cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE EVOLUTION OF MASSIVE YOUNG STELLAR OBJECTS IN THE LARGE MAGELLANIC CLOUD. II. THERMAL PROCESSING OF CIRCUMSTELLAR ICES

We present Spitzer Space Telescope spectroscopy of the CO2 ice absorption feature at 15.2 μm toward 41 high-mass young stellar objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). As the shape of the CO2 absorption profile is a measure of both the composition and thermal history of the ice, we have performed a decomposition of the spectral profiles to determine the nature of the CO2 ice. We fit the absorption profiles to laboratory analogues of ice spectra with two different methods: (1) a five-component fit with polar and apolar ices and (2) a two-component fit with a polar and an annealed H2O:CH3OH:CO2 ice mixture. Many of the LMC sources have a pronounced double peak in their CO2 feature profiles analogous to that seen from pure CO2 or annealed CO2 laboratory ice mixtures; these represent the first direct detections of the characteristic double peak in an extragalactic environment. Fits to annealed laboratory ices suggest that the ices around massive LMC young stellar objects (YSOs) have been warmed and thermally processed. We find that a majority of the CO2 is embedded in a polar ice matrix; however, the observations suggest that a lower fraction of CO2 is locked in polar ices in the LMC compared to the Milky Way, which is in agreement with the proposed lower LMC abundance of water ice. In addition, we find that the ices are best fit with laboratory ice mixtures composed of less than 50% methanol, and most absorption spectra can be fit by ices with no methanol. Finally, we corroborate mounting evidence of an enhanced CO2 ice abundance in the LMC relative to the Milky Way, and determine a CO2/H2O ratio of 0.33 ± 0.01 by combining the column densities of these observations with those in the literature.
Characterizing reliability of multilayer PZT actuators

Many new applications are emerging for piezoelectric ceramics including adaptive structures, active-flow-control devices, and vibration and noise suppression systems. Additionally, there are opportunities to use these devices in the biomedical field for miniature pumps, ultrasonic surgical tools, micro-needle arrays, and nanorobotics. In each of these instances, actuator stability is critical, representing a significant challenge for piezoelectric ceramic materials. In particular, the properties of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) have been found to degrade, often significantly, during continuous operation due to a combination of domain pinning, relaxation of interfacial stress, and, in the worst cases, micro-crack formation. This degradation, referred to as actuator fatigue, can be even more pronounced when high voltages are used to achieve maximum displacement or more complex actuator designs are required. For example, multilayer actuators, such as co-fired stacks, are important for many emerging applications and are now being produced with very small physical dimensions, lowering power requirements. However, multilayer components may be highly susceptible to long-term fatigue due to the large number of interfaces involved in their configuration. In this work, we report a method for rapidly characterizing the reliability of multilayer PZT actuators by monitoring degradation in switching polarization over time. To verify this approach, a series of miniature (3 mm x 3 mm x 2 mm) multilayer actuators were characterized over 1 million cumulative cycles. These actuators were produced commercially from soft PZT materials, and the sintering temperature was varied to tailor the ceramic microstructure and performance characteristics. Evaluation of cyclic polarization degradation was found to be an effective method for illuminating differences among the different actuators tested, as well as serving to predict their long-term resistance to fatigue.
A longitudinal study of subchondral plate and trabecular bone in cruciate-deficient dogs with osteoarthritis followed up for 54 months

Objective. To evaluate the sequence of changes in articular cartilage, trabecular bone, and subchondral plate in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA), 3 months, 18 months, and 54 months after anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Methods. Specimens of the medial tibial plateau were analyzed with microscopic computed tomography (micro-CT) at a resolution of 60 μm, and biochemical and morphologic changes in the femoral articular cartilage were assessed. Results. At 3 months and 18 months after ACLT, the articular cartilage in the unstable knee showed histologic changes typical of early OA and increased water content and uronic acid concentration; by 54 months, full-thickness ulceration had developed. Micro-CT analysis showed a loss of trabecular bone in the unstable knee, compared with the contralateral knee, at all time points. At both 18 and 54 months, the differences in trabecular thickness and surface-to-volume ratio were greater than at 3 months. Although the mean subchondral plate thickness, especially in the medial aspect of the medial tibial plateau, was greater in the OA knee than in the contralateral knee 18 months and 54 months after ACLT, these differences were not statistically significant; however, the difference was significantly greater at 54 months than at 3 months. Conclusion. Thickening of the subchondral bone is not required for the development of cartilage changes of OA in this model. The bony changes that develop after ACLT, however, could result in abnormal transmission of stress to the overlying cartilage and thereby contribute to the progression of cartilage degeneration.
The role of incretins in cardiovascular control.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin secreted in response to nutrient ingestion. Understanding the incretin effect on diabetes pathophysiology has led to development of a new class of agents termed incretin mimetics. Exenatide is the first GLP-1 agonist approved to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Clinical studies have demonstrated exenatide’s efficacy in improving glycemic control, often coupled with weight loss. Studies are investigating the potential cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1 agonists. Blood pressure, cholesterol levels, C-reactive protein, and insulin resistance may improve in patients treated with exenatide. The direct effect of GLP-1 on cardiac myocytes and vascular smooth muscle has been an active area of investigation. Infusions of GLP-1 in animal models and human subjects with heart failure have demonstrated significantly improved cardia parameters. In patients with T2DM, GLP-1 infusion has been shown to improve endothelial function, irrespective of changes in insulin sensitivity. These pilot studies provide a foundation for developing therapies aimed at modulating incretin physiology for the additional benefit on the cardiovascular system in patients with T2DM and heart disease.
Use and in-hospital outcomes of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in pediatric arterial ischemic stroke patients.

Background Outcomes in pediatric stroke are poorly understood. We sought to determine trends in the use of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA), treatment outcomes, and predictors of mortality for pediatric patients with acute ischemic stroke by using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Methods Using Nationwide Inpatient Sample data from 2001 to 2010, we identified pediatric patients (age 30 days to 18 years) with the primary diagnosis of arterial ischemic stroke. We studied trends of use of intravenous rt-PA and outcomes after thrombolysis. We also analyzed the associations of demographic factors, comorbidities, and complications of arterial ischemic stroke with in-hospital mortality. Results This study included 7044 patients. In-hospital mortality was 4.7%. The comorbidities associated with the greatest rates of in-hospital mortality were mitochondrial disorders (19.5%, P P P P P = 0.0007). The rate of rt-PA use was 1.4% (99 patients). rt-PA use increased from 0.9% of patients in 2001-2005 to 2.0% in 2006-2010 ( P P Conclusion Arterial ischemic stroke in the pediatric population is associated with a greater rate of mortality when related to mitochondrial diseases or hypercoagulability. rt-PA use is increasing in pediatric patients with arterial ischemic stroke. Pediatric patients receiving rt-PA have a low risk of fatal hemorrhage. Although patients receiving rt-PA have a morbidity rate, these individuals may have a worse stroke severity.
Parent training for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Its impact on parent functioning

This study examined changes in parent functioning resulting from parental participation in a behavioral parent training (PT) program specifically designed for school-aged children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Relative to wait list controls, subjects who completed the nine-session PT program showed significant posttreatment gains in both child and parent functioning, which were maintained 2 months after treatment. In particular, there were PT-induced reductions in parenting stress and increases in parenting self-esteem, which accompanied parent-reported improvements in the overall severity of their child's ADHD symptoms. In addition to their statistical importance, these findings are discussed in terms of their clinical significance, utilizing methods developed by Jacobson and Truax (1991).
Solid-solid phase transitions of cyclohexane in porous sol-gel glass

Abstract Raman spectra of solid cyclohexane inside porous sol-gel glass were measured as a function of temperature and pore diameter. Samples with average pore diameters of 3.5 and 22 nm were used. The transition between the cubic and monoclinic phases of cyclohexane was accompanied by changes in the v21 band shape. From those changes, the depression of the phase transition temperature was estimated and was found to depend on the size of the pores. At low temperatures, cyclohexane in the porous glass formed a mixture of monoclinic crystallites and an amorphous phase. It is suggested that the amorphous structure is formed by molecules within a surface layer near the pore walls. It is shown that the extent of the amorphous structure can be altered by replacing surface hydroxyl groups with trimethylsilyl groups, i.e., by modifying surface interactions.
Obesity in Preschoolers: Behavioral Correlates and Directions for Treatment

Nearly 14% of American preschoolers (ages 2-5) are obese (BMI ≥ 95th percentile for age and gender), yet this group has received little attention in the obesity intervention literature. This review examines what is known about behavioral correlates of obesity in preschoolers and the developmental context for lifestyle modification in this age group. Information was used to critically evaluate existing weight management prevention and intervention programs for preschoolers and formulate suggestions for future intervention research development. A systematic search of the medical and psychological/behavioral literatures was conducted with no date restrictions, using PubMed, PsycInfo, and MEDLINE electronic databases and bibliographies of relevant manuscripts. Evidence suggests several modifiable behaviors, such as sugar sweetened beverage intake, television use, and inadequate sleep, may differentiate obese and healthy weight preschoolers. Developmental barriers, such as food neophobia, food preferences, and tantrums challenge caregiver efforts to modify preschoolers' diet and activity and parental feeding approaches, and family routines appear related to the negative eating and activity patterns observed in obese preschoolers. Prevention programs yield modest success in slowing weight gain, but their effect on already obese preschoolers is unclear. Multi-component, family-based, behavioral interventions show initial promise in positive weight management for already obese preschoolers. Given that obesity intervention research for preschoolers is in its infancy, and the multitude of modifiable behavioral correlates for obesity in this age group, we discuss the use of an innovative and efficient research paradigm (Multiphase Optimization Strategy; MOST) to develop an optimized intervention that includes only treatment components that are found to empirically reduce obesity in preschoolers.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Vertebral Compression Fractures From Spine Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Results of a Large Institutional Series

were alive 6 months later (45%). On multivariable analysis, increasing patient age (odds ratio [OR] 1.01 per year; p < 0.001), and increasing Radiation Oncologist years of experience (OR 1.02; p Z 0.003) were associated with increased use of SFRT. Conversely, the calendar year (OR 0.97; p Z 0.002) was inversely associated with use of SFRT. With genitourinary tumors as the reference group the OR for use of SFRT was 2.53 (95% CI, 1.95 3.27), 1.79 (1.38 2.32), 1.95 (1.58 2.42), and 0.77 (0.57 1.03) for breast, lung, hemato-lymph, and gastrointestinal, respectively. After controlling for the above, there was still significant variability between the numerous cancer centers provincially, varying between OR 0.25 (0.16 0.38) and 2.37 (1.73 2.32) in comparison to the largest center as a reference. Conclusions: There is significant variability in use of SFRT for bone metastases in a provincially run radiation therapy program, and decreasing use of SFRT with time. After controlling for potentially confounding factors, it appears that different cultures exist within each center, where individual radiation oncologists practice similar to their colleagues. These results have motivated further research and novel efforts to better standardize approaches to palliative RT use in British Columbia. Author Disclosure: R.A. Olson: None. M. Tiwana: None. M. Barnes: None. S. Miller: None. D. Hoegler: None.
Effect of tip vortex aperiodicity on measurement uncertainty

Vortex aperiodicity introduces random uncertainty in the measured vortex center location. Unless corrected, this may lead to systematic uncertainty in the vortex properties derived from the measured velocity field. For example, the vortex core size derived from averaged or mean flow field appears larger because of aperiodicity. Several methodologies for aperiodicity correction have been developed over the past two decades to alleviate this systematic uncertainty. However, these do not always reduce the accompanying random uncertainty. The current work shows that the analysis methods used to derive the vortex properties from the measured velocity field play an important role in the resultant random uncertainty in these properties; perhaps, even more important role than the aperiodicity correction methodology itself. It is hypothesized that a class of methods called global methods, which use a large extent of measured data, yield a smaller measurement uncertainty compared to local methods. This hypothesis is verified using a newly proposed global method based on a planar least-squares fit. The general applicability of the method is demonstrated using previous particle image velocimetry measurements of rotor tip vortices. The results clearly demonstrate a reduced random uncertainty in the vortex core properties, even in the presence of secondary vortical structures. Furthermore, the results are independent of the choice of aperiodicity correction methodology.
An Eyepiece for Measuring the Percentage Plane-Polarization in a Beam of Light

With this eyepiece the plane-polarization in a beam of light is compensated by means of a thin, plane-parallel plate of celluloid tilted at the proper angle. To ascertain if the compensation is complete a detector consisting of a quartz plate and a second tiltable plate of celluloid is used in combination with a Savart plate and a nicol or Wollaston prism. The biquartz plate consists of two plates of quartz cut normal to the optic axis, the one of dextrogyre and the second of laevogyre quartz, mounted side by side with polished junction faces. The thickness of the quartz plates is such (1.76 mm) that for mercury green light of wave-length 5461A the rotation is ±45°. An incident plane-polarized beam is divided into two beams by the biquartz plate; the plane of vibration of the beam emerging from the first half of the plate is normal to that of the second beam. The tiltable plate of the detector is mounted above the biquartz plate and has its axis of rotation in the plane of vibration of the wave emerging from one of the biquartz plate halves. By means of this second plate a small amount of polarization can be added to, or subtracted from the polarization in the transmitted beams. The Savart plate and analyzing prism serve to detect the presence of plane-polarized light in the beam. With the aid of this eyepiece the amount of plane-polarization can be determined, for low percentages, to one-fifth of one percent. The eyepiece has been used chiefly in the measurement of the percentage plane-polarization in light reflected by different parts of the moon’s surface and by terrestrial materials; also for the measurement of sky polarization and in metallographic work.
Information Systems Support for Emergency Medicine

Information needs for emergency medicine research and for practice are closely related. A well-developed information system can serve both, allowing data gathered in one setting to be used for the other. To produce the best environment for emergency medicine research, providers should support data standards, promote education in data analysis, and understand the informational structure of emergency medicine practice.
Interactive computer games for treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Purpose: We reviewed our experience with a conservative medical program and computer game assisted pelvic floor muscle retraining in patients with voiding dysfunction to substantiate our previous findings that demonstrated improvement and/or cure in a majority of patients, and identify factors that may be associated with unsuccessful treatment.Materials and Methods: All patients presenting with symptoms of dysfunctional voiding enrolled in our pelvic floor muscle retraining were examined. Cases were subjectively evaluated for improvement of nocturnal enuresis, diurnal enuresis, constipation, encopresis and incidence of break through urinary tract infection. Patients in whom our initial conservative approach that included our biofeedback program failed were further treated with medication, and outcomes were reviewed as well. Fisher’s exact test was used for statistical analysis to identify factors that may predict failure with our program.Results: During the last 2 years 134 girls and 34 boys were enrolled...
Simian varicella virus infects ganglia before rash in experimentally infected monkeys.

Abstract Monkeys experimentally infected with simian varicella virus (SVV) develop rash 10–14 days later. However, the route and the time of ganglionic infection are unknown. Using PCR, we analyzed DNA extracted from tissues of 13 monkeys 5 to 60 days after either intratracheal or intravenous inoculation with SVV. SVV DNA was detected in ganglia from four of five monkeys sacrificed 6 to 7 days after intratracheal inoculation. Further, analysis of ganglia from monkeys sacrificed at 10 days revealed that intravenous inoculation produced a higher proportion of SVV DNA-positive ganglia (63%) than that after intratracheal inoculation (13%), pointing to the role of hematogenous spread in ganglionic infection. Like other organs, monkey ganglia become infected with SVV before the appearance of rash.
Kinetics of the thermal degradation of polyethylene terephthalate

Abstract A study of the kinetics of the thermal degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) employing differential kinetic models and rapid computer analysis of thermogravimetric weight-loss data is presented. The influence of heating rate in non-isothermal degradation kinetics is investigated. The kinetic parameters for the pyrolysis of PET in inert atmosphere are presented. It is shown that the rate of degradation, activation energy, and pre-exponential factor depend strongly on heating rate whereas the order of reaction, found to be one, remains unchanged. Estimates of low temperature (
Disruption of the blood‐brain barrier in hyperammonemic coma and the pharmacologic effects of dexamethasone and difluoromethyl ornithine

Both hyperammonemia and blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown have been implicated in the evolution of hepatic encephalopathy. To define a possible relationship, Swiss Albino mice were subjected to sublethal encephalopathic doses of ammonium acetate; the integrity of the BBB was determined grossly with Evans blue and quantitatively with [14C]-α-aminoisobutyrate (AIB). Some animals were injecte with a dose of ammonium acetate sufficient to maintain coma for 1 hr (AC group). One group, termed stuporous (AS), received only enough ammonium acetate to interfere with grooming and exploratory activity; this dosage was insufficient to completely block the righting response, which was absent in the AC group. When compared to that of controls (CON) receiving normal saline instead of ammonium acetate, cerebral tisue from the AC group was stained blue and contained nearly double the amount of AIB; AS group brain tissue was unstained and the AIB content did not differ significantly from normal. Some of the AC group were pretreated with drugs known to retard BBB breakdown; one set received dexamethasone (AC-DXMN), another the ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor difluoromethyl ornithine (AC-DFMO), and a third L-ornithine (AC-ORN). Brain tissue from the AC-ORN group stained blue and AIB content did not differ significantly from that of the untreated AC group. Cerebral tissue of the AC-DXMN pretreatment group stained light blue; AIB content was significantly lower than in the AC group and greater than the CON group. The AC-DFMO brains were unstained and AIB content was significantly lower than in the AC group but did not differ significantly from CON. These results indicate that hyperammonemia may induce BBB breakdown but that the disruption of barrier integrity is not antecedent to the development of coma, although it seems to coincide with coma in time. DFMO is more effective than DXMN in preventing ammonium acetate-induced BBB breakdown, but in this study neither drug prevented the development of coma.
Principles for Classroom Comprehension Assessment

This paper presents five principles to guide reading comprehension assessment in the classroom. Based upon an interactive model emerging from the past two decades of reading research and theory, these principles acknowledge a close tie between assessment and instruction; namely, that assessment is part of instruction. The principles suggest that we (1) consider the reader, the text, and the context as we construct and interpret assessments. (2) Focus on orchestrating rather than isolating skills. (3) Regard reading as a dynamic process rather than a static product. (4) Develop techniques that encourage rather than ignore student-teacher interactions. (5) Use a variety of measures of reading comprehension. The paper concludes with several applications of these principles to classroom assessment.
Hematopoietic cell transplantation for chronic lymphocytic leukemia: an evolving concept.

Abstract Recent years have brought major strides to our understanding of prognostic pathobiologic factors in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This has allowed identification of high-risk patients who may benefit from more aggressive therapies, including hematopoietic cell transplantation. High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation is feasible, and results in encouraging responses, including molecular responses, with low transplant-associated mortality. However, it has failed to show a plateau effect on survival curves. On the other hand, there is convincing evidence that immunologically mediated graft-versus-leukemia effect of donor T cells are responsible for lowering the incidence of relapse and allowing possible "cure" in allograft recipients, albeit at the expense of high treatment-associated mortality using conventional myeloablation. Reducing the intensity of conditioning regimens has translated into lesser toxicity with reasonable preservation of its curative potential. Autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia remain promising and evolving treatment options. Treatment of CLL should consider stratification according to modern prognostic markers.
Cutoff score on the apathy evaluation scale in subjects with traumatic brain injury

This cross-sectional study was designed to determine a cutoff score on the Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES) that predicts a clinician's designation of a subject with TBI as apathetic or not. Forty-five outpatients with TBI completed the AES-S, and 37 family members, friends, or significant others filled out the AES-I. Three clinicians prospectively gave their impressions of the presence or absence of apathy and retrospectively chose the degree of apathy on a 7-point subjective rating scale. The data was analysed by logistic regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. No cutoff score on the AES-S or AES-I was found to have reasonable sensitivity and specificity with respect to the ability to predict the clinician's designation of a subject as apathetic. The AES requires further study if it is to be used to measure apathy following TBI.
Genre and Activity Systems: The Role of Documentation in Maintaining and Changing Engineering Activity Systems.

Rhetoric continues to struggle to theorize the simultaneous existence of pattern and contingency. Responses to this issue have been couched in elaborations of genre theory and, more recently, of Vygotskian activity theory. Activity theory offers two advantages in theorizing how change and continuity can coexist: It expands our ability to see how text and context influence one another and it encourages us to see that lack of unity is normal in any activity system. This study exemplifies these advantages by looking at four entry-level engineers who produced a genre they called documentation in their first 4 years at work. They defined documentation as writing that describes events to establish a common understanding of completed or promised actions. Documentation was one of the tools the participants used to create and maintain the activity system of their workplace and to reshape it as well.
Influences of an Urban Environment on Home Range and Body Mass of Virginia Opossums (Didelphis virginiana)

Abstract Increasing urbanization in the United States presents new challenges and opportunities for wildlife species. One species that is thought to benefit from urbanization is Didelphis virginiana (Virginia Opossum). We used radio-telemetry to determine home-range size of opossums living in an urban area and compared body mass measurements of urban and rural animals to ascertain how urbanization affects this parameter for opossums. Minimum convex polygon estimates for male (37.3 ± 46.0 ha; n = 3) and female home ranges (18.8 ± 15.6 ha; n = 5) were smaller than those reported for opossums in rural areas and similar to those from previous urban studies. Opossums living within the city limits had an average body mass (3.0 ± 0.8 kg) that was 34% larger than those in rural areas (2.2 ± 0.6 kg). These data, combined with previous work, suggest that urban areas provide more resources and may be beneficial to opossum populations.
Secure candidate access router discovery

The candidate access router (CAR) discovery protocol is designed for use in wireless IP networks to dynamically collect information about neighboring access routers and their capabilities. This capability enables mobile nodes to dynamically execute low-latency hand-offs and to intelligently select a target access router. This paper presents possible approaches for CAR discovery, a security analysis of those approaches, and our novel security CAR discovery mechanisms.
Self-Esteem, Narcissism, and Aggression Does Violence Result From Low Self-Esteem or From Threatened Egotism?

A traditional view holds that low self-esteem causes ag- gression, but recent work has not confirmed this. Although aggressive people typically have high self-esteem, there are also many nonaggressive people with high self-esteem, and so newer constructs such as narcissism and unstable self- esteem are most effective at predicting aggression. The link between self-regard and ag- gression is best captured by the theory of threatened egotism, which depicts aggression as a means of defending a highly favorable view of self against someone who seeks to under- mine or discredit that view. vided strong empirical evidence that low self-esteem causes aggres- sion. Ironically, the theory seemed to enter into conventional wisdom without ever being empirically es- tablished. The view of low self-esteem that has emerged from many research studies does not, however, seem easily reconciled with the theory that low self-esteem causes aggres- sion. A composite of research find- ings depicts people with low self- esteem as uncertain and confused about themselves, oriented toward avoiding risk and potential loss, shy, modest, emotionally labile (and having tendencies toward de- pression and anxiety), submitting readily to other people's influence, and lacking confidence in them- selves (see compilation by Bau- meister, 1993). None of these patterns seems likely to increase aggression, and some of them seem likely to dis- courage it. People with low self- esteem are oriented toward avoid- ing risk and loss, whereas attacking someone is eminently risky. People with low self-esteem lack confi- dence of success, whereas aggres- sion is usually undertaken in the expectation of defeating the other person. Low self-esteem involves submitting to influence, whereas aggression is often engaged in to resist and reject external influence. Perhaps most relevant, people with low self-esteem are confused and uncertain about who they are,
Ultra-high-Q three-dimensional photonic crystal nano-resonators

Two nano-resonator modes are designed in a woodpile three-dimensional photonic crystal by the modulation of unit cell size along a low-loss optical waveguide. One is a dipole mode with 2.88 cubic half-wavelengths mode volume. The other is a quadrupole mode with 8.3 cubic half-wavelengths mode volume. Light is three-dimensionally confined by a complete photonic band gap so that, in the analyzed range, the quality factor exponentially increases as the increase in the number of unit cells used for confinement of light.
Stagnation-point flow under free-stream turbulence

In this paper, the effects of free-stream turbulence on stagnation-point flow and heat transfer are investigated through large eddy simulation (LES) of homogeneous isotropic turbulence impinging upon an isothermal elliptical leading edge. Turbulent mean flow and Reynolds stress profiles along the stagnation streamline, where the mean flow is strain dominant, and at different downstream locations, where the mean flow gradually becomes shear-dominated, are used to characterize evolution of the free-stream turbulence. The Reynolds stress budgets are also obtained, and the turbulence anisotropy is analysed through the balance between the mean flow strain and the velocity pressure gradient correlation. In the presence of free-stream turbulence, intense quasi-streamwise vortices develop near the leading edge with a typical diameter of the order of the local boundary-layer thickness. These strong vortices cause the thermal fluxes to peak at a location much closer to the wall than that of the Reynolds stresses, resulting a greater sensitivity to free-stream turbulence for the heat transfer than the momentum transfer. The heat transfer enhancement obtained by the present LES agrees quantitatively with available experimental measurements. The present LES results are also used to examine the eddy viscosity and pressure-strain correlations in Reynolds stress turbulence models.
Inflammatory bowel disease in children 5 years of age and younger.

OBJECTIVES: Clinicians are becoming increasingly aware that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can affect all age groups, although it has not been well described in infants and young children. Our aim was to evaluate early onset IBD in patients 5 yr of age and younger. METHODS: Medical records of patients diagnosed with early onset IBD at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia between 1977 and 2000 were reviewed. Patients were divided into three categories: those with Crohn’s disease (CD), those with ulcerative colitis (UC), and those with indeterminant colitis (IC). RESULTS: A total of 82 patients fulfilled the criteria. In 12 patients (15%), the IBD diagnosis was changed during the course of illness. At the end of the follow-up period, linear growth failure was present in 10 of 35 (29%) children with CD, one of 30 (3%) with UC, and three of 17 (18%) with IC. Failure to thrive was a frequent presenting symptom in children with CD (44%) and IC (39%), whereas in all four patients with UC and failure to thrive the diagnosis was subsequently changed to CD or IC. A high proportion of patients with CD had large bowel (89%), and perianal (34%) disease. None of the tested patients were positive for anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA), and 10 tested positive for perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (three of five patients with CD, five of seven with UC, and two of three with IC). CONCLUSIONS: Failure to thrive, at the time of presentation, is indicative of a final diagnosis of CD or IC, not UC. Linear growth failure is a common finding in patients with early onset CD. A high proportion of patients with CD have failure to thrive, colonic, and perianal disease. The IBD serology panel is of limited clinical relevance in providing definitive diagnostic information in this pediatric population.
Portfolio management of wild fish stocks

Abstract Managing fish stocks in terms of a portfolio of economic assets is likely to significantly increase benefits for society relative to single-species approaches. A portfolio framework systematically combines fish stocks that are joined by ecology (e.g., predation, competition) and unspecialized fishing technologies (e.g., mixed-species trawls) into a portfolio which balances expected aggregate returns against the risks associated with stock-attribute and other uncertainties. To be productive, however, this framework must be combined with property rights institutions that clearly state management objectives, create long-run time-horizons among harvesters, internalize spillovers caused by ecological and technological jointness, and reduce uncertainty through research and adaptive management. Although the cost of reducing scientific uncertainty about ecological interactions may limit the portfolio approach to intensive management of relatively few species, its scope can be broadened to integrate tradeoffs among more types of marine resources, such as nature preserves and oil and gas deposits.
On a Disturbance Rejection Method

Linear time invariant single input single output control system system with disturbance is considered. This paper shows how to apply the delayed output feedback to the design of control systems with specific characteristics. In particular, this method is applied to meet the given transient requirements with disturbance rejection. This method does not introduce slow zeros, and fast responses to both input and disturbance are possible.
Self-assembled monolayer resists for electron beam lithography

In this paper, we report the resist characteristics of self-assembled alkanethiol monolayers on gold upon electron beam exposure. We have observed only negative resist behavior for smaller alkanethiols under various exposure conditions. Longer alkanethiols act as either positive or negative resists depending on the exposure conditions. The positive resist behavior is limited by the relative etch resistivity of the unexposed area, which is partly determined by the monolayer quality. We have proposed a dual exposure procedure for improving pattern transferability using both positive and negative resist behavior. The electron induced modifications of self-assembled monolayers are observed to be in qualitative agreement with Bethe's model for electron-solid interaction.
An in vivo comparison between intraoperative isometric measurement and local elongation of the graft after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament

This study was designed to determine if isometric measurement can be used to predict the pattern of elongation (the change in length) of a bone-patellar ligament-bone graft during passive flexion-extension of the knee at the time of reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in vivo. A standard operative reconstruction technique was performed on nine patients. The tunnel sites for the grafts were selected, and the change in the distance between these sites was measured, with use of a CA-5000 drill-guide isometer as the knee was subjected to passive flexion-extension. After the reconstruction was completed, a Hall-effect transducer was implanted in the graft to measure the local displacement in the mid-substance of the graft that was produced by passive flexion-extension of the knee. For comparison, the isometric measurements and the values for local displacement of the graft were normalized by calculation of the percentage change in the length. With the knee in 10 to 30 degrees of flexion, the average isometric measurements and the measurements of local displacement demonstrated a decrease in length; however, the two techniques of measurement deviated at angles of flexion of 40 degrees and more. On the average, the isometric measurement of elongation between the trial insertion sites predicted that the graft would increase in length in flexion relative to extension, in contrast to the response of the graft after fixation. There was no significant correlation between the isometric measurements and the local elongation of the graft (r2 = 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Fungus Consumption by the Southern Red-backed Vole (Clethrionomys gapperi) in the Southern Appalachians

Abstract We examined fungus consumption (mycophagy) by the southern red-backed vole, Clethrionomys gapperi, at 4 sites within two mixed mesophytic forests in the southern Appalachians in 1996 and 1999. Fecal pellet analysis was used to determine the fungi consumed by 30 voles. Overall mean spore frequency, measured as the proportion of fields of view that contained a spore, was 0.68, whereas mean frequency of plant material was 0.57 and frequency of insect material was less than 0.04. Voles primarily consumed 5 types of fungi, consisting of 4 genera and Glomalean spores, although 29 unidentified spore morphotypes were also observed. Among identified spores, mean frequency of Melanogaster was greatest, followed by Coprinus, Elaphomyces and Glomalean spores. Spores of Hymenogaster were least frequent. The consistent presence of spores in fecal pellets suggests that fungi are an important food item and that C. gapperi may be an important disperser of fungal spores. Compared with previous studies, our researc...
Limited Access: Disparities in Flexible Work Schedules and Location

This research tests predictions regarding potential disparities among the employed by personal characteristics in the ability to vary the starting and ending times of their workday and engage in work from home. Women and African-Americans possess lesser access to flexible work schedules, even when controlling for most job characteristics. Married men have more access, but only if they are parents, and mothers only if they have pre-school age children. Workers with part-time or long hours gain far greater access. Work-at-home is more common among women, the married and parents - thus more reflective of family demands. The results suggest where public and organizational policies could be focused to spread flexible work arrangements more toward those who both most value it and lack it.
Preparing for a “Pediatric Stroke Alert”

Abstract Background Childhood arterial ischemic stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Hyperacute treatment strategies remain controversial and challenging, especially in the setting of increasingly proven medical and endovascular options in adults. Although national and international pediatric guidelines have given initial direction about acute therapy and management, pediatric centers have traditionally lacked the infrastructure to triage, diagnose, and treat childhood arterial ischemic stroke quickly. Methods In the past 10 years, researchers in the International Pediatric Stroke Study and Thrombolysis in Pediatric Stroke study have initiated early strategies for establishing pediatric specific stroke alerts. Results We review the rationale, process and components necessary for establishing a pediatric stroke alert. Conclusion Development of pediatric stroke protocols and pathways, with evidence-based acute management strategies and supportive care where possible, facilitates the evaluation, management, and treatment of an acute pediatric stroke.
The Impact of Medicaid Estate Recovery on Nontraditional Families

This Article analyzes the impact of Medicaid estate recovery laws on nontraditional families, and offers policy solutions that protect families from unintended consequences while preserving the fiscal integrity of the Medicaid program.
Is Dick Cheney Unconstitutional? (Final Version)

During a recent policy kerfuffle, Vice President Dick Cheney's office briefly argued that the Vice President is really a legislative official, and hence not subject to some obligations of the Executive branch. Though Cheney's office quickly shifted its argument to less controversial statutory grounds, it turns out that the Vice Presidency's legislative character is, in fact, quite significant. To the extent that the Vice President is a legislative official, however, it is likely that extensive delegation of Presidential authority to the Vice President, of the sort that Vice President Cheney has enjoyed, is probably unconstitutional and certainly unwise. This Essay argues for congressional action to limit the Vice President's role in Executive business.
Diels–Alder and Dehydration Reactions of Biomass-Derived Furan and Acrylic Acid for the Synthesis of Benzoic Acid

Routes to benzoic acid starting from furan—obtained from hemicellulose in high yield—and methyl acrylate are reported. These routes involve Diels–Alder and dehydration reactions of furan and acrylic acid (or methyl acrylate) in a two-step reaction protocol that minimizes side reactions. The Diels–Alder reaction of furan and methyl acrylate (or acrylic acid) was run at 298 K and was catalyzed by Lewis acidic (Hf-, Zr-, and Sn-Beta) zeolite catalysts, and achieving a high turnover frequency (∼2 h–1) and no side reactions were observed. The oxanorbornene product was dehydrated at low temperatures (298 to 353 K) in mixtures of methanesulfonic acid and acetic anhydride in 96% yield. This is compared to an only 1.7% yield of methyl benzoate obtained for the dehydration of the oxanorbornene in neat methanesulfonic acid. The effect of oxanorbornene concentration and stereochemistry was found not to decrease the yield of aromatics, while dehydration of the carboxylic acid form of the oxanorbornene led to a decreas...
An Evaluation of the Effects of a Mild Delayed Verbal Punisher on Choice of an Immediate Reinforcer by Children With Autism

Different combinations of immediate and delayed consequences differentially affect choice. Basic research has found that nonhuman animals are more likely to choose an alternative that produces an immediate reinforcer that is followed by a delayed punisher as the delay to punishment increases. The purpose of the current effort was to examine the choices of three individuals with autism when they were given the choice between receiving a larger amount of preferred food followed by a mild, delayed verbal punisher and a smaller amount of the preferred food. A secondary purpose was to determine whether signal presence and duration would affect the efficacy of the punisher (i.e., whether children would be more likely to select the smaller reward that was not followed by a delayed punisher). Results were idiosyncratic across children and highlight the need to evaluate choice under multiple arrangements.
The Effect of Exercise Using Grasping on Shoulder Muscle Activity and Muscle Thickness of Patients with Rotator Cuff Repair

Purpose: This study intended to mediate shoulder exercise using grasping and investigate examine how its effects on affects activities of the shoulder surrounding muscles of the shoulder and thickness of shoulder muscle to suggest effective exercise for patients with rotator cuff repair to return to daily life. Methods: This study has been done targeteding male patients more than 6 weeks after having En-masse Suture Bridge Technique as ro tator cuff repair of the right shoulder, aged 40 to 55 in a medical institution located in Jeollanam-do. Experimental group I (n=15) was selected for a conducting common exercise therapy program and Experimental group II (n=15) was selected for an conducting exercise therapy program using grasping. %RVC was measured by surface electromyography and muscle thickness was measured by ultrasound before mediation to for analysisze of before and after results within group and between groups. Results: In comparison of change of %RVC, Tthere were meaningful differences in only posterior deltoid and infraspinatus in comparing a change of %RVC within experimental group I (p<0.001),. and Tthere were meaningful differences in both supraspinatus and infraspi natus in muscle thickness within experimental group I (p<0.001). In comparison of change of %RVC, Tthere were meaningful differences in anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid and infraspinatus in comparing a change of %RVC within experimental group II (p<0.05)(p<0.01) (p<0.001), and there were meaningful differences in both supraspinatus and infraspinatus in muscle thickness within experimental group II (p<0.001). In comparison of change of %RVC between groups, Tthere was a meaningful difference in only posterior deltoid in comparing a change of %RVC between groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: We found that exercise therapy using grasping has a positive effect on shoulder stability muscles such as supraspinatus muscle and infraspinatus muscle and activity of deltoid muscle.
Assembly and Characterization of Protein Resistant Planar Bilayers in PDMS Microfluidic Devices

We report a method using vesicle fusion techniques that result in long-standing hydrophilic and protein-resistant PDMS surfaces. The PDMS was oxidized in plasma followed by treatment with various concentrations of phospholipid vesicles to form planar bilayer membranes in the microchannels. Contact angle measurements showed that a freshly oxidized hydrophilic surface began hydrophobic recovery immediately, but PC (phosphatidylcholine) treated surfaces exhibited prolonged hydrophilic properties up to two hours after bilayer modification, and cationic DOPC+ treated surfaces had a contact angle of ∼70. FRAP experiments confirmed fusion of vesicles to form bilayers with lateral mobility. Protein adsorption studies in microchannels showed 2-3 orders of magnitude decrease in fluorescence from non-specific adsorption of dye-conjugated avidin and BSA. Coulombic interaction was found to play an important role in determining the amount of non-specific adsorption. Dehydration of the membranes resulted in increased protein adsorption after rehydration for PC but not for the synthetic lipid DOPC+, which has a positively charged headgroup.