cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bioinspired ultra-low fouling coatings on medical devices to prevent device-associated infections and thrombosis.

Abstract Addressing thrombosis and biofouling of indwelling medical devices within healthcare institutions is an ongoing problem. In this work, two types of ultra-low fouling surfaces (i.e., superhydrophobic and lubricant-infused slippery surfaces) were fabricated to enhance the biocompatibility of commercial medical grade silicone rubber (SR) tubes that are widely used in clinical care. The superhydrophobic (SH) coatings on the tubing substrates were successfully created by dip-coating in superhydrophobic paints consisting of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), perfluorosilane-coated hydrophobic zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs) in tetrahydrofuran (THF). The SH surfaces were converted to lubricant-infused slippery (LIS) surfaces through the infusion of silicone oil. The anti-biofouling properties of the coatings were investigated by adsorption of platelets, whole blood coagulation, and biofilm formation in vitro. The results revealed that the LIS tubes possess superior resistance to clot formation and platelet adhesion than uncoated and SH tubes. In addition, bacterial adhesion was investigated over 7 days in a drip-flow bioreactor, where the SH-ZnO-Cu tube and its slippery counterpart significantly reduced bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation of Escherichia coli relative to control tubes (>5 log10 and >3 log10 reduction, respectively). The coatings also demonstrated good compatibility with fibroblast cells. Therefore, the proposed coatings may find potential applications in high-efficiency on-demand prevention of biofilm and thrombosis formation on medical devices to improve their biocompatibility and reduce the risk of complications from medical devices.
COVID-19 Detection in Chest X-ray Images Using Swin-Transformer and Transformer in Transformer

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread globally and caused serious damages. Chest X-ray images are widely used for COVID-19 diagnosis and Artificial Intelligence method can assist to increase the efficiency and accuracy. In the Challenge of Chest XR COVID-19 detection in Ethics and Explainability for Responsible Data Science (EE-RDS) conference 2021, we proposed a method which combined Swin Transformer and Transformer in Transformer to classify chest X-ray images as three classes: COVID-19, Pneumonia and Normal (healthy) and achieved 0.9475 accuracy on test set.
Cosmopolitanism and Women’s Fashion in Ghana: History, Artistry and Nationalist Inspirations

Drawing on extensive archival research and interviews, this book delves into the rich world of Ghanaian fashion, demonstrating how, over time, local dress styles and materials have been fused with global trends to create innovative, high fashion garments that reflect a distinctly Ghanaian cosmopolitanism. Ghana has a complex and diverse fashion culture which was in evidence before independence in 1957 and has continued to grow in reputation in the postcolonial period. In this book, Christopher Richards reflects on the contributions of the country’s female fashion designers, who have employed fashion to innovate existing, culturally relevant dress styles, challenge gendered forms of dress, and make bold statements regarding women’s sexuality. Treated as artworks, the book examines specific garments to illustrate the inherent complexity of their design and how fashion is often embedded with a blending of personal histories, cultural practices and global inspirations. Reflecting in particular on the works of Laura Quartey, Letitia Obeng, Juliana Kweifio-Okai, Beatrice Arthur and Aisha Ayensu, this book makes an important and timely contribution to art history, fashion studies, anthropology, history, women’s studies and African Studies.
Predictors of outcomes following liver transplant in hepatopulmonary syndrome: An OPTN database analysis.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a type of pulmonary vascular disease occurring exclusively in those with underlying liver disease, associated with significant mortality in patients awaiting liver transplantation (LT). LT is curative in HPS, and these patients are granted Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) exception points to expedite LT. The purpose of this study is to use multivariable competing risk Accelerated Failure Time models and propensity matching to examine the relationship between pre-LT hypoxemia and post-LT outcomes in HPS. We performed a retrospective cohort study of UNOS/OPTN database of all adult patients undergoing LT between January 1, 2006 and January 12, 2020. Pre-LT PaO2 was significantly associated with post-LT mortality in HPS, with each 1 mmHg increase in PaO2 significantly decreasing the risk of post-LT mortality (coefficient 0.039, HR = 0.95, p = 0.001). HPS patients with a pre-LT PaO2 < 54 mmHg demonstrated increased mortality following LT as compared to matched non-HPS cirrhotic patients. We conclude that HPS patients with a PaO2, 54 mmHg are at increased risk of post-LT mortality and may identify high-risk patients who would benefit from additional resources during LT, and that the effects of HPS MELD exception points to optimize post-LT outcomes should be continuously re-evaluated.
Stories of Peoplehood: The Politics and Morals of Political Membership

Introduction: on studying stories of peoplehood Part I. Explaining the Political Role of Stories of Peoplehood: 1. Elements of a theory of people-making 2. The role of ethically constitutive stories Part II. Constructing Political Peoplehood in Morally Defensible Ways: 3. Ethically constitutive stories and norms of allegiance 4. A pioneering people.
Reconstituting damaged ecologies: ethics for post-colonial development

Contemporary development goals of the Philippines, like those of many post-colonial states in the Third Word, strongly emphasize the need to catch up with the living standards of western industrialized countries. This article argues that following the western model of development through industrialization can only exacerbate existing socio-economic and ecological problems. The article contends that an historically appropriate and total development should aim for a reconstitution of natural, social, and moral ecologies. Drawing from historical sources, the first part of the article examines the ecological consequences of Spanish colonization in order to provide the rationale for a definition of development as a reconstitution of damaged ecologies. The second part propose that the ethics of post-colonial development should be based on equality of access to life-sustaining resources and the transformation of values. The article conceptualizes ethics as a social discourse that defends human communities from f...
All the News That's Fit to Sell: How the Market Transforms Information Into News, by James T. Hamilton

Many scholars have explored and lamented the decline of hard news and the rise of soft news or infotainment. Hamilton offers a compelling explanation of this decline and, in the process, puts to re...
Covariant supergraphs (I). Yang-Mills theory

Abstract We describe covariant D -algebra methods for the evaluation of supergraphs in supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories. These methods lead to simplifications in the evaluation of higher-loop contributions.
Residues that influence in vivo and in vitro CbbR function in Rhodobacter sphaeroides and identification of a specific region critical for co-inducer recognition.

Summary CbbR is a LysR-type transcriptional regulator (LTTR) that is required to activate transcription of the cbb operons, responsible for CO2 fixation, in Rhodobacter sphaeroides. LTTR proteins often require a co-inducer to regulate transcription. Previous studies suggested that ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) is a positive effector for CbbR function in this organism. In the current study, RuBP was found to increase the electrophoretic mobility of the CbbR/cbbI promoter complex. To define and analyse the co-inducer recognition region of CbbR, constitutively active mutant CbbR proteins were isolated. Under growth conditions that normally maintain transcriptionally inactive cbb operons, the mutant CbbR proteins activated transcription. Fourteen of the constitutively active mutants resulted from a single amino acid substitution. One mutant was derived from amino acid substitutions at two separate residues that appeared to act synergistically. Different mutant proteins showed both sensitivity and insensitivity to RuBP and residues that conferred constitutive transcriptional activity could be highlighted on a three-dimensional model, with several residues unique to CbbR shown to be at locations critical to LTTR function. Many of the constitutive residues clustered in or near two specific loops in the LTTR tertiary structure, corresponding to a proposed site of co-inducer binding.
A Review of “Environmental Health Hazards and Social Justice: Geographical Perspectives on Race and Class Disparities”

Environmental health disparities persist in the United States and worldwide despite decades of health care and public health interventions. Florence Margai's Environmental Health Hazards and Social...
Fracto-Emission from Fiber-Reinforced and Particulate Filled Composites

Fracto-emission (FE) is the emission of particles and photons during and following crack propagation. The types of particles we have observed include electrons (EE), positive ions (PIE), photons (phE), and excited and ground state neutral emission (NE). In this paper we present our work on the characterization of the various FE components and measurements relating FE to the fracture events and material properties involved. FE characteristics measured include total emission, time dependence relative to crack propagation, species of neutral and ionic components, energy of charged species, and time correlations between pairs of FE components. Experiments on fracture of epoxy, single fibers, fiber/epoxy strands, particulate filled epoxy, and multi-ply fiber/epoxy systems will be presented.
IBM-ACS: reminiscences and lessons learned from a 1960's supercomputer project

This paper contains reminiscences of my work as a young engineer at IBM-Advanced Computing Systems. I met my colleague Brian Randell during a particularly exciting time there --- a time that shaped our later careers in very interesting ways. This paper reflects on those long-ago experiences and the many lessons learned back then. I'm hoping that other ACS veterans will share their memories with us too, and that together we can build ever-clearer images of those heady days.
Global Solar Variations and Effects of Relativistic 2D-Hydrogen

Characteristics of the temporal evolution of the global solar magnetic field were found to display a 2-step cycling mode consistent with a pattern of a fundamental harmonic progression underlying all solar cycles at all times and having its seat in the fusion region of the core via nuclear magnetic resonance as part of the hydrogen and helium fusion chain. In addition to the three principal zones in the interior of the sun, core, radiative zone, and convection zone, a sub-surface layer is being suggested to take part in the processes of varying solar activity, which would be an extension of relativistic 2D hydrogen being formed throughout the plasma body under the influence of pressure waves originating in the core. The major participants confined to such a 2D layer is for the most part 2D hydrogen particularly in its form of relativistic 2D hydrogen, where the Bohratom binding energies are replaced by binding energies in the range of Eo = 0.5 MeV. For this reason it is conjectured that this condition lends itself to providing contributions to (a) the energy release including 0.5 MeV and lower energy γ-photons as well as (b) superimposing a radial component to the global dipole field.
N-{4-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]butyl, butenyl and butynyl}arylcarboxamides as novel dopamine D3 receptor antagonists

Abstract The dopamine D 3 receptor subtype has been targeted as a potential neurochemical modulator of the behavioral actions of psychomotor stimulants, such as cocaine. Previous synthetic studies provided structural requirements for high affinity binding to D 3 receptors which included a 2,3-dichloro-phenylpiperazine linked to an arylamido function via a butyl chain. To reduce lipophilicity of these agents and further investigate optimal conformation, a second series of 15 novel ligands was designed that included heteroaromatic substitution and unsaturated alkyl linkers. These compounds were synthesized and evaluated for binding at rat D 3 and D 2 receptors stably expressed in Sf9 cells. D 3 binding affinities ranged from K i =0.6–1080 nM, with a broad range of D 3 /D 2 selectivities (2–97). The discovery of potent, selective and bioavailable D 3 receptor ligands will provide essential molecular probes to elucidate the role D 3 receptors play in the psychomotor stimulant and reinforcing effects of cocaine.
Anti-predator behaviour in the ant Pheidole desertorum: the importance of multiple nests

Abstract The relationship between emigrations and anti-predator behaviour in the ant Pheidole desertorum was investigated in the field. Frequent emigrations in P. desertorum result in the colony having multiple nests, of which only one is occupied at a time. A field procedure demonstrated that the ants quickly find and enter the unoccupied nests after a nest evacuation caused by the army ant Neivamyrmex nigrescens. When colonies were denied access to their unoccupied nests after an evacuation, survival of the brood and alates was significantly lower than in colonies allowed access to all their nests. These results suggest that emigrations in P. desertorum are part of a defence strategy against army ants.
Denial in Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: The Consulting Psychiatrist's Dilemma

Objective:The purpose of this review, which also includes the report of a new case, is to discuss the pervasive denial of responsibility among individuals who have engaged in Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) behavior. In MSBP, a caretaker (almost always the mother) fabricates or induces illness in her child; she then presents the child for medical treatment, disclaiming knowledge of the etiology of the illness.Method:Literature searches of several computer databases were performed, and ninety-two citations dealing with MSBP, culled from medical, legal, and lay publications, were examined for descriptions of caretakers' responses to being confronted with the allegation of MSBP. Thirty-four citations contained relevant material, which was combined with observations from cases in which the author has served as a consultant.Results:Caretakers engaging in MSBP consistently deny any role in the dissimulation, even when confronted with compelling evidence. This denial complicates management, though interventi...
C–S Bond Activation of Thioesters Using Platinum(0)

C–S bond activation of both cyclic and acyclic thioesters using (dippe)Pt(NBE)2 (NBE = norbornene) are reported. In the cases of S-methyl thioacetate and S-ethyl thioacetate, (dippe)Pt(C(O)Me)(SR) (R = Me, Et) formed initially. Further heating in the presence of excess thioester led to formation of the final complex (dippe)Pt(SR)2 along with acetone and RSMe as organic side products. PtIV intermediates are proposed to be involved in the reaction mechanism.
The proximity of the here and the urgency of the now: Lourdes Portillo's Señorita Extraviada

This essay discusses Lourdes Portillo's 2001 documentary Senorita Extraviada/Missing Young Woman, which investigates the missing and murdered women in Juarez, Mexico. Through her compassionate use of testimonio, effective juxtaposition of documentary evidence, and incorporation of avant-garde techniques, Portillo forcefully shows how documentary can be deployed to powerful political ends as she creates an effective counter-narrative to challenge the silence and impunity surrounding the crimes. The essay argues that the web of complicity she evokes in her documentary makes visible the transnational context of and accountability for the circumstances enabling the crimes to continue.
Growth of Arrayed Nanorods and Nanowires of ZnO from Aqueous Solutions

A novel approach to the rational fabrication of smart and functional metal oxide particulate thin films and coatings is demonstrated on the growth of ZnO nanowires and oriented nanorod arrays. The synthesis involves a template-less and surfactant-free aqueous method, which enables the generation of, at large-scale, low-cost, and moderate temperatures, advanced metal oxide thin films with controlled complexity. The strategy consists of monitoring of the nucleation, growth, and aging processes by means of chemical and electrostatic control of the interfacial free energy. It enables the control of the size of nano-, meso-, and microcrystallites, their surface morphology, orientations onto various substrates, and crystal structure.
A new technique for studying photo-acid generator chemistry and physics in polymer films using on-wafer ellipsometry and acid-sensitive dyes

Chemically amplified resists (CARs) are likely to continue to be the main resist materials platform for next generation lithography using shorter wavelength and higher energy radiation sources, such as extreme ultra-violet (EUV) and electron-beam (EB) lithography, to pattern features at and below the 32 nm technology node. As the cost of generating and manipulating high energy radiation in these techniques increases dramatically, photoacid generators (PAGs) with high sensitivities to these exposure sources are required to efficiently utilize such radiation and maintain high lithography tool throughputs. On the other hand, the high energy radiation used in current and next generation lithography tools can increasingly interact non-selectively with the PAG and polymer resin. Photoacid generation from PAG sensitization pathways involving the photoresist resin (e.g. polymer) becomes another potential route for boosting the photospeed of CARs if the PAG and matrix resin chemistry is selected properly. In this work, a fast, convenient, and material saving method which can measure the acid generation rate and yield under photolysis and radiolysis, as well as determine the efficiency of acid generation through direct PAG excitation and indirect PAG sensitization pathways has been developed. This method utilizes on-wafer ellipsometry to determine the absorption of protonated Courmarin 6 (C6) dye, which is incorporated into the polymer resin as a proton indicator. In this work, triphenylsulfonium triflate PAG is used in two different matrix resins, poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(hydroxystyrene), to illustrate this point that matrix sensitization of the PAG can be important and can be studied using the method developed in this work. This study serves as the starting point for building the structure property relationships needed for intelligent PAG and matrix design to optimize exposure energy utilization in CARs. The validity of this new analytical method is verified by comparing our results in selected PAG-polymer combinations with results obtained from previous studies using different techniques. The potential measurement errors possible when using dye as the proton indicator in a solid-state medium, such as the probability of proton-dye contact and acid generation through dye radiation absorption and sensitization of the PAG, are also analyzed and discussed in this paper.
Endothelial Progenitor Cells: From Senescence to Rejuvenation

Discovered more than 15 years ago, endothelial progenitor cells attract both basic and translational researchers. It has become clear that they represent a heterogeneous population of endothelial colony-forming cells, early or late outgrowth endothelial cells, or blood outgrowth endothelial cells, each characterized by differing proliferative and regenerative capacity. Scattered within the vascular wall, these cells participate in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis and support regeneration of epithelial cells. There is growing evidence that this cell population is impaired during the course of chronic cardiovascular and kidney disease when it undergoes premature senescence and loss of specialized functions. Senescence-associated secretory products released by such cells can affect the neighboring cells and further exacerbate their regenerative capacity. For these reasons, adoptive transfer of endothelial progenitor cells is being used in more than 150 ongoing clinical trials of diverse cardiovascular diseases. Attempts to rejuvenate this cell population either ex vivo or in situ are emerging. The progress in this field is paramount to regenerate the injured kidney.
The revolution will be televised.

Ours is a golden age of surgical innovation. Advances in minimally invasive and computer-assisted (robotic) techniques are introduced at an ever-accelerating pace. Biomedical applications of emerging technologies such as novel energy sources, new biomaterials, nanoscale engineering and visualization will continue the revolution in surgical care for many years to come. Video and convergent digital technologies are also changing the way these new innovations can be streamed to a worldwide audience interconnected by personal computers. Surgical training and continuing surgical education have been dramatically impacted by these advances. Members of the “YouTube generation” now find it hard to imagine a time when electronic educational media was not available on demand via desktop or handheld devices. High-quality video as a means to augment scientific and technical communication has long been popular at surgical conventions, but it has been used somewhat sparingly in traditional scientific peer-reviewed publications. In this issue of the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, we feature a series of three articles that include links to video files that beautifully document innovative surgical techniques in minimally invasive liver resection. The Editors encourage authors to take advantage of widely available user-friendly video editing software and the significant electronic capabilities of our publisher Springer Science+Business Media as they prepare their work for peer review. We encourage submission of multimedia and dynamic manuscripts that include imbedded video material as either the heart of the article or as electronic supplementary material. Further information for authors is available at http://www.editorialmanager.com/jgsu. J Gastrointest Surg (2008) 12:1151 DOI 10.1007/s11605-008-0530-y
Intrinsic dynamics of enzymes in the unbound state and relation to allosteric regulation

In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of studies exploring the relationship between proteins' equilibrium dynamics and structural changes involved in function. An emerging concept, supported by both theory and experiments, is that under native state conditions proteins have an intrinsic ability to sample conformations that meet functional requirements. A typical example is the ability of enzymes to sample open and closed forms, irrespective of substrate, succeeded by the stabilization of one form (usually closed) upon substrate binding. This ability is structure-encoded, and plays a key role in facilitating allosteric regulation, which suggests complementing the sequence-encodes-structure paradigm of protein science by structure-encodes-dynamics-encodes-function. The emerging connection implies an evolutionary role in selecting/conserving structures based on their ability to achieve functional dynamics, and in turn, selecting sequences that fold into such 'apt' structures.
Assessment of functional status in patients with cardiac disease

The evaluation of functional status as an outcome for patients with cardiac disease has become common practice in both clinical settings and research studies. However, the measurement of functional status lacks conceptual clarity, frequently focuses on only one dimension of functioning, and overlooks the individuality of the patient. Some measures of functional status have questionable sensitivity to capture change over time, or the ability to discriminate between groups, and lack reports of reliability and validity testing. The purpose of this article is to discuss critical issues related to the evaluation of functional status, with a focus on objective and subjective measures of functional status frequently used in cardiac populations.
Statistics is Easy

Statistics is the activity of inferring results about a population given a sample. Historically, statistics books assume an underlying distribution to the data (typically, the normal distribution) and derive results under that assumption. Unfortunately, in real life, one cannot normally be sure of the underlying distribution. For that reason, this book presents a distribution-independent approach to statistics based on a simple computational counting idea called resampling. This book explains the basic concepts of resampling, then systematically presents the standard statistical measures along with programs (in the language Python) to calculate them using resampling, and finally illustrates the use of the measures and programs in a case study. The text uses junior high school algebra and many examples to explain the concepts. The ideal reader has mastered at least elementary mathematics, likes to think procedurally, and is comfortable with computers. Table of Contents: The Basic Idea / Bias Corrected Confidence Intervals / Pragmatic Considerations When Using Resampling / Terminology / The Essential Stats / Case Study: New Mexico's 2004 Presidential Ballots / References
Phylogeography of the Arizona hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) supports a model of biotic assembly in the Mojave Desert and adds a new Pleistocene refugium

Aim As data accumulate, a multi-taxon biogeographical synthesis of the Mojave Desert is beginning to emerge. The initial synthesis, which we call the ‘Mojave Assembly Model’, was predominantly based on comparisons of phylogeographical patterns from vertebrate taxa. We tested the predictions of this model by examining the phylogeographical history of Hadrurus arizonensis, a large scorpion from the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. Location Mojave and Sonoran deserts, United States and Mexico. Methods We sequenced mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) data from 256 samples collected throughout the range of H. arizonensis. We analysed sequence data using a network analysis, spatial analysis of molecular variance (SAMOVA), and a Mantel test. We then used a molecular clock to place the genetic patterns in a temporal framework. We tested for signals of expansion using neutrality tests, mismatch distributions and Bayesian skyline plots. We used Maxent to develop current and late-glacial species distribution models from occurrence records and bioclimatic variables. Results Phylogenetic and structure analyses split the maternal genealogy basally into a southern clade along the coast of Sonora and a northern clade that includes six lineages distributed in the Mojave Desert and northern Sonoran Desert. Molecular dating suggested that the main clades diverged between the late Pliocene and early Pleistocene, whereas subsequent divergences between lineages occurred in the middle and late Pleistocene. Species distribution models predicted that the distribution of suitable climate was reduced and fragmented during the Last Glacial Maximum. Main conclusions Genetic analyses and species distribution modelling suggest that the genetic diversity within H. arizonensis was predominantly structured by Pleistocene climate cycles. These results are generally consistent with the predictions of Pleistocene refugia for arid-adapted taxa described in the Mojave Assembly Model, but suggest that a northern area of the Lower Colorado River Valley may have acted as an additional refugium during Pleistocene glacial cycles.
Facies and Faunal Relations in Pennsylvanian Missourian Rocks Along Oklahoma-Kansas Boundary: ABSTRACT

The transitional belt between Missourian rocks of Kansas and Oklahoma is characterized by complex facies and faunal relations and traditionally has been a subject of controversy. In contrast to the laterally persistent limestone beds of Kansas which terminate north of the state boundary as algal buildups, limestone beds of the transitional belt are local and consist of thin calcarenite and calcilutite, thick oolitic beds, and algal buildups. Where fossiliferous, intervening shale beds are dominated by crinoids and mollusks. Stratigraphic evidence indicates that the Hogshooter and Dewey Limestones of Oklahoma are not equivalent to the Dennis and Drum Limestones of Kansas. In Oklahoma the Iola Limestone disappears a few miles south of the state boundary. On the basis of cri oid evolution, the Iola interval farther south is considered to be above the Avant Limestone. Lower Missourian Apographiocrinus typically has ornate surface markings which progressively disappear in evolution. Apographiocrinus arcuatus from the Avant Limestone retains some markings, whereas A. typicalis from slightly higher strata is essentially devoid of surface pustules. The latter species is from the Iola Limestone near the state line and the Wann Formation on the south. Two algal buildups are identified in the Avant. The Wann Formation consists of shale, sandstone, and several lenticular limestone beds. The limestone, previously referred to the Birch Creek Limestone, is known to occupy several stratigraphic positions. A Lansing unit, informally termed the "Tyro oolite," is present in southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma and bears Cibolocrinus conicus, Apographiocrinus typ calis, and other forms characteristic of Kansas Lansing limestones. End_of_Article - Last_Page 744------------
Indirect Production of X-Ray Line Radiation

It has been shown experimentally by Webster and by Hansen and Stoddard that there is a constant ratio between the number of $K$ electrons ejected directly by cathode rays and the number ejected by the resulting bremsstrahlung radiation. Their work on thick anodes of silver and palladium extended over a wide range of energy. In the present work, a new technique has been used to reexamine the problem. It was found that a copper anode operating at low energies gives the same results, thus showing, as one might expect from theory, that the said ratio is independent of the anode material. Although indirect ionization is a contributing factor in thick targets, it has been observed that the line emission from extremely thin anodes is caused by direct collisions.
Numerical Analysis of Corrosion Behavior and Oxygen Transport in the Nature Convection Lead-Bismuth Flow

A two-dimensional numerical analysis of oxygen transport and corrosion behaviors in a coupled natural convection and lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) flow in a two dimensional container was carried out in detailed. In present study, it is assumed the corrosion product (iron) concentration is at its equilibrium level at the wall. The wall boundary condition for the mass transfer of corrosion production and oxygen concentration was taken based on the active oxygen control model. And also the oxygen transport in the LBE loop flow was simulated for testing and calibrating flow concentration level oxygen sensors. Both of the corrosion/precipitation rates at the wall, distribution of corrosion product and oxygen, and oxygen diffusion time are analyzed. Some useful information was obtained to understand the mechanism of corrosion behavior and oxygen transport.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Alternative therapies in the treatment of oral self‐injurious behavior: a case report

This paper presents the case of a child with severe mental retardation and a history of oral self-injurious behavior (SIB). While the behavior was refractory to a number of dental interventions, some success was achieved through a combination of behavioral therapy techniques and therapeutic touch (a relaxation technique). Etiologies of SIB are discussed, along with descriptions of alternatives to traditional dental therapy for this difficult problem.
High dislocation densities in high efficiency GaN‐based light‐emitting diodes

The electrical, optical, and structural properties of light emitting diodes (LEDs) fabricated from the III–V nitride material system have been studied. LEDs with external quantum efficiencies as high as 4% were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and found to contain dislocation densities in excess of 2×1010 cm−2. A comparison to other III–V arsenide and phosphide LEDs shows that minority carries in GaN‐based LEDs are remarkably insensitive to the presence of structural defects. Dislocations do not act as efficient nonradiative recombination sites in nitride materials. It is hypothesized that the benign character of dislocations arises from the ionic nature of bonding in the III–V nitrides.
High Intensity Multi-GeV Proton Accelerators

For performing many high-energy physics experiments, it is necessary to have high-energy particle beams of very high intensity. The intensity of particle beams in circular proton accelerators in the multi-GeV energy range depends, first, on the number of protons accelerated per pulse and, second, on the number of pulses per second. The number of protons which can be accelerated per pulse is limited by the space charge effects, and the number of pulses per second is limited by the design or type of the accelerator. These intensity limitations and methods of pushing back these limits are discussed. It is now feasible both technologically and economically to construct accelerators in the tens of GeV energy range which will accelerate more than 1014 protons per second.
Simulation Of Airborne Target Imagery - Dependence On Frequency And Bistatic Angle

Simulated signatures of generic airborne targets are presented in this paper. In particular, two-dimensional images of target shapes as a function of frequency and bistatic angle (between the transmitter and receiver lines-of-sight) are investigated. The theoretical model is based on the classical theories of physical optics and diffraction. Coherent radar cross section is first simulated for monochromatic waves. Image response is then obtained by Fourier transforms infrequency and time. Accurate bistatic radar cross section (RCS) is simulated by evaluating both the physical optics and the diffraction components with a uniform asymptotic analysis.
Redefining reproductive success in songbirds: Moving beyond the nest success paradigm

ABSTRACT One of the most commonly estimated parameters in studies of songbird ecology is reproductive success, as a measure of either individual fitness or population productivity. Traditionally, the “success” in reproductive success refers to whether, or how many, nestlings leave nests. Here, we advocate that “reproductive success” in songbirds be redefined as full-season productivity, or the number of young raised to independence from adult care in a breeding season. A growing body of evidence demonstrates interdependence between nest success and fledgling survival, and emphasizes that data from either life stage alone can produce misleading measures of individual fitness and population productivity. Nest success, therefore, is an insufficient measure of reproductive success, and songbird ecology needs to progress beyond this long-standing paradigm. Full-season productivity, an evolutionarily rational measure of reproductive success, provides the framework for appropriately addressing unresolved questio...
Change of diagnosis in schizophrenia and first-rank symptoms: An eight-year follow-up

Abstract Fifty-seven patients diagnosed as schizophrenic at the inception hospital admission, because they had Schneider's first-rank symptoms, were investigated 8 years for change of diagnosis. The average duration of their psychiatric contact after the admission was 5 years. During this period 88% still had a diagnosis of schizophrenia, but seven patients had been given other diagnoses. Change of diagnosis was significantly associated with “voices discussing” when it was the only first-rank symptom. The question of whether “voices discussing” should be included in the canon of Schneiderian first-rank symptoms is discussed.
Marketing Orientation in Hospitals: Findings from a Multi-Phased Research Study

It is clear from numerous studies conducted over a wide variety of industries that marketing-oriented organizations perform better than those that do not adopt this business philosophy. Recent studies have confirmed this finding in healthcare organizations as well. What is now coming to light is the way in which a marketing orientation does contribute to better performance in hospitals, and the difficulties marketers face in getting recognition of that fact by non-marketers in their organization. This article reports on a multi-phased research study of the implementation of marketing-oriented behaviors in a hospital setting.
Dissociative chemistry of ionic transition metal cluster fragments

The ionic fragments formed by collision-induced dissociation of Mn2(CO) + ions (y=1–10) are reported. The ratio of product ions formed by metal-metal vs. metal-ligand bond cleavage are discussed in terms of the dependence of the metal-metal bond energy on the metal-to-ligand ratio. The collision-induced dissociation data indicate that the metal-metal bond energy of Mn2(CO) 5 + and Mn2(CO) 10 + is less than that for Mn2(CO) + (y=1–4 and 6–9). The product ions arising by metal-metal and metal-ligand bond cleavage reactions for collision-induced dissociation and photodissociation are compared. On the basis of this data and the known photochemistry/photophysics of Mn2(CO)10, it is proposed that the difference in collision-induced dissociation and photodissociation product ion branching ratios is attributable to spin-orbit transitions of the activated ions.
Cancer awareness and self-examination practices in young men and women.

Participants in this study (N=178) were poorly informed about risk factors, warning signs, and self-examination (SE) practices for two common cancers in young adults, testicular cancer in men and breast cancer in women. Compared to women, men were less likely to know about, see the importance of, or practice SE. We found no relationship between internal locus of control, hypochondriasis, and loneliness, on the one hand, and cancer knowledge and SE, on the other. The best predictors of cancer awareness and SE were fear of developing cancer and self-rated confidence that SE was being done correctly. The results are consistent with a health belief model and self-efficacy theory of health behavior.
Mission scenario evaluation with the Hybrid Operational Protocol Evaluation tool

This paper shows an approach to the evaluation of mission scenarios that involves motion and mobile network communications for groups of vehicles, using the Hybrid Operational Protocol Evaluation (HOPE) tool. HOPE is a framework that combines simulation models of communication protocols, terrain maps, link budget reporting services, scenario network visualizations, statistics gathering and displays, and other mission resource expenses (fuel, ammunition, battery power, etc.). Users can create scenarios and execute scenario simulation models with external simulation environments, such as OPNET, QualNet, MATLAB, etc. HOPE refines simulation results with terrain obstructions and atmospherics. HOPE also animates scenarios, visualizing vehicle motion and communication over 3D geographical maps, and provides the scenario statistical reports. HOPE estimates resources necessary to accomplish the mission in different terrain and climatic circumstances. 3D animation of mission execution, together with statistical charts, helps detect logistical flaws in the mission plan. Varying scenario parameters allows users to find an optimal plan for the mission. HOPE executes and visualizes more than one simulation model using one scenario.
An Examination of the Effects of WebTrust and Company Type on Consumers’ Purchase Intentions

This study examines the effects of both WebTrust and company type on purchasing intentions in a B2C E-commerce setting. While past studies have focused on the incremental effects of Web assurance services on Web sites, this study extends research by exploring whether WebTrust strengthens purchasing intentions for both known, and unknown, companies. Professional literature suggests that Web assurance seals such as WebTrust will primarily benefit unknown companies. A second contribution of the paper is to propose and test a model of how WebTrust and company type each lead to greater purchasing intentions. Based on a mediation model, WebTrust is expected to influence purchasing intentions through assurance beliefs. Alternatively, company type is expected to influence purchasing intentions through the formation of trusting beliefs. Under our model, because each works through a separate mediating variable, WebTrust and company type are not substitutes for each other. The results support the proposed model showing that WebTrust is mediated by assurance beliefs and company type is mediated by trusting beliefs. These results have important practical implications as they show that all companies, not just the unknown, can benefit from displaying a WebTrust seal. Thus, the results from our study suggest that the potential market for Web assurance services should include all B2C E-commerce companies.
Cardiac Cryolesions: Factors Affecting Their Size and a Means of Monitoring Their Formation

Abstract Twenty-seven endocardial cryolesions were created in mongrel dogs and analyzed to determine the effects on cryolesion size of both the initial myocardial temperature (37°C versus 12°C) and the pressure within the nitrous oxide delivery line (tank pressure of more than 700 pounds per square inch [psi] versus tank pressure of less than 700 psi). In addition, local myocardial temperatures were monitored to determine their utility in the intraoperative determination of the extent of cryothermic cell death. Cryolesion volume was significantly affected by both the initial myocardial temperature ( p > 0.001) and the line pressure ( p = 0.014). In a 37°C myocardium, the mean lesion volume ranged from 0.501 ± 0.183 cc at line pressures lower than 700 psi to 0.839 ± 0.258 cc at line pressures greater than 700 psi. In a 12°C myocardium, the mean volume was 1.151 ± 0.436 cc at line pressures lower than 700 psi and 1.361 ± 0.288 cc at line pressures higher than 700 psi. A myocardial temperature of 0°C occurs at the edge of the area of cell death. When analyzing the range from −5° to +5°C, the probability of a point at or lower than 0°C falling inside the cryolesion is 84.2%. Monitoring intra-myocardial temperature will predict the border of a cryolesion.
Adolescents’ Self-Reported Motivations for Dietary Changes during Pregnancy

The purpose of this study was to determine if, how, and why adolescents changed their diets during pregnancy. Nutrient intakes per 1000 kcal of 97 pregnant adolescents were compared with those of 125 demographically similar nonpregnant adolescents. Additionally, pregnant adolescents were asked how and why their food consumption had changed since conception. Results indicate that pregnant girls’ diets were more (p < .05) nutrient dense for protein, vitamins D, K, B6, B12, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, and minerals zinc, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. Since becoming pregnant, a majority reported that they had increased the amount of food eaten, specifically milk/dairy products, vegetables, fresh fruit/unsweetened juices, breads/cereals, and chocolate. Major motivations for increasing food intake during pregnancy included food cravings, increased appetite, improved taste of food, and concern for the baby. Health professionals’ influence was cited for increased intake of vitamin supplements but not for changes in food intake. Major motivations for decreasing food intake during pregnancy were nausea and the altered taste of some foods. Pregnant adolescents apparently received the “milk and calcium message” and changed their diets accordingly. Other messages may need to be individualized because motivations for dietary change differed.
High-Dose Cytarabine (HD araC) in the Treatment of Leukemias: a Review

Cytarabine (araC) has served as the backbone of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment for nearly forty years. High-dose cytarabine (HD araC) therapy resulted from a theoretical model developed in the 1970s that attempted to maximize the anti-leukemia effect of cytarabine. Since that time, HD araC has been utilized mostly in consolidation therapy for AML and in patients with relapsed or resistant AML. The development of araC and HD araC preceded our current understanding of AML biology–that it is a heterogeneous disease, not a single clinical entity. Thus, the optimal dose, schedule, and clinical setting for the use of cytarabine in hematologic malignancies remain uncertain. Research is now better defining the optimal use of HD araC based on leukemia cell karyotype and molecular signature. Here we review the pharmacodynamics of araC, the landmark studies that established the role of HD araC in AML, and research defining the role of HD araC based on the unique biologic properties of the leukemia cell.
Suppression of morphogenesis in embryonic mouse limbs exposed in vitro to excess gravity

The effect of excess gravity on in vitro mammalian limb chondrogenesis is studied. Limb buds from mice of various gestational stages were exposed to excess gravity (2.6G) using a culture centrifuge. Both forelimbs and hind limbs were cultured, and the development of various limb elements was scored after four to six days. The 2.6G force significantly depressed the development of limb elements when applied during the teratogen-sensitive period of chondrogenesis.
Reducing numerical diffusion in magnetospheric simulations

[1] Physics-based global magnetosphere modeling requires large computational resources. It is still impractical to resolve the computational domain to the point where numerical errors become negligible. One possible way of reducing numerical diffusion is the “Boris correction”: the semirelativistic magnetohydrodynamics equations are solved with an artificially reduced speed of light. Here we introduce a new alternative approach, an Implicit Scheme with Limited Numerical Dissipation (ISLND). The fully implicit time stepping provides stability, and the wave speeds are limited in the dissipative numerical fluxes only. This limiting only affects the numerical scheme, and it does not modify the equations being solved. This approach can be employed for most total variation diminishing schemes. The differences between the Boris and ISLND schemes are demonstrated in simple numerical tests. We also perform several simulations for two magnetic storms using the global magnetosphere, the ionosphere electrodynamics, and the inner magnetosphere models of the Space Weather Modeling Framework, and we compare the Boris scheme with the limited numerical dissipation method and also with the unmodified base scheme at various grid resolutions. We find that for these particular simulations the Boris scheme and the ISLND scheme produce comparable results, both being significantly less diffusive than the unmodified scheme.