0 to 1.8 also had good diagnostic value with AUC 0.814-0.858. Conclusions: The bright signals of MCA plaque on T2 weighted VWI are associated with ischemic stroke. Further study is required to clarify the underlying pathophysiology.