cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of Anode-Supported Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Using an Extrusion and Vacuum Infiltration Techniques

A simple and mass productive extrusion technique was applied to fabricate anode-supported micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). A standard NiO/8YSZ (Nickel oxide/8 mol % yttria stabilized zirconia) cermets anode, 8 YSZ electrolyte, and LSM (Lanthanum strontium manganite) cathode were used as the materials components. SEM (secondary electron microscopy) images indicated vacuum infiltration method successfully generated the thin electrolyte layer (10∼15 μm) with a structurally effective three phase boundaries. Fabricated unit cell showed the open circuit voltage of 1.12 V without any fuel leaking problems. Electrochemical tests showed a maximum power density up to 0.30 W/cm2 at 800 °C, implying the excellent performance as micro-tubular SOFCs. This study verified that the extrusion aided by vacuum infiltration process could be a promising technique for mass production of microtubualr SOFCs.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Prediction of the influence of additives on the density of valence-alternation centres in lone-pair semiconductors

Abstract Although the addition of small concentrations of additives to chalcogenide semiconductors can change the density of valence-alternation centres, the effect may be much smaller than expected. A general approach is presented for predicting the fraction x of additive that is actually effective in changing the density of centres. This fraction is less than unity because some of the additive has its valence requirements satisfied (in part by coordinate bonds). Only additive atoms in unusual (charged) bonding configurations can influence the density of valence-alternation centres, x is enhanced by entropy effects but reduced by the presence of the intrinsic density of valence-alternation centres and by the higher energy of the charged bonding configuration.
Flavonoids in saintpaulia ionantha expressing the fantasy mutation

Abstract The Fantasy mutation in Saintpaulia ionantha produced flowers that had a purple background color with pink sectors. The purple background tissue contained kaempferol 3- O -glucoside and malvidin 3-rutinoside-5-glucoside. The pink sector tissue contained kaempferol 3- O -glucoside and peonidin-3-rutinoside-5-glucoside.
Path Following Control of Underactuated Marine Vessels via Dynamic Surface Control Technique

This paper considers the path following problem of underactuated marine vessels whose control imposes a challenging problem due to its under-actuated nature. The recently developed Dynamic Surface Control (DSC) design method is applied to overcome the problem of explosion of terms associated with the backstepping design procedure. We show that the exponential stability of the resulting closed loop dynamics can be proved using Lyapunov direct method. The feasibility of the proposed Dynamic Surface Controller is evaluated analytically and verified through computer simulations and experiments.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Electrophysiology of the retinal pigment epithelium in central serous chorioretinopathy

The pathophysiology of central serous chorioretinopathy is incompletely understood but appears to involve the retinal pigment epithelium. We recorded consecutively the fast oscillation, hyperosmolarity response, acetazolamide response, and light peak from four patients with active central serous chorioretinopathy and three normal subjects to determine whether the affected eyes showed any electrophysical abnormalities. We found essentially no differences in any of the four responses between the active and the inactive eyes of the patients or between patients and normal subjects. Whatever retinal pigment epithelial dysfunction exists in central serous chorioretinopathy is unassociated with clinically evident changes in these retinal pigment epithelial electrophysiologic responses.
Evaluation of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) using simultaneous high-resolution endoluminal sonography (HRES) and manometry

The aim of this study was to characterize the motion, morphology, and pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). The UES and its surrounding structures were evaluated in seven normal subjects and four human cadavers, using simultaneous high-resolution endoluminal sonography and manometry. The UES musculature on ultrasound is a C-shaped structure with an angle of 107 ± 19°. The mean peak resting UES pressure was 74 mm Hg, with a total cross-sectional area (CSA) of 0.87 ± 0.33 cm2. During swallowing, the UES moved in an orad direction. Localizing the UES sonographically, the peak UES pressure in the cadavers was 19.7 ± 10.0 mm Hg. The UES has a greater muscular CSA and resting pressure than the upper esophageal body. In the cadaver studies, the UES was imaged in conjunction with a significant increase in pressure, indicating that the pressure is due to passive mechanical conformational changes.
Bounded-width polynomial-size Boolean formulas compute exactly those functions in AC 0

Abstract We show that the complexity classes AC 0 and NC 1 consist exactly of, respectively, constant and O(log n ) width polynomial-size Boolean formulas.
Convective instabilities in concurrent two‐phase flow: Part II. Global stability

The linear stability of thermally stratified horizontal two-phase Couette flow is analyzed for the case of a constant vertical temperature gradient. Instabilities driven by buoyancy, surface tension gradients, or shear are allowed for. It is shown that the instability can take three possible forms: streamwise oriented roll vortices, long interfacial waves, and short Tollmien-Schlichting waves. It is shown that the stability limits for rolls are identical to those for plane, stagnant layers. A long wave expansion is presented and the stability limits for this mode are given algebraically. The nonexistence of a Squire's Theorem is demonstrated and some numerical experiments at moderate Reynolds numbers are described. Detailed comparisons with previous work are possible for only one fluid pair, but it is shown that reasonably accurate statements may be made to determine which mode may manifest itself in any given experimental situation.
Hot-carrier effects on gate-induced-drain-leakage (GIDL) current in thin-film SOI/NMOSFET's

The gate-induced-drain-leakage (GIDL) currents in thin-film SOI/NMOSFET's have been studied before and after front-channel hot-carrier stress. Both the normal-mode stress (with the front gate biased beyond the threshold voltage and the drain biased at a high positive voltage, while the source is grounded with the back gate) and the reverse-mode stress (with the source and drain interchanged) have been investigated. The following significant changes have been observed: i) an increase of the off-state drain GIDL current after the normal-mode stress, especially in the low gate field region, and ii) a decrease of the off-state GIDL current after the reverse-mode stress, especially in the high gate field region. These changes can be attributed to the hot-carrier induced interface traps and their effects on the parasitic bipolar transistor gain in the thin-film SOI/NMOSFET. >
Description Combination and Region Merging

The iterative region growing algorithm isolates surface regions sequentially based on the original HK-sign map regions. As discussed in Chapter 4, three different region descriptions are recorded for each region so that the effects of the sequential processing might be accounted for in the final segmentation. The static first-within-tolerance region description and the dynamic best-fit region description computed by the algorithm provide a dual region decomposition that can be integrated by a higher level process that understands how the region descriptions were created. The first-within-tolerance region description is obtained by a “monotonic” computational process that employs strict approximation requirements and strict updating procedures. The best-fit region description is obtained via a more flexible “non-monotonic” computational process that controls only the connectivity of the growing region and does not control the connectivity of the previously discovered regions if they are affected by the liberal best-fit updating procedures. The best-fit so far surface list complements these two dual region descriptions by retaining a snapshot of the best-fit regions at the time of region definition.
Neonatal choline supplementation ameliorates the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on a discrimination learning task in rats

Prenatal alcohol exposure can disrupt brain development and lead to a myriad of behavioral alterations, including motor coordination deficits, hyperactivity, and learning deficits. There remains a need, however, to identify treatments and interventions for reducing the severity of alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders. Some of the alcohol-induced deficits in learning may be related to alterations in cholinergic functioning. Interestingly, there is a growing literature demonstrating that pre- and/or early postnatal choline supplementation can lead to long-term enhancement in learning and memory and cholinergic activity in rats. The present study examined whether such early choline supplementation might counter the effects of prenatal alcohol treatment on a visuospatial discrimination task. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of three prenatal treatment groups. One group received a liquid diet containing 35% ethanol-derived calories (EDC) from gestational day (GD) 6-20. A second group served as a pair-fed (PF) control group and the third group served as an ad lib lab chow (LC) control. On postnatal day (PD) 2, pups were assigned within-litter to one of three postnatal treatments: choline, saline vehicle, or no treatment. Choline and vehicle pups were intubated with a choline chloride solution or vehicle daily from PD 2 to 21, whereas the non-treated pups were handled daily but not intubated. On PD 45, subjects were tested on a visuospatial discrimination task. Ethanol-exposed subjects who were not treated neonatally with choline committed a significantly greater number of errors both during acquisition and during delayed discrimination training compared to both PF and LC controls. Neonatal choline treatment significantly improved performance on the discrimination task in all groups; however, the beneficial effects of choline were significantly larger in ethanol-exposed subjects. Indeed, the performance of ethanol-exposed pups treated with neonatal choline did not differ from any of the PF or LC groups on any measure. Thus, early postnatal choline supplementation significantly attenuated the effects of prenatal alcohol on this learning task. Importantly, these effects were not due to the acute effects of choline, but rather to long-term changes in brain and behavioral development. These data suggest that early dietary interventions may reduce the severity of fetal alcohol effects.
Deep retinal vascular anomalous complexes in advanced age-related macular degeneration

Purpose: The authors describe the clinical characteristics of a group of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), deep retinal vascular anomalous complexes (RVACs), advanced Bruch membrane changes, and severe visual loss. Based on clinical evaluation and imaging studies, the authors hypothesize the cause of such retinal vascular formations. Patients and Methods: The authors quantified an initial case series of 6 patients and expanded it to 11 patients (14 eyes) with AMD and RVACs diagnosed by fluorescein angiography or slit-lamp examination. Associated pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) of 13 eyes are described. In addition to the clinical and fluorescein angiography descriptions, infrared imaging and indocyanine green angiography were used to characterize more recently described RVACs and fellow eyes. Results: Each study eye had a clearly defined anastomosis connecting the retinal circulation to a vascular complex in the deep retina. The RVACs associated with PEDs assumed a more central location than did typical choroidal neovascularization associated with PEDs. In seven eyes with RVACs, there were clinically recognizable retinovascular findings: intraretinal hemorrhages, telangiectasia, or microaneurysms. Legal blindness occurred in 9 of 11 patients. Conclusion: These results indicate that retinovascular changes can be associated with nondisciform AMD. The authors speculate that neurodegenerative changes and hypoxia may lead to such changes, the RVAC being a more advanced finding. Closure of an RVAC with photocoagulation is difficult, perhaps because of its higher blood flow. The visual outcome is poor, not only because of the advanced state of the underlying AMD, but also because of the exudative nature of the RVAC.
A Dynamic Model on a Single-Link Flexible Manipulator

An enhanced Equivalent Rigid Link System (ERLS) model using natural-mode shape function for flexible manipulators is developed. An experimental validation of the model is performed on a single-link manipulator. The Lagrangian dynamics and the Finite Element Method are used to derive the equations of motion. The model well describes the dynamic behavior of manipulator systems and allows for applications to design a robust motion control
Enrichment of dystrophy-associated antigen from erythrocyte membranes of mice with muscular dystrophy

SummaryIn a previous report, it was shown that erythrocyte membranes from mice with muscular dystrophy of strain 129/ReJ-dy manifest a unique antigen. In the current study, this antigen was enriched from solubilized membranes by a two-step solid phase immunoadsorbent. The enriched fraction retained antigenicity as well as a reduced set of electrophoretic forms of protein over that seen in solubilized membranes. The enriched fraction contained no novel molecular weight species but several were noticeably enriched, particularly at 54,000 daltons.
Experiments With Three-Dimensional Passive Flow Control Devices on Low-Pressure Turbine Airfoils

The effectiveness of three dimensional passive devices for flow control on low pressure turbine airfoils was investigated experimentally. A row of small cylinders was placed at the pressure minimum on the suction side of a typical airfoil. Cases with Reynolds numbers ranging from 25,000 to 300,000 (based on suction surface length and exit velocity) were considered under low freestream turbulence conditions. Streamwise pressure profiles and velocity profiles near the trailing edge were documented. Without flow control a separation bubble was present, and at the lower Reynolds numbers the bubble did not close. Cylinders with two different heights and a wide range of spanwise spacings were considered. Reattachment moved upstream as the cylinder height was increased or the spacing was decreased. If the spanwise spacing was sufficiently small, the flow at the trailing edge was essentially uniform across the span. The cylinder size and spacing could be optimized to minimize losses at a given Reynolds number, but cylinders optimized for low Reynolds number conditions caused increased losses at high Reynolds numbers. The effectiveness of two-dimensional bars had been studied previously under the same flow conditions. The cylinders were not as effective for maintaining low losses over a range of Reynolds numbers as the bars.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Consensus in Work Role Requirements: The Influence of Discrete Occupational Context on Role Expectations

Although role theory has long described how expectations shape role behavior, little empirical research has examined differences among work role requirements and how features of the discrete occupational context may influence the extent to which role expectations are shared among role holders. The authors examined consensus in work role requirements from a sample of over 20,000 incumbents across 98 occupations. They found that consensus systematically decreased as work role requirements ranged from molecular tasks to responsibilities to molar traits. In addition, they found that consensus in these work role requirements was significantly influenced by the amount of interdependence, autonomy, and routinization present in the surrounding task and social contexts.
Multiuser detection in a quantum channel

The use of multiuser detection techniques in multiple access optical channels has been studied in the literature, with emphasis on optical CDMA. In general, it has been assumed that the optical detection is carried out by p-i-n diodes, which count the photons present in the field. However, the theory of quantum detection indicates that other measurements might yield significantly smaller error probabilities. In this paper, we show by example that this can happen in the multiple-access case. We also note that the quantum multiuser detection problem differs from the classical one, in that quantum measurement precludes the use of matched filter banks for non-orthogonal signals.
Imaging characteristics of minimal fat renal angiomyolipoma with histologic correlations.

Abstract Objectives To review our experience with minimal fat angiomyolipomas (AMLs) and correlate the confirmed pathologic diagnosis with preoperative radiologic features to evaluate the feasibility of an accurate diagnosis preoperatively. On rare occasions, renal AMLs contain minimal amounts of fat that are not identified on cross-sectional imaging. Methods From November 1998 to August 2003, 6 patients (seven lesions) underwent renal surgery with the preoperative diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma as determined by preoperative imaging studies, and the finding of AML was unexpected. A single pathologist and radiologist reviewed all pathologic specimens and radiologic examinations. The characteristic findings were recorded and compared with those in published reports. Results Pathologic review of the specimens demonstrated microscopic amounts of mature adipocytes, abnormally thickened blood vessels, and smooth muscle cells in all seven lesions. The mean estimated fat content was 4.1% (range 3% to 10%). Hounsfield unit measurement of the lesions on unenhanced computed tomography images revealed all lesions to be hyperdense relative to the normal kidney parenchyma and enhanced by at least 90 Hounsfield units or more with the administration of intravenous contrast. Enhancement was homogenous throughout each of the seven masses. Conclusions Minimal fat renal AML tumors are typically hyperdense relative to the normal kidney parenchyma and demonstrate homogenous enhancement with the administration of intravenous contrast on computed tomography. These results may have important implications when planning partial versus radical nephrectomy by open or minimally invasive techniques.
The effect of the duration of propofol administration on recovery from anesthesia in cats

Abstract Objective To determine the effect of induction, a 30-minute, and a 150-minute infusion of propofol on the rate of recovery in cats. Study design Randomized, cross-over, prospective experimental study. Animals Six healthy adult spayed female cats (mean 4.3, range 2–7 years old) weighing 3.9 ± 0.5 kg. Methods Cats received each of three treatments: anesthetic induction with propofol (T1), induction followed by a 30-minute infusion (T30) and induction followed by a 150-minute infusion (T150). Propofol infusions were increased or decreased to maintain a sluggish pedal withdrawal reflex. Animals were monitored throughout the anesthetic period and during the recovery. Venous blood samples were collected from a central venous catheter before anesthesia and at 30 minutes for the 30-minute infusion and at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 minutes for the 150-minute infusion. The ability of the cat to lift its head, crawl, stand and walk without ataxia was recorded at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 120, 160, 180, 210 and 240 minutes after the completion of propofol administration. Data from physiological values were analyzed using either a Student's t -test (30-minute infusion) or an anova (150-minute infusion). A nonparametric Friedman test (and post-hoc Tukey's Studentized range test) was used to determine whether there were differences in the time taken to recover. Results were considered significant if p Results Time taken to walk without ataxia was significantly greater in T150 (148 ± 40 minutes) compared with T1 (80 ± 15 minutes) and T30 (74 ± 26 minutes). (No other recovery times were significantly different). Anesthesia with propofol was accompanied by a moderate but significant respiratory depression and a decrease in PCV and total protein. Conclusions and Clinical relevance Prolonged anesthesia with propofol in healthy cats may be associated with a delayed recovery.
Incremental, inductive CTL model checking

A SAT-based incremental, inductive algorithm for model checking CTL properties is proposed. As in classic CTL model checking, the parse graph of the property shapes the analysis. However, in the proposed algorithm, called IICTL, the analysis is directed by task states that are pushed down the parse tree. To each node is associated over- and under-approximations to the set of states satisfying that node's property; these approximations are refined until a proof that the property does or does not hold is obtained. Each CTL operator corresponds naturally to an incremental sub-query: given a task state, an EX node executes a SAT query; an EU node applies IC3; and an EG node applies FAIR. In each case, the query result provides more general information than necessary to satisfy the task. When a query is satisfiable, the returned trace is generalized using forall-exists reasoning, during which IC3 is applied to obtain new reachability information that enables greater generalization. When a query is unsatisfiable, the proof provides the generalization. In this way, property-directed abstraction is achieved.
Density Functional Theory Study of the Structure and Energetics of Negatively Charged Oligopyrroles

First-principles calculations are used to investigate the electronic properties of negatively charged n-pyrrole oligomers with n ¼ 2-18. Chains of neutral oligomers are bent, whereas the negatively charged oligomers become almost planar due to accumulation of negative charge at the end monomers. Isomers of short oligomers (n < 6) display negative electron affinity although the corresponding anions are energetically stable. For longer oligomers with n � 6, the electron affinity is small and positive, slowly increasing with oligopyrrole length. Doping of 12-pyrrole with lithium atoms shows that negative oxidation states are possible due to electron transfer from dopant to oligomer at locations close to dopant. These 12-pyrrole regions support extra negative charge and exhibit a local structural change from benzenoid to quinoid structure in the CAC backbone conjugation. Comparison between neutral and doped polypyrrole (PPy) indicates that doped polymers displays a substantial depletion of the band gap energy and the appearance of dopant-based bands in the gap for a 50% per monomer doping level. It is predicted that Li-doped PPy is not metallic. V C 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 111: 2295-2305, 2011
User admission in MIMO interference alignment networks

In this paper we consider an interference channel where a set of primary active users are cooperating through interference alignment over a constant multiple-input-multiple-output channel while a set of secondary users desire access to the channel. We present the conditions under which a secondary user can be admitted to the network. For the admitted users, we derive several beamforming designs maximizing approximately the secondary users' sum-rate based on the number of the secondary users, the number of antennas at the secondary users and the total number of streams in the network of active users.
The Prevalence of the Citrus tristeza virus Trifoliate Resistance Breaking Genotype Among Puerto Rican Isolates

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) isolates have been grouped into six genotypes: T3, T30, T36, VT, B165, and resistance breaking (RB) based on symptoms, host range, and genomic sequence data. The RB genotype has recently been identified with the novel property of replicating in trifoliate orange trees, a resistant host for the other five genotypes. Puerto Rican CTV isolate B301 caused mild vein clearing symptoms in Mexican lime but did not induce seedling yellows or stem pitting reactions in appropriate indicator Citrus spp., which are typical host reactions of the isolate T30. The isolate B301 was not detected by the genotype specific primer (GSP), which identifies the CTV-T3, -T30, -T36, -VT, and B165 genotypes. A primer pair for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification of the CTV-RB genotype was designed from the heat shock protein (p65) region based on the complete genomic sequences of trifoliate RB isolates from New Zealand available in the GenBank databases. The amplicon sequence from isolate B301 was 98% identical to that of the other trifoliate RB isolates. In addition, B301 was successfully inoculated into 'Carrizo citrange' (a trifoliate hybrid) but did not induce any symptoms. Furthermore, the complete genome sequence of B301 followed by the phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate is part of the RB clade with other CTV-RB isolates from New Zealand and Hawaii. Additional CTV isolates obtained from Puerto Rico were tested with the RB-GSP and confirmed the presence of trifoliate RB isolates in mixed infection with known CTV genotypes. Although this is the first report of a CTV trifoliate RB genotype from Puerto Rico, this genotype was present there prior to 1992.
A simple extrapolation method based on current for rapid frequency and angle sweep in far-field calculation of an integral equation algorithm

The algorithms based on the iterative solution of the integral equations and accelerated by fast solvers to provide efficient and accurate ways to calculate the scattering by large and complex objects. To further increase the efficiency in producing multi-angle and multi-frequency scattering data, attentions are focused on (a) developing precondition techniques to reduce the number of iterations for a converged solution and (b) developing advanced post processing methods which uses the information of the available solution to predict as much scattering data as possible. In this paper, an approximate extrapolation method is introduced to rapidly fill the angular and frequency far-field points using the solutions at sparsely sampled points.
System design approach to power aware mobile computers

This paper describes a system level design approach to power awareness in the wearable computers project at Carnegie Mellon University. The paper identifies the major components of power consumption in a mobile computer, evaluates their respective contributions to power consumption, and analyzes various techniques for improving their energy efficiency. The paper describes our research framework and experimental evaluations of techniques for improving energy efficiency of a system, ranging from the communication level down to the physical level of the battery. The work described includes techniques for dynamically varying the CPU clock frequency.
A 1 watt X-band power combining array using coupled VCOs

The design and construction of a ten-element power-combining array using coupled voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) is described. A varactor-tuned patch and broadband coupling network are used in the array. Preliminary measurements indicate an effective radiated power (ERP) of 10.5 W at 8.4 GHz, with beam-scanning capability via voltage tuning of the end elements. >
Fluorophores for Confocal Microscopy: Photophysics and Photochemistry

Fluorescence is probably the most important optical readout mode in biological confocal microscopy, because it can be so much more sensitive and specific than absorbance or reflectance, and because it works so well with epi-illumination, which greatly simplifies scanner design. These advantages of fluorescence are critically dependent on the availability of suitable fluorophores that can either be tagged onto biological macro-molecules to show their location, or whose optical properties are sensitive to the local environment. Despite the pivotal importance of good fluorophores, little is known about how to rationally design good ones. Whereas the concept of confocal microscopy is only a few decades old and nearly all the optical, electronic and computer components to support it have been developed or redesigned in the last few years, the most popular fluorophores were developed more than a century ago (in the case of fluoresceins or rhodamines) or several billion years ago (in the case of phycobiliproteins). References
Use of molecular markers to determine postremission treatment in acute myeloid leukemia with normal cytogenetics

Most patients with acute myeloid leukemia can be induced into complete remission, but postremission treatment is required for cure. The choice of postremission therapy in a majority of nonelderly patients, between intensive chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, is largely determined by the results of conventional cytogenetic analysis. In 45% of patients with a normal karyotype, the presence or absence of specific molecular mutations should be used to determine the prognosis and postremission treatment. In addition, the identification of mutations may indicate a role for targeted intervention, including following transplantation.
Ultrasound imaging in the classroom to teach in vivo anatomy and arthrokinematics to first year physical therapy students

and with limited accessibility for part of the population, particularly women who are largely dependent on their families in the decisions to seek health care. Purpose:The aim of this study was to identify gender distribution of personswith disabilities attending the 12 physical rehabilitation centres run or supported by The International Committee of the Red Cross in Iraq in 2013. We also aimed to identify the prevalence of female landmine survivors and women with amputations due to landmine accidents, a group that is rarely described in the literature. Methods: The database of The International Committee of the Red Cross was used to undertake a descriptive analysis of persons who received services from the 12 physical rehabilitation centres in Iraq in 2013. Results:A total of 32 827 persons (12%women) received services from 12 supported physical rehabilitation centres in Iraq in 2013. Najaf and Hilla physical rehabilitation centres in Southern Iraq had 3.6% and 2.4% female patients. The highest number of female patients was reported in three centres in Baghdad (15.7%, 16.4% and 20.2%). These results indicate that women in the capital Baghdad in Central Iraq are better represented than women from Southern Iraq where a highly traditional society prevails. The number of persons with amputations was 16,342, and 8.9% of these were women. Additionally, among the persons with amputations, 7.1%were landmine survivors.Within the group of landmine survivors in this study, 3.9% were women. Conclusion(s): Women represent a minority in accessing the physical rehabilitation centres in Iraq supported by The International Committee of the Red Cross. This might be a consequence of men being more actively involved in conflict related violence where women are less often targeted. Another possible reason is that women are under social and cultural protective family actions. Further studies are needed to evaluate facilitating factors and barriers in accessing rehabilitation services, including a more comprehensive understanding of health seeking behaviour on individual, family and structural levels. Implications: This study adds to limited existing knowledge about access to physical rehabilitation services for women in Iraq. It highlights the small number of women seeking physical rehabilitation services compared to men, and indicates a need for more targeted approaches towards women and their families to increase accessibility.
The difference in the kinematics of the high-energy crossing in regge formalism for equal and nonequal masses

Given a physical channel we investigate the high-energy crossing from the other two channels both for equal and nonequal-mass particles. Results are interpreted on the Mandelstam diagram and some restrictions are found in the case of nonequal masses.
Knowledge Discovery Using Nonnegative Tensor Factorization with Visual Analytics

Non-negative tensor factorization (NTF) is a technique that has been used effectively for the purposes of analyzing large textual datasets. This article describes the improvements achieved by creating a Python implementation of the NTF algorithm, and by integrating it with several pre-processing and post-processing functions within a single Python-based analysis environment. The improved implementation allows the user to construct and modify the contents of the tensor, experiment with relative term weights and trust measures, and experiment with the total number of algorithm output features. Non-negative tensor factorization output feature production is closely integrated with a visual post-processing tool, FutureLens, that allows the user to perform in-depth analysis of textual data, facilitating scenario extraction and knowledge discovery.
Cross-talk between macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells in response to cigarette smoke: the effects on MMP2 and 9

We hypothesized that matrix metalloproteinase secretion in response to cigarette smoke is modulated by cross-talk between resident cells within the aorta, namely, aortic smooth muscles, endothelial cells, and infiltrating macrophages, and this may be crucial for in vivo formation/progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Cigarette smoke extract (CSE) was applied to rat aortic smooth muscle (RASMC), endothelial (RAEC) or RAW cells, and conditioned media (CSE-CM) collected. Fresh cells were treated with CSE-CM for 24 h and then maintained in serum-free medium (SFM) for 72 h to analyze MMP2 and MMP9 in media by zymography and the ratio (pS/pJ) of phospho-Stat3 (pStat3) and phospho-Jak2 (pJak2) inside the cells by Western blot. We observed that CSE-CM from RAW and RAEC increased MMP9 by 200 and 17 %, respectively, in RASMC and also increased pS/pJ ratio (305 and 228 %, respectively) in RASMC. RAW cell-derived CSE-CM induced RAEC to produce moderate amounts of MMP2 (17 %), MMP9 (30 %), and a 137 % increase in pS/pJ. RAW cells receiving unstimulated CM from RASMC and RAEC produced significant amounts of MMP9 (128 and 155 %, respectively) and increased pS/pJ (45 and 1283 %, respectively). CSE-CM from RASMC and RAEC induced significant production of MMP9 from RAW cells (237 and 162 %, respectively) and increase in pS/pJ ratios (1348 and 1494 %, respectively). This is the first in vitro study demonstrating cigarette smoke extract-mediated differential interactions between resident cells in the aorta leads to altered modulation of signaling molecules that may be vital for AAA formation under in vivo conditions.
A Cartesian grid solver for simulation of a phase-change material (PCM) solar thermal storage device

ABSTRACTA Cartesian grid solver is developed that is capable of simulating the convection-dominated melting processes in a latent-heat thermal storage device (TSD). The Navier-Stokes equations are solved using a dynamically refined mesh. The phase boundary is tracked using the enthalpy method. Conjugate heat transfer is calculated with a strongly coupled implicit scheme. The approach does not require the creation of a geometry-specific grid, and so allows for efficient prototyping of different complex geometric designs. Systematic benchmarking of the results against other numerical approaches is conducted, followed by tests of two basic prototypes for the design of a TSD.
The effect of inositol on the growth and nodulation of diploid and tetraploid white clover grown in pot culture

The effect of three different concentrations of inositolviz. 0,1/10,000 and 1/5,000 on the growth and nodulation of diploid and tetraploid strains of white clover (Trifolium repens) was tested in pot culture with two different types of application, (a) watering on the soil surface, and (b) spraying on to the aerial parts of the plant.
Health Education Research: Evolution or Revolution (Or Maybe Both)?

Abstract The health education profession can point to numerous achievements that demonstrate its progress, evolution, and coming of age, especially over the past two decades. Despite these accomplishments, an ongoing area of deficit for health educators is in defining, developing, conducting, and disseminating quality research. This article argues that health education must expand its research horizons; engage in more interdisciplinary research; embrace the work of other social, behavioral, and educational scientists; and rise above the current of healthedcentrism that permeates much of the profession. A series of health education researcher “sins” is presented, and guidance for revolutionizing and advancing the profession in the early years of the 21st century through research is provided.
Physics of Membrane-Based Phase Separation in Flow Boiling of a Binary Mixture

This study investigates the physics of water desorption from a lithium bromide (LiBr) solution film. The study was conducted on a membrane-based desorber in which the solution flows through an array of microchannels capped by a porous membrane. The membrane allows the vapor to exit the flow and retains the liquid. The solution film velocity and thickness as well as the solution and vapor pressures are independently controlled. Effects of different parameters such as wall temperature, solution and vapor pressures, solution flow velocity, and the solution inlet temperature on desorption rate were studied. Two different mechanisms of desorption are observed and analyzed. These mechanisms consisted of: (1) direct diffusion of water molecules out of the solution and their subsequent flow through the membrane and (2) formation of water vapor bubbles within the solution and their exit through the membrane. Direct diffusion was the dominant desorption mode at low surface temperatures and its magnitude was directly related to the vapor pressure, the solution concentration, and the heated wall temperature. Desorption at the boiling regime was predominantly controlled by the solution flow pressure. Overall, an order of magnitude higher desorption rate compare to a previous study on a membrane-based desorber was achieved.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Radiographic Progression of Kienböck Disease: Radial Shortening Versus No Surgery

Purpose The natural course of the pathophysiology of Kienbock disease is uncertain. Shortening of the radius is believed to modify the pathophysiology by addressing mechanical influences on the lunate. The aim of this study was to compare the radiographic progression of Kienbock disease among patients who had radial shortening osteotomy and patients who had no surgical treatment, with a minimum 1-year interval between radiographs. Methods Among 207 patients with Kienbock disease, we included all 48 eligible patients who had either radial shortening osteotomy or nonsurgical treatment and 2 sets of wrist radiographs available a minimum of 1 year apart. We compared changes in carpal height ratio, Stahl index, and carpal angles between the 2 sets of radiographs and between radial shortening osteotomy and nonsurgical treatment. Results We found, on average, a small decrease in the carpal height ratio and the Stahl index in patients who did and did not have surgery, with no differences between the 2 groups. Nearly half of the patients had no decrease in the carpal height ratio and/or the Stahl index. Conclusions Radiographic progression of Kienbock over 1 year or more seems slight on average regardless of treatment. Future research might address the probability of and factors associated with radiographic progression of Kienbock disease. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic IV.
Teaching “Narratives of Slavery” in Charleston, SC – Slavery Central

AbstractThis essay describes a graduate course entitled “Narratives of Slavery” taught in Charleston, SC in spring 2014, in which I sought to recenter the dominant (national) discourse on slavery by stressing the local and insisting on our (the class’s) implication with the structures of things past, both the physical structures of the city of Charleston, and all of the legal, financial, historiographical, and ideological structures of the Atlantic World that continue to shape our contemporary reality. The course attempted to critically analyze the process and the consequence of narrativizing slavery – how we write slavery into (and out of) being; how we use narratives of slavery for the purpose of abolition and emancipation; what happens when we write particular narratives of slavery; what gets written out of the history of slavery when particular narratives become dominant; how contemporary narratives of slavery feed into and compare with historical accounts; how historical accounts feed into historical...
Analysis of Kidney Ultrasound Dimensions by Body Habitus and Position.

Purpose: Renal dimensions are an important assessment of the genitourinary tract used to evaluate critical aspects of renal growth and development. Understanding the effect of patient position is important to use and interpret these parameters. In this prospective study we determined the effect of patient position and general body habitus on renal length and parenchymal area in children undergoing renal ultrasound.Materials and Methods: Between October 2010 and January 2011 children underwent renal ultrasound while prone and supine. Bilateral renal length and renal parenchymal area were measured. Pearson and Bland-Altman statistical analyses were used to examine correlations, measurement bias and the degree of agreement between methods.Results: Renal length measurements in both positions were complete for 201 right and 196 left kidneys. Parenchymal area measurements were complete for both kidneys in 177 children. When compared individually, supine and prone measures of renal length and parenchymal area hi...
Fiber continuum seeded stimulated Raman scattering in gases

Stimulated Raman scattering is often employed to obtain intense frequency shifted fields. However, since the stimulated Raman signal is typically initiated by black- body or spontaneous emission, high pump powers are required to achieve conversion efficiencies of even a few percent.1
Limits of Coherency and Strain Transfer in Flexible 2D van der Waals Heterostructures: Formation of Strain Solitons and Interlayer Debonding

In flexible 2D-devices, strain transfer between different van-der Waals stacked layers is expected to play an important role in determining their optoelectronic performances and mechanical stability. Using a 2D non-linear shear-lag model, we demonstrate that only 1-2% strain can be transferred between adjacent layers of different 2d-materials, depending on the strength of the interlayer vdW interaction and the elastic modulus of the individual layers. Beyond this critical strain, layers begin to slip with respect to each other. We further show that due to the symmetry of the periodic interlayer shear potential, stacked structures form strain solitons with alternating AB/BA or AB/AB stacking which are separated by incommensurate domain walls. The extent and the separation distance of these commensurate domains are found to be determined by the degree of the applied strain, and their magnitudes are calculated for several 2D heterostructures and bilayers including MoS2/WS2, MoSe2/WSe2, Graphene/Graphene and MoS2/MoS2 using a multiscale method. As bilayer structures have been shown to exhibit stacking-dependent electronic bandgap and quantum transport properties, the predictions of our study will not only be crucial in determining the mechanical stability of flexible 2D devices but will also help to better understand optoelectronic response of flexible devices.
The Netherlands and Europe in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries

IT is well known how the old idea of the order of the Christian commonwealth was gradually replaced during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries by a concept of Europe as a cultural and political entity. The awareness of a common religious and cultural heritage was closely related to the conception of a European power-system, though not altogether congruent with it. But in spite of its inherent vagueness, the ‘interest and balance of Europe’ had become by the end of the seventeenth century a term rich in diplomatic propaganda value and an idea to which politicians could commit themselves or at least pay lip-service.1 Before the end of the next century men had learned to speak of Europe as — in the words of Edmund Burke — ‘a diplomatic Republic of Europe’ in which ‘no citizen could be an exile in any part’, a ‘society of nations’ in which no single state could act without considering the peace and interest of the entire community.2
Moving beyond insularity in the history, philosophy, and sociology of chemistry

This essay supports and encourages multiple disciplinary interactions for practitioners of the disciplines of chemistry, history of chemistry, philosophy of chemistry, and sociology of chemistry.
Characteristics of patients using specialty medications.

Abstract Background Specialty medications include innovative drugs and biologic agents requiring special handling and close monitoring. Although specialty medications have been widely used for various chronic conditions, increased use of these medications has contributed a growing share of total health care expenditures. Objective The aim of this study was to examine patient characteristics related to specialty medication use. Methods Using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data from 2000 through 2013, this study identified U.S. adults using specialty medications. Andersen's Health Services Utilization model was used to identify potential factors related to specialty medication use. Associations between the variables identified by Andersen's model and specialty medication use were analyzed using logistic multilevel modelling. Sampling weights were considered and standard errors were adjusted to account for the complex survey design. Results A fully adjusted model suggested that older adults, individuals with prescription drug insurance, or those using mail order services were more likely to use specialty medications regardless of whether they used traditional medications concurrently. Behaviors of using specialty medications were positively associated with married and active working status and negatively associated with middle or high income and having a usual source of care (visiting a doctor's office, clinic, or health center when sick) when comparing individuals using traditional medications and those using specialty medications. In addition, when comparing individuals using traditional medications with those using both specialty medications and traditional medications, behaviors of using specialty medications were positively associated with female gender, worse health state, and more comorbidities. Conclusion This study identified characteristics of patients using specialty medications. Some sociodemographic, economic, and clinical factors were related to specialty medication use among U.S. adults.