cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inheritance principle and non-renormalization theorems at finite temperature

Abstract We present a general proof of an “inheritance principle” satisfied by a weakly coupled SU ( N ) gauge theory with adjoint matter on a class of compact manifolds (like S 3 ). In the large N limit, finite temperature correlation functions of gauge invariant single-trace operators in the low temperature phase are related to those at zero temperature by summing over images of each operator in the Euclidean time direction. As a consequence, various non-renormalization theorems of N = 4 super-Yang–Mills theory on S 3 survive at finite temperature despite the fact that the conformal and supersymmetries are both broken.
One-dimensional ordering in ferroelectric CsD 2 PO 4 and CsH 2 PO 4 as studied with neutron scattering

The triple-axis neutron technique has been used in a detailed study of the intensity distribution and temperature dependence of the diffuse quasielastic scattering associated with the ferroelectric transitions in monoclinic Cs${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$P${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ and Cs${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$P${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$. The diffuse scattering differs greatly from that observed previously in tetragonal K${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$P${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, in which case the intensity distribution clearly exhibits characteristics of three-dimensional dipolar interactions. In the present study, the nature and extent of the diffuse scattering can be explained quantitatively on the basis of chainlike ordering with temperature-dependent interchain correlations. The variation in intensity measured perpendicular to the chains (which are parallel to the ferroelectric $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{b}}$ axis) is mostly due to variations in the dynamical structure factor of a hydrogen-bonded chain of phosphate groups, and approaches a purely-one-dimensional form at temperatures well above ${T}_{c}$. The width of the scattering along the chain direction has been measured accurately for Cs${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$P${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ and yields an intrachain correlation of about 600 \AA{} near ${T}_{c}$ (264 K), decreasing to about 140 \AA{} at 315 K. Near ${T}_{c}$, the cross section develops short-range three-dimensional interchain correlations with no appreciable change in linewidth. Very near ${T}_{c}$, the range of the latter is only about 30 \AA{}.
The effects of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate on the kinetics of deoxygenation of human hemoglobin.

Abstract Using a stopped flow apparatus, the effects of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG), and pH on the hemoglobin-oxygen dissociation kinetic constants were determined. The order of kinetics was pseudo-first order between 85 and 40% saturation. Increasing the concentration of DPG increased the kinetic constants in a manner which is related to the extent of binding of DPG to hemoglobin. The dependence of the kinetic constants on pH was, however, not explained in terms of the total number of DPG bound to oxyhemoglobin. The DPG was affecting the kinetic constants in such a manner that the binding was functionally linked to the Bohr proton.
TERAHERTZ HETERODYNE IMAGING PART I: INTRODUCTION AND TECHNIQUES

The authors present their ongoing work on terahertz heterodyne imaging techniques derived from space science applications and components. In Part I, introductory information and general techniques are provided. Part II contains descriptions of four different heterodyne imaging instruments that have been established at the authors’ facilities. In Part III selected applications are discussed. Parts II and III will appear in subsequent issues of this journal.
Optimisation of Periodic Structure Subject to Parametric Alteration

The dynamic responses of repetitive system are relatively sensitive to modification where slight changes in the geometric parameters can destroy the structure symmetry. This paper treats antenna structure as a study example and investigates its vibration behaviors subject to parametric changes. An analytically derived computational model based on the Rayleigh-Ritz method for modeling the periodic structure is produced. This is particularly useful in treating continuous structure with non-uniform mass and/or stiffness properties. The antenna structure is represented by a number of cantilever beams elevated at an angle and built-in into a hub and coupled by springs. This work performs two optimizations separately: (a) by optimizing the location of equally weighted lumped masses along each cantilever beams and, (b) optimizing the location of springs. Effects of altering these parameters with the objective function of minimizing the structure vibration is addressed in this work.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Modelling Default Risk: A New Structural Approach

This paper provides an alternative approach to the structural credit risk models. The first-passage-time approach extends the original Merton (Journal of Finance 29, 449-470) model by accounting for the fact that the default may occur not only at the debt's maturity, but also prior to this date. Default happens when the firm value process crosses an exhaust barrier. In contrast, this paper defines default as the first time the firm value process crosses a barrier, and the area under the barrier is greater than the exogenous level. This technique is used to price risky debt as an example.
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication combined with posterior gastropexy in the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

We read with interest the work by Tsimogiannis et al. [1], whose prospective randomized trial supported the use of a posterior gastropexy as a component to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The level of evidence they reported is crucial to standardizing the technique of laparoscopic antireflux surgery. To date, evidence has largely been either observational or retrospective in nature despite the fact that antireflux surgery has been described for half a century. The inclusion of a gastropexy to prevent herniation of the fundoplication into the chest can be attributed to Rudolph Nissen [2] in 1961. Shortly thereafter, in the late 1960s, Lucius Hill [3] pioneered the repair that bears his name by demonstrating a successful posterior gastropexy that entailed anchoring the gastroesophageal junction to the median arcuate ligament. By 1977, after using this approach for 559 patients undergoing surgery for hiatal hernia, Dr. Hill [4]reported only 5 (0.89%) recurrences with 95% follow-up assessment. We applaud the authors for finally providing level 1 evidence that a posterior gastropexy has a positive impact on the results of the operation without worsening dysphagia. We in fact use a posterior gastropexy routinely during our laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications, even after lung transplantation [5]. Furthermore, in addition to the gastropexy described by Tsimogiannis et al. [1], we routinely place two stitches, one on each side of the fundoplication, to pexy the fundoplication and the esophagus to the diaphragm. These ‘‘apical’’ stitches incorporate the top of the fundoplication, the esophagus, and the uppermost portion of the crus, and at the same time pexy the fundoplication so as to avoid telescoping of the esophagus through the repair.
Sieve Algorithms for Perfect Power Testing

A positive integern is a perfect power if there exist integersx andk, both at least 2, such thatn=xk. The usual algorithm to recognize perfect powers computes approximatekth roots fork≤log2n, and runs in time O(log3n log log logn).
Role of dorsal vagal complex A2 noradrenergic neurons in hindbrain glucoprivic inhibition of the luteinizing hormone surge in the steroid-primed ovariectomized female rat: effects of 5-thioglucose on A2 functional biomarker and AMPK activity.

Abstract Neuro-glucostasis is required for normal expression of the steroid positive-feedback-induced preovulatory pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, a critical element of female reproduction. Glucoprivic signals from the caudal hindbrain restrain this surge, but the cellular source of this stimulus is unclear. Norepinephrine (NE) exerts well-defined stimulatory effects on the reproductive neuroendocrine axis. Our studies show that medullary A2 noradrenergic neurons are both estrogen- and glucoprivic-sensitive. Here, we investigated the premise that the LH surge is inhibited by A2 cell reactivity to hindbrain glucopenia and diminished preoptic NE neurotransmission. Estradiol- and progesterone-primed ovariectomized (OVX) female rats were injected into the caudal fourth ventricle (CV4) with the glucose anti-metabolite, 5-thioglucose (5TG) or saline (SAL) prior to onset of the LH surge. Pretreatment by intra-CV4 delivery of the selective catecholamine neurotoxin, 6-OHDA, attenuated LH output, but prevented inhibition by 5TG. 5TG modified patterns of steroid feedback-associated Fos staining of A2, but not other medullary catecholamine cell groups. Intra-preoptic administration of the alpha1-adrenergic receptor agonist, methoxamine, elicited site-specific reversal of hindbrain glucoprivic suppression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuron Fos labeling and LH release. Western blotting of laser-microdissected A2 neurons revealed glucoprivic stimulation of Fos, but inhibition of the catecholamine synthetic enzyme, dopamine-β-hydroxylase; 5TG also diminished A2 estrogen receptor (ER)-α and progesterone receptor profiles, but augmented ER-β protein. Intriguingly, A2 AMPK activity was decreased in 5TG-treated rats, despite down-regulation of GLUT3 and no change in MCT2 protein expression. Rostral preoptic GnRH neurons also exhibited decreased AMPK activation simultaneous with apparent reduction of neuropeptide signaling to the pituitary. The present studies demonstrate that hindbrain glucoprivation inhibits the LH surge, in part, by reducing preoptic noradrenergic input, and furthermore implicate A2 neurons as a source of this altered signal. Results also suggest that AMPK sensor deactivation does not supersede the impact of pharmacological inhibition of glucose catabolism on A2 cell function nor afferent signaling of hindbrain glucopenia on GnRH neurons. Further studies are needed to determine if decreased AMPK activation in these cell populations reflect compensatory gain in positive energy balance and/or direct effects of estrogen on AMPK.
Laser raman studies of lipid disordering by the B-protein of fd phage

Complexes of the B-protein of fd phage with the model lipid dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) were made by sonication of the fd phage in the presence of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine. Both laser Raman spectra and circular dichroism show the protein in the membrane to be almost entirely in the beta-sheet conformation. This beta-sheet conformation is found to be independent of the temperature between 10 degrees C and 50 degrees C. On the other hand, the protein has a very dramatic effect on the organization of the lipid bilayer. An aqueous dispersion of 1 : 1 lipid/protein mixture gives a broad conformational transition of DPPC which occurs between 10 degrees C and 30 degrees C. This contrasts markedly with simple aqueous DPPC dispersions which show a sharp transition at 41 degrees C. This appears to be the first reported example of the lowering of the conformational transition of a membrane bilayer by an intrinsic membrane protein.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of the Effect of Active-Site Constrained Substrate Motion on the Magnitude of the Observed Intramolecular Isotope Effect for the P450 101 Catalyzed Benzylic Hydroxylation of Isomeric Xylenes and 4,4‘-Dimethylbiphenyl

The validity of a cytochrome P450 (P450) 101 force field developed previously was tested by comparing to published results from other laboratories the predicted regioselectivity and stereoselectivity of both (R)- and (S)-norcamphor oxidation when the force field was used. Once validated, the force field was used to test the hypothesis that the magnitude of an observed intramolecular isotope effect is a function of the distance between equivalent but isotopically distinct intramolecular sites of oxidative attack. Molecular dynamics simulations and kinetic deuterium isotope effect experiments on benzylic hydroxylation were then conducted for a series of selectively deuterated isomeric xylenes and 4,4‘-dimethylbiphenyl with P450 101. The molecular dynamics simulations predicted that the rank order of substrate mobility in the active site of P450 101 was o-xylene > p-xylene > dimethylbiphenyl. The observed isotope effects for the trideutero analogues were 10.6, 7.4, and 2.7, for the o-xylene, p-xylene, and 4,...
Air staging and reburning mechanisms for NOx abatement in a laboratory coal combustor

Abstract Mechanisms that govern the formation and destruction of nitrogenous species in fuel rich zones caused by air staging and reburning were explored in a laboratory coal combustor. The objective was to determine whether the same simplified, but fundamentally based, gas phase mechanism would predict time resolved profiles of all nitrogenous species, for both NO x abatement procedures. Experimentation was conducted on a 17 kW down-fired pulverized coal combustor, burning a variety of coals, under various air staged and fuel staged configurations. In the fuel rich pulverized coal post-flame, HCN appearance in the bulk gas phase was not due to the slow release of nitrogen from the coal residue, as was previously hypothesized. HCN formation and destruction in fuel rich regimes were governed by homogeneous gas phase kinetics alone. The fixation of N 2 by hydrocarbons to form HCN, together with reactions of hydrocarbon radicals with either NO or N atoms, could explain HCN formation, during both air and fuel staging. The interconversion of nitrogenous species in the fuel rich zones of air or fuel staging configurations could be adequately described by a simplified mechanism based on known detailed gas phase reactions and partial equilibrium assumptions. Profiles of NO, HCN and NH 3 were adequately predicted for both air and fuel staged NO x abatement configurations, and the proposed mechanism should prove useful for incorporation into more complicated furnace models to predict NO emissions from practical coal combustion systems.
Analog Array Processing Of PtSi Focal Plane Imagery

A novel, fully programmable, parallel-architecture, analog array processor will be described which can meet the high throughput requirements of real-time image processing systems. This architecture, when implemented with charge coupled device technology, can be interfaced directly with a PtSi sensor array to provide the capability of fabricating a compact, high-throughput module which has application in a wide variety of areas in tracking, guidance and position sensing.
Venous thromboembolic prophylaxis after a hepatic resection: patterns of care among liver surgeons

Introduction: No consensus exists for post-hepatectomy venous thromboembolic (VTE) prophylaxis. Factors impacting VTE prophylaxis patterns among hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeons were defined. Method: Surgeons were invited to complete a web-based survey on VTE prophylaxis. The impact of physician and clinical factors was analysed. Results: Two hundred responses were received. Most respondents were male (91%) and practiced at academic centres (88%) in the United States (80%). Surgical training varied: HPB (24%), transplantation (24%), surgical oncology (34%), HPB/transplantation (13%), or no specialty (5%). Respondents estimated VTE risk was higher after major (6%) versus minor (3%) resections. Although 98% use VTE prophylaxis, there was considerable variability: sequential compression devices (SCD) (91%), unfractionated heparin Q12h (31%) and Q8h (32%), and low-molecular weight heparin (39%). While 88% noted VTE prophylaxis was not impacted by operative indication, 16% stated major resections reduced their VTE prophylaxis. Factors associated with the decreased use of pharmacologic prophylaxis included: elevated international normalized ratio (INR) (74%), thrombocytopaenia (63%), liver insufficiency (58%), large EBL (46%) and complications (8%). Forty-seven per cent of respondents wait until ≥post-operative day 1 (POD1) and 35% hold pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis until no signs of coagulopathy. A minority (14%) discharge patients on pharmacologic prophylaxis. While 81% have institutional VTE guidelines, 79% believe hepatectomy-specific guidelines would be helpful. Conclusion: There is considerable variation regarding VTE prophylaxis among liver surgeons. While most HPB surgeons employ VTE prophylaxis, the methods, timing and purported contraindications differ significantly.
Induction Therapy Does Not Improve Survival for Clinical Stage T2N0 Esophageal Cancer

Introduction This study compared survival after initial treatment with esophagectomy as primary therapy to induction therapy followed by esophagectomy for patients with clinical T2N0 (cT2N0) esophageal cancer in the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Methods Predictors of therapy selection for patients with cT2N0 esophageal cancer in the NCDB from 1998 to 2011 were identified with multivariable logistic regression. Survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards methods. Results Surgery was used in 42.9% (2057 of 4799) of cT2N0 patients. Of 1599 esophagectomy patients for whom treatment timing was recorded, induction therapy was used in 44.1% (688). Pretreatment staging was proven accurate in only 26.7% of patients (210 of 786) who underwent initial surgery without induction treatment and had complete pathologic data available: 41.6% ( n = 327) were upstaged and 31.7% ( n = 249) were downstaged. Adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy or radiation therapy) was given to 50.2% of patients treated initially with surgery who were found after resection to have nodal disease. There was no significant difference in long-term survival between strategies of primary surgery and induction therapy followed by surgery (median 41.1 versus 41.9 months, p = 0.51). In multivariable analysis, induction therapy was not independently associated with risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.16, p = 0.32). Conclusions Current clinical staging for early-stage esophageal cancer is highly inaccurate, with only a quarter of surgically resected cT2N0 patients found to have had accurate pretreatment staging. Induction therapy for patients with cT2N0 esophageal cancer in the NCDB is not associated with improved survival.
Figured Worlds and Education: An Introduction to the Special Issue

Identity and Self are concepts that are not only constituted by the labels—‘‘smart girl’’, ‘‘delinquent’’, ‘‘incompetent’’, or ‘‘beloved teacher’’—that people place on themselves and others, especially in schools. Identity is also very much about how people come to understand themselves, how they come to ‘‘figure’’ who they are, through the ‘‘worlds’’ that they participate in and how they relate to others within and outside of these worlds. The articles included in this special issue of The Urban Review focus on different social contexts of education and how the worlds formed in these contexts helped shape how people came to make sense of themselves in these worlds and in society. Before exploring the different figured worlds in education researched by the contributors, I will provide an overview of this theoretical framework.
ISOTHERMAL AND MULTITHERMAL ANALYSIS OF CORONAL LOOPS OBSERVED WITH ATMOSPHERIC IMAGING ASSEMBLY. II. 211 Å SELECTED LOOPS

An important component of coronal loop analysis involves conflicting results on the cross-field temperature distribution. Are loops isothermal or multithermal? The Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory was designed in part to answer this question. AIA has a series of coronal filters that peak at different temperatures and cover the entire active region temperature range. These properties should make AIA ideal for multithermal analysis, but recent results have shown that the response functions of two of the filters, AIA 94 and 131 A, are missing a significant number of low-temperature emission lines. Here we analyze coronal loops from several active regions that were chosen in the 211 A channel of AIA, which has a peak response temperature of log T = 6.3. The differential emission measure (DEM) analysis of the 12 loops in our sample reveals that using data from the 131 A AIA filter distorts the results, and we have no choice but to do the analysis without these data. The 94 A data do not appear to be as important, simply because the chosen loops are not visible in this channel. If we eliminate the 131 A data, however, we find that our DEM analysis is not well constrained on the cool temperature end of six of our loops. The information revealed by our 211 selected loops indicates that additional atomic data are required in order to pin down the cross-field temperature distribution.
Apoptosis mediated by the TNF-related cytokine and receptor families

T lymphocytes use several specialized mechanisms to induce apoptotic cell death. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related family of membrane-anchored and secreted ligands represent a major mechanism regulating cell death and cell survival. These ligands also coordinate differentiation of tissue to defend against intracellular pathogens and regulate development of lymphoid tissue. Cellular responses are initiated by a corresponding family of specific receptors that includes two distinct TNFR (TNFR60 and TNFR80), Fas (CD95), CD40, p75NTF, and the recently identified lymphotoxin beta-receptor (LT beta R), among others. The MHC-encoded cytokines, TNF and LT alpha, form homomeric trimers, whereas LT beta assembles into heterotrimers with LT alpha, creating multimeric ligands with distinct receptor specificities. The signal transduction cascade is initiated by transmembrane aggregation (clustering) of receptor cytoplasmic domains induced by binding to their multivalent ligands. The TRAF family of Zn RING/finger proteins bind to TNFR80; CD40 and LT beta R are involved in induction NF kappa B and cell survival. TNFR60 and Fas interact with several distinct cytosolic proteins sharing the "death domain" homology region. TNF binding to TNFR60 activates a serine protein kinase activity and phosphoproteins are recruited to the receptor forming a multicomponent signaling complex. Thus, TNFRs use diverse sets of signaling molecules to initiate and regulate cell death and survival pathways.
Exposure of mice to nitrogen dioxide--a constant pressure system.

(1961). Exposure of Mice to Nitrogen Dioxide—A Constant Pressure System. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal: Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 33-35.
Vortices in an Imperfect Bose Gas. III. Scattering of Single-Particle Excitations

The scattering of single-particle excitatins by a vortex in the condensate of an imperfect Bose gas is studied using the Bogoliubov approximation. The $S$ matrix is calculated as in conventional scattering theory, and the phase shifts are determined with the Schwinger variational principle. The differential cross section in the long-wavelength limit is found to be $\frac{d\ensuremath{\sigma}}{d\ensuremath{\chi}}=\frac{1}{2}\ensuremath{\pi}{(\frac{\ensuremath{\hbar}}{\mathrm{mc}})}^{2}k{cot}^{2}(\frac{1}{2}\ensuremath{\chi})$, where $m$ is the mass of one atom and $c$ is the speed of sound. This cross section agrees precisely with that found previously for scattering of sound by a classical vortex with circulation $\frac{h}{m}$.
Automatic microburet with horizontal scale

A simple buret with 0,6 ml. capacity of the graduated portion is prepared from a thermometer capillary of 2 mm. uniform bore. The graduated portion of the tube of 20 cm. length is in a horizontal position when the buret is in use. The buret drains by gravity when the tip touches either the wall of the beaker or the surface of the titrated solution. When the contact is broken, the outflow is stopped by the surface force originating at the meniscus of the standard solution in the tip of the buret. Using a magnifying glass, the position of the meniscus in the calibrated part of the capillary can be read to a tenth of a millimeter, and the delivered volumes can be reproduced with comparable precision, i. e. ± 0,3 λ. It is believed that the buret could be used to advantage for titrimetric estimations in the semi-quantitative performance of qualitative analyses of centigram and milligram samples. Its accuracy and the simplicity of operation suggest use of the buret for the determination of impurities in the weighing forms of gravimetric macroanalysis.
The Effects of Personality and Media Differences on the Performance of Dyads Addressing a Cognitive Conflict Task

Prior information systems research has found that numerous contextual factors, including individual differences, can influence which communication technologies are chosen for various situations. Be...
Synergism between NF-κB1/p50 and Notch2 during the Development of Marginal Zone B Lymphocytes

NF-κB1 and Notch2 are both required for the development of marginal zone (MZ) B cells. Analysis of B lymphocyte development in mice that are doubly heterozygous at the Notch2 and NF-κB1 loci revealed synergism between Notch2 and NF-κB1 during MZ B cell development. Two known transcriptional targets of the Notch pathway, Hes-5 and Deltex-1, were found to be preferentially expressed in MZ B cells and regulated by NF-κB1. These studies provide in vivo evidence for a genetic interaction between the Notch and NF-κB pathways.
It Takes an Urban Village Parenting Networks of Urban Families

This study examined the extent to which an urban village exists, in a sample of 206 African American, European American, and Hispanic American families with an elementary schoolaged child. The urban village was evident in parental social networks with family, friends, and neighbors, although the nature of these networks varied. Multiple regression analyses indicated that parental social networks have an indirect effect on children's socioemotional development, mediated by parenting. Parents who received more emotional support and had less homogeneous social networks were more warm and responsive, provided a more stimulating home environment, and felt more effective as parents. These parenting characteristics, in turn, were associated with fewer behavior problems and more social competence in the children.
Assessment of structural and functional similarities and differences between caeca of the bluegill

Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus possess six to eight gastrointestinal caeca, >70% having seven. The terminal caeca toward abdominal edge (C6, C7) were always larger than the terminal caeca toward the vertebral column (C1, C2) and middle caeca (C3, C4, C5). The caeca varied in relative thickness of the histological layers and lumen space. The terminal caeca (C1, C2, C6, C7) have anatomical positional advantage over, and possess more contents, than the middle ones (C3, C4, C5) in both field and laboratory conditions. Hence, all caeca in bluegill may have the same function but their functional potentials are not the same. Two factors, size of caeca and anatomical position of caeca, apparently work synergistically to cause variation in their functional efficiency.
Diabetes Care Practice Patterns of Recent Pharmacy Graduates

Purpose: The objective of this project was to determine the amount and type of clinical skills and diabetes education provided by recent pharmacy school graduates. Methods: Six hundred and one graduates were e-mailed a link to an online survey. Subjects were asked to report how frequently they either educate patients on diabetes self-care activities or perform diabetes-related patient care skills and to rate their ability to do so as poor, fair, good, or excellent. Results: Data from 155 (25.8%) respondents were analyzed. The most commonly reported clinical activity was changing medication, followed by interpreting blood glucose patterns, medication management therapy, and interpreting laboratory results. Subjects reported educating patients more on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, blood glucose monitoring, and diet information relative to other topics. The majority of subjects rated their skills as good or excellent. Conclusion: Pharmacists reported the most commonly performed diabetes-related cli...
Development of a DC-to-DC power converter

A 2 in.*1 in.*0.18 in. planar transformer (consisting of two main transformers and four auxiliary transformers made of a low-profile magnetic structure and multilayer PWB windings) was fabricated and used in an interleaved flyback power converter. Power-train efficiencies greater than 80% were obtained at various input voltages, loads and temperatures using a 1 MHz, constant-frequency, pulse-width-modulated, zero-voltage resonant-transition switching technique. The highest efficiency observed was 85%. The results indicate that the planar transformer functions satisfactorily in an interleaved flyback power converter. However, power loss calculations result in 2 W unidentified losses when compared with the actual circuit performance. When discrete capacitors were replaced by a capacitor array substrate and the discrete MOSFET switches were replaced by MOSFET dies mounted on the capacitor substrate, the power conversion efficiency degraded 8%. This was attributed primarily to the extra lead resistance introduced by mounting the dies on the substrate. This loss could be reduced by improving the capacitor substrate metallization design. >
Reducing Labor Costs in an LTL Crossdocking Terminal

Handling freight in a crossdocking terminal is labor intensive and therefore costly because workers must unload, sort, and transfer a wide variety of freight from incoming to outgoing trailers. The efficiency of workers depends in large part on how trailers are assigned to doors around the dock; that is, on its layout. A good layout reduces travel distances without creating congestion, but until now no tools have been available to construct such layouts. We describe models of travel cost and three types of congestion typically experienced in crossdocking terminals, and we use them to construct layouts that minimize the labor cost of transferring freight. We report on the use of our models in the less-than-truckload trucking industry, including an implementation at a terminal in Stockton, California that improved productivity by more than 11%.
Toward an Ecological Framework for Assessing Risk to Vertebrate Populations from Brine and Petroleum Spills at Exploration and Production Sites

REFERENCE: Efroymson, R. A., Carlsen, T. M., Jager, H. I., Kostova, T., Carr, E. A., Hargrove, W. W., Kercher, J., and Ashwood, T. L., “Toward a Framework for Assessing Risk to Vertebrate Populations from Brine and Petroleum Spills at Exploration and Production Sites,” Landscape Ecology and Wildlife Habitat Evaluation: Critical Information for Ecological Risk Assessment, Land-Use Management Activities, and Biodiversity Enhancement Practices, ASTM STP 1458, L. Kapustka, H. Galbraith, M. Luxon, and G. R. Biddinger, Eds., ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2004. ABSTRACT: Brine and petroleum spills may affect terrestrial vertebrates through loss of reproductive habitat or reduced food availability rather than direct toxicity. A proposed ecological framework for evaluating impacts of these spills includes individual-based population models, a site conceptual trophic model, habitat suitability maps, and a stochastic brine spill generator. Simulation results for mammal populations in the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve petroleum exploration and production (EP above this threshold the time to extinction decreased with increasing spill area. Vole density was sensitive to the interaction of predation and fragmentation, with fragmentation causing population extinction in the presence of predation, yet stabilizing the population in the absence of predation. We anticipate that our results will aid in future development of “exclusion criteria” for leaving unrestored habitat at E&P sites.
New options in noninvasive assessment of left ventricular torsion

The complex, intricate 3D pattern of ventricular torsion has both fascinated and perplexed scientists for centuries. The identity of the underlying anatomic myocardial unit responsible for this pattern of contraction continues to be an arena of debate. While the complicated wringing motions involved in torsion are difficult to quantify, several techniques have been demonstrated to be effective in the noninvasive assessment of left ventricular (LV) torsion. Magnetic resonance tissue-tagging with dynamic MRI is the gold standard for the noninvasive quantitative evaluation of torsion with high spatial and temporal resolution. However, this is a technically involved and potentially time-consuming process. Echocardiography is another alternative noninvasive method. Both tissue Doppler imaging and speckle-tracking imaging have been shown to be sufficiently accurate and reliable alternatives to MRI in the noninvasive assessment of LV torsion. While the potential applications of these techniques to assess LV tors...
Silicate Mineral Impacts on the Uptake and Storage of Arsenic and Plant Nutrients in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Arsenic-contaminated rice grain may threaten human health globally. Since H₃AsO₃⁰ is the predominant As species found in paddy pore-waters, and H₄SiO₄⁰ and H₃AsO₃⁰ share an uptake pathway, silica amendments have been proposed to decrease As uptake and consequent As concentrations in grains. Here, we evaluated the impact of two silicate mineral additions differing in solubility (+Si(L), diatomaceous earth, 0.29 mM Si; +Si(H), Si-gel, 1.1 mM Si) to soils differing in mineralogy on arsenic concentration in rice. The +Si(L) addition either did not change or decreased As concentration in pore-water but did not change or increased grain-As levels relative to the (+As--Si) control. The +Si(H) addition increased As in pore-water, but it significantly decreased grain-As relative to the (+As--Si) control. Only the +Si(H) addition resulted in significant increases in straw- and husk-Si. Total grain- and straw-As was negatively correlated with pore-water Si, and the relationship differed between two soils exhibiting different mineralogy. These differing results are a consequence of competition between H₄SiO₄⁰ and H₃AsO₃⁰ for adsorption sites on soil solids and subsequent plant-uptake, and illustrate the importance of Si mineralogy on arsenic uptake.
Direct observation of single flexible polymers using single stranded DNA

Over the last 15 years, double stranded DNA (dsDNA) has been used as a model polymeric system for nearly all single polymer dynamics studies. However, dsDNA is a semiflexible polymer with markedly different molecular properties compared to flexible chains, including synthetic organic polymers. In this work, we report a new system for single polymer studies of flexible chains based on single stranded DNA (ssDNA). We developed a method to synthesize ssDNA for fluorescence microscopy based on rolling circle replication, which generates long strands (>65 kb) of ssDNA containing “designer” sequences, thereby preventing intramolecular base pair interactions. Polymers are synthesized to contain amine-modified bases randomly distributed along the backbone, which enables uniform labelling of polymer chains with a fluorescent dye to facilitate fluorescence microscopy and imaging. Using this approach, we synthesized ssDNA chains with long contour lengths (>30 μm) and relatively low dye loading ratios (∼1 dye per 100 bases). In addition, we used epifluorescence microscopy to image single ssDNA polymer molecules stretching in flow in a microfluidic device. Overall, we anticipate that ssDNA will serve as a useful model system to probe the dynamics of polymeric materials at the molecular level.
Demyelination in vivo by Guillain-Barré syndrome and other human serum.

Serum from patients with acute inflammatory polyneuropathy (the Guillain-Barre syndrome, GBS) demyelinates peripheral nerves in vivo more intensely than control human serum. To clarify the processes leading to demyelination we injected rat sciatic nerves with serum from GBS and control subjects in the presence of complement and examined the sequential morphologic changes over 7 days. One day after injection, five of six GBS sera but none of seven control sera caused vesicular demyelination; 3-5 days after injection both GBS and control sera produced macrophage-mediated demyelination. These observations suggest that GBS serum can initiate acute myelin injury through a humoral mechanism that is disease associated. This response appears to be distinct from delayed cell-mediated serum-induced demyelination that is not disease specific.
Translating Named Entities Using Monolingual and Bilingual Resources

Named entity phrases are some of the most difficult phrases to translate because new phrases can appear from nowhere, and because many are domain specific, not to be found in bilingual dictionaries. We present a novel algorithm for translating named entity phrases using easily obtainable monolingual and bilingual resources. We report on the application and evaluation of this algorithm in translating Arabic named entities to English. We also compare our results with the results obtained from human translations and a commercial system for the same task.
Determining Lyapunov exponents from a time series

We present the first algorithms that allow the estimation of non-negative Lyapunov exponents from an experimental time series. Lyapunov exponents, which provide a qualitative and quantitative characterization of dynamical behavior, are related to the exponentially fast divergence or convergence of nearby orbits in phase space. A system with one or more positive Lyapunov exponents is defined to be chaotic. Our method is rooted conceptually in a previously developed technique that could only be applied to analytically defined model systems: we monitor the long-term growth rate of small volume elements in an attractor. The method is tested on model systems with known Lyapunov spectra, and applied to data for the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction and Couette-Taylor flow.
Heavy ion acceleration strategies in the AGS accelerator complex-1994 status report

The strategies invoked to satisfy the injected beam specifications for the Brookhaven Relativistic Heavy ion Collider (RHIC) continue to evolve, in the context of the yearly AGS fixed target heavy ion physics runs. The primary challenge is simply producing the required intensity. The acceleration flexibility available particularly in the Booster main magnet power supply and RF accelerating systems, together with variations in the charge state delivered from the Tandem van de Graaff, and accommodation by the AGS main magnet and RF systems allow the possibility for a wide range of options. The yearly physics run provides the opportunity for exploration of these options with the resulting significant evolution in the acceleration plan. This was particularly true in 1994 with strategies involving three different charge states and low and high acceleration rates employed in the Booster. The present status of this work will be presented.
Review article: comparative pharmacodynamic review of rabeprazole – focus on day 1 data

Summary Proton pump inhibitors have become the preferred therapy for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and other acid-related disorders. Without clear-cut clinical data to help clinicians differentiate the impact of the five currently available proton pump inhibitors on early symptom relief and health-related quality of life, we can explore potentially relevant differences in pharmacodynamic profiles of these proton pump inhibitors. In general, rabeprazole 10 and 20 mg achieve greater gastric pH >4 and >3 holding times and area under gastric pH–time curves on day 1 of treatment compared with other proton pump inhibitors. Superiority in day 1 pharmacodynamic measures corroborates fast antisecretory onset, and supports the premise that rabeprazole will be especially suitable for on-demand use. In particular, comparisons with omeprazole and esomeprazole suggest better day 1 nocturnal acid control with rabeprazole.
Mining for Gold Farmers: Automatic Detection of Deviant Players in MMOGs

Gold farming refers to the illicit practice of gathering and selling virtual goods in online games for real money. Although around one million gold farmers engage in gold farming related activities, to date a systematic study of identifying gold farmers has not been done. In this paper we use data from the massively-multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) EverQuest II to identify gold farmers. We perform an exploratory logistic regression analysis to identify salient descriptive statistics followed by a machine learning binary classification problem to identify a set of features for classification purposes. Given the cost associated with investigating gold farmers, we also give criteria for evaluating gold farming detection techniques, and provide suggestions for future testing and evaluation techniques.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Practice Patterns by NFL and NCAA Football Team Physicians

Purpose: This study aimed to determine practice patterns for National Football League (NFL) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I football team orthopaedic surgeons regarding management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in elite, young, and middle-aged recreational athletes. Methods: Two hundred sixty-seven NFL and NCAA Division I team orthopaedic surgeons were surveyed through an online survey. A 9-question survey assessed surgeon experience, graft choice, femoral tunnel drilling access, number of graft bundles, and rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction. Results: One hundred thirty-seven team orthopaedic surgeons (51%) responded (mean experience 16.75 8.7 years). Surgeons performed 82 50 ACL reconstructions in 2012. One hundred eighteen surgeons (86%) would use boneepatellar tendonebone (BPTB) autografts to treat their starting running backs. Ninety (67%) surgeons drill the femoral tunnel through an accessory anteromedial portal (26% through a transtibial portal). Only 1 surgeon prefers a double-bundle to a single-bundle reconstruction. Seventy-seven (55.8%) surgeons recommend waiting at least 6 months before return to sport, whereas 17 (12.3%) wait at least 9 months. No surgeon recommends waiting 12 months or more before return to sport. Eighty-eight (64%) surgeons do not recommend a brace for their starting running backs during sport once they return to play. Conclusions: BPTB is the most frequently used graft for ACL reconstruction by NFL and NCAA Division I team physicians in their elite-level running backs. Nearly all surgeons always use a singlebundle technique, and most do not recommend a brace on return to sport in running backs. Return to sport most commonly occurs at least 6 months postoperatively, with some surgeons requiring a normal examination and normal return-to-sport testing (single leg hop).
Building a foundation: Land-use history and dendrochronology reveal temporal dynamics of a Tsuga canadensis (Pinaceae) forest

Abstract We used historical documents, stand mapping, and new methods of dendrochronological analysis to reconstruct 250 y of land-use history of the Simes Tract in Petersham, MA. These data were then used to interpret the origin of the current forest's stand structure within the experimental plots of the Harvard Forest Hemlock Removal Experiment within the Simes Tract, an experiment that examines the effects of the ongoing decline of Tsuga canadensis on forest ecology. Data from tree cores revealed that the trees in the experimental plots were < 150 y old. These trees have established continually since the 1870s, with recruitment pulses following successive episodes of land division and re-aggregation, logging, irruptions of nonnative insects and pathogens, two moderate droughts, and the 1938 “Great Hurricane”. Our new method of dendrochronological analysis used generalized additive models and focused on year-to-year dynamics to highlight associations between fine-scale changes in tree growth, and both e...
On task assignment problems in a heterogeneous computing environment

We consider two task assignment problems. In one case the problem is to distribute the tasks to the heterogeneous processors in such a way that the completion time of all the tasks is minimized. In the second problem the objective is to distribute tasks to the processors in such a way that the total computation time is minimized. Both the problems are known to be NP-complete. We present an approximation algorithm for the first problem with a performance bound. For the second problem we present a simulated annealing algorithm and present our experimental results.
Cluster characters and the combinatorics of Toda systems

We survey some connections between Toda systems and cluster algebras. One of these connections is based on representation theory: it is known that Laurent expansions of cluster variables are generating functions of Euler characteristics of quiver Grassmannians, and the same turns out to be true of the Hamiltonians of the open relativistic Toda chain. Another connection is geometric: the closed nonrelativistic Toda chain can be regarded as a meromorphic Hitchin system and studied from the standpoint of spectral networks. From this standpoint, the combinatorial formulas for the Hamiltonians of the open relativistic system are sums of trajectories of differential equations defined by the closed nonrelativistic spectral curves.
A Precise Method for the Determination of the Width of a Dumbbell Test Specimen

Abstract The inaccuracy of stress-strain data in testing rubber samples is undoubtedly increased by variations of the width of the constricted area of the dumbbell test-specimen. Frequently a die for cutting these test-specimens is purchased and put into service without checking the width of the resulting dumbbell specimen. This situation often develops because of the uncertainty of the methods used for width determinations and the lack of suitable equipment for making the determinations, such as the cathetometer (microscope mounted on rod with cross wires and a scale). The cathetometer provides more accurate results than either the micrometer or the thickness gauge, but is open to the following objections: 1. The edge of the specimen is not always a well-defined line at the magnification necessary, and measurements made on a single strip varies with each observer. 2. Shadows must be completely eliminated because lighting of the sample is critical. 3. If the edges of the strip are not perpendicular to its...
A Sketchbook History of Human Factors

The following paper is an attempt to capture the circumstances, conepts, and events that led to the formulation of Human Factors. Born in the wake of the second world war, it was implimented to help people cope with the complex “war machines” of the day. Human Factors served as a meeting ground for several discliplines, that were all bound together in single endeavor to improve the effectiveness, effieciency and safety of human in systems. Since the war's close, the field has been expanded to include many non-military applications. Despite its new found diversity, it continues to employ the same guiding principle of incorporating psychological and physiological characteristics of people into interface designs. It is this phenomena which distinguishes Human Factors as a unique paradigm with its own antecedental roots and disciplinary matrix. Furthermore, its proliferation in recent years denotes a science that has transcended a revolutionary stage of development to a normal one in a Kuhnian perspective. It...