cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Renal Biopsy and Radionuclide Renal Scan Differential Function in Patients with Unilateral Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

To understand better the relationship among radionuclide renal scan differential function, renal histology and the outcome of pyeloplasty we performed ipsilateral renal biopsies in a series of patients undergoing primary pyeloplasty. A total of 17 consecutive patients with unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction underwent renal biopsy at the time of pyeloplasty. Biopsies were examined systematically after sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid, Schiff, Jones modified silver or Masson trichrome stains, and they were reviewed by 1 pathologist. Biopsy results were correlated with preoperative and postoperative radionuclide renal scan differential functions. Patient age ranged from 1 month to 7 years (mean 19.8 months). Renal biopsy was abnormal in 6 kidneys, of which 5 had a preoperative differential function of less than 33%. None of these kidneys had evidence of postoperative improvement in renal function on followup scans despite a technically successful result. All remaining 11 kidneys had normal biopsies and a preoperative differential function of greater than 44%. We conclude from these data that patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction with a differential function of less than 35% have a high probability of significant histological changes on biopsy and a low probability of postoperative improvement in differential function.
Bilateral lesions of the dorsolateral funiculus of the cat spinal cord: effects on basal nociceptive reflexes and nociceptive suppression produced by cholinergic activation of the pontine parabrachial region.

Abstract In cats, bilateral microinjections of the cholinergic agonist, carbachol (0.6 μg in 0.2 μl), into an area surrounding the lateral half of the brachium conjunctivum (BC) produces a non-narcotic suppression of nociceptive responses, as assessed by flexion reflexes (tail-flick and calibrated pinch tests). Bilateral lesions of the dorsolateral funiculi (DLF) of the thoracic spinal cord (T2) significantly reduced the magnitude of this nociceptive suppression. Nociceptive suppression following carbachol microinjections into sites along the dorsal aspect of BC was reduced by DLF lesions to a greater degree than nociceptive suppression following injections into sites within or ventral to BC. Relatively superficial DLF lesions produced reductions in nociceptive suppression which were equivalent to reductions induced by deeper lesions. DLF lesions, either superficial or deep, produced equivalent, reliable decreases in tail-flick test assessments of baseline nociceptive thresholds. The magnitude of decreases in baseline nociceptive thresholds produced by DLF lesions was not correlated with the magnitude of reduction of carbachol-induced suppression of nociceptive responses, indicating that DLF lesions suppress anti-nociception independent of baseline alterations. These data suggest that non-narcotic analgesia produced by cholinergic activation of cells along the dorsal aspect of BC may be predominantly mediated by fibers descending within the DLF. However, results of the retrograde peroxidase (HRP) tracing studies reported in the present investigation indicate that this pain suppression is probably mediated by polysynaptic pathways since this region dorsal to BC projects neither through DLF nor extra-DLF pathways. Retrograde HRP data show that areas ventral to and including BC project to the cord via both DLF and extra-DLF pathways. Since DLF lesions were less effective in reducing analgesia attained from ventral compared to dorsal sites, spinal pathways other than DLF may mediate reflex suppression following carbachol microinjection into these more ventral sites. Possible cholinergic contributions to endogenous, non-opiate forms of analgesia are discussed.
Monolithically integrated wavelength-multiplexed DFB laser array with laterally coupled quarter-wave phase-shift gratings defined by interference lithography

The first monolithically integrated laterally coupled, multi-wavelength distributed feedback (DFB) laser array using first-order sidewall sampled gratings with equivalent quarter-wave phase shifts defined by interference lithography is experimentally demonstrated. The elements of the monolithic DFB laser array lase strongly monomode, with an average side mode suppression ratio of ∼37.3 dB and with a uniform wavelength spacing of ∼7.3 nm. The output power under 100 mA bias current ranges from 11.4 to 14.1 mW. The proposed method offers a practical and low-cost method for the fabrication of multi-wavelength monolithic DFB laser arrays without regrowth or e-beam lithography.
Carbon-13 NMR of polybutadiene

By using the carbon-13 NMR technique, it is shown that there are no cis-1,4–trans-1,4 linkages in a n-BuLi-catalyzed polybutadiene. The polymer consists of “blocks” of cis-1,4 units and trans-1,4 units separated by isolated vinyl units. Preliminary evidence suggests this might also be true for other types of 1,3-diene polymerization. Some of the implications of this finding on the mechanism of polymerization are discussed. Tacticity triad distributions are readily determined in polybutadienes with high 1,2 addition contents.
Stability of feedback switched systems with state and switching delays

We study stability of state feedback switched systems in which time delays are present in both the feedback state and the switching signal of the controller. For switched linear systems with average dwell-time switching signals, we provide a condition in terms of upper bounds on the delays and a lower bound on the average dwell-time to guarantee asymptotic stability of the closed loop. Our approach employs multiple Lyapunov functions and the merging switching signal technique. We then apply our stability results in switched systems to consensus networks with asymmetric time-varying delays and switching topologies.
Laparoscopic treatment of vesicouterine fistula.

Abstract Vesicouterine fistula are rare disorders that are most commonly repaired by laparotomy. A specific type of vesicouterine fistula, vesicocervical fistula, was repaired successfully by laparoscopy. This procedure was associated with minimal blood loss and morbidity, and the patient's hospital stay was less than 24 hours.
Gender associations with world music instruments by secondary school music students from the USA

This article investigated possible gender associations with world music instruments by secondary school-age music students from the USA. Specific questions included: (1) Do the primary instruments played by the students influence gender associations of world music instruments? (2) Does age influence possible gender associations with world music instruments? (3) Does students’ gender affect possible gender associations? (4) Do presentation modes of visual only, instrument timbre, or a combination of visual and timbre influence gender associations? (5) What variables may influence possible gender association with world music instruments?Participants (N = 455) were band and string students attending a large university-based summer music camp. Participants were randomly divided into three treatment groups: visual only, audio only, and visual/audio combination and exposed to 10 world music instruments that have specific sex-role associations in the culture of which they are a part. Participants completed a sur...
Effects of Vertical Wind Shear on the Intensity and Structure of Numerically Simulated Hurricanes

A series of numerical simulations of tropical cyclones in idealized large-scale environments is performed to examine the effects of vertical wind shear on the structure and intensity of hurricanes. The simulations are performed using the nonhydrostatic Pennsylvania State University‐National Center for Atmospheric Research fifth-generation Mesoscale Model using a 5-km fine mesh and fully explicit representation of moist processes. When large-scale vertical shears are applied to mature tropical cyclones, the storms quickly develop wavenumber one asymmetries with upward motion and rainfall concentrated on the left side of the shear vector looking downshear, in agreement with earlier studies. The asymmetries develop due to the storm’s response to imbalances caused by the shear. The storms in shear weaken with time and eventually reach an approximate steady-state intensity that is well below their theoretical maximum potential intensity. As expected, the magnitude of the weakening increases with increasing shear. All of the storms experience time lags between the imposition of the large-scale shear and the resulting rise in the minimum central pressure. While the lag is at most a few hours when the storm is placed in very strong (15 m s21) shear, storms in weaker shears experience much longer lag times, with th e5ms 21 shear case showing no signs of weakening until more than 36 h after the shear is applied. These lags suggest that the storm intensity is to some degree predictable from observations of largescale shear changes. In all cases both the development of the asymmetries in core structure and the subsequent weakening of the storm occur before any resolvable tilt of the storm’s vertical axis occurs. It is hypothesized that the weakening of the storm occurs via the following sequence of events: First, the shear causes the structure of the eyewall region to become highly asymmetric throughout the depth of the storm. Second, the asymmetries in the upper troposphere, where the storm circulation is weaker, become sufficiently strong that air with high values of potential vorticity and equivalent potential temperature are mixed outward rather than into the eye. This allows the shear to ventilate the eye resulting in a loss of the warm core at upper levels, which causes the central pressure to rise, weakening the entire storm. The maximum potential vorticity becomes concentrated in saturated portions of the eyewall cloud aloft rather than in the eye. Third, the asymmetric features at upper levels are advected by the shear, causing the upper portions of the vortex to tilt approximately downshear. The storm weakens from the top down, reaching an approximate steady-state intensity when the ventilated layer can descend no farther due to the increasing strength and stability of the vortex at lower levels.
Variable rotor-resistance control of wind turbine generators

By adding a variable external resistance to the rotor of an induction generator used in a wind turbine, it is possible to manipulate the torque-speed curve and control the output power. The hardware implementation is accomplished by a set of three-phase external resistors connected in series with the rotor windings. To vary the effective value of the external resistance, a three-phase diode bridge and a DC chopper with a variable duty cycle is commonly used. Thus, the wind turbine generator operates at variable slip above synchronous speed. This method is less flexible than a doubly-fed induction generator, but does not require the use of slip rings to access the rotor circuit. This paper describes the construction of a time-domain electromechanical model for a wind turbine. The model is used to evaluate control strategies for the output power based on stator power, the equivalent circuit, or aerodynamic torque. All are capable of maintaining a constant power beyond rated wind speed. The transient performance of the controllers is also compared and control based on the aerodynamic torque is found to be the fastest, albeit with high transient power deviations.
The Consolidation of the Latin American City and the Undermining of Social Cohesion

The paper examines possible sources of urban disorder and their impact on social disorganization in two times periods in Latin America. The first period is that of the region's rapid urbanization (...
Role of Uncoupled Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation Treatment With Folic Acid

It has been shown that endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) uncoupling occurs in hypertension and atherosclerosis. However, its causal role in vascular pathogenesis has not been characterized previously. Here, we challenged eNOS preuncoupled hyperphenylalaninemia (hph)-1 mice (deficient in eNOS cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthetic enzyme GTPCHI) with angiotensin II (Ang II; 0.7 mg/kg per day, 14 days). Both wild-type and hph-1 groups developed hypertension similarly up to day 6 to 7. Thereafter, ≈14% of Ang II-infused (0.7 mg/kg per day) hph-1 mice (n=72) started to die suddenly of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Among the survivors, 65% developed AAA, resulting in a total morbidity rate of 79%. In contrast, none of the Ang II-infused wild-type mice died or developed AAA. Ang II progressively deteriorated eNOS uncoupling in hph-1 mice while augmenting tetrahydrobiopterin and nitric oxide (NO(·)) deficiencies. The abundance of the tetrahydrobiopterin salvage enzyme dihydrofolate reductase in the endothelium was decreased in hph-1 mice and further diminished by Ang II infusion. Intriguingly, restoration of dihydrofolate reductase expression by oral administration of folic acid or overexpression of dihydrofolate reductase completely prevented AAA formation in Ang II-infused hph-1 mice while attenuating progressive uncoupling of eNOS. Folic acid also attenuated vascular remodeling and inflammation characterized by medial elastin breakdown and augmented matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity and activation of matrix metalloproteinase 9, as well as macrophage infiltration. In conclusion, these data innovatively suggest a causal role of eNOS uncoupling/tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency in AAA formation. Therefore, oral folic acid administration, endothelium-targeted dihydrofolate reductase gene therapy, and perhaps other countermeasures directed against eNOS uncoupling could be used as new therapeutics for AAA.
An associative magnetic processor for image reconstruction

A novel, massively parallel system is presented for image memorization, processing, and reconstruction based on the use of magnetic thin films and optomagnetic control. Images in the form of pixel arrays are imposed on the film by locally heating it in the regions of high image intensity, using a laser with an external magnetic field. One of these stored images is recalled when a partial or corrupted version of that image is imposed on the film. The system can also be used for feature detection and image compression. >
Hemodynamic responses to nitrous oxide during inhalation anesthesia in pediatric patients

Abstract Study Objective: To measure the hemodynamic changes produced by nitrous oxide (N 2 0) during halothane and isof lurane anesthesia in infants and children. Design: A repeated measures design in two groups of infants and small children. Setting: Operating rooms at a university hospital. Patients: Nineteen healthy unmedicated infats and small children (mean age 12 months) who required elective surgery. Interventions: Prior to anesthesia induction, cardiovascular measurements were recorded using pulsed Doppler and two-dimensional echocardiography. Following anesthesia induction with halothane (n = 10) or isof lurane (n = 9) in oxygen (O 2 ) and air, anesthetic measures were stabilized at 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) and cardiovascular measures were repeated. After 30% N20 was added to the 1.0 MAC anesthetic concentrations, a third set of cardiovascular measurements was recorded. A final cardiovascular data set was measured 5 minutes following an increase in N20 concentration to 60%. Measurements and Main Results: Mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI), stroke volume (SV), and ejection fraction (EF) decreased similarly and significantly at 1.0 MAC halothane and isof lurane. Heart rate (HR) increased during isoflurane anesthesia but decreased during halothane anesthesia. The addition of N 2 O resulted in a decrease in HR, CI, and MAP when compared to 1.0 MAC levels of halothane or isof lurane; however, SV and EF were not significantly changed from levels measured during 1.0 MAC halothane or isof lurane. Conclusions: The addition of N 2 O to halothane and isoflurane anesthesia in infants and children decreased HR. This decrease led to a decrease in cardiac output (CO). Unlike with adults, N20 did not produce cardiovascular signs of sympathetic stimulation in infants and children.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Normalized Multiparametric Myocardial Strain Predicts Contractile Recovery.

Background Left ventricular contractile injury in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) may occur in a consistently heterogeneous distribution, suggesting that early-injury sentinel regions may have prognostic significance. Heightened surveillance of these regions with high-resolution contractile metrics may predict recovery in DCM. Methods Multiple three-dimensional strain parameters were calculated at each of 15,300 left ventricular grid points from systolic displacement data obtained from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in 124 test subjects. In 24 DCM patients, Z -scores for two strain parameters at each grid point were calculated by comparison of patient-specific strain values to respective point-specific mean and standard deviation values from a normal human strain database (n = 100). Multiparametric strain Z -scores were averaged over six left ventricular regions at basilar, mid, and apical levels (18 subregions). Patients with DCM were stratified into three groups on the basis of a blinded review of clinical contractile recovery (complete, n = 7; incomplete, n = 7; none, n = 10). Results Basilar-septal subregions were consistently heavily injured. Basilar-septal Z -scores were significantly larger (worse) than those for the rest of the left ventricle (2.73 ± 1.27 versus 2.22 ± 0.83; p = 0.011) and lateral wall (2.73 ± 1.27 versus 1.44 ± 0.72; p Z -scores less than two standard deviations (n = 6) experienced complete recovery, whereas 17 of 18 DCM patients with Z -scores greater than two standard deviations experienced incomplete or no contractile recovery. Conclusions Contractile injury in DCM is heterogeneous, with basilar-septal regions injured more than lateral regions. The targeting of early-injury sentinel regions for heightened surveillance with high-resolution metrics of microregional contractile function may accurately predict recovery on medical therapy. A two standard deviation Z -score threshold may predict contractile recovery.
A molecular analysis of the interrelationships of tetraodontiform fishes (Acanthomorpha: Tetraodontiformes).

Tetraodontiform fishes (e.g., triggerfishes, boxfishes, pufferfishes, and giant ocean sunfishes) have long been recognized as a monophyletic group. Morphological analyses have resulted in conflicting hypotheses of relationships among the tetraodontiform families. Molecular data from the single-copy nuclear gene RAG1 and from two mitochondrial ribosomal genes, 12S and 16S, were used to test these morphology-based hypotheses. Total evidence (RAG1 + 12S + 16S), RAG1-only, and mitochondrial-only analyses were performed using both maximum parsimony and Bayesian criteria. Total evidence and RAG1-only analyses recover a monophyletic Tetraodontiformes. However, the relationships recovered within the order differ, and none completely conform to previous hypotheses. Analysis of mitochondrial data alone fails to recover a monophyletic Tetraodontiformes and therefore does not support any of the morphology-based topologies. The RAG1 data appear to give the best estimate of tetraodontiform phylogeny, resulting in many strongly supported nodes and showing a high degree of congruence between both parsimony and Bayesian analyses. All analyses recover every tetraodontiform family for which more than one representative is included as a strongly supported monophyletic group. Balistidae and Monacanthidae are recovered as sister groups with robust support in every analysis, and all analyses except the Bayesian analyses of the mitochondrial data alone recover a strongly supported sister-group relationship between Tetraodontidae and Diodontidae. Many of the intrafamilial relationships recovered from the molecular data presented here corroborate previous morphological hypotheses.
Extension of the matrix Bartlett's formula to the third and fourth order and to noisy linear models with application to parameter estimation

This paper focuses on the extension of the asymptotic covariance of the sample covariance (denoted Bartlett's formula) of linear processes to thirdand fourth-order sample cumulant and to noisy linear processes. Closed-form expressions of the asymptotic covariance and cross-covariance of the sample second-, third-, and fourth-order cumulants are derived in a relatively straightforward manner, thanks to a matrix polyspectral representation and a symbolic calculus akin to a high-level language. As an application of these extended formulae, we underscore the sensitivity of the asymptotic performance of estimated ARMA parameters by an arbitrary third- or fourth-order-based algorithm with respect to the signal-to-noise ratio, the spectra of the linear process, and the colored additive noise.
Evaluating Family and Work Settings

A physician advises a harried executive with hypertension to switch to a job with fewer deadlines and less work pressure. A vocational counselor recommends that a shy, introverted student apply for a job in a company in which co-workers are friendly and managers are supportive. A pediatrician suggests that an underdeveloped, neglected child be sent to a foster home. A social worker attempts to place a mildly hyperactive child with structured rather than unstructured adoptive parents.
Effects of exercise on adipokines and the metabolic syndrome

Adipokines, or adipose tissue-derived cytokines/proteins, may be important factors linking excess adipose tissue to individual metabolic risk factors, and the overall metabolic syndrome. Current evidence supports that aerobic exercise, alone or combined with hypocaloric diet, improves symptoms of the metabolic syndrome, possibly by altering systemic levels of inflammatory adipokines. A number of studies show that increased physical activity leads to lower circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines and higher levels of adiponectin. However, limited data show that exercise training does not influence adipose tissue adipokine expression or release. Conversely, exercise training may influence cytokine production by circulating mononuclear cells, another important source of elevated inflammation. Future studies are needed to investigate the cellular mechanisms by which exercise training affects inflammation and whether alterations in inflammation are one mechanism by which exercise improves components of the metabolic syndrome in at-risk individuals.
Calcium, Vitamin D, and Colon Cancer

Abstract Calcium contributes to the progression of epithelial cells through all phases of the proliferative cycle and into stages of cell differentiation; intracellular concentrations of calcium that are required for cell renewal, however, are lower than those required for epithelial-cell differentiation. These effects of calcium are modulated by interactions with 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D 3 , phosphate, and fatty acids, all of which are partly dependent on dietary intake. In rodent models, increased dietary calcium inhibited hyperproliferation of colon epithelial cells induced by increased levels of fatty acids or bile acids present in the colon. When carcinogens induced hyperproliferation of colon epithelial cells the hyperproliferation was decreased by added dietary calcium, and in several animal models the occurrence of carcinogen-induced carcinomas of the colon decreased with increased dietary calcium. A nutritional stress diet, designed to represent human Western dietary intake of calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, and fat, produced hyperproliferation and hyperplasia in the colons of rodents; these effects were reduced by increasing dietary levels of calcium. Decreased levels of ornithine decarboxylase also were reported in human and rodent colon mucosa exposed to increasing levels of calcium. In human subjects at increased risk for familial colon cancer, hyperproliferation of colon epithelial cells was reduced after oral dietary supplementation with calcium. In epidemiological studies, several investigators reported inverse correlations between levels of dietary calcium intake and the incidence of colon cancer. Extrapolation of the data have suggested a protective effect of total calcium intakes above 1500 to 1800 mg/day.
Effect of sampling on the composition of the human subgingival microbial flora.

Eighteen adults with chronic periodontitis participated in an experiment to study the effect of sampling the subgingival microbial flora of periodontal pockets on the subsequent microbial composition of the pocket contents. Samples of bacteria were collected atraumatically with a periodontal curette from periodontal pockets. The sample was suspended in 0.85 N saline containing 1 % gelatin. A drop of the suspension suitably diluted was applied to a microscopic slide and the specimen immediately examined by darkfield microscopy. The microbial flora was classified into coccoid cells, motile cells, spirochetes and “other” microorganisms. The proportion of bacteria in each of these 4 categories was expressed as a percentage, based on the examination of the first 200 bacteria detected in a series of high power fields (mag. × 1200). The microbial composition of the contents of each of 6 pockets was examined at day 0 (baseline data) and each pocket reexamined once either 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 or 42 days later. In addition to the microbial examination, GI and P1I scores and probing depth measurements were also obtained at day 0 and at the reexamination. The results indicated a tendency toward reduced P1I and GI scores at the various reexaminations in comparison to baseline scores. Probing depth measurements did not change significantly. A slight but significant proportional increase in coccoid cells was detectable at 3 days and persisted at more or less the same level for the remainder of the experiment. Spirochetes showed a proportional decrease from baseline during the first week, while motile cells were proportionally reduced only on day 3. No significant changes occurred in the “other” microorganisms. It is not clear from the results if the alterations in the microbial flora were due to the sampling procedure per se or to a change in oral hygiene habits in a population of new patients suddenly more aware of their periodontal status. The clear-cut changes from baseline to day 3 levels and the subsequent lack of change from the 3-day through the 42-day intervals suggest that sampling per se may have contributed only to the changes from baseline noted in the first few days. The change in oral hygiene habits, however, may have contributed not only to the initial changes from baseline, but also to the maintenance of the new microbial proportions at a stable level for the remainder of the experimental period. Despite changes from baseline, all criteria remained well within the range of values that might be expected at periodontally diseased sites in patients with untreated chronic periodontitis.
Gender Equality and Women’s Absolute Status: A Test of the Feminist Models of Rape

Feminist theory predicts both a positive and negative relationship between gender equality and rape rates. Although liberal and radical feminist theory predicts that gender equality should ameliorate rape victimization, radical feminist theorists have argued that gender equality may increase rape in the form of male backlash. Alternatively, Marxist criminologists focus on women's absolute socioeconomic status rather than gender equality as a predictor of rape rates, whereas socialist feminists combine both radical and Marxist perspectives. This study uses factor analysis to overcome multicollinearity limitations of past studies while exploring the relationship between women's absolute and relative socioeconomic status on rape rates in major U.S. cities using 2000 census data. The findings indicate support for both the Marxist and radical feminist explanations of rape but no support for the ameliorative hypothesis. These findings support a more inclusive socialist feminist theory that takes both Marxist and radical feminist hypotheses into account.
Political Cleavages within Industry: Firm level lobbying for Trade Liberalization

Existing political economy models explain the politics of trade policy using inter-industry differences. However, this article finds that much of the variation in U.S. applied tariff rates in fact arises within industry. I offer a theory of trade liberalization that explains how product differentiation in economic markets leads to firm-level lobbying in political markets. High levels of product differentiation eliminates the collective action problem faced by exporting firms while import-competing firms need not fear product substitution. To test this argument, I construct a new dataset on lobbying by all publicly traded manufacturing firms from reports filed under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. I find that productive exporting firms are more likely to lobby to reduce tariffs, especially when their products are sufficiently differentiated. I also find that highly differentiated products have lower tariff rates. The results challenge the common focus on industry-level lobbying for protection.
Distributed Delay Equations and the Linear Chain Trick

Delay differential equations with a special class of distributed infinite delays of gamma type are very attractive both from the modeling point of view and from the point of view of mathematical tractability. A distributed delay is arguably more likely to capture reality than a discrete one. The special class of systems treated here has the feature that by introducing additional components it can be reduced to a system of ODEs. In particular, linearizing about steady states results in a characteristic polynomial, rather than a transcendental equation. We bypass questions of existence and uniqueness and take for granted the validity of linearized stability for these systems. Instead we compare the stability of a distributed delay and a discrete delay in the simplest linear delayed negative feedback equation, showing that distributed delays enhance stability. An example of an HIV transmission model is treated.
Visualization of Confined Jet Impingement With Boiling Using Time-Resolved Stereo-PIV

Two-phase liquid-vapor flow field measurements of confined jet impingement with boiling are performed using time-resolved stereo particle image velocimetry (stereo-PIV). A single circular jet of water, impinges normally from a 3.75 mm-diameter orifice onto a submerged circular heat source at an orifice-to-target spacing of 4 jet diameters. The impinging jet outflow including the vapor generated at the heat source are confined between the jet orifice plate and the bottom test section wall. Fluorescent seeding particles (10 μm in diameter) and time-resolved PIV measurements (taken at a sampling rate of 750 Hz) allow for imaging of the instantaneous interactions between the liquid and vapor structures. Liquid-phase velocity vectors within the two-phase flow field (with high vapor fractions) are presented as a function of heat flux at jet Reynolds numbers of 5,000 and 15,000 and contrasted with single-phase flow. The time-resolved measurements are used to highlight the influence of the vapor phase on the liquid flow field. It is found that bubble formation effectively blocks the developing wall-jet flow on the heated surface. The resulting liquid flow field in the confinement gap is dominated by vapor motion rather than by the entrainment from the developing wall jet.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Dependence of Water Dynamics on Molecular Adsorbates near Hydrophobic Surfaces: First-Principles Molecular Dynamics Study

First-principles molecular dynamics simulations are used to gain an atomistic-level insight into how the molecular behavior of interfacial water is influenced by specific surface adsorbates. Although the overall hydrophobic versus hydrophilic character of a given surface is widely recognized to be important in determining the behavior of interfacial water molecules, we show that subtle molecular details may also play a role in determining the dynamical behavior of water. By comparing water diffusivity at three different nonpolar surfaces, we find that specific surface features can lead to a suppression of hydrogen bond network ring structures by enhancing hexagonal spatial distributions of water molecules near the surface. Such a distinct molecule-dependent behavior of the interfacial water was found to persist well into the liquid, while most structural properties are noticeably influenced in only the first water layer.
High strength, molecularly thin nanoparticle membranes.

The unique strength observed in molecular thin films consisting of assemblies of nanoparticles encoded with short organic chains opens an intriguing new realm of controllable materials. Here the fundamental mechanisms underlying this unique mechanical strength are probed by molecular dynamics simulations. Using nanoparticles encoded with short hydrocarbon chains, we show that the mechanical response and failure of single nanoparticle thick membranes depend on subtle changes of the coating. Extremely high moduli were observed in agreement with experiment. We calculate Young's modulus for the membrane system based on properties of the individual components and find that ligand end-group interactions explain the observed changes in mechanical properties. Specifically, for dodecanethiol chains on 6 nm diameter gold cores, Young's modulus is 2.5 GPa for ${\mathrm{CH}}_{3}$ terminated chains and increases by 50% when end groups are replaced by COOH.
Urban revolution now: Henri Lefebvre in social research and architecture, edited by Łukasz Stanek, Christian Schmid and Ákos Moravánszky

With the rise in popularity of Henri Lefebvre’s work in recent years, many scholars have expressed concern that his ideas are being misunderstood or misappropriated—stripped of their complexity, gr...
Contrastive analysis laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in the treatment of perforated appendicitis in children

Objective To compare the efficacy of open appendectomy(OA) and laparoscopic appendectomy(LA) of the perforated appendicitis in children.Methods A total of 221 children with perforated appendicitis from Jan 2012 to Jan 2014,130 in OA group and 91 in LA group,were retrospectively analyzed.The surgical situation,complications an therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups.Results There were statistical difference between the two groups(P0.05),in the bleeding volume,the time of starting ambulation,the time of intestinal recovery and total incidence of complications,LA was better than OA.OA operation time was shorter than LA,the differences between two group were statistically significant(P0.05).There was no statistical difference in hospitalization time and abdominal residual infection between the OA and LA(P0.05).Conclusion Compared with OA,LA has advantage in less bleeding volume,faster recovery and fewer complication.But LA hasn't advantage in shorter operation and hospitalization time,lower abdominal residual infection.
Analysis on Interaction between Static Synchronous Series Compensator and Static Var Compensator and Their Coordination Control

Taking the interaction between static synchronous series compensator(SSSC) and static var compensator(SVC) in the same power system as subject investigated,the mathematical parameter models for them are established,and quantized relational expressions for the interaction between the two controllers are deduced. By means of the analysis on controlling parameters and simulation,such a conclusion is obtained that the control mode of FACTS devices and their electric coupling degree greatly impact the interaction between SSSC and SVC. Based on direct feedback linearization(DFL) method,a coordination controller for SSSC and SVC is designed,and simulation results validate the effectiveness of this coordination control strategy.
An Application of Intelligent Distribution Network in Qianjiang Century CBD Hangzhou

Based on the case of the intelligent distribution network in Hangzhou Qianjiang Century CBD,this paper expounds the technical features of 20 kV power supply,and introduces grid construction and intelligent construction of intelligent distribution network.It provides an important valuable reference for the domestic development of intelligent distribution network in the near future.
An experimental evaluation of datacenter workloads on low-power embedded micro servers

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of an ultra-low power cluster, built upon the Intel Edison based micro servers. The improved performance and high energy efficiency of micro servers have driven both academia and industry to explore the possibility of replacing conventional brawny servers with a larger swarm of embedded micro servers. Existing attempts mostly focus on mobile-class micro servers, whose capacities are similar to mobile phones. We, on the other hand, target on sensor-class micro servers, which are originally intended for uses in wearable technologies, sensor networks, and Internet-of-Things. Although sensor-class micro servers have much less capacity, they are touted for minimal power consumption (
Discursive Leadership: Harmonious and Discordant Framing-to-Sensemaking Outcomes

Changes in the business world come from many different unfamiliar organizational events, including mergers and acquisitions, leadership takeovers or company-wide expansion. When these unfamiliar or...
Persistence programming models for non-volatile memory

It is expected that DRAM memory will be augmented, and perhaps eventually replaced, by one of several up-and-coming memory technologies. These are all non-volatile, in that they retain their contents without power. This allows primary memory to be used as a fast disk replacement. It also enables more aggressive programming models that directly leverage persistence of primary memory. However, it is challenging to maintain consistency of memory in such an environment. There is no consensus on the right programming model for doing so, and subtle differences can have large, and sometimes surprising, effects on the implementation and its performance. The existing literature describes multiple programming systems that provide point solutions to the selective persistence for user data structures. Real progress in this area requires a choice of programming model, which we cannot reasonably make without a real understanding of the design space. Point solutions are insufficient. We systematically explore what we consider to be the most promising part of the space, precisely defining semantics and identifying implementation costs. This allows us to be much more explicit and precise about semantic and implementation trade-offs that were usually glossed over in prior work. It also exposes some promising new design alternatives.
Science Signaling Podcast for 21 June 2016: MET and skin cancer

This Podcast features an interview with Stuart Yuspa, senior author of a Research Article that appears in the 21 June 2016 issue of Science Signaling, about how activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase MET stimulates the formation of squamous cell carcinoma in the skin. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is produced by mesenchymal cells and stimulates MET, which is present on the surface of epithelial cells. HGF-MET signaling directs the proliferation and migration of epithelial cells during the development of various organs and is important during wound healing. Aberrant MET activation has been implicated in several types of cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma. Using a model in which mice overexpressing HGF develop spontaneous squamous cell carcinomas in the skin, Cataisson et al found that MET promoted the development of squamous tumors by stimulating the synthesis and release of ligands that activate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). This mechanism was similar to that through which oncogenic RAS promotes skin tumors. Blocking EGFR signaling caused HGF-induced squamous tumors to regress, suggesting that EGFR inhibitors might be useful for treating squamous cell carcinomas.Listen to Podcast.
Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Study Objectives Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) has been used as treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis for LAUP alone as treatment for OSA in adults. Methods Three authors searched five databases (including PubMed/MEDLINE) from inception through October 30, 2016 for peer-reviewed studies, with any design/language. A study quality assessment tool was used. The PRISMA statement was followed. A meta-analysis was performed. Results Twenty-three adult studies (717 patients) reported outcomes (age: 50 ± 9 years, body mass index: 29 ± 4 kg/m2). The pre- and post-LAUP means (M) ± standard deviations (SDs) for apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) were 28 ± 13 and 19 ± 12 events/h (32% reduction). Random effects modeling for 519 patients demonstrated an AHI mean difference (MD) of -6.56 [95% CI -10.14, -2.97] events/h. Individual patient data analyses demonstrate a 23% success rate (≥50% reduction in AHI and <20 events/h) and an 8% cure rate. Additionally, 44% of patients had worsening of their AHI after LAUP. Lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) improved from a M ± SD of 80 ± 8% to 82 ± 7%. A limitation is that most studies were case series studies and only two were randomized controlled trials. Conclusions In this meta-analysis, LAUP reduced AHI by 32% among all patients; while the LSAT only changed minimally. Individual data demonstrated a success rate of 23%, cure rate of 8%, and worsening of the AHI among 44% of patients. We recommend that LAUP be performed with caution or not performed at all given the unfavorable results of currently published studies.
Reference interval for the disc-macula distance to disc diameter ratio in a large population of healthy Japanese adults: A prospective, observational study.

This study presents the calculated reference interval for the disc-to-macula distance to disc diameter ratio (DM:DD) based on a large population of healthy Japanese adults. A total of 308 consecutive, healthy Japanese adults were examined in this prospective observational study. Eighteen subjects were also excluded because of poor quality of the fundus photograph of one or both eyes; 290 (161 men and 129 women) were included in this study. For each subject, a color fundus photograph of one eye, either the right or left, was randomly selected and used for analysis. On the photograph, the distances between the fovea and the nearest temporal margin of the optic disc (Dft), and the two kinds of disc diameters (D1 and D2), which bisected at right angles and one of which was directed to the fovea (D1), were measured. DM:DD was estimated using the formula: (2Dft + D1)/(D1 + D2). The mean ± standard deviation of DM:DD was 2.91 ± 0.49 for men and 2.96 ± 0.54 for women; there was no sex difference (P = .78, Mann–Whitney U test). Also, almost no relationship was found between DM:DD and age (ρ = −.12, P = .04, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient). The data did not fit a normal distribution (P < .001, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test). The estimated reference interval for DM:DD corresponding to the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles was 2.12 to 4.18. Using a nonparametric approach, the reference interval for DM:DD of a large population of healthy Japanese adults was calculated to be 2.12 to 4.18, regardless of age or sex.
Ultrafast intersystem crossings in Fe-Co Prussian blue analogues.

Ultrafast spincrossover is studied in Fe-Co Prussian blue analogues using a dissipative quantum-mechanical model of a cobalt ion coupled to a breathing mode. All electronic interactions are treated on an equal footing. It is theoretically demonstrated that the divalent cobalt ion reaches 90% of the $$S{\boldsymbol{=}}\frac{{\bf{3}}}{{\bf{2}}}$$ S = 3 2 value within 20 fs after photoexciting a low-spin Co3+ ion by an iron-to-cobalt charge transfer. The doublet-to-quartet spin crossover is significantly faster than the oscillation period of the breathing mode. The system relaxes to the lowest manifold of divalent cobalt (4 T 1) in 150–200 fs. Strong oscillations in spin-orbit coupling and the involvement of higher-lying quartets are found.
Impact of E-cigarettes on Smoking and Related Outcomes in Veteran Smokers With Psychiatric Comorbidity.

ABSTRACTObjective: Compared to the general U.S. population, smokers with comorbid psychiatric and/or substance use disorders have lower quit rates after evidence-based treatments and disproportionately high smoking-related deaths. Improved modalities for reducing tobacco-related harm in this subpopulation are needed. Because electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) can now deliver physiologically relevant levels of nicotine to consumers, they represent an additional nicotine delivery system that could be used in cessation interventions. While current data suggest that the use of e-cigarettes by smokers promotes a reduction in combustible cigarette use, smoking quit rates through use of e-cigarettes appears to be low. The goal of this study was to examine impact of e-cigarette use on combustible tobacco use as well as on the readiness to quit smoking and changes in nicotine dependence in a multimorbid population. Methods: We conducted a 4-week, open-label study in 43 military veteran smokers who had no immedia...
Fundamentals of the Design of Culture Media that Support Human Preimplantation Development

Human preimplantation embryos were first cultured from the zygote to the sixteen cell stage by Edwards et al. (1970). Later, human zygotes were cultured in vitro to the blastocyst stage (Steptoe et al., 1971). This pioneering work enabled Steptoe and Edwards (1978) to produce the first test-tube baby (Edwards, 1981). Edwards et al. (1981) summarized the media used in this early work as follows: “Our experiences with human ova indicate that they tolerate a wide variety of culture media. The most suitable and simple medium for fertilization in vitro is, perhaps, Earle’s solution with the addition of pyruvate (1.1 mg/ml) and inactivated human serum (between 5% and 10%, v/v). The same medium can be used for cleavage, with higher concentrations of serum (15%, v/v), and embryos grown under these conditions will develop to term in the mother (Edwards et al, 1980). Ham’s F10 is unnecessary, although it will similarly sustain the growth of embryos capable of development to term.”