cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Internally shunted Josephson junctions with barriers tuned near the metal insulator transition for RSFQ logic applications

The fabrication of self-shunted SNS (superconductor/normal conductor/superconductor) Josephson junctions for rapid single flux quantum (RSFQ) logic could potentially facilitate increased circuit density, as well as reduced parasitic capacitance and inductance over the currently used externally shunted SIS (superconductor/insulator/superconductor) trilayer junction process. We report the deposition, fabrication, and device characterization of Josephson junctions prepared with Nb1?yTiyN electrodes and TaxN barriers tuned near the metal?insulator transition, deposited on practical large-area oxide-buffered silicon wafers. When scaled to practical device dimensions, this type of junction is found to have an IcRn product of over 0.5?mV and a critical current (Ic) and normal resistance (Rn) of magnitudes suitable for single flux quantum digital circuits. A longer than expected normal-metal coherence length (?n) of 5.8?nm is inferred from the thickness dependence of Jc at 4.2?K for junctions fabricated using a barrier resistivity of 13?m??cm. Although not well understood and not quantitatively predicted by conventional theories, this results in a sufficiently high Ic and IcRn to make the junctions suitable for practical applications. Similar observations of unexpectedly large Josephson coupling currents in SNS junctions have been documented in other systems, particularly in cases when the barrier is near the M?I transition, and have become known as the giant proximity effect. The temperature dependence of ?n, IcRn, and Jc are also reported. For this technology to be used in practical applications, significant improvements in our fabrication process are needed as we observe large variations in Ic and Rn values across a 100?mm wafer, presumably as a result of variations in the Ta:N stoichiometry and the resulting changes in the TaxN barrier resistivity.
Kinetics of iron release from transferrin bound to the transferrin receptor at endosomal pH.

Background Human serum transferrin (hTF) is a bilobal glycoprotein that reversibly binds Fe3+ and delivers it to cells by the process of receptor-mediated endocytosis. Despite decades of research, the precise events resulting in iron release from each lobe of hTF within the endosome have not been fully delineated.
Vertebral Artery Aneurysm Mimicking as Left Subclavian Artery Aneurysm in a Patient with Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor II Mutation

We report successful endovascular repair of a left vertebral artery aneurysm in a patient with transforming growth factor beta receptor II mutation. The patient was initially diagnosed with a left subclavian artery aneurysm on computed tomography angiography. The patient consented to publication of this report.
Influence of the Normal Menstrual Cycle on Vaginal Tissue, Discharge, and Microflora

The objective of this study was to examine genital tissue, vaginal fluid, and vaginal microbial flora at 3 phases of the menstrual cycle in asymptomatic women. Vaginal examinations were performed 3 times in 74 women: at the menstrual phase (days 1-5), the preovulatory phase (days 7-12), and the postovulatory phase (days 19-24). Flora of 50 women without bacterial vaginosis (BV) was analyzed separately from flora of 24 women with BV. The volume of vaginal discharge increased and the amount of cervical mucus decreased over the menstrual cycle. Among subjects without BV, the rate of recovery of any Lactobacillus changed little (range, 82% to 98%; P = .2); however, a small increase occurred in the rate of recovery of heavy (3+ to 4+ semiquantitative) growth of Lactobacillus over the menstrual cycle (P = .04). A linear decrease occurred in the rate of recovery of heavy growth of any non-Lactobacillus species, from 72% at days 1-5 to 40% at days 19-24 (P = .002). A linear decrease also occurred in the rate of recovery of Prevotella species, from 56% on days 1-5 to 28% on days 19-24 (P =. 007), while a small linear increase occurred in the rate of recovery of Bacteroides fragilis (P=.05). Among subjects with BV, the only significant change was an increase in the rate of recovery of Lactobacillus, from 33% at days 1-5 to 54% at days 19-24 (P = .008). Among all subjects, the rate of recovery of heavy growth of Lactobacillus increased over the menstrual cycle and, in contrast, the concentration of non-Lactobacillus species tended to be higher at menses, which is evidence that the vaginal flora becomes less stable at this time.
The ability of bacterial cocaine esterase to hydrolyze cocaine metabolites and their simultaneous quantification using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Cocaine toxicity is a widespread problem in the United States, responsible for more than 500,000 emergency department visits a year. There is currently no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacotherapy to directly treat cocaine toxicity. To this end, we have developed a mutant bacterial cocaine esterase (DM-CocE), which has been previously shown to rapidly hydrolyze cocaine into inert metabolites, preventing and reversing toxicity with limited immunogenic potential. Herein we describe the ability of DM-CocE to hydrolyze the active cocaine metabolites norcocaine and cocaethylene and its inability to hydrolyze benzoylecgonine. DM-CocE hydrolyzes norcocaine and cocaethylene with 58 and 45% of its catalytic efficiency for cocaine in vitro as measured by a spectrophotometric assay. We have developed a mass spectrometry method to simultaneously detect cocaine, benzoylecgonine, norcocaine, and ecgonine methyl ester to quantify the effect of DM-CocE on normal cocaine metabolism in vivo. DM-CocE administered to rats 10 min after a convulsant dose of cocaine alters the normal metabolism of cocaine, rapidly decreasing circulating levels of cocaine and norcocaine while increasing ecgonine methyl ester formation. Benzoylecgonine was not hydrolyzed in vivo, but circulating concentrations were reduced, suggesting that DM-CocE may bind and sequester this metabolite. These findings suggest that DM-CocE may reduce cocaine toxicity by eliminating active and toxic metabolites along with the parent cocaine molecule.
Experiments on leapfrogging internal solitary waves

Experiments on the resonant energy transfer between internal gravity-wave solitons travelling along neighbouring pycnoclines have been performed. Measurements of both amplitude and phase oscillations are found to be in qualitative agreement with theoretical predictions given in the companion paper by Liu, Pereira & KO (1982). Using averaged quantities to account approximately for wave-energy dissipation, the theoretical expression correlating the oscillation frequency with the density environ- ment parameters is reasonably well verified. A new three-soliton resonance requiring both upstream and downstream energy transfer has also been observed.
Roger A. Mann Award. Juvenile hallux valgus: etiology and treatment.

In an 11-year retrospective study of 45 patients (60 feet) with juvenile hallux valgus, a multiprocedural approach was used to surgically correct the deformity. A Chevron osteotomy or McBride procedure was used for mild deformities, a distal soft tissue procedure with proximal first metatarsal osteotomy was used for moderate and severe deformities with MTP subluxation, and a double osteotomy (extra-articular correction) was used for moderate and severe deformities with an increased distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA).The average hallux valgus correction was 17.2° and the average correction of the 1–2 intermetatarsal angle was 5.3°. Good and excellent results were obtained in 92% of cases using a multiprocedural approach. Eighty-eight percent of patients were female and 40% of deformities occurred at age 10 or younger.Early onset was characterized by increased deformity and an increased DMAA. Maternal transmission was noted in 72% of patients. An increased distal metatarsal articular angle was noted i...
Quality of Professional Life - Nine Month Appointments: Discussion

Jim Trapp has provided a highly informative review of compensation for academic agricultural economists. Since I have no substantive criticisms of his analysis and data, I would like to focus my remarks on emergence of the nine-month (9m) contract as an alternative to the conventional twelve-month ( 12m) contract in colleges of agriculture, which is a development he mentioned only briefly, If I am not versed on this subject, it is not for lack of trying, as I have had 9m contracts at three schools (Auburn, Montana State and Illinois), and 12m contracts at three schools (Auburn, Illinois, and Texas A&M). Also, I was stricken with insanity long enough to chair a college committee on the subject of 9m contracts.
A Very Efficient Nano-crystalline Magnesium Oxide Mediated Catalytic Protocol for the Synthesis of Sulfinamides

A new protocol for the synthesis of aryl sulfinamides has been realized using highly basic nanocrystalline magnesium oxide (MgO) as a highly efficient catalytic platform. Good to excellent yields of the products have been realized and the catalyst could be recycled without the loss of activity for several cycles.
Assessing shock efficacy as a function of arrhythmia complexity in a slab of the canine heart

Cardioversion of a ventricular tachycardia typically requires less energy than defibrillation. It is likely that this is due to the more complex nature of reentrant wavefronts associated with fibrillation. In the present study, we compare current threshold for termination of simple and complex patterns of reentry to assess the effects of preshock myocardial activity on shock efficacy. We use an up-down protocol to determine the termination threshold of either a single or multiple reentry arrhythmia in a bidomain model of a 4 mm thick slab of canine myocardium. We find that the more complex arrhythmia requires 48% more energy than the single reentry to terminate all activity. Examination of postshock activity reveals that a weaker shock is less effective at terminating reentries which are not located directly between the cathode and anode. We conclude that better estimates of defibrillation thresholds must take into account both the chaotic nature of ventricular fibrillation and the possible locations of reentrant pathways.
An approach to difficult management problems in otitis media in children.

Background: Otitis media is one of the most common pediatric diseases encountered by family physicians. While isolated, acute episodes pose little clinical difficulty, recurrent infections and persistent middle ear effusions can be perplexing problems. Methods: This review presents a clinical approach to the management of recurrent and persistent middle ear disease. Results and Conclusions: Recurrent infections can be treated with a trial of daily prophylactic antibiotics to decrease the rate of recurrence. Should infections continue to recur despite the daily prophylaxis, polyethylene tube placement is warranted to drain surgically the middle ear effusions that give rise to the recurrent infections. Acute episodes of otitis media are commonly followed by prolonged, asymptomatic periods of middle ear effusion. Patients with this disease have decreased hearing leading to potential deficits in their speech and academic development. If such effusions do not spontaneously resolve within 2 months, repeated courses of antibiotics with the possible addition of a course of oral steroids are warranted to speed resolution of the effusion before proceeding to placement of polyethylene tubes.
Relations among net-transfer reaction progress, 18 O- 13 C depletion, and fluid infiltration in a clinohumite-bearing marble

A siliceous dolomitic marble xenolith within a mid-crustal Jurassic diorite exhibits mineralogical and stable isotopic evidence for infiltration of water-rich fluid. Adjacent to endoskarn which bounds the xenolith, forsterite has been replaced by clinohumite as a result of a devolatilization reaction driven by addition of aqueous fluid and extraction of heat. Isotopic compositions of calcite also record infiltration of aqueous fluid concentrated near contacts with endoskarn. Marble calcite δ18OSMOW values range from +19.5‰ at the center of the xenolith to +12.6‰ adjacent to endoskarn. Calcite δ13CPDB decreases sympathetically from +3.0 to +1.4‰. The calculated equilibrium composition of coexisting C−O−H−F fluid and a quantitative characterization of the whole-rock reaction which produced clinohumite and consumed graphite are used to place inequality contraints on the composition of the infiltrated fluid. Continnum mechanical transport models based on the resulting fluid compositions suggest that a small time-integrated Darey flux of 44 cm3/cm2 coupled with diffusive transport in the fluid was sufficient to produce both the isotopic shifts and the net-transfer reactions evidenced in the xenolith. The calculations demonstrate the importance of graphite as an indicator of time-integrated flux. The maximum possible CH4 content of the infiltrated fluid is sufficiently high to impart a 2.0‰ uncertainty in the δ13C of the fluid. The isotopic composition of the fluid is consistent with a magmatic origin when this uncertainty is taken into account.
Conceptual Exclusion and Public Reason

Deliberative democratic theorists typically use accounts of public reason— that is, constraints on the types of reasons one can invoke in public, political discourse—as a tool to resist political exclusion; at its most basic level, the aim of a theory of public reason is to prevent situations in which powerful majority groups are able to justify policy choices based on reasons that are not even assessable by minority groups. However, I demonstrate here that a type of exclusion I call “conceptual exclusion” complicates this picture. I argue that the possibility of conceptual exclusion creates the potential for public reason constraints to further exclude already marginalized groups— contrary to the standard view—and thus that taking conceptual exclusion seriously requires both a revision of traditional accounts of public reason and a reconceptualization of our civic obligations.
Physical separation of DNA according to Royal Road fitness

We want to implement evolutionary computation using DNA, with trillions of candidate solutions being simultaneously evaluated for fitness. Unsurprisingly, the most difficult aspect is designing and implementing laboratory methods for physical separation of DNA strands according to "fitness". We propose a DNA strand design suited to the classical Royal Road Problem (E. van Nimwegen, et al.). We also propose companion laboratory operations which would physically separate these DNA strands according to the Royal Road fitness criterion.
A trial of integrated buprenorphine/naloxone and HIV clinical care.

Background. Untreated opioid dependence adversely affects the care of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, is available for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence in HIV specialty settings. We investigated the feasibility and efficacy of integrating buprenorphine, along with 2 levels of counseling, into HIV clinical care. Methods. HIV-positive, opioid-dependent patients were enrolled in a 12-week pilot study and randomized to receive daily buprenorphine/naloxone treatment along with either brief physician management or physician management combined with nurse-administered drug counseling and adherence management. Primary outcomes included treatment retention; illicit drug use, assessed by urine toxicology test and self-report; CD4 lymphocyte counts; and log 10 HIV type 1 (HIV-1) RNA levels. Results. Of the 16 patients who received at least 1 dose of buprenorphine, 13 (81%) completed 12 weeks of treatment. The proportion of opioid-positive weekly urine test results decreased from 100% at baseline to 32% (month 1), 20% (month 2), and 16% (month 3). Only 4 patients reported any opioid use (in the prior 7 days) during the 12-week study. CD4 lymphocyte counts remained stable over the course of the study. The mean log 10 HIV-1 RNA level (± standard deviation) declined significantly, from 3.66 ± 1.06 log 10 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL at baseline to 3.0 ± 0.57 log 10 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL at month 3 (P<.05). No significant differences based on counseling intervention were detected. All 13 patients who completed the study continued to receive treatment in an extension phase of at least 0-15 months' duration. Conclusions. We conclude that it is feasible to integrate buprenorphine into HIV clinical care for the treatment of opioid dependence. Patients experienced good treatment retention and reductions in their opioid use. HIV biological markers remained stable or improved during buprenorphine/naloxone treatment.
General Anesthesia for Pediatric Patients

In spite of many excellent behavioral management options, there are a number of children who require general anesthesia (GA) in order to accomplish dental interventions. The factors that lead dentists to refer a child for GA are varied and include behavioral issues, coexisting illnesses, as well as the availability of anesthesia expertise and operating room access. The relative impact of these factors has led to a great disparity between geographic populations in terms of the frequency of use of GA for dentistry. For children who receive GA, specific coexisting diseases including airway abnormalities, congenital heart disease, and obstructive sleep apnea must be considered. These issues need to be specifically addressed, and their impact on risk must be accommodated. Dentists must also appreciate the impact of general anesthesia on the overall cost of dental care for a patient. This calculation can be very complicated and must take into account the effectiveness and efficiency of care with GA versus sedation. In many cases, GA may be very cost-effective. Finally, dentists should be familiar with the current use of general anesthetics and airway devices which attempt to minimize preoperative stress, emergence agitation, and recovery time while improving safety.
Fissionability and criticality: from protactinium to californium and beyond

An empirical correlation of k∞ of a nucleus with the difference between its neutron binding energy and activation energy for fission, based on available data, suggests the possibility of providing ...
Understanding Anxiety in Children With Learning Disability - Key to Mental Health

Anxiety is a normal emotion experienced by individuals of all ages. Children with learning disabilities frequent- ly exhibit challenging behavior as a means of coping with frustration, anxiety and stress In children with learning disabilities anxiety disorders are well recognized may be underreported and under diagnosed. It is therefore essential that all mental health professionals, teachers, parents and others who are involved with children with learning disability acquire the fundamental skills needed at the interface of learning disability and psychiatric disorders. Anxiety can negatively affect the achievement and performance as well as social and psychological development among children with learning disability. The road to recovery is a team effort. Here we explore these key issues and implications for clinical practice with relation to anxiety disorders in children with learning disability. Anxiety is a normal emotion experienced by individuals of all ages. Anxiety can be extremely useful, propelling the autonomic nervous system's "fight or flight response," which helps one avoid dangerous situations. In children and adolescents, certain anxie- ties are normal and developmentally appropriate. Children with learning disabilities constitute 2% of the general population. They are a heterogeneous, psychosocially disadvantaged and vulnerable group with a relatively higher prevalence of mental disorders. Frequently, they exhibit challenging behaviour as a means of coping with frustration, anxiety and stress (Menales- cino, 1977). It is therefore essential that all mental health pro- fessionals acquire the fundamental skills. Here we explore these key issues and implications for clinical practice with relation to anxiety disorders in children with learning disability. Diagnosis and classification Anxiety disorders include panic disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, obsessive- compulsive disorder, and acute and post-traumatic stress disor- ders (PTSD). Accurate diagnosis is central to the effective man- agement of these conditions.
Towards a Foundation for Argumentation Theory

What are the constraints on an adequate theory of argumentation and are there any substantive principles that are accepted by all theories that could serve as grounds for adjudicating amongst competing theories? The challenge is to determine whether any set of basic principles will be robust enough to ground cross-theoretical evaluations of at least some of the target disagreements that confound argumentation theorists. In this paper I shall present and analyse numerous principles that argumentation theorists do agree upon (and some closely related ones which they do not) and argue that the set of agreed upon principles presented here offer at best limited grounds for cross-theoretical evaluation.
Microfoundations of Money: Why They Matter

What is the value of having microfoundations for monetary exchange in a macro model? In this article, the author attempts to answer this question by listing what he considers the major accomplishments of the field. He argues that the evidence overwhelmingly shows that microfoundations matter for many questions of first-order importance in macroeconomics.
Cablin: a novel protein of the capillary basal lamina.

The microvascular wall is remarkably simple, consisting only of the endothelial lining, subjacent basal lamina, and underlying periendothelial cells. This study describes the characterization of a novel microvascular protein. This 80,000-molecular weight protein was predominantly associated with electron-lucent amorphous material in capillary basal laminae and therefore termed cablin (protein of the capillary basal lamina). Consistent with its immunolocalization to the microvasculature, cablin was synthesized and secreted by cultured endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, cablin expression was induced during neovascularization. The predicted amino acid sequence of cablin revealed a prevalence of polar amino acids. Accounting for the low yet significant homology to several α-helical proteins, these residues were best accommodated by secondary structure predictions that aligned the molecule into two large α-helical domains. The presence of the integrin-binding RGD tripeptide and a ...
Some Orthotropic Shells with Bending Suppressed

In order that membrane theory can be applied with bending stresses completely suppressed, the shell configuration should be adjusted. Previous studies have been concerned with isotropic toroidal type shells under internal pressure only or under axial load only. Thickness variations were obtained for predetermined geometries. Also, the variation of elastic parameters for ellipsoidal type bulkheads was proposed in order to suppress bending. However, the inherent drawback of this latter approach is that the fabrication of such materials may not always be feasible. In this paper, shell configurations are obtained for orthotropic toroidal type shells with axial load only and for orthotropic shells with axial load and internal pressure. An axisymmetric problem is considered with the axes of orthotropy coinciding with the meridional and circumferential directions. The effect of orthotropy on the Gaussian curvature of the shell is presented. The relative importance of the axial load to the internal pressure ratio is also studied.
Europe, a smart power?

Smart power is defined as the effective combination of both hard and soft power. The concept is increasingly used in policy and academic debates, yet a clear understanding of what it actually means is still lacking. As a result, there is little serious consideration of how smart power can contribute to long-standing debates about power in international relations. This article seeks to clarify the meaning of smart power through first analyzing its main components – hard and soft power – separately; and second bringing these components together to re-conceptualize smart power. The aim is to make smart power more analytically useful, and to outline the various ways in which hard and soft power can be combined effectively. The author considers the case of Europe to argue that it is mainly a soft power and sometimes a smart power.
Microbiological contamination of water dispenser in school

[Objective]To understand the microbiological contamination of water dispenser in school,and provide evidence for inspecting safety water in school.[Methods]Total bacterial count and total coliform group were monitored according to GB/T5750.12-2006 "Standard Examination Methods for Drinking Water".Mould and yeasts counting were based on GB 4789.15-1998.[Results] A total of 336 water dispensers were randomly selected from 112 schools for detection.The qualified rates of total bacterial count,total coliform group,mould and yeasts were 29.17%,86.01%,60,12%,respectively.[Conclusion]The water dispenser in school was seriously polluted by microbe,especially for primary school which should attract more attention from related department.
Determination of 14 rare earth elements for animal food by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Objective:To develop a method for determination of 14 rare earth elements in animal food by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.Methods:After microwave digestion,the samples were determined directly by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry which used mixed internal standard to correct matrix interference and signal drifting.Results:The range of detection limit of observed 14 elements were all below 10 ng/kg.The RSD was less than 3.6%,and recoveries 97.0%～106%.All the results of analyzing standard materiels were satisfactory.Conclusion:This method is simple,rapid and accurate and can be used to determine 14 rare earth elements in animal food.
Intracranial vessel wall MRI: a review of current indications and future applications

Intracranial vessel wall MRI (IVWM) is a new diagnostic imaging approach with the goal of evaluating intracranial vascular pathology by directly visualizing arterial vessel wall abnormalities with MR sequences, preferably at 3 Tesla field strength, that suppress blood and have excellent spatial resolution. The differentiation of intracranial vascular pathology has historically relied on luminal imaging techniques that depict the alteration of flow created by atherosclerotic stenosis or vasospasm. With IVWM, it is possible to identify distinct radiologic findings of the pathology within the intracranial vessel wall itself, ranging from arterial dissection to vasculitis. Futhermore, IVWM imaging characteristics, such as post-contrast enhancement, can elucidate the temporal relationship between imaging findings and clinical pathology; and may predict future behavior of unruptured aneurysms or atherosclerotic plaques. We present a review of the basic IVWM imaging techniques and the relevant published literature on IVWM, with a focus on evidence-based diagnostic indications for IVWM and discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of each indication. Finally, we discuss how IVWM can be used to differentiate between intracranial pathology and future directions for IVWM research.
Ability to Pay and Access to Transplantation

Selection to be the recipient of a cadaver organ for transplant is a complex process involving at least three stages: First, referral to a transplant center for evaluation; second, acceptance by the center as a candidate for transplantation and inclusion on that center’s waiting list; and third, selection from the list to receive a particular donated organ. A variety of medical, social, and moral considerations influence decisions about a patient’s eligibility for transplantation at each of these three stages. Among these are factors designed to increase chances for successful transplantation (such as absence of active infection or neoplastic disease, ability to tolerate major surgery, ability to comply with post-transplant immunosuppressive therapy, blood group compatibility, negative cross-match and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching), factors designed to promote individual access to transplantation (such as time on a waiting list, urgency of need, and degree of presensitization), and membership in a particular local or national health care system.
Gain and pressure-broadening rate measurements at 1.73 µm in fission-fragment excited xenon/ rare-gas mixtures

The atomic xenon laser is an attractive laser due to its relatively high efficiency at low pump rates and laser wavelength. Using a Nd-YAG pumped F-center laser operating single mode, the small signal gain and pressure broadening rates of the 1.73 μm transition in fission-fragment excited Ar/Xe, Ne/Ar/Xe, and He/Ar/Xe gas mixtures was measured. Laser wavelength and single mode output were monitored using a wavemeter and spectrum analyzer. The time dependent gain measurements at 1.73 μm indicate that the peak gain at line center can be as high as 1.2%/cm for average pump rates of 35 W/cc in 0.7 atmosphere mixtures of Ar/Xe. For pump rates above 20 W/cc, the gain begins to terminate before the fission-fragment pump pulse. The premature gain termination is thought to be due to the effects of gas heating since the addition of neon or helium stretches the width of the gain pulse. Gas impurities such as “air” in concentrations of 0.15% of the total gas pressure reduced the peak gain by 40%. Pressure broadening and shift rates for the 1.73 μm transition of xenon with mixtures of argon, neon, and helium buffers were determined by tuning the probe laser across the linewidth and fitting the data to a lorentzian lineshape. Gain scaling laws as well as the influence of Ne/Ar ratio and xenon concentration on the peak 1.73 μm gain will also be discussed.
Nuclear modification and elliptic flow measurements for phi mesons at root s(NN) = 200 GeV.

We report the first results of the nuclear modification factors and elliptic flow of the ϕ mesons measured by the PHENIX experiment at RHIC in high luminosity Au+Au collisions at s NN = 200 GeV . The nuclear modification factors R AA and R CP of the ϕ follow the same trend of suppression as π 0 's in Au+Au collisions. In d+Au collisions at s NN = 200 GeV , the ϕ mesons are not suppressed. The elliptic flow of the ϕ mesons, measured in the minimum bias Au+Au events, is statistically consistent with other identified particles.
Recent advances in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Novel pharmacotherapies introduce additional options to providers and patients in how to best treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Emerging data question the role of inhaled corticosteroids in COPD treatment, particularly as combination dual bronchodilator pharmacotherapies demonstrate robust results. For those maximized on pharmacotherapy with continued dyspnea or exacerbations or both, emerging bronchoscopic procedures may offer additional therapy in select patients. This review focuses on data supporting the use of novel ultra bronchodilators, particularly in combination, and on the role for inhaled corticosteroid withdrawal and new bronchoscopic procedures.
Ifit2 Is a Restriction Factor in Rabies Virus Pathogenicity

Understanding the interactions between rabies virus (RABV) and individual host cell proteins is critical for the development of targeted therapies. Here we report that interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 2 (Ifit2), an interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) with possible RNA-binding capacity, is an important restriction factor for rabies virus. When Ifit2 was depleted, RABV grew more quickly in mouse neuroblastoma cells in vitro This effect was replicated in vivo, where Ifit2 knockout mice displayed a dramatically more severe disease phenotype than wild-type mice after intranasal inoculation of RABV. This increase in pathogenicity correlated to an increase in RABV mRNA and live viral load in the brain, as well as to an accelerated spread to brain regions normally affected by this RABV model. These results suggest that Ifit2 exerts its antiviral effect mainly at the level of viral replication, as opposed to functioning as a mechanism that restricts viral entry/egress or transports RABV particles through axons.IMPORTANCE Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease with a nearly 100% case fatality rate. Although there are effective vaccines for rabies, this disease still takes the lives of about 50,000 people each year. Victims tend to be children living in regions without comprehensive medical infrastructure who present to health care workers too late for postexposure prophylaxis. The protein discussed in our report, Ifit2, is found to be an important restriction factor for rabies virus, acting directly or indirectly against viral replication. A more nuanced understanding of this interaction may reveal a step of a pathway or site at which the system could be exploited for the development of a targeted therapy.
New Insights into Color Confinement, Hadron Dynamics, Spectroscopy, and Jet Hadronization from Light-Front Holography and Superconformal Algebra

A fundamental problem in hadron physics is to obtain a relativistic color-confining, first approximation to QCD which can predict both hadron spectroscopy and the frame-independent light-front (LF) wavefunctions underlying hadron dynamics. The QCD Lagrangian with zero quark mass has no explicit mass scale; the classical theory is conformally invariant. Thus, a fundamental problem is to understand how the mass gap and ratios of masses – such as m ρ/m p – can arise in chiral QCD. De Alfaro, Fubini, and Furlan have made an important observation that a mass scale can appear in the equations of motion without affecting the conformal invariance of the action if one adds a term to the Hamiltonian proportional to the dilatation operator or the special conformal operator and rescales the time variable. If one applies the same procedure to the light-front Hamiltonian, it leads uniquely to a confinement potential κ 4 ζ 2 for mesons, where ζ 2 is the LF radial variable conjugate to the $$ q\overline{q} $$ invariant mass squared. The same result, including spin terms, is obtained using light-front holography – the duality between light-front dynamics and AdS5, the space of isometries of the conformal group if one modifies the action of AdS5 by the dilaton $$ {e}^{\kappa^2}{z}^2 $$ in the fifth dimension z . When one generalizes this procedure using superconformal algebra, the resulting light-front eigensolutions predict unified Regge spectroscopy of meson, baryon, and tetraquarks, including remarkable supersymmetric relations between the masses of mesons and baryons of the same parity. One also predicts observables such as hadron structure functions, transverse momentum distributions, and the distribution amplitudes defined from the hadronic light-front wavefunctions. The mass scale κ underlying confinement and hadron masses can be connected to the parameter $$ {\Lambda}_{\overline{MS}} $$ in the QCD running coupling by matching the nonperturbative dynamics to the perturbative QCD regime. The result is an effective coupling α s (Q 2) defined at all momenta. The matching of the high and low momentum transfer regimes also determines a scale Q0 which sets the interface between perturbative and nonperturbative hadron dynamics.
On the swirling Trkalian mean flow field in solid rocket motors

In this work, an exact Euler solution is derived under the fundamental contingencies of axisymmetric, steady, rotational, incompressible, single-phase, non-reactive and inviscid fluid, which also stand behind the ubiquitously used mean flow profile named ‘Taylor–Culick.’ In comparison with the latter, which proves to be complex lamellar, the present model is derived in the context of a Trkalian flow field, and hence is capable of generating a non-zero swirl component that increases linearly in the streamwise direction. This enables us to provide an essential mathematical representation that is appropriate for flow configurations where the bulk gaseous motion is driven to swirl. From a procedural standpoint, the new Trkalian solution is deduced directly from the Bragg–Hawthorne equation, which has been repeatedly shown to possess sufficient latitude to reproduce several existing profiles such as Taylor–Culick’s as special cases. Throughout this study, the fundamental properties of the present model are considered and discussed in the light of existing flow approximations. Consistent with the original Taylor–Culick mean flow motion, the Trkalian velocity is seen to exhibit both axial and tangential components that increase linearly with the distance from the headwall, and a radial component that remains axially invariant. Furthermore, the Trkalian model is shown to form a subset of the Beltramian class of solutions for which the velocity and vorticity vectors are not only parallel but also directly proportional. This characteristic feature is interesting, as it stands in sharp contrast to the complex-lamellar nature of the Taylor–Culick motion, where the velocity and vorticity vectors remain orthogonal. By way of verification, a numerical simulation is carried out using a finite-volume solver, thus leading to a favourable agreement between theoretical and numerical predictions.
Dynamics of Flowing Charged Particles

We now consider the next level of complexity beyond rigid clusters of particles, namely, free-flowing systems of charged particles. Furthermore, we consider thermal effects in such systems, which partially arise due to interparticle impact, as well as contact with the external environment, i.e., obstacles.
Ubiquitin–Proteasome System Regulation of an Evolutionarily Conserved RNA Polymerase II-Associated Factor 1 Involved in Pancreatic Oncogenesis

The evolutionarily conserved RNA polymerase II-associated factor 1 (Paf1) from yeast to humans regulates transcription and associated processes, and thus, malfunctions and/or misregulations of Paf1 are associated with cellular pathologies. Indeed, Paf1 (also known as PD2 or pancreatic differentiation 2) is found to be upregulated in poorly differentiated cancer cells, and such upregulation is involved in cellular transformation or oncogenesis. However, the basis for Paf1 upregulation in these cells remains largely unknown. In light of this, we have tested here the idea that the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) regulates the cellular abundance of Paf1. In this direction, we analyzed the role of UPS in regulation of Paf1’s abundance in yeast. We find that Paf1 undergoes ubiquitylation and is degraded by the 26S proteasome in yeast, thus deciphering UPS regulation of an evolutionarily conserved factor, Paf1, involved in various cellular processes at the crossroads of the cancer networks. Likewise, Paf1 unde...
No More 'Code Black': Intervention to Improve Inpatient Flow at a Large Public Hospital.

Code Black is a documentary movie, and now television series, whose name derives from a term used to describe critical hospital overcrowding resulting in dangerously inadequate patient flow. The Los Angeles County + University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Medical Center is a large, urban, public hospital with a long history of spending substantial amounts of time in Code Black—indeed the movie was created by a former Emergency Medicine resident at LAC+USC Medical Center. To change years of inadequate inpatient flow, we implemented time-limited cardiac monitoring criteria and empowered existing staff to enforce admission and downgrade criteria for our telemetry, step-down care unit, and intensive care units. We evaluated the interventions' effects by comparing census and bed utilization before and after implementation of the criteria, and by evaluating the proportion of time the hospital spent in critical (“Code Black”) or severe (“Code Red”) overcrowding based on National Emergency Department Overcrowding Scores (NEDOCS) of ≥180 or ≥140, respectively. Implementation of utilization criteria allowed substantially better matching of unit occupancy with hospital occupancy, creating intensive care unit capacity despite a rising ward and hospital occupancy. The proportion of time spent in severe overcrowding/surge conditions declined from a baseline of 55% to less than 5%, and the time spent in critical overcrowding (Code Black) declined from 19% to less than 1%. Thus, simple, low-cost interventions markedly improved inpatient flow at a large, public hospital that has historically suffered from chronic overcrowding.
Well That’s Embarrassing: An Examination of Product Package Differences and the Impact on Embarrassment: An Abstract

For the first time, online purchases have outnumbered purchases made in store (excluding groceries) with 51% of purchases being made through web channels. One reason shoppers make certain purchases online is to minimize the embarrassment of being seen with certain products (e.g., condoms, diet-related products, or plus-size clothing). While much research talks about the success of product differentiation, our research conversely shows that for embarrassing products, increasing product anonymity can be a more strategic approach to selling products.
A viscosity approximation to a system of conservation laws with no classical Riemann solution

There are examples of systems of conservation laws which are strictly hyperbolic and genuinely nonlinear but for which the Riemann problem can be solved only for states which are sufficiently close together. For one such example, we introduce a particular type of artificial viscosity and show how it suggests a possible definition of "generalized" solution to the Riemann problem.
Shape Memory Effect and Pseudoelasticity in Cu Nanowires

We report the discovery of a novel pseudoelastic behavior in single-crystalline Cu nanowires through atomistic simulations. Under tensile loading and unloading, the nanowires are capable of recovering elongations up to 51%, well beyond the typical recoverable strains of 5–8% for most bulk shape memory alloys (SMAs). This phenomenon is associated with a reversible crystallographic lattice reorientation driven by the high surface-stress-induced internal stresses due to high surface-to-volume ratios at the nanoscale. The temperature-dependence of this behavior leads to a shape memory effect (SME). This behavior is well-defined for wires between 1.76 and 3.39 nm in size over the temperature range of 100–900 K.
Using Curriculum Mapping to Articulate Transferable Skill Development in Science Courses: A Pilot Study

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities are designed to provide students with a range of opportunities to develop employability capabilities. Many of these capabilities are transferable skills. Embedding contextualized and scaffolded WIL activities throughout undergraduate science programs allows students to integrate disciplinary knowledge with industry practices and to develop non-discipline specific transferable skills without requiring industry placements. Integrating the development of core discipline knowledge with transferable skills in this contextualized setting will enhance the student experience and learning outcomes. Universities cannot teach all of the applications that exist, so the ultimate goal is to equip students with a stronger understanding and ability in the core discipline concepts and skills that, in conjunction with transferable skills, will enable graduates to ‘learn on the job’, and adapt to a wide range of employment opportunities. This paper reports on a process that maps the development of transferable WIL skills in a Chemistry major and identifies gaps in the curriculum where opportunities for skills development are missing. Suggested enhancements to the process include cataloguing relevant learning activities. This will provide academics with a useful resource that will facilitate the embedding of WIL into the curriculum.
“I Did It, But Not Like That”: Effects of Factually Incorrect Confessions on Juror Judgments

Several high-profile cases involving wrongful convictions have featured factually incorrect confessions (i.e., confessions that contradicted case facts). The current research investigated the effec...
Community policing in Small City, Iowa

The purpose of this study was to evaluate community policing in "Small City, " Iowa from the point of view of the citizenry and the police. There were four objectives in the study: (1) To examine the extent to which the COP philosophy is being implemented in Small City, (2) To see if COP is working in the minds of both the citizens and police officers, (3) To examine what influences citizen attitudes toward the police in general, and (4) To see if citizens view any additional benefits to COP (increased social capital and increased commiinity involvement in areas besides crime reduction) besides COP's traditional benefits (crime and fear reduction) . A variety of methods were utilized to meet the above objectives, including focus groups with neighborhood group members, interviews with police officers and a city official, and a mail survey of the general population of Small City. This study also utilized the criminal events perspective and the concept of social capital. Results show that COP in Small City is an addition to the existing structure rather than a city and department-wide philosophy. This has been exacerbated because the police department is under-funded and iinder-staffed, causing inter-departmental political turmoil. Because of these problems the experiences of respondents with COP have not always been positive. Attitudes toward the police in general are largely determined by actual contact with the police, perceptions of fear and perceptions of
Polar Coordinates and Computer-Linked Plotters.

IN THE use of computer-linked plotters, now seen in more and more mathematics laboratory classrooms, a programming dif ficulty arises with an equation describing a relation such as a unit circle, for example. The difficulty of getting the total plot of this relation may be resolved with a "two pass" set of orders. That is, when the com puter-plotter language "calls" for entries into domain and range positions, lines like these are typed in:
The Fathers of Massan: What an NHK Asadora Tells Us about Japanese Fatherhood

The NHK morning drama Massan features a male protagonist who unrelentingly pursues his dream of making Scotch whisky with Japanese-grown ingredients. After spending two years studying whisky-making...