cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Motion of Electrons in Gases

The velocity ( v ) of an electron in a gas, due to an electric field of strength X, is given approximately by theoretical formula v = 0·815 X e λ/ m V. where e denotes the charge on the electron, λ its mean free path, m its mass, and V its mean velocity of thermal agitation. Townsend has made many determinations of this velocity v , and also of V, in several gases at different pressures ( p ) and finds that v is a function of X/ p , and that the values of λ given by the above equation are of the same order, in most cases, as those deduced from the viscosity by means of the kinetic theory of gases. The equation v = 0·815X e λ/ m V is obtained by assuming that there is no persistence of velocities when electrons collide with gas molecules.
Hybrid Diffractive Optical Element Based Spectrometer

We present the fabrication and characterization of a hybrid planar diffractive element, which combines the functions of a grating and a Fresnel lens (G-Fresnel). A proof-of-concept spectrometer based on the G-Fresnel is also demonstrated.
Trichilemmomas are not associated with human papillomavirus DNA

Trichilemmoma is considered a benign neoplasm derived from the outer root sheath of the hair follicle. Although the histogenesis of the lesion is unknown, a relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and development of these tumors has been suggested on morphologic observations. In order to determine whether HPV is, in fact, present in these lesions, we have analyzed sections from 25 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded trichilemmomas for the presence of occult HPV DNA using ultrasensitive DNA amplification technology. Under carefully controlled conditions normally effective in detecting HPV from condyloma or verrucae, we were unable to detect an HPV-induced amplimer in agarose gels or their corresponding Southern blots using radiolabeled probes. Our results do not support the hypothesis that trichilemmomas arise from HPV infection.
Insulin attenuates the acquisition and expression of ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization in DBA/2J mice.

Abstract Aim Ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization is a behavioral manifestation of physiological responses to repeated ethanol exposures. While ethanol exerts direct effects on multiple neurotransmitter systems in the brain, ethanol-induced changes in metabolic state, including acute hyperglycemia and inhibition of insulin signaling, also have plausible roles in the expression of ethanol-related behaviors through direct and indirect effects on brain function. The current experiments examined whether insulin administration or the resultant hypoglycemia might attenuate the development of sensitization to the locomotor stimulant effect of ethanol. Main methods Male and female DBA/2J mice received daily injections of 5 or 10 IU/kg insulin before or after a stimulating dose of ethanol and subsequent testing in an automated activity monitor. Blood glucose levels were determined upon the completion of the experiments. Key findings Insulin injected prior to ethanol blunted the acute stimulant response as well as the acquisition and expression of locomotor sensitization, while insulin given after ethanol did not affect the development of the sensitized response. In a separate experiment, mice given glucose concurrently with insulin developed ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization normally. Significance These experiments suggest that insulin attenuates the development of ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization, and that blood glucose levels can largely account for this effect. Further studies of the role of ethanol-induced metabolic states should provide novel information on the expression of ethanol-related behaviors.
The Impact of Counselor Training on Students' Couple Relationships: A Qualitative Inquiry.

The following qualitative study examined the impact of counselor training on the experience and process of four counseling students’ couple relationships. Students were selected from a Council for ...
Cyclopamine increases the cytotoxic effects of paclitaxel and radiation but not cisplatin and gemcitabine in Hedgehog expressing pancreatic cancer cells

Introduction: The hedgehog signaling pathway (Hh) is frequently over expressed in pancreatic adenocarcinomas. We studied the potential cytotoxic interactions between cyclopamine, a Hh pathway inhibitor and paclitaxel, cisplatin, gemcitabine and ionizing radiation (IR). Methods: In vitro clonogenic survival analysis was performed with cyclopamine alone or cyclopamine in combination with paclitaxel, gemcitabine, cisplatin and IR in Hh expressing human pancreatic tumor cells and Hh non-expressing colon cancer cells. Relative cytotoxicity was assessed in combination treatment compared with exposure to single agents. Assays of apoptosis (annexin V) were performed in the presence of cyclopamine, chemotherapeutic agents, and IR. Results: We report that cyclopamine increased the cytotoxic effects of paclitaxel and IR in Hh expressing pancreatic carcinoma cells. These effects were not observed in Hh non-expressing cells. Cyclopamine did not significantly increase killing by cisplatin or gemcitabine in Hh expressing pancreatic cancer cells. Conclusions: These data suggest strategies to combine Hh inhibitors with radiotherapy and chemotherapeutic agents, specifically paclitaxel and related compounds in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Dietary linoleic acid increases and palmitic acid decreases hepatic LDL receptor protein and mRNA abundance in young pigs.

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary fatty acids on hepatic LDL receptor (LDLr) protein abundance and mRNA levels. Sixty pigs were randomized into 10 groups and fed corn-soybean meal diets containing three cholesterol levels (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0%, w/w) with no added fat, or fats rich (30% of calories) in palmitic acid or linoleic acid. A control group was fed the base diet with no added fat. After 30 days, plasma LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels increased as the dietary cholesterol increased (P
The kinetics of dislocation pinning at low temperatures

A further analysis is made of earlier, low-amplitude internal friction results (emax ≈≈ 1.2 × 10−7) for a γ-irradiated copper single crystal. It is shown that the minimum in the rate at which irradiation produced defects arrive at dislocations in Cu at 170 to 180 K is obtained not only from measurements at the irradiation temperature, but also from measurements made at lower temperatures following irradiation. This is in direct contrast to the results obtained by Lucke et al. The unusual temperature–internal-friction relation of the crystals used by Lucke et al. suggests that dislocation pinning by impurities affected the results of the Aachen group. Eine weitere Analyse fruherer Messungen der inneren Reibung an γ-bestrahltem Cu bei kleiner Dehnungsamplitude (emax ≈ 1,2×10−7) wird durchgefuhrt. Es wird gezeigt, das in Cu das bei 170 bis 180 K liegende Minimum der Rate, mit der Defekte Versetzungen erreichen, nicht nur aus Messungen wahrend der Bestrahlung bei konstanter Temperatur, sondern auch bei tieferen Temperaturen nach der Bestrahlung bestimmt werden kann. Diese Beobachtung ist in direktem Widerspruch zu den Resultaten von Lucke et al. Infolge eines ungewohnlichen Verhaltens der inneren Reibung mit der Temperatur bei den von Lucke et al. benutzten Kristallen ist anzunehmen, das eine Versetzungsverankerung durch Verunreinigungen die Resultate der Aachener Gruppe beeinflust hat.
A comparative evaluation of heuristic line balancing techniques

In this paper, we report on a computational experiment designed to assess the efficacy of 26 heuristic decision rules which group work tasks into work stations along an assembly line such that the number of work stations required is minimized. The heuristic decision rules investigated vary from simple list processing procedures that consider a single attribute of each work task for assignment, to procedures which are optimal seeking, but which have had their search terminated through the imposition of a limit on the amount of computation time that can be devoted to each search. Also included are heuristic decision rules which backtrack in an attempt to locate an improved solution, and decision rules which probabilistically search for improved solutions. Our investigation differs from those reported previously, in that the objective in balancing each line is to determine the minimum number of work stations for a given limit on the time available for assembly at each work station the cycle time. Previous approaches have investigated the problem of determining the minimum cycle time for a given line length. We also compare the results obtained with the optimal solution for a subset of the problems investigated. Both problems which have appeared in the open literature and problems which have been solved for the first time are included. Because a portion of our results differ from those reported previously, we suggest why these differences have occurred. Guidelines are also given to those balancing industrial assembly lines on the choice of the heuristic decision rule to use whether one is attempting to obtain a minimum station balance given a limit on the time available for assembly at each work station, or whether one is attempting to minimize the time devoted to assembly at a work station given a limit on the number of work stations available.
Gender Difference or Indifference? Detective Decision Making in Sexual Assault Cases

Prior research examining sexual assault case decision making has failed to account for the demographic characteristics of the criminal justice practitioners charged with making case decisions. Inclusion of such information is important because it provides researchers with a greater understanding of how criminal justice practitioners' own gender, race, age, and past experiences affect their judgments. This study seeks to examine whether gender differences exist in detectives' arrest decisions in sexual assault cases. Victim, suspect, incident, and detective characteristics are collected from police case and investigatory files on 328 criminal sexual assault cases involving adult female victims reported to a large Midwestern police department in 2003. Logistic regression is used to determine whether detective gender predicted the odds of arrest after controlling for incident, victim, and suspect characteristics. It is hypothesized that cases involving female detectives would be more likely to result in arrest after controlling for other incident, victim, and suspect characteristics. However, contrary to expectations, female detectives are significantly less likely than male detectives to arrest suspects in sexual assault cases even after controlling for the influence of other factors shown to predict arrest. The findings support prior research that suggests female practitioners may not necessarily be more sensitive toward female victims despite previous assumptions that this would hold true. The findings suggest that efforts to hire female police officers for the purposes of dealing with female-related victimization may ultimately undermine efforts to improve victim experiences with the criminal justice system. They further suggest that both researchers and police administrators need to rethink the best ways to serve female victims beyond hiring mandates.
The rule of law in public law

Is the political ideal we call ‘the rule of law’ biased towards private law? There are definite tendencies in that direction and these tendencies make it difficult to develop an understanding of how the rule of law applies in the realm of public administration. The tendency towards private law also introduces an unwelcome ideological element, inasmuch as the rule of law can all too easily become associated with special respect for the rights of property owners, employers, and investors in cases of conflict between these rights and the business of public administration. Of course the business of public administration is not self-justifying. And the rule of law is not doing its proper normative work unless it disciplines and constrains the way that business is carried out. Still, we should consider the prospects for a normatively robust conception of the rule of law that does not minimize or deprecate the mission of public administration. That is what I shall undertake in this chapter. A unified ideal? The task of developing a conception of the rule of law that applies to public law in particular faces an immediate challenge from those who deny the importance of the traditional distinction between public and private law. Maybe there is no distinction. Maybe we should say that in the last analysis all law involves the operation of the state on society; all law is public law in some ultimate sense. If so, then perhaps the rule of law should be conceived as an entirely general idea, prescribing the uniform application of a discipline of legality to state action across the board. After all, whether the state is operating in the field of public administration or whether it is resolving private disputes, we have to face the possibility that it might be acting extra-legally, without reference to legal rules, principles, and procedures. We might say, normatively, that the point of the rule of law is to foreclose that possibility – again across the whole field. We might say that; but should we? When we subject the state's operation in the field of public administration to the discipline of the rule of law, should we use exactly the principles we use when we apply the discipline of legality to the resolution of private disputes?
Diagnosing crosstalk-faulty switches in photonic networks

A procedure for diagnosing crosstalk and crosstalk-faulty switches in photonic dilated Benes networks (DBNs) is presented. It obtains the crosstalk ratios of each and every switch in an N/spl times/N DBN in 4N tests, along with O(N/spl middot/log/sup 2/N) calculations. One of its applications is to identify single or multiple switches in the DBN which are generating excessive crosstalk, or crosstalk-faulty. A recursive algorithm is used to configure the DBN for each test such that the necessary power measurements of the signals can be taken accurately. An important feature of the proposed diagnostic procedure is its suitability for automated test generation.
Fundamental scaling laws for energy-efficient storage and querying in wireless sensor networks

We use a constrained optimization framework to derive fundamental scaling laws for both unstructured sensor networks (which use blind sequential search for querying) and structured sensor networks (which use efficient hash-based querying). We find that the scalability of a sensor network's performance depends upon whether or not the increase in energy and storage resources with more nodes is outweighed by the concomitant application-specific increase in event and query loads. Let m be the number of events sensed by a network over a finite period of deployment, q the number of queries for each event, and N the size of the network. Our key finding is that q1/2•m must be O(N1/4)for unstructured net-works, and q2/3•m must be O(N1/2)for structured networks, to ensure scalable network performance. These conditions determine (i) whether or not the energy requirement per node grows without bound with the network size for a fixed-duration deployment, (ii) whether or not there exists a maximum network size that can be operated for a specified duration on a fixed energy budget, and (iii) whether the network lifetime increases or decreases with the size of the network for a fixed energy budget. We discuss the practical implications of these results for the design of hierarchical two-tier wireless sensor networks.
Decidual Cell‐Expressed Tissue Factor Maintains Hemostasis in Human Endometrium

We showed that decidualized stromal cells of luteal phase and pregnant human endometrium express tissue factor (TF), the primary initiator of hemostasis, thereby suggesting a mechanism by which perivascular decidual cells can mitigate the risk of hemorrhage during endovascular trophoblast invasion. Progestins enhanced TF mRNA and protein levels in monolayers of human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs), with estradiol (E2) + progestin, further enhancing TF levels despite a lack of response to E2 alone. This differential ovarian steroid response has been found for several decidualization markers. Further studies with cultured HESCs established that elevated TF levels are mediated by the progesterone receptor and are maintained for weeks in response to E2 plus progestin, thus simulating the chronic upregulation of TF levels observed in decidualized HESCs in vivo. Recent studies revealed that elevated TF expression during in vitro decidualization of HESCs involved both the EGFR and progesterone receptor. Thus, enhancement of TF mRNA and protein levels in the HESCs required co-incubation with a progestin (MPA) and an EGFR agonist such as EGF or TGF-alpha. In correspondence with co-elevation of EGFR and TF in decidualized HESCs in sections of luteal phase and pregnant endometrium, EGFR levels proved to be progestin-enhanced in the cultured HESCs. We established that progestin-enhanced TF expression in HESCs was trancriptionally regulated, then evaluated the relative roles of SP and EGR-1 sites on the TF promoter in regulating this expression. Transient transfections with a series of promoter constructs containing overlapping SP and EGR-1 sites and with constructs in which the EGR-1 and SP sites were systematically inactivated by site-directed mutagenesis established the dominance of SP sites in both basal and progestin-enhanced TF transcriptional activity. Additional experiments involving transient transfections with SPloverexpressing vectors and with a specific blocker of if Sp1 binding to its corresponding GC box specified the importance of the Sp1 transcription factor. These results were further validated by immunostaining, which revealed that the ratio of Sp1 to Sp3 increased during progestin-regulated decidualization of HESCs in vitro and in vivo. The absence of canonical estrogen and progesterone response elements from either the TF or Sp1 gene promoters suggests that the EGFR may help to mediate progestin-enhanced TF expression during decidualization of HESCs.
Kinetic characterization of the unisite catalytic pathway of seven β-subunit mutant F1-ATPases from Escherichia coli

Abstract We have studied the kinetics of "unisite" ATP hydrolysis and synthesis in seven mutant Escherichia coli F1-ATPase enzymes. The seven mutations are distributed over a 105-residue segment of the catalytic nucleotide-binding domain in beta-subunit and are: G142S, K155Q, K155E, E181Q, E192Q, M209I, and R246C. We report forward and reverse rate constants and equilibrium constants in all seven mutant enzymes for the four steps of unisite kinetics, namely (i) ATP binding/release, (ii) ATP hydrolysis/synthesis, (iii) Pi release/binding, and (iv) ADP release/binding. The seven mutant enzymes displayed a wide range of deviations from normal in both rate and equilibrium constants, with no discernible common pattern. Notably, steep reductions in Kd ATP were seen in some cases, the value of Kd Pi was high, and K2 (ATP hydrolysis/synthesis) was relatively unaffected. Significantly, when the data from the seven mutations were combined with previous data from two other E. coli F1-beta-subunit mutations (D242N, D242V), normal E. coli F1, soluble and membranous mitochondrial F1, it was found that linear free energy relationships obtained for both ATP binding/release (log k+1 versus log K1) and ADP binding/release (log k-4 versus log K-4). Two conclusions follow. 1) The seven mutations studied here cause subtle changes in interactions between the catalytic nucleotide-binding domain and substrate ATP or product ADP. 2) The mitochondrial, normal E. coli, and nine total beta-subunit mutant enzymes represent a continuum in which subtle structural differences in the catalytic site resulted in changes in binding energy; therefore insights into the nature of energy coupling during ATP hydrolysis and synthesis by F1-ATPase may be ascertained by detailed studies of this group of enzymes.
Retroperitoneal recurrences after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for low-stage nonseminomatous germ cell tumors.

Abstract Objectives. To evaluate the incidence and sites of retroperitoneal recurrence after modified retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for low-stage nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs). Methods. A retrospective review of 88 patients who underwent RPLND for Stage I or II NSGCTs between 1971 and 1991 was performed to determine the incidence and site of any retroperitoneal recurrence. Results. Six retroperitoneal recurrences (four isolated and two in conjunction with failures at other sites) were found with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. All 6 patients had left-sided primary tumors, with three recurrences near the left renal hilum and two near the right renal hilum. All recurrences were at or outside the boundaries of the surgical dissection. Only one retroperitoneal recurrence may have been prevented by performing a bilateral dissection. Conclusions. Although uncommon, local recurrences can occur after RPLND. The right and especially the left renal hilum appear to be at higher risk of failure, possibly because of incomplete dissection in these areas. A more complete dissection in these areas may further decrease the local recurrence rate. Overall, the data presented and the studies reviewed suggest that modified RPLND reliably removes metastatic tumor with a low failure rate. If failures do occur, they are usually outside of the template and would not necessarily be prevented with a complete bilateral infrahilar dissection.
Game Theoretic continuous time Differential Dynamic Programming

In this work, we derive a Game Theoretic Differential Dynamic Programming (GT-DDP) algorithm in continuous time. We provide a set of backward differential equations for the value function expansion without assuming closeness of the initial nominal control to the optimal control solution, and derive the update law for the controls. We introduce the GT-DDP algorithm and analyze the effect of the game theoretic formulation in the feed-forward and feedback parts of the control policies. Furthermore, we investigate the performance of GT-DDP through simulations on the inverted pendulum with conflicting controls and we apply the control gains on a stochastic system to demonstrate the effect of the design of the cost function to the feed-forward and feedback parts of the control policies. Finally, we conclude with some possible future directions.
HBM cross power domain failure due to secondary tester pulse

A cross power domain failure, caused by the secondary pulse produced by HBM testers, is presented. Previous works report damage due to “trailing pulse” EOS, but this failure is caused by the second discharge which occurs when the relay achieves mechanical continuity. ESD paths which are not transiently triggered can protect against this stress.
The Health Risk Assessment Performed in California for the Herbicide Simazine: A Case Study

ABSTRACTSimazine, a member of the triazine group, is registered in California for weed control in soils where a wide range of crops will be (or are) planted. The health risks from simazine use in California were recently assessed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) for all potential (acute and long-term) exposure scenarios relevant to Californian residents and workers. The results of the CDPR risk assessment indicate that current exposure levels in many of the scenarios under consideration are not health protective for the people in California. The main objective of the present summary report (i.e., case study) was two-fold, both for offering a forum to advance further scientific discussion: (1) to highlight the toxicity and exposure data as well as the assumptions used in the CDPR simazine risk assessment and then (2) to systematically requalify the uncertainties and complexities involved in terms of the toxicity and exposure appraisals given in that risk assessment. In both attem...
Histological Changes in the Human Anterior Cruciate Ligament After Rupture

AbstractBackground:Four phases in the response to injury of the ruptured human anterior cruciate ligament are observed histologically; these include an inflammatory phase, an epiligamentous repair phase, a proliferative phase, and a remodeling phase. One objective of this study was to describe the h
PepsiCo in Mexico

SUBJECT AREAS: International finance, subsidiary financing, ADRs, Mexican peso. CASE SETTING: Mexico, 1996. Synopsis: This case describes the complexity of PepsiCo's competitive position in the Mexican softdrink market in late 1996. Following PepsiCo's anchor bottler in Mexico, Gemex, the case details the strategies employed by PepsiCo's senior management beginning in 1993 to expand its market share versus its traditional "red nemesis," Coca-Cola. The various dimensions of PepsiCo's strategy -- marketing, management, financial, strategic -- are all seen to have deteriorated in the aftermath of the unexpected fall in the Mexican peso in December 1994. Focusing on the financial implications of the peso devaluation, the case then describes PepsiCo's response which only seemed to increase the financial burdens imposed on the faltering Pepsi market share. Teaching: This case has a tendency to interest students of marketing and strategy as well as students of finance. It is particularly powerful in its ability to illustrate how financing cash flows can threaten even healthy operating cash flows, and how a troublesome capital structure can threaten the ability of a global firm to implement a global corporate strategy for increased market penetration. REQUESTS FOR COPIES: To receive a copy of this case please contact the Thunderbird Case Series: Phone: 602-978-7385 E-Mail: MAILTO:cases@t-bird.edu.
Mebrofenin hepatocellular clearance rate shows promise as quantitative liver function test and prognostic tool for liver transplant candidates

42 Objectives To evaluate potential utility of Tc-99m-mebrofenin hepatocellular clearance rate (MHCR) for stratification of liver dysfunction and for prognostication of candidates on the liver transplant waiting list. Methods All patients referred for liver transplant assessment with hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) from 12/1/2010 to 12/1/2011 were considered. HBS was administered according to Ekman9s formalism (Ekman M, et al. Nucl Med Commun. 1996;17:235-242), modified from the original by processing geometric mean rather than anterior only data. MHCR was corrected for patients9 body surface area (cMHCR), expressed as %/min/meter squared. Patients with laboratory values within one month of HBS were included. Pearson9s linear correlation (r) was used to test for correlation of cMHCR with Child score (the excepted standard for liver function classification) and with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (the proven prognostic standard for the liver transplant candidates). Results Out of 63 patients on liver transplant waitlist who underwent HBS, 52 cases (27 males) qualified for inclusion. Mean ± S.D. (range) for age, MELD, Child, and cMHCR were 54±10 (23-71) years, 13±5 (6-30), 7.8±2.2 (5-14), and 3.00±1.98 (0.61-9.64), respectively. The linear correlation equations were: cMHCR = -0.51 x (MELD score) + 12.4 (r = -0.621, p Conclusions There is strong inverse correlation of Tc-99m-mebrofenin hepatocellular clearance rate (corrected for body surface) with Child and MELD scores. These findings strongly support cMHCR as a metric of liver function/dysfunction and as a promising index of prognosis in candidates on the liver transplantation waiting list. Future work will test cMHCR as predictor of actual mortality and other events in candidates awaiting liver transplantation
Transport of molecules through carbon nanotube channels in aqueous environment: A molecular dynamics study

We present molecular dynamics simulation of molecules transporting through carbon nanotubes for applications in engineered flow channels, focusing on the dynamics of molecules spontaneously inserted into the nanotube channel in aqueous environment. The molecules studied include a C60 molecule, a finite segment of carbon nanotube with smaller diameter, and single/double- stranded DNA molecules. We show that in the absence of water solvation, the van der Waals interaction between the molecule and the nanotube wall can induce a rapid spontaneous encapsulation of the molecule inside the nanotube channel. The encapsulation process is strongly impeded for nanotube dissolved in water due to the competition between the van der Waals, hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions in the nanotube/water/molecule complex. Water adsorption inside the nanotube channel plays an important role in determining the dynamics of the spontaneous insertion process.
In vitro growth characteristics of monkeypox virus.

SummaryA one-step growth study in CV1 cells indicated that infectious virions of MPV were synthesized intracellularly by 8 to 9 hr after infection; whereas cell-free virus and HA developed at later, but variable, stages of the growth cycle. Viral antigen(s) detected by immunofluorescence appeared 2 to 3 hours earlier than infectious virus. These data indicate that MPV is similar to vaccinia and variola viruses in respect to the time course of in vitro intracellular multiplication and release of virus, in cytological alterations and in the intracellular development of viral antigens.
Tip-Vortex Induced Cavitation on a Ducted Propulsor

An extensive experimental investigation was carried out to examine tip-vortex induced cavitation on a ducted propulsor. The flowfield about a 3-bladed, ducted rotor operating in uniform inflow was measured in detail with three-dimensional LDV; cavitation inception was measured; and a correlated hydrophone/high-speed video system was used to identify and characterize the early, sub-visual cavitation events. Two geometrically-similar, ducted rotors were tested over a Reynolds number range from 1.4×106 to 9×106 in order to determine how the tip-vortex cavitation scales with Reynolds number. Analysis of the data shows that exponent for scaling tip-vortex cavitation with Reynolds number is smaller than for open rotors. It is shown that the parameters which are commonly accepted to control tip-vortex cavitation, vortex circulation and vortex core size, do not directly control cavitation inception on this ducted rotor. Rather it appears that cavitation is initiated by the stretching and deformation of secondary vortical structures resulting from the merger of the leakage and tip vortices.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Bisphenol-1,2,3-triazole (BPT) Epoxies and Cyanate Esters: Synthesis and Self-Catalyzed Curing

Novel bisphenol-1,2,3-triazole (BPT) resins, including epoxy (DGE-BPT) and cyanate ester (BPTCE) systems, were prepared and used in curing chemistry with no added reagents or catalysts. The materials were characterized relative to conventional epoxies and cyanate esters, in terms of curing and thermal properties, and the curing process and products were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry (PCFC), and small scale flame tests. These novel BPT-based resins cure in the absence of added catalysts and exhibit exceptionally low heat release and high char residue. Despite the absence of antiflammable additives (either halogenated or inorganic compounds), BPTCE itself was found to be nonignitable, with extremely high char residue value (67%) and extraordinarily low heat release capacity (HRC of ∼10 J/(g K)).
Variations on a Theorem by Archimedes

This equation was first formulated and proved by Archimedes (see [1]) by his method of exhaustion. In a recent note [2] it was shown that T 2) analogues of these results. This is not quite an elementary exercise since the quadratures involved cannot be carried out explicitly.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Saving tiny lives.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is being used across the country to save the lives of tiny neonates. It has been used with increasing frequency in the management of the neonate with a diaphragmatic hernia. The procedure of ECMO, its indications and contraindications, and different methods of application are explained. Management of a patient with a diaphragmatic hernia using ECMO and surgical repair is also discussed.
Timing of conversion of Off-Pump CABG to On-Pump CABG is the most important factor determining the outcome of the converted patients

Abstract Background Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery is purposed to reduce perioperative mortality and morbidity compared with On-pump CABG. However some of those patients who were planned for Off-Pump CABG need to be converted to On-Pump CABG. Emergency conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass in Off-Pump CABG is recognized to increase operative mortality and morbidity. We aimed to determine the incidence of conversion, predictor factors, outcome of converted patients and the effect of timing of conversion on the outcome of converted patients. Methods In this study, we conducted a retrospective review of 374 consecutive patients who were planned for Off-Pump CABG from July 2009 to June 2015. This review included the preoperative characteristics, operative and post-operative outcomes as well as the timing of conversion either before hemodynamic collapse or after hemodynamic collapse. Results Out of 374 patients who were planned for Off-Pump coronary artery bypass grafting 16 patients required conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass with incidence (4.3%). Out of those 16 patients, 10 patients converted to On-Pump before hemodynamic collapse and 6 patients were converted to On-Pump after hemodynamic collapse. Analysis of the preoperative characteristics showed that, the presence of mild to moderate mitral regurgitation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% are risk factors for conversion of Off-Pump CABG to On-Pump CABG. Operative mortality was 25% in conversion group and 1.7% in non-conversion group (P Conclusion Patients who are intended for Off-Pump strategy and then require conversion to On-Pump have significantly higher operative mortality and morbidity than completed OPCAB. Time of conversion plays an important role in the outcome of converted patients; we concluded that delayed conversion is associated with poor surgical outcome, however early conversion before hemodynamic collapse have better outcome. Based on these results, strong considerations should be given for patients who are planned for Off-Pump CABG and have risk factors for conversion to CPB. These patients should be thoroughly monitored with early and elective conversion to On-pump CABG before hemodynamic collapse occurs.
Animals as Early Detectors of Bioevents: Veterinary Tools and a Framework for Animal-Human Integrated Zoonotic Disease Surveillance

The threat of bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases has prompted various public health agencies to recommend enhanced surveillance activities to supplement existing surveillance plans. The majority of emerging infectious diseases and bioterrorist agents are zoonotic. Animals are more sensitive to certain biological agents, and their use as clinical sentinels, as a means of early detection, is warranted. This article provides design methods for a local integrated zoonotic surveillance plan and materials developed for veterinarians to assist in the early detection of bioevents. Zoonotic surveillance in the U.S. is currently too limited and compartmentalized for broader public health objectives. To rapidly detect and respond to bioevents, collaboration and cooperation among various agencies at the federal, state, and local levels must be enhanced and maintained. Co-analysis of animal and human diseases may facilitate the response to infectious disease events and limit morbidity and mortality in both animal and human populations.
Judicial Norms and Campaigns: The Content of Televised Advertisements in State Supreme Court Races

ABSTRACTAds aired in judicial campaigns have traditionally been quite tame—largely positive and focused on candidate traits such as experience. Judicial norms against attacking opponents and against position taking help to explain this fact, but sometimes these norms are violated. In this research, we ask whether the factors that drive negativity and policy discussion are the same across judicial and other races. Using data compiled by the Wisconsin Advertising Project and the Wesleyan Media Project, we conduct a content analysis of state supreme court ads aired on television from 2006–2013 and compare these ads to those aired in gubernatorial and congressional campaigns. We find that the predictors of negativity and policy talk are similar, but judicial ads remain more positive and less policy-focused than non-judicial ads, a finding that supports the judicial norms explanation.
Scientific overview and historical context of the 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquake sequence

The central and eastern United States has experienced only 5 historic earthquakes with Mw 7.0, four during the New Madrid sequence of 1811-1812: three principal mainshocks and the so-called «dawn aftershock» following the first mainshock. Much of the historic earthquake research done in the United States has focused on the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ), because the largest New Madrid earthquakes may represent the archetype for the most damaging earthquakes to be expected in intraplate regions. Published magnitude values ranging from 7.0 to 8.75 have generally been based on macroseismic effects, which provide the most direct constraint on source size for the events. Critical to the interpretation of these accounts is an understanding of their historic context. Early settlments clustered along waterways, where substantial amplification of seismic waves is expected. Analyzing the New Madrid intensity values with a consideration of these effects yields preferred values of Mw 7.2-7.3, 7.0, and 7.4-7.5 for the December, January, and February mainshocks, respectively, and of 7.0 for the «dawn aftershock». These values are consistent with other lines of evidence, including scaling relationships. Finally, I show that accounts from the New Madrid sequence reveal evidence for remotely triggered earthquakes well outside the NMSZ. Remotely triggered earthquakes represent a potentially important new wrinkle in historic earthquake research, as their ground motions can sometimes be confused with mainshock ground motions.
A local crack-tracking strategy to model three-dimensional crack propagation with embedded methods

Abstract We develop a local, implicit crack tracking approach to propagate embedded failure surfaces in three-dimensions. We build on the global crack-tracking strategy of Oliver et al. (Int J. Numer. Anal. Meth. Geomech., 2004; 28:609–632) that tracks all potential failure surfaces in a problem at once by solving a Laplace equation with anisotropic conductivity. We discuss important modifications to this algorithm with a particular emphasis on the effect of the Dirichlet boundary conditions for the Laplace equation on the resultant crack path. Algorithmic and implementational details of the proposed method are provided. Finally, several three-dimensional benchmark problems are studied and results are compared with available literature. The results indicate that the proposed method addresses pathological cases, exhibits better behavior in the presence of closely interacting fractures, and provides a viable strategy to robustly evolve embedded failure surfaces in 3D.
How Smart Are Smart Beta Exchange-Traded Funds? Analysis of Relative Performance and Factor Exposure

Using a sample of 164 smart beta exchange-traded funds (ETFs) during 2003–2014, I analyze whether these funds beat their benchmarks by tilting their portfolios to various factors. I also test if smart beta funds harvest factor premiums more efficiently than their traditional cap-weighted benchmarks by periodically trading against price movements. I find no conclusive evidence to support the hypothesis that smart beta ETFs outperform their benchmarks on a risk-adjusted basis. Performance of smart beta funds is also insignificant relative to the risk-adjusted blended benchmark consisting of existing cap-weighted funds that provide passive exposure to market, size, and value factors. Smart beta ETFs exhibit potentially unintended factor tilts offsetting the return advantage from intended factor tilts. Performance attribution analysis demonstrates that static factor exposure rather than systematic rebalancing is the main driver of smart beta performance.
Deep Brain Stimulation of the Dentato-Rubro-Thalamic Tract: Outcomes of Direct Targeting for Tremor.

Objectives Targeting the dentato-rubro-thalamic tract (DRTt) has been suggested to be efficacious in deep brain stimulation (DBS) for tremor suppression, both in case reports and post-hoc analyses. This prospective observational study sought to analyze outcomes after directly targeting the DRTt in tremor patients. Methods 20 consecutively enrolled intention tremor patients obtained pre-operative MRI with diffusion tensor (dTi) sequences. Mean baseline tremor amplitude based on The Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale was recorded. The DRTt was drawn for each individual on StealthViz software (Medtronic) using the dentate nucleus as the seed region and the ipsilateral pre-central gyrus as the end region and then directly targeted during surgery. Intraoperative testing confirmed successful tremor control. Post-operative analysis of electrode position relative to the DRTt was performed, as was post-operative assessment of tremor improvement. Results The mean age of patients was 66.8 years; mean duration of tremor was 16 years. Mean voltage for the L electrode = 3.4 V; R = 2.6 V. Mean distance from the center of the active electrode contact to the DRTt was 0.9 mm on the L, and 0.8 mm on the R. Improvement in arm tremor amplitude from baseline after DBS was significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion Direct targeting of the DRTt in DBS is an effective strategy for tremor suppression. Accounting for hardware, software, and model limitations, depiction of the DRTt allows for placement of electrode contacts directly within the fiber tract for modulation despite any anatomical variation, which reproducibly resulted in good tremor control.
Positive affect predicts cerebral glucose metabolism in late middle-aged adults.

Positive affect is associated with a number of health benefits; however, few studies have examined the relationship between positive affect and cerebral glucose metabolism, a key energy source for neuronal function and a possible index of brain health. We sought to determine if positive affect was associated with cerebral glucose metabolism in late middle-aged adults (n = 133). Participants completed the positive affect subscale of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale at two time points over a two-year period and underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography scanning. After controlling for age, sex, perceived health status, depressive symptoms, anti-depressant use, family history of Alzheimer's disease, APOE e4 status and interval between visits, positive affect was associated with greater cerebral glucose metabolism across para-/limbic, frontal, temporal and parietal regions. Our findings provide evidence that positive affect in late midlife is associated with greater brain health in regions involved in affective processing and also known to be susceptible to early neuropathological processes. The current findings may have implications for interventions aimed at increasing positive affect to attenuate early neuropathological changes in at-risk individuals.
Variational lists: comparisons and design guidelines

Variation is widespread in software artifacts (data and programs) and in some cases, such as software product lines, is widely studied. In order to analyze, transform, or otherwise manipulate such variational software artifacts, one needs a suitable data structure representation that incorporate variation. However, relatively little work has focused on what effective representations could be to support programming with variational data. In this paper we explore how variational data can be represented and what the implications and requirements are for corresponding variational data structures. Due to the large design space, we begin by focusing on linked lists. We discuss different variational linked-list representations and their respective strengths and weaknesses. Based on our experience, we identify some general design principles and techniques that can help with the development of other variational data structures that are needed to make variational programming practical.
Demonstrating Hund’s Rule in Action by Exploring the Magnetic Properties of Metal Complexes with 3dn and 4fn Configurations

Students collect magnetic susceptibility data to verify that Hund’s rule correctly predicts electronic configurations. Systems examined include three commercially available lanthanide(III)-containing complexes of the form M(acac)3(H2O)2 (where M = La(III), Nd(III), and Gd(III), and acac denotes the [CH3C(O)CHC(O)CH3]− anion, i.e., deprotonated acetylacetone) as well as student-synthesized Co(III)- and Fe(III)-containing M(acac)3 analogues. The spin-only formula for the paramagnetic susceptibility cleanly reveals the number of unpaired electrons present in all metal ions investigated herein, except Nd(III), because it also has an orbital magnetic moment. In addition to illustrating the key role that the Pauli principle has in shaping electronic structure, the exercise contrasts the behavior of high- vs low-spin complexes and 3d versus 4f orbitals. Finally, students find that oxidation–reduction and acid–base reactions can be useful in chemical synthesis.
Sunbonnets on the beach: the occupational folklore of beach women in Grand Bank, Newfoundland, 1880–1940

The beach women of Grand Bank, Newfoundland were skilled labourers of the Bank Fishery, one that began in the late nineteenth century. Just as the men fished for cod off the Grand Banks, the women ...
A comparative study: tongue muscle performance in weightlifters and runners.

Exercise mode (i.e., resistance training, endurance training) is known to yield mode-specific effects on strength and endurance of muscles that are directly targeted during the exercise. Such mode-specific effects can also be observed in indirectly involved (i.e., nontargeted) muscles. Mode-specific muscle performance changes of nontargeted muscles, however, have only been investigated within the skeletal system. Therefore, as a first step, this study aimed to determine if bulbar muscle performance (tongue strength [TS], tongue endurance [TE]) differs between weightlifters and runners and if group differences are tongue region-specific. The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) was used to measure TS and TE of the anterior and posterior tongue regions in 21 weightlifters and 23 runners. In weightlifters anterior TS was significantly greater than posterior TS (P = 0.008), whereas in runners anterior and posterior TS were comparable. Furthermore, weightlifters produced significantly greater anterior TS than runners (P = 0.001). Finally, TE was overall significantly greater in runners than in weightlifters (P = 0.001). Findings suggest that exercise mode may differentially impact performance patterns of nontargeted bulbar muscles. More research is warranted to better understand the mechanisms underlying tongue muscle performance differences between weightlifters and runners.