cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automatic Assessment of Image Informativeness in Colonoscopy

Optical colonoscopy is the preferred method for colon cancer screening and prevention. The goal of colonoscopy is to find and remove colonic polyps, precursors to colon cancer. However, colonoscopy is not a perfect procedure. Recent clinical studies report a significant polyp miss due to insufficient quality of colonoscopy. To complicate the problem, the existing guidelines for a “good” colonoscopy, such as maintaining a minimum withdrawal time of 6 min, are not adequate to guarantee the quality of colonoscopy. In response to this problem, this paper presents a method that can objectively measure the quality of an examination by assessing the informativeness of the corresponding colonoscopy images. By assigning a normalized quality score to each colonoscopy frame, our method can detect the onset of a hasty examination and encourage a more diligent procedure. The computed scores can also be averaged and reported as the overall quality of colonoscopy for quality monitoring purposes. Our experiments reveal that the suggested method achieves higher sensitivity and specificity to non-informative frames than the existing image quality assessment methods for colonoscopy videos.
Free Initial Time and States

The next logical extension of the optimal control problem could be to the case where the control is discontinuous. However, the development of the second differential requires notions that are related to problems with free initial states and time. Hence, this problem is considered first; the optimal control is still assumed to be continuous.
Complications of Transvaginal Bladder Neck Closure

The indication for an adult woman to undergo a transvaginal BNC is an eroded and destroyed bladder neck/urethra secondary to a chronic, indwelling catheter. While the indication for the initial catheter placement may be varied, the chain of events leading to this scenario is usually quite similar. The catheter is usually placed for refractory urinary incontinence or retention, usually of neurogenic etiology but not necessarily.
Landward Propagation of Saline Waters Following Closure of a Bar-Built Estuary: Russian River (California, USA)

We investigate the evolution of the salt field in a bar-built estuary after the tidal inlet is closed by sediment, isolating the estuary from the ocean. We show that seawater trapped by inlet closure in the Russian River Estuary, CA, undergoes a two-stage landward intrusion process that leads to widespread salt stratification throughout the estuary. This salinity intrusion extends to distances of several kilometers from the beach—into the “inner estuary” that is separated from the “outer estuary” by shallow sills and typically devoid of saline waters during tidal conditions when the mouth is open. We describe landward movement of saline waters during six closure events in 2009 and 2010, based on repeat boat-based conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) surveys and bottom-mounted acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs). While sills block the initial landward motion of dense saline waters due to gravitational adjustment (first stage of intrusion), these same sills facilitate a wind-induced, one-direction valve mechanism through which saline waters are pumped into the inner estuary. Saline waters that crest the shallow sill can drain into deeper pools in the inner estuary as a pulsed gravity current (second stage of intrusion). We use empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis to identify an internal seiche in the outer estuary that results in uplift of pycnocline waters during the night at the boundary to the inner estuary. EOF analysis of inner estuary currents and a horizontal Richardson number are used to suggest that nocturnal gravity current events in the inner estuary (beyond the blocking sill) occur as pulses initiated by the internal seiche in the outer estuary.
Terahertz magneto-spectroscopy of quantum wells: Stability of high-density excitons in high magnetic fields

We study the dynamics of excitons in GaAs quantum wells via optical-pump/terahertz-probe spectroscopy in magnetic fields. We found that the 1s-2p − intra-excitonic transition is robust at high magnetic fields even under high excitation fluences, indicating magnetically enhanced stability of excitons.
Brain-Computer Interaction

Detection and automated interpretation of attention-related or intention-related brain activity carries significant promise for many military and civilian applications. This interpretation of brain activity could provide information about a person's intended movements, imagined movements, or attentional focus, and thus could be valuable for optimizing or replacing traditional motor-based communication between a person and a computer or other output devices. We describe here the objective and preliminary results of our studies in this area.
Resource Wars: An On the Ground Understanding of Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining in Appalachia, West Virginia

This article sketches student responses and subsequent political action to directly witnessing the tragedy of Mountaintop Coal Mining (MTR) on Kayford Mountain in West Virginia. I have created an "engaged anthropological curriculum" as part of my Resource Wars of 21 st Century (an upper level elective course) where students spend four days on an active battlefield in order to a) expose students first-hand to the stories and testimonials of social, economic, physical degradation caused by MTR.
Inside Rehab: The Surprising Truth About Addiction Treatment-and How to Get Help That Works; and Clean: Overcoming Adiction and Ending America's Greatest Tragedy

A pair of books that are sharply critical of the addiction treatment industry were released by the popular press in 2013. Clean by David Sheff (2013) and Inside Rehab by Anne M. Fletcher (2013) bot...
Dynamics of a flexibly bonded two-layered Timoshenko-type cylindrical shell.

Axially symmetric motion of a shell whose layers are connected by a thin, inertialess bond of arbitrary stiffness is considered. The effect of bond stiffness on the dynamic behavior is investigated for the case of axial wave propagation in an infinitely long shell. A nondimensional bond stiffness parameter is identified and is found to have a profound influence on some of the wave propagation frequencies. An expression is given for a critical value of the bond stiffness parameter that separates "stiff" and "soft" bonds. For the limiting cases of very stiff or very soft bonds, simplified theoretical approaches give adequate accuracy; however, it appears necessary to use the theory in full for bonds of intermediate stiffness.
Thermoreversible networks for moldable photo-responsive elastomers (Presentation Recording)

Soft-solids that retain the responsive optical anisotropy of liquid crystals (LC) can be used as mechano-optical, electro-optical and electro-mechanical elements. We use self-assembly of block copolymers to create reversible LC gels and elastomers that flow at elevated temperatures and physically cross link upon cooling. In the melt, they can be spun, coated or molded. Segregation of the end-blocks forms uniform and uniformly spaced crosslinks. Matched sets of block copolymers are synthesized from a single "prepolymer." Specifically, we begin with polymers having polystyrene (PS) end blocks and a poly(1,2-butadiene) midblock. The pendant vinyl groups along the backbone of the midblock are used to graft mesogens, converting it to a side-group LC polymer (SGLCP). In the present case, cyanobiphenyl groups are used as the nonphotoresponsive mesogens and azobenzene groups are used as photoresponsive mesogens. Here we show that matched pairs of block copolymers, with and without photo-responsive mesogens, provide model systems in which the optical density can be adjusted while holding other properties fixed (cross-link density, modulus, birefringence, isotropic-nematic transition temperature). For example, a triblock in which the SGLCP block has 95% cyanobiphenyl and 5% azo side groups is miscible with one having 100% cyanobiphenyl side groups. Simply blending the two gives a series of LC elastomers that have from 0 to 5% azo, while having all other physical properties matched. Results will be presented that show the outcomesof this approach to systematic and largely independent control of optical density and photo-mechanical sensitivity.
Pineal noradrenaline levels in the monogolian gerbil and in different strains of laboratory rats over a lighting regimen

Abstract Adult male Long Evans and Sprague-Dawley rats and Mongolian gerbils were sacrificed at 4 hour intervals over a 24 hour period. Pineal noradrenaline (NA) levels in these animals were determined by a radioisotopic procedure. Statistically significant circadian rhythms were observed in pineal NA content in both strains of rats but not in the gerbils. These data show that daily rhythms in pineal NA are a characteristic phenomenon observed in rats either with or without eye pigment. The absence of a daily rhythm in NA content in the gerbil pineal may explain the relatively low amplitude rhythm in N-acetyl transferase activity observed in this species compared to the rat.
Influence of chronic administration of nicotine on the turnover and metabolism of noradrenaline in the rat brain

Chronic administration of nicotine (0.5 mg/kg, subcutaneously, 3 to 5 times a day for 6 weeks) accelerated the rate of disappearance of intraventricularly administered 3H-noradrenaline from rat brain. This was associated with normal levels of 3H-normetanephrine suggesting an increase in intraneuronal deamination. The rate constant of amine decline (k) in animals chronically treated with nicotine was significantly greater than that of controls, while the steady state level of brain noradrenaline was about equal in both groups of rats. Amphetamine, reserpine, acetylcholine, histamine, pheniprazine, pargyline, and nicotine affected the catecholamine levels in the rat brain treated with nicotine to the same degree as they did in the controls. It is concluded that chronic administration of nicotine may increase noradrenaline turnover in the brain and possibly increase the deamination of this amine.
Determination of some carbamate pesticides by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

Abstract An amperometric detector was used to determine some carbamate pesticides after a reversed-phase high-performace liquid chromatographic separation. Detection limits were determined which compared favorably with those obtained with other detectors. Dual detection, where the amperometric detector was in series with an ultraviolet detector, was employed to quantifiy pesticides that were not resolved on the chromatographic column.
Measurement of meniscus angle in laser heated float zone growth of constant diameter sapphire crystals

Abstract A new procedure is described utilizing a television viewing system to observe the feed rod, the molten zone and the growing crystal in a laser heated float zoning process with a CO 2 laser as the power source. The image on a television monitor facilitates measurements and adjustments that allow growth of constant cross-section single crystal filaments. The meniscus angle ∅ 0 during steady-state crystal growth with a uniform cross-section has been measured in the float zone growth of small diameter (0.25-0.5 mm) sapphire crystals. An anisotropy in ∅ 0 was measured in 〈10 1 0〉 growth, where the growing crystal is bounded by two {0001} parallel peripheral facets. A ∅ 0 value of 35° ± 4° is measured at the faceted trijunction, while ∅ 0 = 17° ± 4° was found at the non-faceted periphery or in the 〈0001〉 growth in the absence of peripheral faceting. The measured ∅ 0 values were independent of the zone height, pull rate, and Cr-doping.
Elastic scattering of positrons and electrons by argon

Differential and integrated cross sections for the elastic scattering of low- and intermediate-energy (3--300 eV) positrons and electrons by argon atoms are calculated. Higher transport cross sections, representing moments of 1-(costheta)/sup n/, for these systems are also obtained for n = 1--4. Model potentials are used to represent the interactions between positrons or electrons and argon atoms. For each impact energy, the phase shifts of the lower partial waves are obtained exactly by numerical integration of the radial equation. The Born approximation is used to obtain the contribution of the higher partial waves to the scattering amplitude. The phase shifts of the seven lowest partial waves are tabulated for various impact energies of positrons and electrons.
Coherent locator approach to lattice vibrations in alloys with diagonal and geometrically-scaled off-diagonal disorder

A single-site coherent locator approach to lattice vibrations in alloys with both mass disorder and force-constant changes which obey geometric scaling has been proposed by Gr\"unewald. We show that this theory reduces to a virtual-crystal form for the special case of "equal" mass and force-constant changes, and that it fails to give satisfactory spectral limits for one- and three-dimensional model alloys.
Thyroidal and neural control of myosin transitions during development of rat fast and slow muscles

Experiments with developing euthyroid, hypothyroid and hyperthyroid rats show that the transition from neonatal to adult fast myosin is orchestrated by thyroid hormones acting directly upon fast muscle cells. Denervation studies reveal the switch from neonatal to adult fast myosin synthesis is independent of the motoneuron. However the synthesis of slow myosin during development is critically dependent on innervation.
Pressure dependence of the critical micellar temperature

Abstract The critical micellar temperature (CMT) of aqueous dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide and sodium dodecylsulfate solutions is raised with increasing pressure at an average rate of 0.015 and 0.009 °K bar −1 , respectively, in the range of 1–4000 bar pressure. This rate of decrease in surfactant solubility with pressure is largely unaltered by electrolyte addition.
Manipulation and alignment of silicon carbide nanotubes with AC electric fields

The manipulation of individual nanostructures, regardless of their shape or medium, is a challenge for those seeking to efficiently utilize the electrical properties of those nanostructures [1]. In this study, two procedures were developed to observe the effects of an ac electric field to manipulate and align silicon carbide (SiC) nanotubes. Although the initial procedure proved to be inconclusive, it revealed the difficulties with manipulating relatively large quantities of nanotubes on a millimeter scale. The second procedure, which utilized electrodes on the micrometer scale, proved to be more successful in manipulating and aligning the SiC nanotubes. It is believed the latter method of manipulating SiC nanotubes can be employed to position individual structures across similar electrodes to measure their electrical characteristics.
Sparsely cross-linked "nanogels" for microchannel DNA sequencing.

We have developed sparsely cross-linked “nanogels”, sub-colloidal polymer structures composed of covalently linked, linear polyacrylamide chains, as novel DNA sequencing matrices for capillary electrophoresis. The presence of covalent cross-links affords nanogel matrices with enhanced network stability relative to standard, linear polyacrylamide (LPA), improving the separation of large DNA fragments. Nanogels were synthesized via inverse emulsion (water-in-oil) copolymerization of acrylamide and N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (Bis). In order to retain the fluidity necessary in a replaceable polymer matrix for capillary array electrophoresis (CAE), a low percentage of the Bis cross-linker (< 10−4 mol%) was used. Nanogels were characterized by multiangle laser light scattering and rheometry, and were tested for DNA sequencing by CAE with four-color laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection. The properties and performance of nanogel matrices were compared to those of a commercially available LPA network, which was matched for both weight-average molar mass (Mw) and extent of interchain entanglements (c/c*). Nanogels presented in this work have an average radius of gyration of 226 nm and a weight-average molar mass of 8.8×106 g/mol. At concentrations above the overlap threshold, nanogels form a clear, viscous solution, similar to the LPA matrix (Mw ∼ 8.9×106 g/mol). The two matrices have similar flow and viscosity characteristics. However, because of the physical network stability provided by the internally cross-linked structure of the nanogels, a substantially longer read length (∼ 63 bases, a 10.4% improvement) is obtained with the nanogel matrix at 98.5% accuracy of base-calling. The nanogel network provides higher-selectivity separation of ssDNA sequencing fragments longer than 375 bases. Moreover, nanogel matrices require 30% less polymer per unit volume than LPA. This is the first report of a sequencing matrix that provides better performance than LPA, in a side-by-side comparison of polymer matrices matched for Mw and extent of interchain entanglements.
Self-absorption of carbon-14 samples on thin paper planchets.

Using C/sup 14/ samples absorbed on thin paper discs, the apparent radioactivity of samples of glycine and hemin was measured in a gas-flow counter over a wide range of specimen thickess. Results show that specimens ranging up to a thickness of 150 mu g/cm/sup 2/ may be regarded as approximately infinitely thin. It is estimated that the count rate is decreased by approximately 20% as a result of absorption of the radioactivity by the paper. To a considerable extent, the change in count rate due to self-absorption varies as the reciprocal of a linear function of the thickness of both the paper and the specimen. (auth)
Placebo-controlled trial of gabapentin in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

We designed a phase II trial to evaluate the efficacy of gabapentin in slowing the rate of decline in muscle strength of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to assess safety and tolerability. Gabapentin (800 mg) or placebo was administered t.i.d. in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, trial for 6 months. We enrolled 152 patients at eight sites in the United States. The primary outcome measure was the slope of the arm megascore, the average maximum voluntary isometric strength from eight arm muscles standardized against a reference ALS population. A secondary outcome measure was forced vital capacity. Slopes of arm megascores for patients on gabapentin were compared with slopes of those taking placebo using a two-way ANOVA. We observed a nonstatistically significant trend (p = 0.057-0.08) toward slower decline of arm strength in patients taking gabapentin compared with those taking placebo (mean difference 24%, median 37%). We observed no treatment effect on forced vital capacity. Gabapentin was well tolerated by patients with ALS. These results suggest that further studies of gabapentin in ALS are warranted.
Correspondence between Solar Variability (0.6 - 7.0 Years) and the Theoretical Positions of Rotating Sets of Coupled g Modes

Recently, Juckett and Wolff (Solar Phys. 252, 247, 2008) showed that the timing and longitude of sunspot patterns has some correspondence with a model based on coupled g modes. The model maximizes the nonlinear coupling of those g modes sharing harmonic degree l to generate a “set(l)” that assists its own excitation by locally enhancing nuclear burning. Each set(l) has oscillatory power concentrated at two longitudes, on opposite sides of the Sun and drifts slowly retrograde within the radiative zone (RZ) at a rate that depends on l. When the strong longitudes of two or more sets overlap, wave dissipation adds extra energy to that locality at the base of the convective envelope increasing convection and then sunspot activity. We compare the main subdecadal sunspot frequencies with the intersections of sets derived from l=2 – 11 and G, where G represents unresolvable high-l modes that rotate similarly to the RZ. After determining the set(l) spatial phases, we show that 17 subdecadal oscillations with periods in the range 0.6 to 7.0 years (4.5 to 50 nHz), generated by 23 unique intersections of the 11 sets, are synchronous with 17 corresponding frequencies in the sunspot time series. After optimizing parameters, we find a mean correlation of 0.96 for synchrony among the 17 waveform pairs. These 17 frequencies constitute the bulk of the non-noise subdecadal frequency domain of the sunspot variation. We conclude that the sunspot series contains oscillatory components with the same temporal phases and frequencies as various set(l) intersections spanning the past ≈ 100 years. This additional evidence for the role of coupled g modes in sunspot dynamics suggests that more of sunspot variability can be understood with nonmagnetic fluid mechanics than popularly thought.
SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS OF TREAT SODIUM LOOP EXPERIMENTS ON BEHAVIOR OF SINGLE EBR-II MARK I PINS UNDER ACCIDENT CONDITIONS.

Abstract The study of fast reactor safety is concerned with a number of areas, among which the possibility of core meltdown is of major interest. A number of factors might be involved in such an accident; this article deals with a study, experimentally and by computation, of the mechanisms of fuel failure and associated movement of fuel and coolant. These two phenomena could lead to extension of any initial fuel failure and thus would probably be the factors responsible for a serious meltdown accident. Fuel failure experiments have been conducted in instrumented sodium loops, which, when installed in the TREAT reactor, provide a simulated reactor environment. These loops provide for setting conditions of varying temperature and flow of sodium coolant past the fuel elements under test; and the power burst of the TREAT reactor, into which the loops are inserted for testing, can be adjusted to specified intensities. The results of testing a number of sample fuel elements under various conditions of power level and coolant flow are presented and analyzed here.
High-bandwidth optical I/O link with optical MCM

A high-bandwidth optical I/O link with developed optical MCM is demonstrated. High speed link tests for 24 channels show that the TX operates at 25 Gb/s, and the optical I/O link operates at 20 Gb/s.
Pretreatment with protective substances as a factor in freeze-thaw survival

Abstract Transplantation of 246 venter to dorsum autografts was used to evaluate freeze-thaw survival of mouse skin with respect to pretreatment with glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). It was concluded that 1) DMSO was at least as protective and toxic as glycerol, 2) loss of transplants which occurred was due to pretreatment prior to freezing and not to freezing and thawing, and 3) the 5% level of DMSO and glycerol was less toxic in pretreatment and resulted in greater post-thaw survival than the 15% level. The importance of pretreatment as a factor in analysis of freeze-thaw survival was discussed.
Cold region wastewater lagoon sludge accumulation

Abstract The rate and extent of solids accumulation in the Palmer and Galena, Alaska, aerated wastewater lagoons and the Logan and Corinne, Utah, facultative wastewater lagoons were investigated. In situ analyses of the sludge layers in each of the four lagoons were performed in the early spring, following the winter ice melt. Sludge core samples and depth measurements were taken over a uniform grid pattern. The rate and extent of solids accumulation were found to vary depending upon lagoon type and specific operational and environmental conditions.
Reaction-Mapped Quantitative Multiplexed Polymerase Chain Reaction on a Microfluidic Device

We have applied multiple-time-point reaction mapping to generate high-dynamic-range quantitative data from PCR multiplexes. The approach measures, then compensates, numerous PCR slope nonidealities across the multiplex without prejudice. A multilane microelectophoresis device with a novel scanning detector that reports redundantly over more than six decades in signal strength was used to collect data with multiple readings for each amplification point and with double internal calibration (lane standards and gene standards). We investigated scaling properties and sensitivity for readout of 12plex PCR reactions. The sensitive detection, stemming from confocal optics, allowed reduction of the PCR cycle number by approximately five cycles compared to commercial fluorometric readout. This increased sensitivity appears to allow quantitative PCR over a dynamic range of >9 log2 abundance ratio in multiplex reactions exceeding 20plexes. We argue that the combination of mapping, multiplexing, and an internal standa...
The evolution of a bail reform

This paper analyzes an attempt to reform the bail system through the development of procedures increasing the use of pre-trial release on own recognizance. A motivating question for the study is the extent to which criminal justice systems are organized to improve their performance over time. This depends upon the ability to generate new ideas, screen them, implement the good ones successfully, and diffuse those successfully implemented to other areas. How any particular reform evolves depends upon a variety of economic, political, and organizational factors. An evolutionary economic framework is used in an attempt to describe the interaction of these factors coherently. The paper suggests that (1) the reform as initially developed did represent an improvement; (2) considerable deterioration occurred over time after implementation; (3) diffusion was widespread with variable performance improvement; (4) an important benefit was the development of a spin-off reform; and (5) there is a general misorganization of resources at the local level for research and development efforts of criminal justice systems.
The vibrations of pre-twisted rotating Timoshenko beams by the Rayleigh---Ritz method

A modeling method for flapwise and chordwise bending vibration analysis of rotating pre-twisted Timoshenko beams is introduced. In the present modeling method, the shear and the rotary inertia effects on the modal characteristics are correctly included based on the Timoshenko beam theory. The kinetic and potential energy expressions of this model are derived from the Rayleigh---Ritz method, using a set of hybrid deformation variables. The equations of motion of the rotating beam are derived from the kinetic and potential energy expressions introduced in the present study. The equations thus derived are transmitted into dimensionless forms in which main dimensionless parameters are identified. The effects of dimensionless parameters such as the hub radius ratio, slenderness ration, etc. on the natural frequencies and modal characteristics of rotating pre-twisted beams are successfully examined through numerical studies. Finally the resonance frequency of the rotating beam is evaluated.
Traumatic pulmonary pathology measured with computed tomography and a semiautomated analytic method

The goal of this study is to develop a controlled approach to quantifying the amount of lung damage after blunt chest trauma. The presented method is used to analyze computed tomography scans and to assess patients' risk for developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). When used to predict which patients were at risk for ARDS, the method presented in this study had a sensitivity of 57% and a specificity of 100%.
Scoring-rule feedback and the overconfidence syndrome in subjective probability forecasting

Abstract Previous research has shown that people tend to be overconfident when making subjective probability forecasts. This study tests the hypothesis that scoring-rule-based payoffs and feedback would lead to better probability forecasts. Subjects predicted the freshman grade point averages of 40 other college students using data on the other students' genders, SAT scores, and high school grade point averages. The results of the study were mixed. Trial-by-trial outcome feedback had no effect on performance. Incentive pay based on a truncated logarithmic scoring rule does have an effect. Subjects motivated by scoring-rule-based pay were much less likely to assign very large or very small probabilities and performed much better in terms of the logarithmic scoring rule itself. On the other hand, scoring-rule-based incentives had no effect on the extent to which subjects' forecasts corresponded with forecasts generated by an actuarial Bayesian classification model. The only positive effect of scoring-rule-based incentives was to deter the use of very small probabilities.
Qualitative and Quantitative Aspects of Adolescent Drug Use: Interplay of Personality, Family, and Peer Correlates:

The purpose of this study was to examine domains of personality, family, and peer variables and their relationship to the qualitative (stage) and quantitative (frequency) aspects of adolescents' dr...
Aurora on Triton

It is argued that the presence of an aurora on Triton implies the existence of an intrinsic field on this satellite. The highly conducting ionosphere predicted for Triton, coupled with Triton's 40 km/s velocity relative to the magnetospheric plasma, leads to a limiting current that produces an induced magnetosphere. This magnetosphere would deviate the flowing plasma and reduce the potential across Triton. If Triton were to have a weak intrinsic magnetic field, the current would be funneled into an auroral zone, producing a concentration of current that may trigger specific auroral acceleration processes such as double-layer formation.
Density dependence of Rayleigh–Taylor and Richtmyer–Meshkov mixing fronts

Abstract We propose a pair of ordinary differential equations to describe the motion of the two edges of a Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) or Richtmyer–Meshkov (RM) mixing zone. These model equations give a simple physics – based description of the RT and RM mixing rates. The equations are in agreement with all available experiments, including the recent LEM RT and RM experiments for spikes as well as bubbles. In particular, the model equations predict that the scaling constants α s →0.5 and θ s →1 as the Atwood number A →1.
Comparative Assessment of Turbulence Models for Prediction of Flow-Induced Corrosion Damages

The present study makes a comparative assessment of different turbulence models in simulating the flow-assisted corrosion (FAC) process for pipes with noncircular cross sections and bends, features regularly encountered in heat exchangers and other pipeline networks. The case study investigates material damage due to corrosion caused by dissolved oxygen (O2 ) in a stainless steel pipe carrying an aqueous solution. A discrete solid phase is also present in the solution, but the transport of the solid particles is not explicitly modeled. It is assumed that the volume fraction of the solid phase is low, so it does not affect the continuous phase. Traditional two-equation models are compared, such as isotropic eddy viscosity, standard k-e and k-ω models, shear stress transport (SST) k-ω models, and the anisotropic Reynolds Stress Model (RSM). Computed axial and radial velocities, and turbulent kinetic energy profiles predicted by the turbulence models are compared with available experimental data. Results show that all the turbulence models provide comparable results, though the RSM model provided better predictions in certain locations. The convective and diffusive motion of dissolved O2 is calculated by solving the species transport equations. The study assumes that solid particle impingement on the pipe wall will completely remove the protective film formed by corrosion products. It is also assumed that the rate of corrosion is controlled by diffusion of O2 through the mass transfer boundary layer. Based on these assumptions, corrosion rate is calculated at the internal pipe walls. Results indicate that the predicted O2 corrosion rate along the walls varies for different turbulence models but show the same general trend and pattern.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Does Public Transit Spread Crime? Evidence From Temporary Rail Station Closures

Abstract We test whether public transit access affects crime using a novel identification strategy based on temporary, maintenance-related closures of stations in the Washington, DC rail transit system. The closures generate plausibly exogenous variation in transit access across space and time, allowing us to test the popular notion that crime can be facilitated by public transit. Closing one station reduces crime by 5% in the vicinity of stations on the same train line. Most of this effect remains after controlling for decreased ridership, indicating that a decrease in the availability of victims does not drive most of our results. We find suggestive evidence that crime falls more at stations that tend to import crime, i.e. stations where perpetrators are less likely to live. We also see larger decreases at stations on the same line when the transit authority closes stations that tend to export crime. These heterogeneous effects suggest that the response of perpetrators to increased transportation costs contributes to the decrease in crime.
Selecting for lactation curve and milk yield in dairy cattle.

Knowledge of genetic relationships between characteristics of lactation curves and lactation yields is essential for joint selection for both. An equation, yt = atbexp(-ct), was chosen to depict individual lactation curves for 5,927 first lactations by Holsteins in 557 herds in Michigan Dairy Herd Improvement where yt is daily milk yield at day t in lactation, a is yield at time zero, b is ascent to peak, and c is decline after peak. Genetic correlations for 305-day milk yield with initial production (a), ascent to peak (b), descent after peak (c), and peak yield were -.37, .40, 0, and .91. From empirical results from applied selection indexes, selecting for both increase of ascent to peak and peak yield did not decrease 305-day milk substantially. Rankings of sires on these indexes were similar to their rankings on milk yield alone. Attempts to decrease peak yield and increase persistency decreased milk yield greatly.
Optic breathing mode, resonant charge fluctuations, and high-Tc superconductivity in the layered perovskites.

Frozen-phonon optical breathing mode calclations on La/sub 2-//sub x/M/sub x/CuO/sub 4/ (M = Ba,Sr,. . .) demonstrate the following: (i) a large (less than or equal to3 eV/A) electron-phonon interaction matrix element for the dominant Cu d/sub x//sub <2/-y/sup =/: O p/sub x//sub ,//sub y/ orbitals, (ii) a high frequency (--110 meV), and (iii) large charge fluctuations (approx. =0.3 electrons). Especially significant is the possible resonant coupling to, and enhancement of, the natural ground-state Cu/sup 2+/-Cu/sup 3+/ charge fluctuations between in-plane Cu atoms. The relation of these results to the high T/sub c/ (and previous theoretical descriptions of superconductivity) is indicated.
A phase II trial of balloon-catheter partial breast brachytherapy optimization in the treatment of stage 0, I, and IIA breast carcinoma

This study aims to (a) prospectively determine if multiple dwell (multidwell) position dose delivery can decrease skin dose and resultant toxicity over single-dwell balloon-catheter partial breast irradiation and (b) evaluate whether specific skin parameters could be safely used instead of skin–balloon distance alone for predicting toxicity and treatment eligibility. A single-arm phase II study using a Simon two-stage design was performed on 28 women with stage 0–II breast cancer. All patients were treated with multidwell position balloon-catheter brachytherapy. The primary endpoint was ≥ grade 2 skin toxicity. Initial entry required a balloon–skin distance of ≥7 mm. Based on the toxicity in the first 16 patients, additional patients were treated irrespective of skin–balloon distance as long as the D max to 1 mm skin thickness was <130 %. Compared with the phantom single-dwell plans, multidwell planning yielded superior PTV coverage as per median V90, V95, and V100 but had slightly worse V150, V200, and DHI. D max to skin was decreased by multidwell planning at multiple skin thicknesses. The most common acute toxicity was grade 1 erythema (57 %), and only two patients (7 %) developed acute grade 2 toxicity (erythema). Late grade 1 fibrosis was seen in 32 %. No patients experienced grade 3, 4, or 5 toxicity. Multidwell position planning for balloon-catheter brachytherapy results in lower skin doses with equal to superior PTV coverage and an overall low rate of initial skin toxicity. Our data suggest that limiting the D max to <130 % to 1 mm thick skin is achievable and results in minimal toxicity.
Reach-scale geomorphic differences between headwater streams draining mountaintop mined and unmined catchments

article i nfo Mountaintop surface mining (MTM) isa controversial coal extraction method commonly practiced in the central andsouthernAppalachianMountains,USA,thatdrasticallyreengineerspreviouslysteep,forestedlandscapesand alters sediment and water delivery processes to and along headwater channels draining mined areas. Although sediment delivery and hydrologic response from MTM operations remain highly variable and poorly resolved, the inherent close coupling between hillslopes and headwater channels is expected to result in geomorphic dif- ferences in stream channels draining MTM landscapes relative to unmined landscapes. Dedicated geomorphic studies are severely lacking in comparison to extensive research on water quality impacts of MTM. This study re- ports moderate geomorphic differences between headwater (catchment area b~6 km 2 ) stream channels draining MTM and unmined catchments in tributaries of the Mud River in southern West Virginia. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicate that MTM streams are characterized by deeper maximum channel depths, smaller width-to-depth ratios, increased bedrock exposure along the streambed, and increased frequency of very fine silt and sand deposition relative to channels draining unmined catchments. Geomorphic differences
Assessment and Verification of a Novel Method for Near Surface Measurement of Mechanical Properties

A novel two-parameter area function for determination of near surface properties of Young’s modulus of elasticity and hardness has shown promise for compensating for the imperfection of the tip-end in an instrumented indentation measurement. This paper provides a comprehensive study involving a Berkovitch tip. The tip is utilized in an MTS nanoindentation measurement machine and used to establish load indentation information for fused silica samples. The geometry of the tip is then characterized independently using a highly accurate Atomic Force Microscope. Using the indentation data along with the two-parameter area function methodology, the tip-end radius of curvature is found to provide the most consistent value of modulus of elasticity. Independently, the data from the SEM measurement of the same tip is used to obtain the least squares estimation of the tip curvature. The two approaches yield favorable agreement in the estimation of tip-end radius of curvature. Therefore, the validity of the two-parameter area function method is proved. The method is shown to provide a robust, reliable and accurate measurement of modulus of elasticity and hardness in the nanoscale proximity of a surface.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Competition of neutrino and gravitational radiation in neutron star formation

An investigation is conducted concerning the possibility that neutrino radiation rather than gravitational radiation may be the dominant way by which nonradial pulsations are damped out in a collapsing star. The effects of neutrino radiation on the nonradial oscillations of such objects are examined and damping times corresponding to a particular neutrino production mechanism are evaluated. The obtained results imply that neutrino radiation, by more rapid damping of the nonradial oscillations of a newly formed neutron star in a supernova explosion, would hinder gravitational radiation, thus reducing the possibility of its detection.
Modeling of heat conduction in elliptical cross section: II. Adaptation to thermal processing of shrimp

The quality of processed shrimp is partly determined by microbiological and textural attributes, and yield loss is economically important. Temperature is the most important variable that affects the above. A mathematical model was developed for the prediction of temperature distribution during cooking of shrimp. To develop the model, experimental cross-sectional areas of shrimp at different segments were compared with circular and elliptical cross-sectional area assumptions, and the circular cross-sectional area assumption was found to be a valid assumption for the model for its simplicity. The model used a finite difference approach with non-capacitance surface nodes (NCSN), and assumed variable thermal conductivity, specific heat, density, as well as changes in dimensions due to shrinkage. The mathematical model accurately predicted the temperature distribution in shrimp.
Genetic Relationship Between the United States and Canadian Holstein Bull Populations

Abstract The average additive genetic relationship and degree of connectedness between American and Canadian Holstein AI bull populations were estimated. This project was undertaken to determine the feasibility of a joint United States-Canadian sire evaluation to estimate genetic base differences between the two countries‘Holstein bull populations. Data were provided by USDA and Agriculture Canada for bulls evaluated in each country. Bulls were designated as American, Canadian, or dual national origin based on their country of registration and national origin of their parents. A total of 13,079 American, 1683 Canadian, and 256 dual origin bulls were included in the inverse relationship matrix. When both sire and maternal grandsire relationships were included in the matrix, there were 174 disconnected groups; however, 99% of the American bulls and 97% of the Canadian bulls were in a single group. The average a ij between the American and Canadian population was 4.6×10 −5 . Despite the low average additive relationship between the two national populations, the high degree of connectedness in the inverse relationship matrix, when using both sire and maternal grandsire relationships, suggests sufficient genetic ties between the two populations to conduct a meaningful joint sire evaluation.
Molecular Weight of Component I of the Blood Serum of Diethylstilbestrol-Treated Cockerels

Abstract INTRODUCTION SEVERAL investigators have shown that the electrophoretic pattern of the blood serum of laying hens and diethylstilbestrol-treated roosters contain components in addition to those found in the blood sera of non-laying hens and cockerels. Deutsch and Goodloe (1945) studied chicken plasma and obtained a different electrophoretic pattern for females and males. Moore (1948), and Kibrick and Blonstein (1948) also demonstrated the same results, and in addition Brandt et al. (1951) indicated that the total protein, alpha-globulin, and beta-globulin fractions increased with age while the albumin and the gamma-globulin fractions remained relatively constant. Sendroy et al. (1961) indicated that the same increase occurred in pigeons. In all of these investigations the blood sera of laying birds or birds treated with feminizing hormones contained two electrophoretic components not present in the sera of cockerels and non-laying birds. For our purposes we have indicated the fast moving peak observed in the blood …
Application of NASA's advanced life support technologies in polar regions

NASA's advanced life support technologies are being combined with Arctic science and engineering knowledge in the Advanced Life Systems for Extreme Environments (ALSEE) project. This project addresses treatment and reduction of waste, purification and recycling of water, and production of food in remote communities of Alaska. The project focus is a major issue in the state of Alaska and other areas of the Circumpolar North; the health and welfare of people, their lives and the subsistence lifestyle in remote communities, care for the environment, and economic opportunity through technology transfer. The challenge is to implement the technologies in a manner compatible with the social and economic structures of native communities, the state, and the commercial sector. NASA goals are technology selection, system design and methods development of regenerative life support systems for planetary and Lunar bases and other space exploration missions. The ALSEE project will provide similar advanced technologies to address the multiple problems facing the remote communities of Alaska and provide an extreme environment testbed for future space applications. These technologies have never been assembled for this purpose. They offer an integrated approach to solving pressing problems in remote communities.
Surface Electrostatics of Lipid Bilayers by EPR of a pH-Sensitive Spin-Labeled Lipid

Abstract Many biophysical processes such as insertion of proteins into membranes and membrane fusion are governed by bilayer electrostatic potential. At the time of this writing, the arsenal of biophysical methods for such measurements is limited to a few techniques. Here we describe a, to our knowledge, new spin-probe electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) approach for assessing the electrostatic surface potential of lipid bilayers that is based on a recently synthesized EPR probe (IMTSL-PTE) containing a reversibly ionizable nitroxide tag attached to the lipids' polar headgroup. EPR spectra of the probe directly report on its ionization state and, therefore, on electrostatic potential through changes in nitroxide magnetic parameters and the degree of rotational averaging. Further, the lipid nature of the probe provides its full integration into lipid bilayers. Tethering the nitroxide moiety directly to the lipid polar headgroup defines the location of the measured potential with respect to the lipid bilayer interface. Electrostatic surface potentials measured by EPR of IMTSL-PTE show a remarkable (within ±2%) agreement with the Gouy-Chapman theory for anionic DMPG bilayers in fluid (48°C) phase at low electrolyte concentration (50 mM) and in gel (17°C) phase at 150-mM electrolyte concentration. This agreement begins to diminish for DMPG vesicles in gel phase (17°C) upon varying electrolyte concentration and fluid phase bilayers formed from DMPG/DMPC and POPG/POPC mixtures. Possible reasons for such deviations, as well as the proper choice of an electrostatically neutral reference interface, have been discussed. Described EPR method is expected to be fully applicable to more-complex models of cellular membranes.
Current methods for the diagnosis and management of twin pregnancy in the mare

Summary Historically, twin pregnancy has been one of the leading causes of pregnancy loss in the mare. Numerous studies have identified factors that increase the incidence of twinning. The identification and management of twins during the mobility phase remains the most effective method to control the potentially detrimental effects of twin pregnancy. Options exist for post fixation management of twins, although these methods are generally less successful than management during the mobility phase.
One thousand words: evaluating an interdisciplinary art education program.

Background Art Rounds, an innovative interdisciplinary program, began as a pilot project to determine if use of fine arts instructional strategies would be of benefit in health professional education. Specifically, students were exposed to fine art and taught to use visual thinking strategies (VTS). The initial evaluation of the pilot program revealed improved physical observation skills, increased tolerance for ambiguity, and increased interest in communication skills. More recently, the Art Rounds program has been expanded to an interdisciplinary elective course open to both nursing student and medical students at all levels. Method An evaluation of Art Rounds as a semester- long course was conducted by course faculty and compared to the original pilot program for differences and similarities. Results/conclusion Outcomes have demonstrated that the use of visual arts and humanities continues to be highly effective in improving students' physical observation skills and a powerful tool for teaching nursing students how to be skilled clinicians.