cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of ethynyl substituents on the electronic structure of cyclobutadiene.

The effects of ethynyl substitution on the electronic structure of cyclobutadiene are investigated in this work. Ethynyl substituted cyclobutadienes may be involved in Bergman cyclization reactions and are possible intermediates in the formation of fullerenes and graphitic sheets. Prediction of the electronic structure of cyclobutadiene is challenging for single-reference ab initio methods because of Jahn–Teller distortions and the diradical character of the singlet state. The equation-of-motion spin-flip coupled-cluster with single and double excitations (EOM-SF-CCSD) method accurately describes diradical states and is used to determine vertical and adiabatic singlet–triplet energy splittings in the substituted cyclobutadienes. The adiabatic singlet–triplet gaps decrease upon substituent addition, but the singlet states remain lower in energy. However, the results are affected by spin-contamination of the reference state and deteriorate when an unrestricted HF reference is employed. Additional insights i...
Stabilizing Effect of Amino Acids on Bacteriophage Tlr

Summary1. Tlr+ phage is rapidly and irreversibly inactivated at 37°C in distilled water, .15 N sodium or potassium chloride or in Davis medium. 2. Addition of calcium, magnesium or the amino acids serine, threonine, homoserine, aspartate or glutamate results in stabilization of phage in the diluents mentioned above.
Relation of adrenal weight to social rank of mice.

SummaryMature male “wild-strain mice,” isolated from weaning, were placed in groups of 6 for 4 hours a day for 10 days. The social or dominance rank of each mouse was determined. Adrenal and body weights were obtained for each mouse. A significant relationship was found between adrenal weight and social rank. It is concluded that high-ranking mice have smaller adrenals than do low-ranking mice.
Evaluation of a Numerical Method to Determine the Combustion Temperature of A Rocket Engine Simulator from OH Emission Spectra

The hydroxyl radical OH emission spectra generated by a rocket engine simulator have been recorded at various oxidizer (O2) pressures. Due to the Boltzmann distribution function and the effect of the linewidth on the lineshape, the calculated spectral line intensities are expected to be dependent upon the assumed temperatures and linewidth. The hydroxyl OH rotational spectra at various assumed temperatures with an optimal linewidth have been predicted and plotted. The line peak intensity ratios of three selected line peaks to the largest line peak have been computed. A polynomial fit process has been employed to establish an emperical relation between the line peak intensity ratios and the rotational temperatures. The line peak intensity ratios evaluated from the observed OH spectra along with the emperical relations have been used to determine the combustion temperature.
Helicella Snails Infesting Rosemary Seeds: Methyl Bromide and Other Fumigants for Quarantine Control

Small-scale laboratory tests in 1971-72 indicated control of two species of juvenile Helicella infesting seeds of rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis L., in fumigations at reduced pressure near 100 mm Hg with methyl bromide (MeBr) 48 mg per liter for three hours. Preliminary germination tests of tolerance shortly after fumigation or following storage at 5.6–7.2°C for 12-16 months indicated little or no effect from MeBr 128 mg per liter for 16 hours at reduced pressure or 240 mg for 24 hours at normal atmospheric pressure (NAP). Tolerance of seed also appeared acceptable following NAP fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride 48 mg per liter for 72 hours or an ethylene oxide-carbon dioxide 10:90 mixture 416 mg per liter for 48 hours.
Early Archean spherule beds: Chromium isotopes confirm origin through multiple impacts of projectiles of carbonaceous chondrite type: Comment and Reply: REPLY

This is a exchange in the form of a comment and a reply in regards to an earlier article. The authors of the original article, consider it likely that virtually all of the projectile will condense with the silicate fraction, resulting in very little platinum group element fractionation in the final ejecta deposit. Further, we find no evidence in the commentator's, (i.e., Glikson), comment to support vapor fractionation. We note that the Pd/Ir ratios of published data on 2.56 Ga Hamersley Basin spherules are all greater than in chondrites, contrary to the assertion by Glikson. This is consistent with relatively high Pd concentrations (and Pd/Ir ratios) in crustal rocks.
Concentration of Benzene and Its Homologues in the Air of Waterproof Work in the Construction Building Sites in Chongwenmen District of Beijing

[Objective]To learn the changing law of the toxicant concentrations in the workplaces of different types through the surveillance of the concentration of benzene and its homologues in the air of waterproof work it the construction building sites in Chongwenmen District,and establish scientific and effective protective measures.[Methods] 4 construction building sites were stochastically chosen between May and September of 2006 to conduct surveillance of the concentration of benzene and its homologues in the air of the waterproof workplaces.[Results] Significant difference was found between the roof waterproof and basement waterproof work in the concentration of benzene 30 minutes after the construction(P0.05);the concentration of benzene was lower when using SBS painting than using JS polymer painting,and the concentration of toluene and dimethylbenzene was high(P0.05).[Conclusion] Ventilation should be enhanced in the obturated waterproof workplaces;using nontoxic paintings is the fundamental method to prevent occupational poisoning.
Education of the Atrial Fibrillation Patient in the Observation Unit

This chapter is about the importance of educating patients about their atrial fibrillation and the hurdles that healthcare providers must traverse in order to help patients understand their disease process. It has been established over time the importance of education to not only ease a patient’s anxiety but also decrease emergency department (ED) visits. Education is an important part of treating patients but is often difficult to do in an emergency observation area due to a patient’s readiness to receive education as well as time constraints in a short stay setting.
Assessing Room Function Using Unmodified Faunal Bone: A Case Study from East-Central Arizona

ABSTRACTResearchers in Southwestern archaeology have long sought to reconstruct social organization through the analysis of Puebloan room use and function. Though numerous variables have been used to classify room types, unworked animal bone has consistently been overlooked as an applicable data set with which to determine the function of prehistoric pueblo rooms. An analysis of floor assemblages from Rattlesnake Point Pueblo (AZ Q:11:118 [ASM]) suggests that basic differences exist in the distribution of fauna among room types. These differences form relatively distinct “faunal signatures” that may be used to assign room function in the absence of diagnostic architectural or artifactual data.
The dynamical axes of Kepler motion

Each of the dynamical quantities of Kepler motion—the total energy and the angular momentum—separately determines a corresponding dynamical axis of the elliptical orbit. The use of these axes expresses the dynamical quantities on an equal footing, enhances visualization, and deepens understanding of Kepler motion.
NONLINEAR DYNAMICS OF CHAINS INTERACTING WITH A STEADY SHOCK FRONT

Numerical study of a model of a linear atomic chain with one atom at the end of the chain driven at a constant velocity revealed a complex dynamical behavior of the system. For a very short chain, as in the case of a triatomic molecule, we observed a sequence of transitions that include quasiperiodicity, recurrent chaos and mode locking as the driven velocity is increased. The mode-locking states were found to have a universal fractal dimension as predicted theoretically for some other well-known models that exhibit chaotic transitions. At a certain value of the driven velocity, the dissociation of the molecule occurs after the last transition to chaos. For a long chain, if the driven velocity was large enough to cause fragmentation, similar chaotic behaviors were also found for the atoms in segments of the chain.
On the performance of the Baxter research robot

The rise of collaborative industrial robotics in the past few years is poised to have a significant impact on manufacturing. Many have joined the movement toward developing a more sustainable and affordable collaborative robotic workforce that can safely work alongside humans; perhaps, none more so than Rethink Robotics. This paper provides a performance assessment of Rethink's Baxter research robot: its kinematic precision was compared experimentally to that of a conventional industrial arm utilizing a point-to-point motion test and writing task. In addition, the Denavit-Hartenberg (DH) parameters were determined and verified in order to model the kinematic chains of the robot arms. Finally, the yield of pick and place tasks consistent with the 2015 IEEE Amazon's Picking Challenge were assessed. Results show that while Baxter's precision is limited, its ability to handle common household-size items in semi-structured environments is a great asset.
Precipitation Technologies for Nanoparticle Production

Precipitation technologies have been widely studied for nanoparticle production because they provide more control over particle size, shape, and morphology as compared to mechanical processes, such as milling and homogenization. Several precipitation processes are discussed in this chapter, with special attention to experimental parameters and typical particle attributes. The chapter also touches on novel nanoparticle recovery techniques that may be coupled with precipitation processes to enable these precipitation technologies to be scaled for commercial applications. The current authors would like to thank and acknowledge the significant contribution of the previous authors of this chapter from the first edition. This current second edition chapter is a revision and update of the original authors’ work.
Time From Emergency Department Evaluation to Operation and Appendiceal Perforation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In patients with appendicitis, the risk of perforation increases with time from onset of symptoms. We sought to determine if time from emergency department (ED) physician evaluation until operative intervention is independently associated with appendiceal perforation (AP) in children. METHODS: We conducted a planned secondary analysis of children aged 3 to 18 years with appendicitis enrolled in a prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study of patients with abdominal pain ( RESULTS: Of 955 children with appendicitis, 25.9% ( n = 247) had AP. The median time from ED physician evaluation to operation was 7.2 hours (interquartile range: 4.8–8.5). Adjusting for variables associated with perforation, duration of time (≤ 24 hours) between initial ED evaluation and operation did not significantly increase the odds of AP (odds ratio = 1.0, 95% confidence interval, 0.96–1.05), even among children without perforation on initial computed tomography (odds ratio = 0.95, 95% confidence interval, 0.89–1.02). CONCLUSIONS: Although duration of abdominal pain is associated with AP, short time delays from ED evaluation to operation did not independently increase the odds of perforation.
Long days enhance recognition memory and increase insulin-like growth factor 2 in the hippocampus

Light improves cognitive function in humans; however, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying positive effects of light remain unclear. One obstacle is that most rodent models have employed lighting conditions that cause cognitive deficits rather than improvements. Here we have developed a mouse model where light improves cognitive function, which provides insight into mechanisms underlying positive effects of light. To increase light exposure without eliminating daily rhythms, we exposed mice to either a standard photoperiod or a long day photoperiod. Long days enhanced long-term recognition memory, and this effect was abolished by loss of the photopigment melanopsin. Further, long days markedly altered hippocampal clock function and elevated transcription of Insulin-like Growth Factor2 (Igf2). Up-regulation of Igf2 occurred in tandem with suppression of its transcriptional repressor Wilm's tumor1. Consistent with molecular de-repression of Igf2, IGF2 expression was increased in the hippocampus before and after memory training. Lastly, long days occluded IGF2-induced improvements in recognition memory. Collectively, these results suggest that light changes hippocampal clock function to alter memory, highlighting novel mechanisms that may contribute to the positive effects of light. Furthermore, this study provides insight into how the circadian clock can regulate hippocampus-dependent learning by controlling molecular processes required for memory consolidation.
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common gastrointestinal condition. When medical therapy fails to adequately control symptoms, antireflux surgery is generally indicated. The most commonly performed antireflux operation is currently the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. During surgery, a consistent step-wise approach with attention to proper setup and common pitfalls can lead to good and durable clinical results with minimal long-term side effects.
Quality assurance through accreditation: When resistance meets over‐compliance

A large number of countries worldwide have established quality assurance mechanisms in Higher Education, ranging from the long-engrained system (United States) to more recent developments in Europe, Latin America and other regions. This study explores the way Higher Education institutions, as examples of autonomous organisations, respond to a new set of regulatory policies. The analysis of the regulatees shows that university-wide administration has gone beyond the letter of required regulations, toward over-compliance. Far from a stereotype of a main external regulator (accreditation agency) trying to impose the stated regulations and the regulatee simply resisting, the latter adds a kind of self-regulation. Below the university-wide administration, at the programme level—the primary regulatee target of external regulators—matters take more typical, anticipated form. Mixed compliance characterises programme-level responses, including resistance strategies. Findings illuminate not only the Argentine case but also other countries that have established quality assurance agencies.
B Cell Receptor and CD40 Signaling Are Rewired for Synergistic Induction of the c-Myc Transcription Factor in Germinal Center B Cells

Summary Positive selection of germinal center (GC) B cells is driven by B cell receptor (BCR) affinity and requires help from follicular T helper cells. The transcription factors c-Myc and Foxo1 are critical for GC B cell selection and survival. However, how different affinity-related signaling events control these transcription factors in a manner that links to selection is unknown. Here we showed that GC B cells reprogram CD40 and BCR signaling to transduce via NF-κB and Foxo1, respectively, whereas naive B cells propagate both signals downstream of either receptor. Although either BCR or CD40 ligation induced c-Myc in naive B cells, both signals were required to highly induce c-Myc, a critical mediator of GC B cell survival and cell cycle reentry. Thus, GC B cells rewire their signaling to enhance selection stringency via a requirement for both antigen receptor- and T cell-mediated signals to induce mediators of positive selection.
Human Amniotic Membrane: A Versatile Scaffold for Tissue Engineering.

The human amniotic membrane (hAM) is a collagen-based extracellular matrix derived from the human placenta. It is a readily available, inexpensive, and naturally biocompatible material. Over the past decade, the development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, along with new decellularization protocols, has recast this simple biomaterial as a tunable matrix for cellularized tissue engineered constructs. Thanks to its biocompatibility, decellularized hAM is now commonly used in a broad range of medical fields. New preparation techniques and composite scaffold strategies have also emerged as ways to tune the properties of this scaffold. The current state of understanding about the hAM as a biomaterial is summarized in this review. We examine the processing techniques available for the hAM, addressing their effect on the mechanical properties, biodegradation, and cellular response of processed scaffolds. The latest in vitro applications, in vivo studies, clinical trials, and commercially availabl...
A tool for finding rare marine species

By their very nature, rare marine species are challenging to study. They often elude detection by established research methods because of their scarcity and patchy distribution. Their small populations demand the use of sampling techniques that minimize the risks of injury or death and that conserve the habitats and ecological communities that support them. At the same time, ever more once-common marine species are becoming rare as threats such as overfishing, invasive species, and environmental destruction reduce their abundance ( 1 ). Analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) shows promise as a rapid, safe, sensitive, and cost-effective means for detecting and studying rare marine species.
Mass Spectrometric Techniques for the Determination of Lithium Isotopic Composition in Geological Material

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the mass spectrometric techniques for the determination of Lithium isotopic composition in geological material. The method for high precision lithium isotope measurement is developed to analyze lithium in geological samples with a better standard deviation. It has produced a significant database for the reservoirs of the Earth, which show a span of 60%-70% in lithium isotopic composition. The isotopic systematics is valuable for understanding a wide range of geological processes, such as, oceanic crust alteration, hydrothermal activities, sediment-water interaction, arc magma genesis, and subsurface brine evolution. The element lithium has two stable isotopes are 6Li and 7Li. The cosmic abundance of lithium isotopes reflects primordial nucleosynthesis, galactic cosmic-ray spallation, and destruction processes. The modern mass spectrometric methods in the chronological order of their development include chemical preparation, thermal ionization mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The method based on the measurement of the analysis of diborate ions is obsolete because of inferior analytical sensitivity and precision, and laborious sample preparation. These methods are capable of measuring nanogram quantities of lithium thus providing the analytical capability for a wide range of geological materials.
New Calculation of the Polarization Contribution to the Energy of a Negative Ion in Liquid Helium

An electron injected into liquid helium-4 forms a bubble of radius approximately 19 A. The size of the bubble is determined by a balance between the zero-point energy of the electron, the surface energy of the bubble wall, and the polarization energy of the helium in the electric field of the electron. We derive a modified result for the polarization energy of the bubble. We show that previous calculations in which the electron is treated as a point charge localized at the center of the bubble are inaccurate, and that it is essential to allow for the quantum fluctuations in the position of the electron.
What Promises the CJD Diagnosis in a Case of Rapidly Progressive Dementia

Background Developing methods for accurately diagnosing prion diseases has been a challenge in the search for successful diagnosis and treatment of rapidly progressive dementia. prion diseases are rare. However, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Despite their rarity, several other conditions are often misdiagnosed as prion diseases. Most Alzheimer's (AD) and Lewy Body Disease (LBD) patients also meet Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) criteria. The similarities in symptomology and pathology between these two patient groups complicates diagnosis and can compromise patient care. Prevalent methods for the diagnosis of CJD lack the heightened sensitivity to conclusively detect CJD. Of all currently available methods, real-time quaking induced conversion (RT-QuIC) analysis provides the highest sensitivity necessary to allow for an accurate diagnosis and yields early, quantitative results. Clinical case A 75-year-old woman with rapidly progressing dementia, for which CJD could not be ruled out, appeared for care at a neurological center. Laboratory test results, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) studies, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and an Electroencephalogram (EEG) proved inadequate to confirm CJD. In addition to AD, LBD, or CJD, other potential, yet improbable, pathologies could have caused the patient's symptoms. The patient's diagnosis ultimately was limited to either LBD or prion disease. Spongiform encephalogy was confirmed by a brain biopsy, and further testing confirmed sporadic CJD. Conclusion RT-QuIC offers higher sensitivity than currently prevalent diagnostic methods and appears most promising for CJD diagnosis.
Computer Vision for Visual Effects

Modern blockbuster movies seamlessly introduce impossible characters and action into real-world settings using digital visual effects. These effects are made possible by research from the field of computer vision, the study of how to automatically understand images. Computer Vision for Visual Effects will educate students, engineers, and researchers about the fundamental computer vision principles and state-of-the-art algorithms used to create cutting-edge visual effects for movies and television. The author describes classical computer vision algorithms used on a regular basis in Hollywood (such as blue screen matting, structure from motion, optical flow, and feature tracking) and exciting recent developments that form the basis for future effects (such as natural image matting, multi-image compositing, image retargeting, and view synthesis). He also discusses the technologies behind motion capture and three-dimensional data acquisition. More than 200 original images demonstrating principles, algorithms, and results, along with in-depth interviews with Hollywood visual effects artists, tie the mathematical concepts to real-world filmmaking.
Not Waving but Striving: Research Collaboration in the Context of Stratification, Segmentation, and the Quest for Prestige.

ABSTRACTIn this article we examine the ways in which institutional stratification and academic labor segmentation contribute to shaping faculty collaborative activities. We draw on interviews from ...
Survivorship and Caregiver Issues in Neuro-oncology

As cancer care has evolved so has the awareness of the issues cancer patients, their caregivers and families face during and after treatment, giving rise to the cancer survivorship care initiative. The body of research pertaining to quality of life, health-related quality of life, and multidimensional symptom burden of neuro-oncology patients and their caregivers has grown significantly, yielding a wealth of data and information indicating interventions and actions targeting symptoms and needs are both warranted and desired. The provision of survivorship care aiming to deliver care in a patient-centered, whole-person model offers a means by which these interventions and actions can be actualized. The research specific to survivorship care models and survivorship care plans and their delivery remains a large opportunity, one worth the careful consideration and participation of neuro-oncology healthcare providers for the benefit of their highly deserving patients and their caregivers and families.
Creating Entrepreneurs from the Ranks of the Unemployed

A little known provision of the North America Trade Agreement (NAFTA) legislation of 1993 is a mechanism that assists displaced workers with an interest in becoming entrepreneurs and small business owners. A program named the Self Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) was created and implemented in a number of states in the 1990s to do just that. SEAP facilitates entrepreneurial and small business management training and assistance to displaced workers. This article summarizes the experience and findings from Indiana University of Pennsylvania's SEAP program, which has provided assistance to over two hundred displaced workers in a tri-county area of western Pennsylvania between 1998 and 2003. The results support the contention that entrepreneurs can be "made" (or at least "assisted") even when they are confronted with less than optimal circumstances. Moreover, the findings suggest that the most reliable predictor of "success" was participation in the program itself, not entrepreneurial predisposition, education, aptitudes, or other factors that would be expected to positively influence success. Based on the success criteria established by the state of Pennsylvania, this program produced a "success rate " of 83%. Using an "up and running" criterion to define a successful entrepreneur, a 70% success rate was achieved. The framework for this entrepreneurial training program is also presented.
Capacitor Voltage Ripple Estimation and Optimal Sizing of Modular Multi-Level Converters for Variable-Speed Drives

This work deals with the sizing of submodule capacitors for modular multilevel converters (MMCs) used for variable speed drives for medium voltage and high voltage electric machines. Variable speed drives are required to run over a wide frequency range from zero to a few hundred Hz or even over 1 kHz. Under low frequency operation (<30 Hz), a large current ripple flowing through the MMC submodule capacitors will cause significant capacitor voltage fluctuation. This article proposes an optimal submodule capacitor selection method based on the common-mode voltage injection. The proposed sizing model includes two functions: 1) accurately estimating the capacitor voltage ripple based on the drive system parameters; and 2) identifying the minimum capacitance of the submodule capacitors based on the allowed maximum capacitor voltage fluctuations. Simulation and experimental results show that the error between the actual and estimated values of the voltage fluctuation is within 3% using the proposed model.
Effects of Prazosin on Provoked Alcohol Craving and Autonomic and Neuroendocrine Response to Stress in Alcohol Use Disorder.

BACKGROUND Chronic alcohol use results in changes to stress biology and autonomic arousal contributing to acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms, neuroendocrine tolerance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses, high stress-induced craving, and risk of alcohol relapse. Thus, stress coping and recovery from alcohol during early abstinence may be jeopardized by such stress system dysfunction. Significant preclinical evidence suggests that noradrenergic disruption may contribute to these alcohol-related stress arousal changes and that alpha-1 adrenergic antagonists, such as prazosin, may normalize these stress system adaptations and reduce alcohol intake. Thus, we hypothesized that prazosin would reduce stress-induced craving and improve neuroendocrine and autonomic response to stress and alcohol cue exposure during early abstinence. We secondarily also assessed the role of lifetime anxiety disorders on these prazosin effects. METHODS Forty inpatient treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent individuals were randomly assigned to receive placebo (n = 18) or 16 mg/d, T.I.D., prazosin (n = 22) in a double-blind manner, titrated over 2 weeks. In weeks 3 to 4 after achieving full dose, patients were exposed to 3 5-minute personalized guided imagery conditions (stress cue, alcohol cue, neutral/relaxing cue), on 3 consecutive days in a random, counterbalanced order. Alcohol craving, anxiety, heart rate, cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels were assessed at baseline, following imagery and at repeated recovery timepoints. RESULTS Prazosin reduced stress cue-induced alcohol craving (p < 0.05) and stress- and alcohol cue-induced anxiety (p < 0.05) and increased heart rate responses in all imagery conditions (p < 0.05). Prazosin lowered basal cortisol and ACTH (p's < 0.05) and attenuated stress cue-induced rises in cortisol (p < 0.05) versus placebo. Finally, in those without lifetime anxiety disorder, the placebo group showed stress- and alcohol cue-induced increases in cortisol (p's < 0.05), while the prazosin group did not. CONCLUSIONS Prazosin may attenuate stress cue-induced alcohol craving and anxiety during early abstinence while improving adrenergic and stress system function, effects which are independent of a history of lifetime anxiety disorders.
Structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of (Nd0.7Ce0.3)YFe17

Abstract Structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of iron-deficient (Nd1−xCex)YFe17 alloys in the rhombohedral Th2Zn17–type crystal structure prepared by arc-melting and vacuum annealing have been investigated. Among the investigated alloys, (Nd0.7Ce0.3)YFe17 shows the highest values of magnetic entropy change and relative cooling power, namely 5.45 J kg−1 K−1 and 504 J kg−1 for a magnetic field change of 5 T. The Curie temperature and saturation magnetization of the (Nd0.7Ce0.3)YFe17 alloy are 301 K and 162 emu/g, respectively. The absence of thermal and magnetic hysteresis with relatively high cooling capacity near room temperature suggests that Fe-deficient (Nd0.7Ce0.3)YFe17 carries significant potential for room-temperature magnetic refrigeration.
House price convergence in the euro zone: A pairwise approach

Abstract The adoption of the euro common currency was expected to lead to convergence for a number of economic and financial variables across national borders, including house prices. We apply a probabilistic pairwise approach to the question of whether home values converge across eight euro zone housing markets. Contrary to previous studies, we find only marginal evidence that euro housing markets converge. Moreover, for what convergence there appears to be, there is no evidence that the adoption of the euro itself played a role in creating such convergence. Finally, Germany, the largest and most dominant economy of the currency union, is rarely found to be convergent with other nations.
A critical review of analytical and numerical models of condensation in microchannels

Abstract Understanding condensation in microchannels is critical for designing optimized and compact microchannel condensers, which have the potential to increase system level efficiency and reduce system size. Analytical and numerical models can yield insights into local condensation phenomena. This study provides a review of models of condensation in microchannels. These models are categorized based on the applicable, typically annular and intermittent, flow regimes. Annular-flow-based models are further subdivided into analytical models with closed-form solutions, analytical models with numerical solutions, reduced-order CFD models, and full-fledged CFD models. Intermittent-flow-based models are subdivided into single-bubble, repeated-unit-cell, and overall-bubble-train models. The characteristics, use, and range of applicability of each of these models is highlighted. A criterion for the film Reynolds number is proposed for internal forced convective condensation in microchannels, to assess the validity of the modeling assumptions. Annular flow models using the laminar film assumption appear to be valid for Reδ0
Time-reversal symmetry breaking in the Fe-chalcogenide superconductors

Topological superconductivity has been sought in a variety of heterostructure systems, the interest being that a material displaying such a phenomenon could prove to be the ideal platform to support Majorana fermions, which in turn could be the basis for advanced qubit technologies. Recently, the high-Tc family of superconductors, FeTe1-xSex, have been shown to exhibit the property of topological superconductivity and further, evidence has been found for the presence of Majorana fermions. We have studied the interplay of topology, magnetism, and superconductivity in the FeTe1-x Se x family using high-resolution laser-based photoemission. At the bulk superconducting transition, a gap opens at the chemical potential as expected. However, a second gap is observed to open at the Dirac point in the topological surface state. The associated mass acquisition in the topological state points to time-reversal symmetry breaking, probably associated with the formation of ferromagnetism in the surface layer. The presence of intrinsic ferromagnetism combined with strong spin-orbit coupling provides an ideal platform for a range of exotic topological phenomena.
Radiological manifestations of chondromyxoid fibroma in the zygoma: A case report and literature review

Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a rare benign bone tumor of cartilaginous origin, with an extremely rare craniofacial occurrence. Considering its rarity, craniofacial CMF presents a diagnostic chall...
Two-group interfacial area transport equation coupled with void transport equation in adiabatic steam water flows

Abstract The two-group coupled model with IATE is benchmarked with the recently available adiabatic phase-change flow datasets. The current state of adiabatic phase-change data is extensively discussed, followed by a thorough review of the two-group two-fluid model and the two-group IATE. The interfacial mass generation models from RELAP5/MOD3.3 are benchmarked and are observed to underpredict the group-2 interfacial mass generation rate which then causes underprediction of void fraction under flashing conditions. A new group-2 interfacial mass generation model is proposed using the mass-energy balance approach where slug bubbles are assumed as a cylinder with a constant width that only grows in the lengthwise direction. The proposed model is implemented to the two-group coupled model with IATE and benchmarked with the flashing datasets where the accuracy of the predicted values is significantly improved. Similar benchmark is carried out for flashing conditions with a near-zero initial void faction and adiabatic phase-change flows with an initial condensing phase followed by a flashing phase. It is observed that due to the lack of interfacial area concentration, the interfacial mass generation model is unable to produce a significant enough interfacial mass generation rate to allow the growth of bubbles. Bubble generation models are implemented to the simulations at flashing inception where improved results are obtained.
Situated Learning – Foreign Sites as Learning Contexts

As part of the globalization effort, study abroad has been researched in the fields of education, business, language, etc. However, what is not well-discussed is how foreign sites in study abroad programs can function as learning contexts to promote in-depth learning in various subject areas, which was the purpose of this study. Twelve participants from one public research university involved in some study abroad programs were interviewed. Documents such as syllabi and travel plans relevant to participants’ trip were also collected. The data were analyzed inductively. The findings show that foreign sites serve as learning context to support students’ learning by (a) providing cues to understand new knowledge from different perspectives; (b) providing a context to understand the meaning behind words; (c) providing minute details tying facts towards abstract knowledge; and (d) creating a space for stimulating emotional attachments.
Silence as Elective Mutism in Minor Cinema

This article advances mutism as a creative mode and conceptual tool to treat silence in cinema. Whereas mutism can be a productive concept for the study of auditory and visual absence in a broader ...
Consciousness and the Laws of Physics

We have a much better understanding of physics than we do of consciousness. I consider ways in which intrinsically mental aspects of fundamental ontology might induce modifications of the known laws of physics, or whether they could be relevant to accounting for consciousness if no such modifications exist. I suggest that our current knowledge of physics should make us skeptical of hypothetical modifications of the known rules, and that without such modifications it’s hard to imagine how intrinsically mental aspects could play a useful explanatory role.
Integrating New Therapies for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

ABSTRACT Over the last 2 decades, treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) therapy has drastically changed, resulting in greatly improved survival and treatment tolerance with current targeted therapies. First, the transition from chemotherapy (alkylating agents, nucleoside analogs) to chemoimmunotherapy with the addition of anti-CD20 antibodies resulted in deeper and more complete remissions, with an improvement in progression-free and overall survival. Over the last few years, chemoimmunotherapy has gradually been replaced by new targeted agents, based on further improvement in survival, especially in patients with high-risk CLL, and fewer adverse effects, that is, a lack of myelosuppression and lack of DNA damage and associated risk of secondary acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome. The most active targeted treatments for CLL patients are the kinase inhibitors, which inhibit signaling of surface receptors, especially the B-cell antigen receptor, and the BCL-2 antagonist venetoclax. Among the kinase inhibitors, Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors are highly effective and generally well-tolerated and induce durable responses in the vast majority of patients. PI3 kinase inhibitors are alternatives for patients with intolerance to Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This review discusses the rationale for the transition from chemotherapy-based treatment to the novel agents, the activity, adverse effects, sequencing, and combinations of the novel agents and provides an outlook into future CLL therapy for the next decade.
Beef Cow-calf Herd Biosecurity Practices

The literature contains little information on current biosecurity practices of beef cow-calf producers. The cow-calf industry is experiencing an increasingly global marketplace and increasing pressure to minimize antibiotic use and maximize food safety. In this climate, economical biosecurity programs may be an important component of an integrated production management program. Biosecurity programs may be efficiently integrated with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)-like programs to control food quality and safety, and minimize antibiotic use. This analysis is based on a recent survey on the management and biosecurity practices of U.S. beef cow-calf producers. This analysis identifies current biosecurity practices of beef cow-calf producers, management adjustments to biosecurity risks, and opportunities for veterinary intervention to decrease herd disease risk and risk of quality and safety defects.
The Logic of Regional Integration: Integration outside Europe

Introduction In this chapter, the success or failure of various integration schemes outside the continent of Europe is discussed as a further test of the validity of the analytical framework elaborated in chapter 3. Section 2 takes up regional integration projects in Latin America in the 1960s and then in the wave of integration in the 1990s. The argument is made that these projects can be understood as examples of the “second integrative response.” The formation of the European Community was critical in triggering integration projects in the 1960s, while the recent deepening and enlargement of the European Union has been a key factor in triggering the latest wave of integration. Another external catalyst was the creation of the North American Free Trade Area in the early 1990s. All but one of the Latin American integration schemes of the first wave eventually failed. Two factors explain this outcome: lack of sustained demand for integration and failing regional leadership. The outcome of the latest wave is less certain. Latin America has changed in many ways since the 1960s. Most notably, the structure of the economies has changed. Industrialization has broadened the scope for mutually beneficial exchange at the regional level, giving rise to demand for regional institutional arrangements. However, weak leadership and an absence of “commitment mechanisms” have already derailed several integration objectives.
Enhancement of the critical current density of YBa2Cu3Ox superconductors under hydrostatic pressure.

The dependence of the critical current density ${J}_{c}$ on hydrostatic pressure to 0.6 GPa is determined for a single 25\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} [001]-tilt grain boundary in a bicrystalline ring of nearly optimally doped melt-textured ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{x}$. ${J}_{c}$ is found to increase rapidly under pressure at $+20%/\mathrm{GPa}$. A new diagnostic method is introduced (pressure-induced ${J}_{c}$ relaxation) which reveals a sizable concentration of vacant oxygen sites in the grain boundary region. Completely filling such sites with oxygen anions should lead to significant enhancements in ${J}_{c}$.
On Differential Geomentry and Homogeneous Spaces. I.

Let M be a Riemannian manifold with the corresponding affine connection, X an infinitesimal motion on M, and V 0 the tangent space at a point 0 ? M. Let S 0 (the holonomy algebra) be the Lie algebra of the restricted holonomy group at 0 ? M.
Parental attitudes toward newborn screening for Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy

A sensitive and specific screen for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has been clinically confirmed, but the acceptability of adding DMD to the newborn screening (NBS) program has been controversial due to a lack of evidence that early diagnosis improves clinical outcome. With promising new gene therapies currently in clinical trials, it is reasonable to consider NBS for DMD for early pharmaceutical intervention. It is our objective to assess parents’ attitudes toward the acceptability of including DMD, the milder and allelic Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in the NBS panel, as well as to determine which factors (early diagnosis, family planning, parent-child bonding, anxiety, decision regret, time to prepare) are the most influential in parents’ opinions. Methods: Two cohorts were recruited separately and surveyed about their attitudes toward NBS for DMD/BMD/SMA. Expectant parents were recruited with no regard to family history, and their opinions were compared to those of parents of children with DMD, BMD, or SMA. Results: Of the 65 parents of children with DMD, BMD, or SMA that were surveyed, 63 (97%) supported NBS for DMD/BMD/SMA, either as a mandatory screen or with parental permission. Of the 400 expectant parents surveyed, 369 (92.5%) would have their child screened at birth for an incurable, life-shortening disease such as DMD/BMD/SMA. Expectant parents, especially those who would choose to have their child screened, viewed the benefits of early diagnosis (58.9%) as the most influential factor in their decision. Conclusions: There is strong support for NBS for DMD/BMD/SMA in both cohorts, which is not contingent on further therapeutic development. The consideration of including non-treatable diseases in NBS should include consideration of parental opinions on the beneficence of screening. Although there is currently no direct medical benefit to early diagnosis in DMD/BMD/SMA, parents responded that early diagnosis could have other, less tangible benefits. Parental opinions, along with promising clinical trials, make the implementation of an optional screen ideal for DMD, BMD, and SMA. Public Health Importance: NBS is the foremost intersection of genetics and public health. It is imperative to involve public opinion when assessing the acceptability of adding a potentially controversial disease to a standard panel.
Regional and subcellular distribution of homocarnosine-carnosine synthetase in the central nervous system of rats.

— Homocarnosine–carnosine synthetase and carnosinase were assayed in homogenates, 100,000 g supernatants, and ammonium sulfate fractions of the supernatants from nine regions of the central nervous system (CNS), as well as subcellular fractions of whole brains. The enzymes were detected in all CNS regions tested, with olfactory bulbs having the highest activities of both enzymes. In the subcellular fractions, the synthetase was found mainly in the cell-sap; carnosinase was detected in all fractions, the highest activity being in the mitochondria. The synthetases from olfactory bulbs, cerebellum and spinal cord have similar Km's for β-alanine and GABA.
Reduction of W03/A1203 and unsopported W03: A comparative ESCA study

Abstract The interaction between tungsten oxide and alumina has a pronounced effect on the properties of the supported tungsten oxide monolayer. This strong interaction is reflected in the reduction behavior of the tungsten oxide monolayer supported on alumina. The alumina surface stabilizes the tungsten oxide monolayer as W+6 and substantially suppresses its reduction. Furthermore, the tungsten oxide monolayer supported on alumina, unlike bulk W03, does not exhibit ESCA observable intermediate tungsten oxidation states (W+5 , W+4 , and W+2 ) upon reduction. This is thought to be a consequence of the different reduction mechanism of the highly dispersed tungsten oxide monolayer on the alumina surface which precludes the formation of bulk nonstoichiometric tungsten oxide structures present during the reduction of unsupported WO3. However, tungsten oxide in excess of monolayer coverage on alumina is present as W03 crystallites on top of the tungsten oxide monolayer, and exhibits reduction kinetics and mechanism indistinguishable from bulk W03.
Thermal Conductivity of Hexagonal Close-Packed Solid Helium Four at High Densities

Thermal conductivity measurements between 1.1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} K and 7\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} K have been made on solid helium samples grown under constant pressures from 185 atm to 1050 atm. At high temperatures the phonon mean free path $\overline{l}$ for the highest conductivity samples at six different densities is in good agreement with the expression, $\overline{l}=A\mathrm{exp}(\frac{{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{D}}{\mathrm{bT}})$, where ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{D}$ is the Debye temperature at $T=0$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} K, $A=2.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$ cm, $b=2.13$. Several samples grown from gas repurified by an adsorption trap exhibited mean free paths in agreement with this expression over almost four orders of magnitude. Slightly impure samples showed a considerable attenuation in the peak thermal conductivity at pressures above 320 atm. There was some evidence for anisotropy of the thermal conductivity in the umklapp region and for Poiseuille flow in the low-temperature region, but both these effects were considerably smaller than reported by other investigators for specimens grown at lower pressures.