cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An assessment of fuel freezing and drainage phenomena in a reactor shield plug following a core disruptive accident

Abstract An important problem related to the assessment of the recriticality potential for an LMFBR following a core disruptive accident is an understanding of the freezing phenomena of molten fuel on a cold structure which may prevent fuel dispersal and subsequent shutdown. Transient analytical freezing and drainage calculations have been applied to molten UO2 travel through the rather cold lower shield plug of the Clinch River Breeder Reactor (CRBR). The successive approximation technique is used to obtain a solution to the non-linear freezing problem, where such effects or heat generation, viscous heat dissipation, temperature dependent thermophysical properties and a convective boundary condition at the solidification front have been incorporated into the present analytical formulation. Results indicate that previous steady-state analysis overestimate the rate of frozen layer build-up by a bout a factor of two. However, of primary importance is the driving force for drainage and the diameter of the shield plug flow channel.
Extra-intestinal stages of Isospora felis and I. rivolta (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) in cats

SYNOPSIS. Evidence is presented that Isospora felis and I. rivolta invade the extra-intestinal tissues of cats. Kittens were fed sporocysts of I. felis and I. rivolta. At specific intervals the kittens were killed and suspensions of extra-intestinal tissues were fed to indicator kittens less than a day old. Oocyst production by the indicator kittens within the regular prepatent period was taken as evidence that coccidian stages were present in the inoculum consisting of extra-intestinal tissues of cats. Tissues of kittens infected with I. felis for 5–104 days were infectious to newborn kittens as follows: liver and spleen mixture 3 out of 5 times, mesenteric lymph nodes 4 out of 4 times, brain and muscle mixture 1 out of 5 times, lungs 1 out of 5 times. The prepatent period in kittens consuming oocysts of I. felis was 7-11 days; after consuming extra-intestinal tissues of kittens it was 4–8 days. Distinct coccidian stages unlike those present in the gut were found singly and in groups of 2–15 in lymphoreticular cells of mesenteric lymph nodes of 2 kittens infected for 2–4 days. Tissues of kittens infected with I. rivolta for 5–21 days were infectious to newborn kittens as follows: liver and spleen mixture 3 out of 5 times, mesenteric lymph nodes 1 out of 5 times, brain, muscle and lung mixture none of 5 times. The prepatent period in kittens consuming oocysts of I. rivolta or extra-intestinal tissues of cats was 5–7 days. Coccidian stages occurred singly or in pairs, intracellularly or free in the mesenteric lymph nodes of 3 out of 10 kittens infected for 1–8 days.
Quantification of cellulose nanowhiskers sulfate esterification levels.

Abstract Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, combustion gas analysis and N 2 adsorption were used to quantify the degree of desulfation of cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs). CNWs were produced by hydrolyzing cotton cellulose with sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid treatment did not result in any cellulose chemical modification. Hydrolysis using H 2 SO 4 introduced sulfate groups onto the cellulose surface. Our results indicate that commercial cotton cellulose as received contained sulfur. The sulfur content of H 2 SO 4 -prepared CNWs was higher than that exhibited by the original cellulose due to the esterification process. Two desulfation methods, acid-catalyzed and solvolytic desulfation, have been explored to remove the sulfate groups. Neither desulfation method examined removed the sulfate groups from H 2 SO 4 -prepared CNWs completely. An estimation of surface sulfate esterification levels was made based on a model of the cellulose structure and available surface area of CNWs. According to these models, more than one third of hydroxyl groups on the surface were substituted by sulfate.
Cultural Considerations in Advising Latino/a Students

Abstract This paper presents a model for advising Latino/a students in graduate social work programs. The model is based on ecologicalsystemic and empowerment theory and ascribes to the social work values and cultural competence standards proposed by the National Association of Social Workers. It has been developed within an institution that has sought diversity in its faculty and student body and appreciates and considers Latino/a students' strengths and needs. Implementing this model requires commitment and a sustained mentoring relationship. The model enhances the recruitment and retention of Latino/a students. It is true for most Latino/a students and other minority groups.
Advanced plasma processing techniques for metallization in giga scale technology

Abstract Sputtering and plasma assisted/enhanced chemical vapor deposition have been the main stream processing techniques in the semiconductor industry. Due to the scaling of integrated circuits and the consequent increase in aspect ratios of features such as contacts/vias and intra-metal spaces the capabilities of conventional plasma sources are found to be inadequate. In order to increase the ion densities inductive/transformer coupling (ICP/TCP) and electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) have been explored. ICP technology has gained wide spread acceptance due to the relative simplicity of the hardware and significantly improved process capability. This paper reviews some of the recent applications of high density plasma processing in metallization technology.
Folate receptor in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung: potential target for folate-linked therapeutic agents.

Context.— Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in the United States and globally. The advent of targeted therapies has offered a new treatment paradigm for lung cancer, but currentl...
The role of the international gold standard in commodity price deflation: Evidence from the 1929 stock market crash

Abstract Recent studies have suggested that excessive increases in the monetary demand for gold may have contributed to the worldwide deflation and depression of the early 1930s. These increases have been attributed to currency hoarding as well as a lack of coordination among the major central banks. This paper examines whether news relating to these factors could have contributed to declining stock prices in the United States during the early stages of the Great Depression. There is some evidence that stock market participants expected monetary policy coordination, perhaps through the Bank of International Settlements, and that the market reacted adversely to political events that made cooperation more difficult.
ATP and the purine type 2 X7 receptor affect sleep

Sleep is dependent upon prior brain activities, e.g., after prolonged wakefulness sleep rebound occurs. These effects are mediated, in part, by humoral sleep regulatory substances such as cytokines. However, the property of wakefulness activity that initiates production and release of such substances and thereby provides a signal for indexing prior waking activity is unknown. We propose that extracellular ATP, released during neuro- and gliotransmission and acting via purine type 2 (P2) receptors, is such a signal. ATP induces cytokine release from glia. Cytokines in turn affect sleep. We show here that a P2 receptor agonist, 2'(3')-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine 5'-triphosphate (BzATP), increased non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) and electroencephalographic (EEG) delta power while two different P2 receptor antagonists, acting by different inhibitory mechanisms, reduced spontaneous NREMS in rats. Rat P2X7 receptor protein varied in the somatosensory cortex with time of day, and P2X7 mRNA was altered by interleukin-1 treatment, by sleep deprivation, and with time of day in the hypothalamus and somatosensory cortex. Mice lacking functional P2X7 receptors had attenuated NREMS and EEG delta power responses to sleep deprivation but not to interleukin-1 treatment compared with wild-type mice. Data are consistent with the hypothesis that extracellular ATP, released as a consequence of cell activity and acting via P2 receptors to release cytokines and other sleep regulatory substances, provides a mechanism by which the brain could monitor prior activity and translate it into sleep.
Duration of Anticoagulant Therapy after Initial Idiopathic Venous Thromboembolism

ObjectiveTo review the literature investigating the duration of oral anticoagulant therapy following a first event of idiopathic venous thromboembolism (VTE).Data SourceMEDLINE (1967–April 2003) and bibliographic searches of the English-language literature pertaining to the duration of oral anticoagulant therapy following a first event of idiopathic VTE was conducted. Search terms included venous thromboembolism, anticoagulation, duration of treatment, warfarin, and idiopathic.Study Selection and Data ExtractionThe results of all trials and meta-analyses that were obtained are reviewed and critiqued.Data SynthesisThe risk of recurrent VTE following a first idiopathic event is similar to the risk in patients with a permanent risk factor. Conventional-intensity oral anticoagulant therapy reduces this risk by 80–90%, but at an annual risk of bleeding of approximately 2–3%. According to the PREVENT trial, low-intensity anticoagulation also affords protection against VTE recurrence, but at a lower risk of blee...
Crystal Structure and Activity Studies of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis β-Lactamase Reveal Its Critical Role in Resistance to β-Lactam Antibiotics

beta-Lactam antibiotics are extremely effective in disrupting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall in both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. However, they are ineffective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, due to the production of a beta-lactamase enzyme encoded on the chromosome of M. tuberculosis that degrades these antibiotics. Indeed, recent studies have demonstrated that deletion of the blaC gene, the only gene encoding a beta-lactamase in M. tuberculosis, or inhibition of the encoded enzyme resulted in significantly increased sensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics. In this paper we present a biochemical and structural characterization of M. tuberculosis BlaC. Recombinant BlaC shows a broad range of specificity with almost equal penicillinase and cepholothinase activity. While clavulanate is a mechanism-based inhibitor to class A beta-lactamase with high potency (typically K(i) < 0.1 microM), it is a relatively poor inhibitor of the M. tuberculosis BlaC (K(i) = 2.4 microM). The crystal structure of the enzyme, determined at a resolution of 1.7 A, shows that the overall fold of the M. tuberculosis enzyme is similar to other class A beta-lactamases. There are, however, several distinct features of the active site, such as the amino acid substitutions N132G, R164A, R244A, and R276E, that explain the broad specificity of the enzyme, relatively low penicillinase activity, and resistance to clavulanate.
Relationships among image congruence, consumption emotions, and customer loyalty in the lodging industry.

The authors investigated the relationship between image congruence and consumption emotions and the possible influence of this relationship on customer loyalty in the lodging industry. Overall fit ...
Role of synaptic plasticity and EphA5-ephrinA5 interaction within the ventromedial hypothalamus in response to recurrent hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia stimulates counterregulatory hormone release to restore euglycemia. This protective response is diminished by recurrent hypoglycemia, limiting the benefits of intensive insulin treatment in patients with diabetes. We previously reported that EphA5 receptor-ephrinA5 interactions within the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) influence counterregulatory hormone responses during acute hypoglycemia in nondiabetic rats. In this study, we examined whether recurrent hypoglycemia alters the capacity of the ephrinA5 ligand to activate VMH EphA5 receptors, and if so, whether these changes could contribute to pathogenesis of defective glucose counterregulation in response to a standard hypoglycemic stimulus. The expression of ephrinA5, but not EphA5 receptors within the VMH, was reduced by antecedent recurrent hypoglycemia. In addition, the number of synaptic connections was increased and astroglial synaptic coverage was reduced. Activation of VMH EphA5 receptors via targeted microinjection of ephrinA5-Fc before a hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemic clamp study caused a reduction in the glucose infusion rate in nondiabetic rats exposed to recurrent hypoglycemia. The increase in the counterregulatory response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia was associated with a 150% increase in glucagon release (P < 0.001). These data suggest that changes in ephrinA5/EphA5 interactions and synaptic plasticity within the VMH, a key glucosesensing region in the brain, may contribute to the impairment in glucagon secretion and counterregulatory responses caused by recurrent hypoglycemia.
Subwavelength Plasmonic Bragg Reflector Structures for On-chip Optoelectronic Applications

In this paper, we present a new plasmonic Bragg reflector with high reflectance efficiency in the optical frequency range. This structure is based on dielectric thickness modulation in the metal-insulator-metal (MIM) geometry which provides sub-wavelength light confinement and is suitable for high integration. We investigate and compare the performance of the presented structure with a previously proposed MIM-based reflector. We find that the reflector structures consisting of periodic change in their dielectric materials provide narrow band-gaps, and therefore are more appropriate for filtering applications. On the other hand, with the same effective index contrast, dielectric thickness modulation results in wider band-gaps and higher reflectance at frequencies inside the gap.
Patients with non-Jo-1 anti-tRNA-synthetase autoantibodies have worse survival than Jo-1 positive patients

Objective To compare the cumulative survival and event free survival in patients with Jo-1 versus non-Jo-1 anti-tRNA synthetase autoantibodies (anti-synAb). Methods Anti-synAb positive patients initially evaluated from 1985 to 2009 were included regardless of the connective tissue disease (CTD) diagnosis. Clinical data were extracted from a prospectively collected database and chart review. Survival between Jo-1 and non-Jo-1 was compared by log rank and Cox proportional hazards methods. Results 202 patients possessed anti-synAb: 122 Jo-1 and 80 non-Jo-1 (35 PL-12; 25 PL-7; 9 EJ; 6 KS; 5 OJ). The diagnoses at first visit for Jo-1 and non-Jo-1 patients were myositis in 83% and 40.0%, overlap or undifferentiated CTD in 17% and 47.5%, and systemic sclerosis in 0% and 12.5%, respectively (p Conclusions Non-Jo-1 anti-synAb positive patients have decreased survival compared with Jo-1 patients. The difference in survival may be partly attributable to a delay in diagnosis in the non-Jo-1 patients.
Copy number variation has little impact on bead-array-based measures of DNA methylation

Motivation: Integration of various genome-scale measures of molecular alterations is of great interest to researchers aiming to better define disease processes or identify novel targets with clinical utility. Particularly important in cancer are measures of gene copy number DNA methylation. However, copy number variation may bias the measurement of DNA methylation. To investigate possible bias, we analyzed integrated data obtained from 19 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors and 23 mesothelioma tumors. Results: Statistical analysis of observational data produced results consistent with those anticipated from theoretical mathematical properties. Average beta value reported by Illumina GoldenGate (a bead-array platform) was significantly smaller than a similar measure constructed from the ratio of average dye intensities. Among CpGs that had only small variations in measured methylation across tumors (filtering out clearly biological methylation signatures), there were no systematic copy number effects on methylation for three and more than four copies; however, one copy led to small systematic negative effects, and no copies led to substantial significant negative effects. Conclusions: Since mathematical considerations suggest little bias in methylation assayed using bead-arrays, the consistency of observational data with anticipated properties suggests little bias. However, further analysis of systematic copy number effects across CpGs suggest that though there may be little bias when there are copy number gains, small biases may result when one allele is lost, and substantial biases when both alleles are lost. These results suggest that further integration of these measures can be useful for characterizing the biological relationships between these somatic events. Contact: E_Andres_Houseman@brown.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Development and Use of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Observational Rating Scale: Factor Analysis and a Preliminary Investigation of Predictive Validity

The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder- Observational Rating Scale (ADHD-ORS; Deutscher & Fewell, 1996) was developed and used to rate 702 videotapes of 30-month-old, premature, low-birthweight toddlers born at eight medical schools across the nation. Coders were trained to score the 12-item scale according to specific criteria for each of 5 points on the Likert scale. Scores were sub jected to a principal components factor analy sis with varimax and promax rotations. The results support three factors that closely match the three main attributes of the disorder. These factors were identified as inattention, overactivity, and impulsivity. Six-month predic tive validity with selected items from the Child Behavior Checklist was also determined. Implications for use in preschool settings and directions for future research are considered.
State-Systems and Revolutionary Challenge: Nasser, Khomeini, and the Middle East

Revolutions are momentous events that shake the foundations of societies, transforming their social and political structures and often signalling the triumph of a new ideology. It has long been noted that the international ramifications of revolutions are no less profound than their domestic impact. This is not only because revolutions often give rise to powerful states, thus potentially undermining the extant balance of power, but also because they sometimes infuse those states with norms and objectives that are antithetical to those subscribed to by other members of the international system. They also exert a demonstration effect beyond the boundaries of their country of origin, with a potential for triggering waves of revolution and counter-revolution both within and between societies.
Forced Response Sensitivity of a Mistuned Rotor From an Embedded Compressor Stage

The frequency mistuning that occurs due to manufacturing variations and wear and tear of the blades can have a significant effect on the flutter and forced response behavior of a blade row. Similarly, asymmetries in the aerodynamic or excitation forces can tremendously affect the blade responses. When conducting CFD simulations, all blades are assumed to be tuned (i.e. to have the same natural frequency) and the aerodynamic forces are assumed to be the same on each blade except for a shift in interblade phase angle. The blades are thus predicted to vibrate at the same amplitude. However, when the system is mistuned or when asymmetries are present, some blades can vibrate with a much higher amplitude than the tuned, symmetric system. In this research, we first conduct a deterministic forced response analysis of a mistuned rotor and compare the results to experimental data from a compressor rig. It is shown that tuned CFD results cannot be compared directly with experimental data because of the impact of frequency mistuning on forced response predictions. Moreover, the individual impact of frequency, aerodynamic, and forcing function perturbations on the predictions is assessed, leading to the conclusion that a mistuned system has to be studied probabilistically. Finally, all perturbations are combined and Monte-Carlo simulations are conducted to obtain the range of blade response amplitudes that a designer could expect.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Photonic Crystal Ridge Waveguides on Magnetic Garnet Films

This paper discusses the fabrication and testing of on-chip photonic crystals in ferrite waveguides. Photonic bandgap engineering can produce Faraday rotators with highly enhanced polarization rotation for ultra-small integrated optical isolators. The main challenges to such devices are the elimination of linear birefringence and the fabrication of planar photonic bandgap nanostructures. These challenges are addressed in the present article. In particular, we demonstrate the presence of stopbands and resonant polarization response in single-defect magneto-optic photonic crystal ridge waveguides.
An integrated program development tool for teaching and learning how to program

Teaching and learning how to program requires environments designed to support these activities rather than commercially available integrated development environments. This paper presents an instructional environment which embraces the entire process of design, algorithm development, testing and debugging while minimizing the syntactic details with which students must cope. Students using this environment develop a view of programming in which design and testing are integral parts of program development.
Myofibrillar disarray produced in normal hearts by chronic electrical pacing

Myofibrillar disarray has been observed in various normal, experimental, and pathologic conditions of the heart. In order to elucidate the common denominator involved in the development of disarray, we undertook the present study to test the hypothesis that myofibrillar disarray can be produced in the normal heart as a result of altering myocardial stress vectors. In the heart, the vectors associated with the patterns of contraction are determined by the sequence of depolarization. In order to alter this sequence, the conduction system of 12 normal dogs was interrupted by the production of complete atrioventricular block. After 3 months of electronic pacing of the right ventricular apex at 70 bpm, myofibrillar disarray was observed in 9 out of 12 of these hearts. In matched tissue samples from 12 control dogs, myofibrillar disarray was not observed. We conclude that myofibrillar disarray may be produced by abnormal stress vectors resulting from alterations in the sequence of depolarization, and therefore the pattern of contraction. We believe this to represent a unifying concept to explain the development of myofibrillar disarray observed in a variety of conditions.
Gaussian Interference Channel Capacity to Within One Bit: the General Case

The characterization of the capacity region of the two-user Gaussian interference channel has been an open problem for thirty years. The understanding on this problem has been limited. The best known achievable region is due to Han-Kobayashi but its characterization is very complicated. It is also not known how tight the existing outer bounds are. In this work, we extend our results of [1] to general (i.e. possibly asymmetric) channels for the complete capacity region. We show that the existing outer bounds can in fact be arbitrarily loose in some parameter ranges, and by deriving new outer bounds, we show that a simplified Han-Kobayashi type scheme can achieve to within a single bit the capacity for all values of the channel parameters. Using our results, we provide a natural generalization of the point-to-point classical notion of degrees of freedom to interference-limited scenarios.
A vertical life table approach to zooplankton mortality estimation

Author(s): Aksnes, DL; Ohman, MD | Abstract: Zooplankton mortality is commonly estimated from time series of abundances (horizontal life table approach) with the assumption that transport processes are of minor influence. This assumption is commonly violated in the marine environment. We provide equations appropriate for analysis of stage distributions in Zooplankton samples at a single time (vertical life table approach) that, in certain circumstances, facilitate mortality estimation without requiring time series of abundances. A primary assumption is that daily recruitment to a particular stage should not be characterized by a strong upward or downward trend. To improve the accuracy of parameter estimates, however, knowledge about such trends may be taken into account. The accuracy and precision of mortality estimation were assessed with an individual-based simulation model. Results obtained from application of the vertical approach to the copepod Pseudocalanus newmani are comparable to those obtained independently by a horizontal method. We conclude that the vertical approach may provide mortality estimates under conditions in which horizontal techniques are inappropriate. In contrast to estimates obtained with horizontal techniques, vertical estimates represent snapshots of the population.
Gene regulation models and evolution

We examine the dynamics of gene regulation for a system with K environments with each environment favoring a different pattern of gene transcription and regulation in a prokaryotic organism. We recast the model of the system as discrete-time K-periodic. This allows us to exploit the well known properties of periodic systems to characterize the steady-state behavior of wild type versus mutant populations of the organism: We also obtain conditions on the parameters of the state matrix using the properties of positive linear systems. We examine in more detail the example of the lac operon of E. Coli which has two environments: a high demand environment H and a low demand environment L. The gene regulation system alternates between the two environments as the organism completes one life cycle. We derive conditions under which the system reaches steady growth alternating between a state x H and x L as each life cycle is completed. Our results show the dependence of the mutant to wild type ratio on the ratio of high demand to low demand duration.
Dexamethasone therapy increases infection in very low birth weight infants.

Background. Infection is a major compli- cation of preterm infants, resulting in increased morbid- ity and mortality. We recently reported the results of a multicenter trial of dexamethasone initiated at 14 or 28 days in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants who were at risk for chronic lung disease; the results showed an increase in nosocomial bacteremia in the group receiving dexamethasone. This study is an in-depth analysis of bacteremia/sepsis and meningitis among infants enrolled in the trial. Methods. Data on cultures performed and antibiotic therapy were collected prospectively. Infections were classified as definite or possible/clinical. Results. A total of 371 infants were enrolled in the trial. There were no baseline differences in risk factors for infection. For the first 14 days of study, infants re- ceived either dexamethasone (group I, 182) or placebo (group II, 189). During this period, infants in group I were significantly more likely than those in group II to have a positive blood culture result (48% vs 30%) and definite bacteremia/sepsis/meningitis (22% vs 14%). Over the 6-week study period, 47% of those cultured had at least one positive blood culture result (53% in group I vs 41% in group II) and 25% of the infants had at least one episode of definite bacteremia/sepsis/meningitis (29% in group I vs 21% in group II). Among infants with definite infections, 46.8% were attributable to Gram-positive or- ganisms, 26.6% to Gram-negative organisms and 26.6% to fungi. The factors present at randomization were evalu- ated for their association with infection. Group I assign- ment and H2 blocker therapy (before study entry) were associated with increased risk of definite infection, whereas cesarean section delivery and increasing birth weight were associated with decreased risk. Conclusions. Infants who received a 14-day course of dexamethasone initiated at 2 weeks of age were more likely to develop a bloodstream or cerebrospinal fluid infection while on dexamethasone therapy than were those who received placebo. Physicians must consider this increased risk of infection when deciding whether to treat VLBW infants with dexamethasone. Pediatrics 1999; 104(5). URL: http://www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/ 104/5/e63; very low birth weight, dexamethasone, nosoco- mial infection.
Polymeric Nanoparticles with Sequential and Multiple FRET Cascade Mechanisms for Multicolor and Multiplexed Imaging

The ability to map multiple biomarkers at the same time has far-reaching biomedical and diagnostic applications. Here, a series of biocompatible poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) and polyethylene glycol particles for multicolor and multiplexed imaging are reported. More than 30 particle formulations that exhibit distinct emission signatures (ranging from the visible to NIR wavelength region) are designed and synthesized. These particles are encapsulated with combinations of carbocyanine-based fluorophores DiO, Dil, DiD, and DiR, and are characterized as <100 nm in size and brighter than commercial quantum dots. A particle formulation is identified that simultaneously emits fluorescence at three different wavelengths upon a single excitation at 485 nm via sequential and multiple FRET cascade events for multicolor imaging. Three other particles that display maximum fluorescence intensities at 570, 672, or 777 nm for multiplexed imaging are also identified. These particles are individually conjugated with specific (Herceptin or IgG2A11 antibody) or nonspecific (heptaarginine) ligands for targeting and, thus, could be applied to differentiate different cancer cells from a cell mixture according to the expressions of cell-surface human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts. Using an animal model subcutaneously implanted with the particles, it is further demonstrated that the developed platform could be useful for in vivo multiplexed imaging.
Is the Heavy Higgs Boson Observable at the SSC

The observability of the heavy Higgs boson (mH>2mW) through pure leptonic decays of Z pairs from Higgs and continuum processes is studied. A bump hunt in mZZ is possible for mH 600 GeV, precise knowledge of the background rate is essential. The following is a progress report of the Heavy Higgs Working Group for the July 1987 Workshop on Experiments, Detectors and Experimental Areas for the Supercollider to be held in Berkeley, CA.
Impact of Combining Temperature Profiles from Different Instruments on an Analysis of Mixed Layer Properties

Abstract For a joint analysis of temperature profiles from floats, expendable bathythermographs (XBTs), and other instruments (e.g., thermistor chains) the consistency of the profiles from the different sources needs to be ensured to avoid results with systematic errors. In this study profiles from the different instrument types are compared after they passed through a series of quality control tests. The different methods for quality control are presented. After ensuring that only high-quality profiles remain in the dataset, a statistical analysis of the temperature differences between adjacent profiles (in space and time) is performed. Potential regional differences as well as possible differences between the various float types are addressed. Finally, the impact of combining the profiles from floats with those from other instruments on gridded fields of the mixed layer temperature, thickness, and heat budget is discussed. It is found that the joint analysis yields more reliable results for the gridded ...
Assessing the Need for a New Household Panel Study: Health Insurance and Health Care

This paper considers the availability of data for addressing questions related to health insurance and health care and the potential contribution of a new household panel study. The paper begins by outlining some of the major questions related to policy and concludes that survey data on health insurance, access to care, health spending, and overall economic well-being will likely be needed to answer them. The paper considers the strengths and weaknesses of existing sources of survey data for answering these questions. The paper concludes that either a new national panel study, an expansion in the age range of subjects in existing panel studies, or a set of smaller changes to existing panel and cross-sectional surveys, would significantly enhance our understanding of the dynamics of health insurance, access to health care, and economic well-being.
Structural characterization and X-ray analysis by Williamson–Hall method for Erbium doped Aluminum Nitride nanoparticles, synthesized using inert gas condensation technique

Abstract We have synthesized AlN nanoparticles (NPs) doped in-situ with Er (AlN:Er) using inert gas condensation technique. Using x-ray diffraction (XRD) peak broadening analysis with the Williamson–Hall (W–H) Uniform Deformation Model (UDM) the crystallite size of the NPs and the strain in NPs were found to be 80±38 nm and 3.07×10 −3 ±0.9×10 −3 respectively. In comparison, using the Debye–Scherrer's (DS) formula, we have inferred that the crystallite size of the NPs was 23±6 nm and the average strain was 4.3×10 −3 ±0.4×10 −3 . The scanning electron microscopy images show that the NPs are spherical and have an average diameter of ∼300 nm. The crystallite size is smaller than the size of the NPs revealing their polycrystalline behavior. In addition, the NPs strain, stress and energy density were also calculated using W–H analysis combined with the Uniform Deformation Stress Model (UDSM) and the Uniform Deformation Energy Density Model (UDEDM). Suggested by the spherical geometry and polycrystalline nature of the AlN NPs, the strain computed from UDM, UDSM and UDEDM were in agreement confirming an isotropic mechanical nature of the particle. Luminescence measurements revealed the temperature dependence of the optical emission of the Er 3+ ions, confirming the use of AlN:Er NPs for nano-scale temperature sensing.
Resettlement Outcomes of Large Dams

The adverse social impacts of most large dams continue to be unacceptable. They also reduce a project’s potential benefits. This is especially the case with resettlement which some experts (including Asit Biswas and Robert Goodland, former Chief Environmental Adviser of the World Bank Group) consider to be the most contentious issue associated with large dams. Fortunately, there is potential for helping resettling communities to become project beneficiaries.
Managerial ability and real earnings management

Abstract Prior studies investigate the determinants and consequences of real earnings management (REM) as a function of firm-specific characteristics. In this study, we examine how managerial ability relates to the use of REM and future firm performance. We find that higher-ability managers engage in less REM. Furthermore, we find that managers with superior ability reduce the negative impact of REM on future firm performance. This is consistent with prior studies, which link higher-ability managers to better management of firm resources and more positive outcomes.
Phase-Shifting Interference Microscopy with Multi-wavelength Optical Phase Unwrapping

A combination of phase shifting interferometry with the multi-wavelength optical phase unwrapping is used to image quantitative phase profiles of microscopic objects. The results show a surface profile with a height range of several microns.
A Model-Based Approach to Developing Your Mission Operations System

Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) is an increasingly popular methodology for designing complex engineering systems. As the use of MBSE has grown, it has begun to be applied to systems that are less hardware-based and more people- and process-based. We describe our approach to incorporating MBSE as a way to streamline development, and how to build a model consisting of core resources, such as requirements and interfaces, that can be adapted and used by new and upcoming projects. By comparing traditional Mission Operations System (MOS) system engineering with an MOS designed via a model, we will demonstrate the benefits to be obtained by incorporating MBSE in system engineering design processes.
A Methodology for Deblurring and Recovering Conformational States of Biomolecular Complexes from Single Particle Electron Microscopy

In this paper we study two forms of blurring effects that may appear in the reconstruction of 3D Electron Microscopy (EM), specifically in single particle reconstruction from random orientations of large multi-unit biomolecular complexes. We model the blurring effects as being due to independent contributions from: (1) variations in the conformation of the biomolecular complex; and (2) errors accumulated in the reconstruction process. Under the assumption that these effects can be separated and treated independently, we show that the overall blurring effect can be expressed as a special form of a convolution operation of the 3D density with a kernel defined on SE(3), the Lie group of rigid body motions in 3D. We call this form of convolution mixed spatial-motional convolution. We discuss the ill-conditioned nature of the deconvolution needed to deblur the reconstructed 3D density in terms of parameters associated with the unknown probability in SE(3). We provide an algorithm for recovering the conformational information of large multi-unit biomolecular complexes (essentially deblurring) under certain biologically plausible prior structural knowledge about the subunits of the complex in the case the blurring kernel has a special form.
Development of Shale Gas Supply Chain Network under Market Uncertainties

The increasing demand of energy has turned the shale gas and shale oil into one of the most promising sources of energy in the United States. In this article, a model is proposed to address the long-term planning problem of the shale gas supply chain under uncertain conditions. A two-stage stochastic programming model is proposed to describe and optimize the shale gas supply chain network. Inherent uncertainty in final products’ prices, such as natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL), is treated through the utilization of a scenario-based method. A binomial option pricing model is utilized to approximate the stochastic process through the generation of scenario trees. The aim of the proposed model is to generate an appropriate and realistic supply chain network configuration as well as scheduling of different operations throughout the planning horizon of a shale gas development project.
Clues from Crouzon: Insights into the potential role of growth factors in the pathogenesis of myelinated retinal nerve fibers

Purpose We present a case of bilateral extensive peripapillary myelinated retinal nerve fibers (MRNF) in an individual with Crouzon syndrome, an inherited form of craniosynostosis caused by overactivation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2. As a secondary aim, we examine the utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography for visualization of peripapillary vasculature obscured by myelination on other imaging modalities.
Distal Humerus Fractures

Various common injuries in the shoulder, humerus, and elbow are investigated in this section. Significant attention is paid not only to proper diagnostic examination and imaging, but also to optimal non-operative and operative treatment options to manage these conditions.
Hospital ward transfer to intensive care unit as a quality marker in emergency medicine.

Abstract Background Minimizing and preventing adverse events and medical errors in the emergency department (ED) is an ongoing area of quality improvement. Identifying these events remains challenging. Objective To investigate the utility of tracking patients transferred to the ICU within 24 h of admission from the ED as a marker of preventable errors and adverse events. Methods From November 2011 through June 2016, we prospectively collected data for all patients presenting to an urban, tertiary care academic ED. We utilized an automated electronic tracking system to identify ED patients who were admitted to a hospital ward and then transferred to the ICU within 24 h. Reviewers screened for possible error or adverse event and if discovered the case was referred to the departmental Quality Assurance (QA) committee for deliberations and consensus agreement. Results Of 96,377 ward admissions, 921 (1%) patients were subsequently transferred to the ICU within 24 h of ED presentation. Of these 165 (19%) were then referred to the QA committee for review. Total rate of adverse events regardless of whether or not an error occurred was 2.1%, 19/921 (95% CI 1.4% to 3.0%). Medical error on the part of the ED was 2.2%, 20/921 (95% CI 1.5% to 3.1%) and ED Preventable Error in 1.1%, 10/921 (95% CI 0.6% to 1.8%). Conclusion Tracking patients admitted to the hospital from the ED who are transferred to the ICU
Cortical connectome registration using spherical demons

We present an algorithm to align cortical surface models based on structural connectivity. We follow the continuous connectivity approach,1, 2 assigning a dense connectivity to every surface point-pair. We adapt and modify an approach for aligning low-rank functional networks based on eigenvalue decomposition of individual connectomes.3 The spherical demons framework then provides a natural setting for inter-subject connectivity alignment, enforcing a smooth, anatomically plausible correspondence, and allowing us to incorporate anatomical as well as connectivity information. We apply our algorithm to 98 diffusion MRI images in an Alzheimer's Disease study, and 731 healthy subjects from the Human Connectome Project. Our method consistently reduces connectome variability due to misalignment. Further, the approach reveals subtle disease effects on structural connectivity which are not seen when registering only cortical anatomy.
Hydroxyurea Therapy Increases Expression of BCAM/LU and Adhesion to Laminin in Children with Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract Vaso-occlusion is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in sickle cell disease. The tendency of red blood cells (RBCs) to adhere to extracellular matrix molecules and the vascular endothelium is believed to be a significant contributor to the vaso-occlusive process. Some published studies have shown that hydroxyurea decreases sickle (SS) RBC adhesion to some ligands, although the mechanism by which this occurs is not completely understood. SS RBCs demonstrate increased expression of several adhesion molecules, especially BCAM/LU, and also conserve functional signaling pathways that are associated with upregulation of adhesion. BCAM/LU mediates adhesion to the extracellular matrix protein laminin. We hypothesized that patients responsive to hydroxyurea (HU) therapy would exhibit reduced adhesion to laminin as well as a decrease in adhesion molecule expression. Our subjects included patients with Hb SS between the ages of 5 to 18. They were divided into three groups: children not receiving HU therapy (n = 3); children receiving HU therapy for over 6 months (n = 5), and children initially not receiving HU but who were initiating therapy at the time of study enrollment (n = 5). Adhesion to laminin was examined using a graduated height flow chamber to quantitate the adhesion of SS RBCs. Expression of adhesion molecules was analyzed by western blot and densitometry, using monoclonal antibody to BCAM/LU. We found that HU therapy was associated with significantly increased expression of BCAM/LU (HU: 145.8 ± 14.0 SEM; no HU: 60.8 ± 11.0 SEM densitometry units, p = .0014). This somewhat unexpected finding confirms results published earlier this year by Odievre et al. (2008). Adhesion to laminin was also increased for patients on HU (HU: 9.3 ± 5.9; no HU: .3 ± .3, p=.2), although this increase was not significant, given the variability in adhesion seen among patients and the small number of subjects. Nevertheless, the increase in adhesion corresponded to the increase in BCAM/LU expression. In contrast, adhesion to endothelial cells was decreased, although not significantly, in patients on HU (HU: 38.1 ± 38; no HU: 127.2 ± 122.5, p=.6). Our findings thus confirm earlier published data showing that HU increases the expression of BCAM/LU measured by flow cytometry and further shows that this increased expression is associated with increased adhesion to laminin but not to endothelial cells. Potential mechanisms by which HU affects adhesion molecule expression and activity merit further investigation, as does the physiologic role of these alterations. Comparison of results from patient-matched pre-treatment and post-treatment samples should also help define the effects of HU. Download : Download high-res image (60KB) Download : Download full-size image
Reduced speckle in swept source optical coherence tomography by using high numerical aperture fibers

Speckle noise is common to all coherent imaging techniques. By utilizing a higher numerical aperture fiber in sample path of the interferometer, speckle noise is reduced in recorded optical coherent tomography images.
Deadlock-free joins in DB-mesh, an asynchronous systolic array accelerator

Previous database accelerator proposals such as the Q100 provide a fixed set of database operators, chosen to support a target query workload. Some queries may not be well-supported by a fixed accelerator, typically because they need more resources/operators of a particular kind than the accelerator provides. By Amdahl's law, these queries become relatively more expensive as they are not fully accelerated. We propose a second-level accelerator, DB-Mesh, to take up some of this workload. DB-Mesh is an asynchronous systolic array that is more generic than the Q100, and can be configured to run a variety of operators with configurable parameters such as record widths. We demonstrate DB-Mesh applied to nested loops joins, an operator that is not directly supported on the Q100. We show that a naive implementation has the potential for deadlock, and show how to avoid deadlock with a careful design. We also demonstrate how the data flow policy used in the array influences system throughput.
Human-induced changes in the distribution of rainfall

A likely consequence of global warming will be the redistribution of Earth’s rain belts, affecting water availability for many of Earth’s inhabitants. We consider three ways in which planetary warming might influence the global distribution of precipitation. The first possibility is that rainfall in the tropics will increase and that the subtropics and mid-latitudes will become more arid. A second possibility is that Earth’s thermal equator, around which the planet’s rain belts and dry zones are organized, will migrate northward. This northward shift will be a consequence of the Northern Hemisphere, with its large continental area, warming faster than the Southern Hemisphere, with its large oceanic area. A third possibility is that both of these scenarios will play out simultaneously. We review paleoclimate evidence suggesting that (i) the middle latitudes were wetter during the last glacial maximum, (ii) a northward shift of the thermal equator attended the abrupt Bolling-Allerod climatic transition ~14.6 thousand years ago, and (iii) a southward shift occurred during the more recent Little Ice Age. We also inspect trends in seasonal surface heating between the hemispheres over the past several decades. From these clues, we predict that there will be a seasonally dependent response in rainfall patterns to global warming. During boreal summer, in which the rate of recent warming has been relatively uniform between the hemispheres, wet areas will get wetter and dry regions will become drier. During boreal winter, rain belts and drylands will expand northward in response to differential heating between the hemispheres.