cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Turbulence Models in the Prediction of Heat Transfer Due to Slot Jet Impingement on Plane and Concave Surfaces

The performance of several turbulence models in the prediction of convective heat transfer due to slot jet impingement onto flat and concave cylindrical surfaces is evaluated against available experimental data. The candidate models for evaluation are (1) the standard k – e model, (2) the RNG k – e model, (3) the realizable k – e model, (4) the SST k – ω model, and (5) the LRR Reynolds stress transport model. Various near-wall treatments such as equilibrium wall function and two-layer enhanced wall treatment are used in combination with these turbulence models. The computations are performed using the commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code Fluent. From the validation exercises, it is found that when the impingement surface is outside the potential core of the jet, most of the turbulence models predict reasonably accurate thermal data (local Nusselt number variation along the impingement surface). When the impingement surface is within the potential core of the jet, the turbulence models grossl...
Open repair of pectus excavatum and carinatum deformities with minimal cartilage resection.

Abstract Background Numerous modifications of the Ravitch open repair of pectus excavatum (PE) and carinatum (PC) have been used by surgeons with inconsistent results. Methods During a 3-year period, 275 consecutive patients underwent open repair of PE and PC using a new less invasive technique. A small chip of costal cartilage was resected medially and laterally from each deformed cartilage, allowing it to barely touch the sternum and rib (laterally) after the sternum had been elevated or depressed, and twisted to the desired position. A support strut used for all patients was routinely removed within 6 months. Results With mean follow-up of 17 months, all but 5 patients regarded the results as very good or excellent. There were no major complications or deaths. Conclusion Open repair using minimal cartilage resection is effective for all variations of PE and PC in patients of all ages, causes only mild pain, and produces good physiologic and cosmetic results.
Primary renal carcinoid tumor managed with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

Primary renal carcinoid is a rare tumor, with only 39 cases reported. These tumors have historically been managed with either open partial nephrectomy or open radical nephrectomy. We describe a patient with a primary renal carcinoid tumor successfully treated with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. To our knowledge, this is the first such case reported.
High-pressure phase transformation of BeGa2O4

High-pressure phase transformation of beryllium gallium oxide (BeGa2O4) has been studied. Applying high pressure at elevated temperatures to the original hexagonal BeGa2O4 (β–Si3N4-type structure), a high-pressure modification with orthorhombic structure (olivine-type structure) was obtained, i.e., o-BeGa2O4. Lattice parameters of the new phase were determined to be a = 0.5698, b = 0.9759, and c = 0.4551 nm. The pressure and temperature ranges where the high-pressure phase was observed are 3.5 to 7.5 GPa and 800 to 1600 °C, respectively. A tentative pressure-temperature phase diagram for BeGa2O4 was proposed. Transformation is not straightforward; decomposition of the original phase into single oxides and their recombination to form o-BeGa2O4 are necessary. This process seems to apply in both ways, formation and decomposition of the high-pressure phase. The stability of the high-pressure phase is explained in terms of the total molar volume for the phase, the result of summing up molar volumes of constituent compounds. This is the first known report on transformation of β–Si3N4-type structure into a denser structure.
Growth and synthesis of rubratoxin by Penicillium rubrum in a chemically defined medium fortified with organic acids and intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle

A sterile glucose-mineral salts broth was fortified with equimolar concentrations (10-3 M) of various organic acids and intermediates in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Appropriate media were neutralized with 2 N NaOH, inoculated with spore suspensions or mycelial pellets ofPenicillium rubrum and incubated quiescently for 14 days or with shaking for 5 days. Rubratoxins were recovered from culture filtrates by ether extraction and resolved by thin-layer chromatography. Toxin formation in quiescent cultures was enhanced by malonate but was not markedly affected by ethyl malonate, shikimate, and acetate or by isocitrate or oxaloacetate added in the presence of malonate. Citrate, cis-aconitate, α-ketoglutarate, succinate, fumarate, and malonate when present in the medium alone or in conjunction with malonate caused a 15 to 50% reduction in rubratoxin formation. Acetyl-CoA (10-5 M/flask) caused an 80% increase in toxin yield. Rubratoxin formation in shake cultures was not affected by succinate and malonate. All other combinations of intermediates and malonate caused a 10 to 50% reduction in toxin formation. At 10−3 M, citrate enhanced rubratoxin B formation and stimulated rubratoxin A production by as much as 100%. Above 10−3 M, citrate inhibited toxin production. Incorporation of [2-14C]acetate into rubratoxin was enhanced by malonate, fumarate, and malonate. A combination of pyruvate and malonate produced a 40% increase in [2-14C]acetate incorporation into rubratoxin. The highest reduction of labeled acetate incorporation (36%) was caused by succinate or α-ketoglutarate combined with malonate.
A remark on Landahl's theory of learning

It is pointed out that the equations of Landahl's learning theory may be formally interpreted in terms of a different neural network than that considered originally by Landahl. The suggested interpretation is based on this author's theory of elimination of a wrong act through a delayed conditioned reflex which produces a reaction opposite to the wrong act.
To Know the Unknown: The Decline in Homicide Clearance Rates, 1980—2000

Against the backdrop of the precipitous decline in urban homicide clearance over the past several decades, this study examines factors that may be linked to within-city, over-time variation in homicide clearance rates from 1980 to 2000. Conceptual arguments focusing on case-level characteristics of homicides as well as the broader macrosocial context are delineated and empirically tested. Results from a fixed-effects regression analysis reveal that changes in clearance rates are linked to changes in the situational characteristics of murder incidents such as the percentage of cases involving strangers, firearms, other felonies, and arguments. In addition, within-city changes in immigration are found to be associated with lower clearance rates, whereas drug market arrests are associated with higher clearance rates. Contrary to politically popular assertions, clearance rates do not appear to be a function of changes in police personnel or workload.
Equilibrium-equivalent structural stress approach to fatigue analysis of a rectangular hollow section joint

Abstract The equilibrium-equivalent structural stress method has been recently developed through several joint industry projects as a robust method to analyze welded components using finite element methods. This method has been proven effective in correlating a large amount of published fatigue test results in the literature. The authors employed this equilibrium-equivalent structural stress method for a competition organized by the SAE Fatigue Design & Evaluation (FD&E) Committee to predict the fatigue life of a rectangular hollow section joint. Among all the methods used by many participants, the authors’ life prediction was selected as the best, based on the actual test results. This paper provides the details of the SAE FD&E fatigue challenge problem definition, test results, and our structural stress approach. The predicted mean life by the equilibrium-equivalent structural stress method utilizing the proposed ASME Div. II Structural Stress curve was in excellent agreement with the actual mean life of the experimental results. Other stress indexes (such as the maximum principal stress and the von Mises stress) had maximum stress at a location different from the actual crack location. Furthermore, the equilibrium-equivalent structural stress showed significant mesh tolerance with only a few percent difference in stresses when halving the mesh size.
A guide for policymaking that emphasizes principles, and public needs

ADR's maturation means it is going to be regulated, and it needs to be done by balancing the competing goals of institutions and users. John Lande, of Columbia, Mo., provides a guide for law and regulation.
Hybrid acousto-optic and digital equalization for microwave digital radio channels

Digital radio transmission systems use complex modulation schemes that require powerful signal-processing techniques to correct channel distortions and to minimize bit error rates. We propose combining the computation power of acousto-optic processing and the accuracy of digital processing to produce a hybrid channel equalizer that exceeds the performance of digital equalization alone. Analysis shows that a hybrid equalizer for 256-level quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) performs better than a digital equalizer for 64-level QAM.
Therapeutic Applications of Carbon Monoxide

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a regulated enzyme induced in multiple stress states. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a product of HO catalysis of heme. In many circumstances, CO appears to functionally replace HO-1, and CO is known to have endogenous anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antiproliferative effects. CO is well studied in anoxia-reoxygenation and ischemia-reperfusion models and has advanced to phase II trials for treatment of several clinical entities. In alternative injury models, laboratories have used sepsis, acute lung injury, and systemic inflammatory challenges to assess the ability of CO to rescue cells, organs, and organisms. Hopefully, the research supporting the protective effects of CO in animal models will translate into therapeutic benefits for patients. Preclinical studies of CO are now moving towards more complex damage models that reflect polymicrobial sepsis or two-step injuries, such as sepsis complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome. Furthermore, co-treatment and post-treatment with CO are being explored in which the insult occurs before there is an opportunity to intervene therapeutically. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential therapeutic implications of CO with a focus on lung injury and sepsis-related models.
An evaluation of computer-assisted instruction in phonological awareness with below-average readers

Phonological awareness is "the ability to phonologically segment, analyze, and synthesize the speech stream (p. 552)." The present study evaluated the effectiveness of two computer programs, Daisy Quest and Daisy's Dilemma, to provide phonological awareness training to poor readers. Students from two local elementary schools participated in the experiment. 54 subjects were selected to participate in the study. These students were administered a series of pretests that assessed a variety of word reading skills, phonological awareness ability, and their general verbal ability. Subsequently, children were grouped into triplets on the basis of the word identification scores and then randomly assigned to one of three condition: (1) phonological awareness training (DQ), (2) phonological decoding (HH), and (3) computer control (C). Training was provided for approximately 25 minutes a day over the course of seven weeks. A series of multivariate analyses of covariance were carried out to determine if there were mean differences in children's post test phonological awareness ability. Significant improvement was noted on three of the five measures of phonological awareness for those children receiving the phonological awareness training. More importantly, the children receiving the phonological awareness training made significant improvement in their ability to read real words. It was concluded that both computer programs were successful in enhancing the phonological awareness skills of poor readers. In addition, the improvements in phonological awareness directly impacted the word identification skills of children who were struggling in their efforts learning to read.
Comparison of cisternal and lumbar CSF examination in leptomeningeal metastasis

We compared cisternal and lumbar CSF examination in 14 patients suspected of having leptomeningeal metastasis from cancer. Malignant cells were present in 12 patients--in both cisternal and lumbar CSF in nine patients and only in cisternal CSF in three. Cisternal CSF cytologic examination should be considered in patients suspected of having leptomeningeal metastasis if lumbar CSF is nondiagnostic.
Contemporary imaging of incidentally discovered adrenal masses

The incidental discovery of adrenal masses during modern diagnostic imaging is a common occurrence. These masses form part of a long differential diagnostic list; most often, they are benign adrenal adenomas, but their discovery requires a clinical evaluation that is sufficiently broad to exclude clinically silent endocrine disease, metastases to the adrenal gland in patients with suspected or known malignancies, and rare adrenocortical carcinomas. CT, MRI and nuclear medicine approaches have all been used to evaluate incidentally discovered adrenal masses. Each technology provides information that contributes to the noninvasive characterization of the majority of these neoplasms. Understanding of the modalities used to assess an unanticipated adrenal mass allows for more rapid diagnosis and cost avoidance in a condition that has been referred to as a 'disease' of modern imaging technology.
Thermodynamic theory of the lead zirconate-titanate solid solution system, part II: Tricritical behavior

Abstract Two tricritical points, where a phase transition changes from first to second order, were found to occur in the lead zirconate-titanate (PZT) solid solution system. High-temperature x-ray diffraction data on sol-gel derived PZT powders were used to calculate the cell parameters and spontaneous strain in the ferroelectric phases. These data were used with addition data from the literature to determine values of the higher-order dielectric stiffness coefficients, which were then used to locate the tricritical points. The values of the coefficients are also needed in the development of a thermodynamic theory of the PZT system.
Effect of route of administration on the disposition of acrylonitrile: quantitative whole-body autoradiographic study in rats

Previous studies on the effect of route of administration on acrylonitrile (VCN) toxicity in animal models indicated high rates of metabolism in rats that received an oral dose than those received an i.p. VCN dose. To evaluate the role of route of administration on the distribution of VCN, a quantitative whole-body autoradiography (QWBA) and elimination studies were conducted. Equimolar doses of 2-[14C]-VCN were administered i.v. or p.o. to male Fischer (F-344) rats. Time course of QWBA indicated a higher retention and covalent interaction of radioactivity in the liver, spleen and bone marrow of rats received an i.v. dose of 2-14C-VCN than those received a p.o. dose. Unlike rats that received an i.v. dose of VCN, the animals received an oral dose showed a high retention of 14C in blood, stomach and gastric mucosa. Differences were also reflected in 14C elimination in urine, feces and expired air. Animals treated orally with 2-[14C]-VCN excreted 61% of the administered radioactive dose (4% in expired air, 4% in urine and 53% in feces). Rats that received an i.v. dose of 2-[14C]-VCN, however, eliminated only 30% of the total radioactive dose (expired air 2%, urine 8% and feces 21%). The results indicate that metabolism, detoxication and elimination of VCN are more pronounced following oral administration as compared to i.v. route of administration. The study also demonstrates that the systemic administration of VCN enhances its covalent interaction and retention in the tissues thus cause more toxicity in these organs.
A Controlled Trial of Scheduled Replacement of Central Venous and Pulmonary Catheters D. K. COBB, K. P. HIGH, R. G. SAWYER, ET AL New England Journal of Medicine 327:1062–1068, 1992

The study compares the incidence of infectious and mechanical complications associated with different maintenance protocols for central venous neck catheters. Patients were randomly assigned to either prophylactic catheter change or change for clinical reasons (PRN). Four groups resulted from additional grouping on the basis of guide-wire or new venipuncture change. The prophylactic change was scheduled at 3-day intervals. Clinical indications for PRN included unexplained fever, exit site infection, or catheter malfunction. One hundred sixty patients were randomized and had 523 catheters placed. There was a 5% catheter-related bloodstream infection rate and a 9% significant mechanical complication rate. Insertion by a new puncture had a greater incidence of mechanical complications (p < .005). The infectious complication rate was not decreased with routine change either by new venipuncture or guide wire and was lowest with PRN change by a new venipuncture.
New features of secondary electron spectra in ion-atom collisions

Abstract Secondary electron spectra produced by ion-atom collisions typically show three prominent features; (a) a peak in the velocity distribution at zero velocity, (b) a peak when the electron velocity matches the ion velocity, and (c) a peak at electron energies and angles corresponding to conservation of energy and momentum in a binary encounter of the projectile and the initially bound electron. A fourth structure, namely a sharp ridge in the secondary distribution concentrated at zero transverse electron velocity has been recently identified. Data showing this new feature and its interpretation is reviewed.
Impact of Baseline Renal Function on Outcomes of Renal Artery Stenting in Hypertensive Patients

Renal artery stenting may improve blood pressure (BP) and renal function in resistant hypertension patients; however, benefit may differ depending on the degree of renal dysfunction. The authors analyzed 67 consecutive patients receiving stenting for obstructive renal artery disease between 2002 and 2005. Patients were categorized as normal or mildly impaired according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2), moderately impaired (eGFR 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2), and severely impaired (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2). In patients with eGFR ≥60, systolic BP did not significantly improve from baseline. However, in patients with an eGFR between 30 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m2, systolic BP decreased by 12 mm Hg at 6 months (P=.02) and 14 mm Hg at 12 months (P=.01). Greater benefit was observed in patients with eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, with a 16 mm Hg (P=.10) and 21 mm Hg (P=.02) decrease at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Renal function was stable across all groups. Renal artery stenting reduced BP and produced greatest benefit in patients with baseline impaired renal function.
Crystal structure of tyrosine hydroxylase at 2.3 A and its implications for inherited neurodegenerative diseases.

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TyrOH) catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine to L-DOPA, the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of the catecholamines dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. TyrOH is highly homologous in terms of both protein sequence and catalytic mechanism to phenylalanine hydroxylase (PheOH) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TrpOH). The crystal structure of the catalytic and tetramerization domains of TyrOH reveals a novel α-helical basket holding the catalytic iron and a 40 A long anti-parallel coiled coil which forms the core of the tetramer. The catalytic iron is located 10 A below the enzyme surface in a 17 A deep active site pocket and is coordinated by the conserved residues His 331, His 336 and Glu 376. The structure provides a rationale for the effect of point mutations in TyrOH that cause L-DOPA responsive parkinsonism and Segawa's syndrome. The location of 112 different point mutations in PheOH that lead to phenylketonuria (PKU) are predicted based on the TyrOH structure.
Fibroblasts regulate contractile force independent of MMP activity in 3D-collagen

The extracellular matrix not only provides a structural scaffold for cells to inhabit but also forms a conduit by which mechanical information may be transmitted. Fibroblasts undergo a variety of changes when activated, including upregulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and establishing a smooth muscle-like contractile apparatus. The relationship between MMP activity and matrix contraction has yet to be established. Here we report that inhibition of MMP activity correlates with a significant reduction in collagen gel contraction, however, force development does not change respective to MMP activity. These results suggest cellular controls of contractile forces are independent of MMP activity. Our results also raise the possibility that the material properties of the matrix dynamically change during remodeling.
Path-integral treatment of the Morse oscillator

Abstract The path integral for the Green function of the Morse oscillator is evaluated by changing local variables and local time parameters. The exact energy spectrum for the Morse oscillator is obtained.
Photon path length analysis of radiative heat transfer in planar layers with arbitrary temperature distributions

Abstract The internal source analytical technique is extended to predict the radiative heat transfer for a layer having an arbitrary temperature distribution. By combining a number of internal sources distributed at various optical depths in the layer and weighting them appropriately, a nonisothermal layer is modeled. Heat flux and intensity distributions within layers having a single internal source are presented. The distributions are found to present trends unique to the internal source problem. Isothermal layers are modeled and compare very well with published results. Increased accuracy is attained for all cases and particularly for larger optical depths and smaller albedos by increasing the number of internal sources. The technique is applied to a nonisothermal layer having a temperature distribution similar to that for a hot medium with a cold boundary region. The effect of the boundary region on the normalized heat flux leaving the layer is seen to collapse to a single line for small layer optical thicknesses and large albedos, the slope of which is governed by the temperature ratio T max / T min .
Moiré modulation transfer function of alexandrite rods and their thresholds as lasers

We show that there is a simple correlation between the modulation transfer function (MTF) of alexandrite laser rods and the thresholds of these rods as cw lasers. Thus the MTF provides a novel and important way to evaluate material (before or after fabrication) for use in solid-state lasers. This approach should be generally applicable to all solid-state laser materials.
Progesterone downregulates progesterone receptor, but not estrogen receptor, in the estrogen-primed oviduct of a turtle (Trachemys scripta)

Abstract Progesterone downregulates nuclear progesterone receptor (Rp) and estrogen receptor (Re) in the estrogen-primed mammalian uterus and chick oviduct. We sought to determine if this downregulation mechanism is operative in the turtle oviduct. Female turtles were primed for 4 days with 17-β-estradiol, after which progesterone (5 mg) was administered by injection every 24 h. Re and Rp levels in progesterone-treated and control turtle oviducts were measured by [3H]steroid-binding assays (pyridoxal 5′ phosphate method) at 12, 24, 48 and 72 hr after initial progesterone treatment. Serum progesterone levels of progesterone-treated turtles increased only slightly from 0 hr (0.3 ng/ml) to 12 hr (0.6 ng/ml) after progesterone administration, increased considerably by 24 hr (5.3 ng/ml), and remained elevated (6–8 ng/ml) through 72 hr. Cytosol and nuclear Rp levels of estrogen-primed turtle oviducts showed distinct seasonal variation, with Rp levels higher in spring and summer months than in winter months. There was no seasonal variation in Re levels. Both cytosol and nuclear Rp responded to progesterone treatment. Cytosol Rp levels of progesterone-treated oviducts were significantly reduced below control levels by 12 hr after progesterone administration and remained low through 72 hr. Nuclear Rp levels of progesterone-treated oviducts showed no change at 12 hr, increased at 24 hr and then dropped at 48 and 72 hr. However, progesterone did not downregulate Re in the turtle oviduct. Cytosol Re levels in the estrogen-primed oviduct were either low or undetectable in all treatment groups. Nuclear Re levels were much higher than cytosol Re levels, but there were no differences in nuclear Re comparing control and progesterone-treated oviducts at any time after progesterone treatment. These results show that progesterone downregulates Rp, but not Re, in the estrogen-primed turtle oviduct. Thus, the mechanism by which progesterone downregulates Re in birds and mammals does not appear to be operative in chelonians.
Spatiotemporally resolved Ar (1s5) metastable measurements in a streamer-like He/Ar atmospheric pressure plasma jet

We have applied diode laser absorption spectroscopy to measure the line-integrated Ar (1s5) metastable column density in a streamer-like atmospheric pressure plasma jet with a 5% Ar to He gas flow driven by a 20?ns rise time, positive unipolar voltage pulse. The stability of this source enabled us to isolate Ar (1s5) production separately from the streamer head, a region of enhanced production near the anode, and renewed production in the residual streamer channel, which continued up to 1??s after the discharge was initiated. Over the first 4?mm from the capillary tip, Ar (1s5) production was dominated by processes occurring behind the streamer head with a combined column density as high as 1012?cm?2. Where the residual streamer channel production was significant, the Ar (1s5) column density remained > 1011?cm?2 up to 10??s after the discharge was initiated. This timescale is significantly longer than has been reported to date of He (23S1) measured in a pure He plasma jet and Ar (1s5) in a pure Ar plasma jet using different configurations. The longer effective lifetime of Ar (1s5) in the He/Ar plasma jet significantly extended the timescale for afterglow plasma chemistry.
Infrared spectrum of tetrafluorohydrazine

Abstract The infrared spectrum of tetrafluorohydrazine has been recorded and a complete vibrational analysis carried out on the assumption that the molecule belongs to the point group C2. The twelve normal vibrations of this point group have been assigned to observed bands. The band due to the torsional vibration was observed at 122 cm−1 in the far infrared spectrum of the vapor. The band contours are consistent with a dihedral angle smaller than ninety degrees.
A Post‐Cold War Geography of Forced Migration in Kenya and Somalia

Drawing on recent research in the Horn of Africa, emerging patterns of managing forced migration in the post-Cold War landscape are identified and analyzed. While camps continue to house refugees, the meaning and value of ‘refugee’ have changed dramatically since the Cold War. Efforts to prevent people from crossing political borders to seek safety are increasing, giving rise to a new set of safe spaces. These new spaces are expressions of a distinct geopolitical discourse and take the names ‘UN protectedarea’, ‘preventive zone’, and ‘safe haven’. Their significance as a challenge to state-centric geopolitics both within conflict zones and as refugee camps is explored in the Kenya-Somalia context.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Methenamine and Its Salts by 2-Hydrazinobenzothiazole

A rapid and sensitive method is described for the assay of the pure powder form and the tablet dosage form of methenamine and its salts. The procedure is shown to be capable of measuring as little as 0.005 μmole of material and is highly reproducible. The proposed method is based on the color development of formaldehyde released from the acid hydrolysis of methenamine with a dye, 2-hydrazinobenzothiazole. Beer’s law is obeyed in the concentration range of 1–8 μM of methenamine at 510-nm. wavelength. This method offers greater versatility over the official assay methods, which have been designed primarily for determining specifically either methenamine or its mandelate salt. Data comparing the assays obtained by the official methods with this new technique are presented.
High-throughput analysis of protein stability in polyanhydride nanoparticles.

Abstract Polyanhydrides are a class of surface eroding biomaterials with applications in vaccine and drug delivery. With the complexity and fragile nature of many protein molecules used in therapeutic treatments and vaccines, devices capable of protecting and preserving the functionality of these proteins are essential. In addition, the half-lives of many vaccine antigens and therapeutic proteins are often short, especially at elevated temperatures. In this work a high-throughput methodology has been developed to rapidly assess the effects of polymer chemistry and the various steps during protein delivery (i.e. encapsulation, storage and release) from polyanhydride nanoparticles on the stability of a model protein, bovine serum albumin. Additional factors including microenvironment pH were also investigated in this multi-parametric approach to evaluate protein stabilization. The findings indicate that the microenvironment pH caused by the acidic polymer degradation products was the most detrimental factor affecting protein stability. Nanoparticles based on 1,8-bis( p -carboxyphenoxy)-3,6-dioxaoctane and 1,6-bis( p- carboxyphenoxy)hexane maintained protein antigenicity over a range of temperatures for 1 month. These nanoparticles were also successful in preserving protein structure and emerged as viable candidates for use in future drug/protein delivery applications. The combinatorial approach developed in this work allowed for a 25-fold decrease in time and a 10-fold decrease in the amount of materials needed for the investigation of protein stability when compared to conventional methods.
Reliable Transition Detection In Videos : A Survey and Practitioner's Guide

A large number of shot boundary detection, or equivalently, transition detection techniques have been developed in recent years. They all can be classified based on a few core concepts underlying the different detection schemes. This survey emphasizes those different core concepts underlying the different detection schemes for the three most widely used video transition effects: hard cuts, fades and dissolves. Representative of each concept one or a few very sound and thoroughly tested approaches are present in detail, while others are just listed. Whenever reliable performance numbers could be found in the literature, they are mentioned. Guidelines for practitioners in video processing are also given.
Nutritional considerations and management of the child with inflammatory bowel disease

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory diseases of the bowel often associated with significant malnutrition, particularly in children because of increased nutrient demands due to growth. We discuss the increasingly prominent role of nutritional support in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Issues that are addressed include the etiology of malnutrition in IBD, assessment and monitoring of patient nutritional status and the use of nutrition in the management of growth failure and as primary medical therapy.
Single-Center Experience With the Dual-Focus Storz Modulith SLX-F2 Lithotripter: A Retrospective Study

Background: To calculate the modified efficiency quotient of the mobile Storz Modulith SLX-F2 lithotripter, to identify factors determining clinical succes rate and to identify complications and limitations with this device. Comparison of the results with reported data from other institutions for the same machine and other types in the peer review literature will be made. Methods: The study design is a retrospective chart review. Inclusion criteria include male and female and patients who were treated in the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center for urinary calculi with the Storz Modulith SLX-F2 lithotripter between September 2006 and June 2011. During this period, 447 patients with single stones were treated, and 10 patients with radiolucent stones and 21 patients with incomplete follow-up were excluded. The patients were followed up with plain radiography and/or renal ultrasound to assess the clinical succes rate. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the factors determining the clinical success rate. Results: Follow-up was complete for 416 patients. Mean age was 46.1 ± 14.4 years. The mean numbers of shock waves given were 2,457 and 2,838 for renal and ureteral stones, respectively. Mean stone sizes were 9.3 ± 4.5 mm and 9.7 ± 4.9 mm for renal and ureteral stones, respectively. Mean body mass index was 30.5 ± 7.04 kg/m 2 . The overall clinical success rate after one ESWL treatment was 84.6% (85.4% and 83.6% for renal and ureteral stones, respectively). The modified efficiency quotient was 0.69. On univariate analysis, clinical success rate was associated with smaller stone size ( < 10 mm, P = 0.016), and absence of a ureteral stent (31.7% vs. 10.5%; P = 0.0002). Presence of lower calyx stones (P = 0.04) was a negative predictor of clinical success. On multivariate analysis, lower calyx stones, smaller stone size and the absence of a ureteral stent continued to be significant determinants of clinical success status. All complications were minor with a complication rate of 4.3%. Conclusions: The mobile Storz Modulith SLX-F2 lithotripter is clinically effective in the management of solitary renal and ureteral stones. It has an adequate modified efficiency quotient combined with a favorable safety profile. Major advantages are the increased treatment depth in combination with exceptionally high weight limit and a dual-focus system. World J Nephrol Urol. 2014;3(1):7-17 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/wjnu111w
Effect of an oxygen plasma on the physical and chemical properties of several fluids for the Liquid Droplet Radiator

The Liquid Droplet Radiator is one of several radiator systems currently under investigation by NASA Lewis Research Center. It involves the direct exposure of the radiator working fluid to the space environment. An area of concern is the potential harmful effects of the low-Earth-orbit atomic oxygen environment on the radiator working fluid. To address this issue, seven candidate fluids were exposed to an oxygen plasma environment in a laboratory plasma asher. The fluids studied included Dow Corning 705 Diffusion Pump Fluid, polymethylphenylsiloxane and polydimethylsiloxane, both of which are experimental fluids made by Dow Corning, Fomblin Z25, made by Montedison, and three fluids from the Krytox family of fluids, Krytox 143AB, 1502, and 16256, which are made by DuPont. The fluids were characterized by noting changes in visual appearance, physical state, mass, and infrared spectra. Of the fluids tested, the Fomblin and the three Krytoxes were the least affected by the oxygen plasma. The only effect noted was a change in mass, which was most likely due to an oxygen-catalyzed depolymerization of the fluid molecule.
Relative crystal subsidence from leveling data in a seismically active part of the Rio Grande rift, New Mexico

Analysis of repeated leveling surveys in the Rio Grande rift shows a pronounced zone of relative subsidence north of Espanola, New Mexico, which appears to be associated spatially with anomalous seismic activity. Maximum subsidence relative to nearby bench marks was 4.9 cm between September 1934 and March 1939. Observed subsidence occurs over 19 km and extends from 4 km north to 23 km north-northwest of Espanola. The leveling anomaly does not appear to be associated with either ground-water effects or leveling errors and thus most likely represents crustal deformation. The zone of relative subsidence occurs near some of the few late Tertiary dikes mapped in the rift and lies within the zone of high heat flow (> 2.5 HFU) along the western part of the rift. The crustal movement anomaly appears qualitatively similar but opposite in sign to movements associated with a crustal magma body that have been observed in the Socorro, New Mexico, area of the Rio Grande rift. The movements reported here appear consistent with either deflation of a shallow (
The Spin-Expansion Hamiltonian and Quadrupole Moments of the Even Os Nuclei

The relationship between the various E2 moments of deformed nuclei are derived from a phenomenological model based on a minimum set of assumptions. The quadrupole moments of the lowest 2 + states of the even Os isotopes computed on the basis of this “spin-expansion” Hamiltonian are found to agree with recent muonic X-ray measurements. The spin-dependence of the band mixing parameters, which is not adequately represented by the Kumar-Baranger model, is found to be important in characterizing the heavier Os isotopes.
Importance of Cognitive Testing for Survey Items: An Example From Food Security Questionnaires

Abstract Cognitive testing is a useful tool for the development of questionnaire items and can also provide valuable information for the analysis and/or interpretation of preexisting survey data. This paper explains cognitive testing methods and demonstrates the benefits of cognitive testing on existing hunger, food insecurity, and food insufficiency questionnaire items. Semistructured interviews were conducted using retrospective verbal probing techniques. Each interview consisted of two parts: (1) the respondent answered a series of hunger and food insecurity items successively and (2) the interviewer engaged the respondent in a conversation that explored the meaning of the questionnaire items and the respondent's answers to the items. Selected results are described to illustrate how the assessment of questionnaire items is facilitated by cognitive testing. Among other benefits, cognitive testing can clarify the meaning of specific words, determine the best item form and response categories, and help determine question meaning after a survey has been fielded. These results demonstrate that cognitive testing can be beneficial when assessing the quality of questionnaire items and determining item meaning.
Thermally and electrochemically controllable self-complexing molecular switches

Self-complexing molecular systems are obtained when an arm component (a π-donor) is covalently linked to a preformed macrocycle (a π-acceptor). The resulting self-complexing compounds are not only ...
Changes in Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Risk During Adolescence: Establishment of Differential Risk in Males and Females

Background— Developmental changes in insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk were studied in youths 11 to 19 years of age. Methods and Results— A cohort was randomly selected after blood pressure screening of Minneapolis, Minn, school children. Studies were done 3 times on this cohort and once on their siblings (996 observations on 507 individuals from 363 families). Insulin sensitivity was determined by euglycemic clamp. Body mass index and waist circumference increased similarly in both sexes from ages 11 to 19 years. Body fat decreased in males and increased in females (P<0.001). Lean body mass increased at a steeper rate in males (P<0.0001). Insulin resistance was lower in males at 11 years but increased steadily to 19 years (P=0.003); in contrast, it did not increase in females. Thus, despite being less insulin resistant at 11 years and decreasing in fatness during puberty, males became more insulin resistant than females by 19 years of age. Triglycerides increased in males and high-density lipopr...
Cranial variation in the Marquesas Islands

The Marquesas Islands have traditionally been divided into a northwestern and a southeastern group, a division which reflects language dialect differences. Additionally, archaeological studies have also suggested that differences in material culture existed between the northwestern and southeastern islands. This study examines Marquesan cranial discrete and metric traits to evaluate the level of intra-archipelago heterogeneity, and to determine if a northwest/southeast division is evident cranially. The data consist of 28 cranial discrete traits and 49 craniofacial measurements of prehistoric Marquesans. Male and female data are pooled for discrete trait and metric data, following a Z-score standardization technique adjustment. The data represent three island samples: Nuku Hiva (northwest), Fatuiva (southeast), and a combined Tahuata/Hiva 'Oa (southeast). Of the 28 discrete traits, 16 are utilized in a mean measure of divergence analysis that provides scores of 0.259 for Fatuiva-Tahuata/Hiva 'Oa, 1.850 for Nuku Hiva-Fatuiva, and 1.491 for Nuku Hiva-Tahuata/Hiva 'Oa. Of the 49 craniofacial measurements, 46 are utilized in RMET/NORM analyses, providing unbiased D(2) values of 0.0433 for Fatuiva-Tahuata/Hiva 'Oa, 0.1328 for Nuku Hiva-Fatuiva, and 0.0813 for Nuku Hiva-Tahuata/Hiva 'Oa. The islands of the southeastern group are closer to each other than either was to the island of the northwestern group. When a sample from 'Ua Huka is included in the craniometric analysis, the unbiased D(2) values of 0.0829, 0.1175, and 0.0431 are calculated for 'Ua Huka and Nuku Hiva, and Fatuiva and Tahuata/Hiva 'Oa pairings, respectively, indicating a close similarity of 'Ua Huka to the southeastern islands. Mean measure of divergence analysis of cranial discrete traits as well as RMET/NORM analyses of craniometric variables reveal that differences exist between the islands of the northwestern and southeastern Marquesas Islands. These results support previous research that documented linguistic and cultural differences between these regions of the archipelago. However, the results indicate that 'Ua Huka, an island traditionally included in the northwestern Marquesas Islands, has an affinity to the southeastern Marquesas Islands, possibly due to its pivotal position as a waypoint in the Marquesas Island interaction sphere.
The effect of chronic nicotine treatment on nicotine-induced seizures

Tolerance to nicotine occurs in mice after its chronic administration. This tolerance is accompanied by an up-regulation of nicotinic receptors as assessed by the binding of (3H)-nicotine and α-(125I)-bungarotoxin (BTX). Past studies (Marks et al. 1983, 1986) have shown that the increase in BTX binding sites is most evident in the hippocampus. Mice that have a greater concentration of BTX binding sites in the hippocampus are more sensitive to the convulsant effects of nicotine (Miner et al. 1984, 1985, 1986). In the study reported here, mice from the DBA/2Ibg strain, which are relatively resistant to nicotine-induced seizures and have a relatively low concentration of hippocampal BTX binding sites (Miner et al. 1984), were infused with nicotine for 10 days. At various time points after cessation of nicotine administration, sensitivity to the convulsant effects of nicotine was assessed. Mice were then sacrificed and BTX binding was determined in three regions: cortex, midbrain, and hippocampus. As expected, chronic treatment with nicotine resulted in a significant up-regulation of BTX binding sites in the hippocampus. Chronic nicotine treatment also produced significant tolerance to nicotine-induced seizures. Hippocampal BTX binding sites returned to control levels within 2 days after stopping nicotine infusion, whereas tolerance was not lost until 5 days. These results suggest that factors other than the number of hippocampal BTX binding sites affect nicotine-induced seizure sensitivity, at least following chronic nicotine treatment.
Charge-Transport Properties of the Tetraphenylbis(indolo[1,2-a])quinoline and 5,7-Diphenylindolo[1,2-a]quinoline Crystals†

Recently, a single-crystal field-effect hole mobility of about 1.0 cm2/(V s) has been measured for the tetraphenylbis(indolo[1,2-a])quinoline (TPBIQ) crystal. TPBIQ can be considered as almost the dimer of 5,7-diphenylindolo[1,2-a]quinoline (DPIQ), but the experimental hole mobilities differ markedly. Here, based on density functional theory and semiempirical calculations, the charge-transport parameters of TPBIQ crystal are studied and compared to those of the “parent” DPIQ crystal. The results indicate that hole and electron transport in the TPBIQ crystal is significant only along the π-stacking direction, while in DPIQ substantial electronic couplings are also found along other directions. The larger electronic couplings and much smaller reorganization energy calculated for the TPBIQ crystal point to a higher hole mobility in TPBIQ, which is consistent with the experimental observations. Molecular dynamics simulations are also carried out to evaluate the nonlocal electron−phonon couplings. The results ...
Numerical Investigation of Residual Formability and Deformation Localization During Continuous-Bending-Under-Tension

A ubiquitous experiment to characterize the formability of sheet metal is the standard uniaxial tension test. Past research [1–3] has shown that if the material is repeatedly bent and unbent during this test (termed Continuous-Bending-under-Tension, or CBT), the percent elongation at failure increases significantly (e.g., from 22% to 290% for an AISI 1006 steel [1]). However, past experiments have been conducted with a fixed stroke of the CBT device, which limits the formability improvements. This phenomenon has also been empirically observed in industry; the failure strains of a sheet which is passed through a drawbead (i.e., that has been bent and unbent three times before entering the die) are higher than those of the original sheet. Thus, the residual formability of the material after a specified number of CBT passes is of interest, to determine if multiple drawbeads would be beneficial in the process. Also of interest is the localization of the deformation during the process as this will provide a better physical understanding of the improved formability observed. In this paper, numerical simulations are presented to assess these effects. Results show that the formability during CBT is dictated by the uniaxial response of the material until the standard elongation at failure is exceeded. This limit can be exceeded by the CBT process. However, failure then occurs as soon as the CBT process is terminated. Also, the deformation is more uniformly distributed over the entire gauge length during the CBT process which leads to the increased elongations observed.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Dynamic Directional Navigation in Content-Based Image Retrieval

Nowadayspsila image retrieval techniques focus on modifying a query contour based on the relative correlations of relevant images. The spatial relationship between the relevant images and all the other images in database (i.e. the directional information) is not explored and utilized well. From the aspect of feature space, when a user selects relevant images, the direction to the potential relevant images is implicitly expressed. In this paper, we propose a Dynamic Directional Navigation (DDN) system to explore the directional information and navigate in the data space to find similar images. Multiple queries will be used when the relevant images point to different directions. The experiment results indicate that our technique can address the semantic gap well in Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) and achieves better precision and recall than the previous techniques.