cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flow characteristics of gas-liquid-particle mixing in a gas-stirred ladle system with throughflow

An experimental study is performed on air-liquid-particle mixing, resulting from an air-particle mixture injected into a liquid flowing through a slender ladle. Flow visualization combined with image processing is employed to investigate the bubble and particle behavior at the nozzle outlet. Effort is directed to particle discrimination in both the liquid and the bubbles to determine particle distribution, which affects the mixing performance of gas bubbles, solid particles and liquid. A real-time movement of bubble and particle behavior can be visualized by means of image processing with the use of a slow-motion video recording. It is disclosed that the particles injected through the nozzle may stick on the inner surface of the gas bubble, break through the bubble surface, or mingle with the gas stream to form a two-phase jet, depending on the particle-to-gas mass flow rate ratio. It is observed that when a solid-gas two-phase jet penetrates deeper in the horizontal direction, the particles and bubbles rise along the vertical sidewall and simultaneously spread in the transverse direction, thus promoting a better liquid-particle mixing. The application of the slow-motion video recording results in quantitative evaluations of both the penetration depth of particles or of gas-particles from the injection nozzle and the velocity distribution along the sidewall.
A controlled study of electrosurgical currents and wound healing.

Abstract A technique has been developed whereby controlled studies can be carried out on the healing of standard scalpel wounds as compared to the healing of wounds created by different types of electrosurgical instruments.
The Golgi tendon organ: a review and update.

This article presents current information concerning (a) the structural relationships of the Golgi tendon organ (GTO) with different types of extrafusal muscle fibers; (b) the Gp.Ib reafferent or feedback fibers from the GTO; (c) the way in which these proprioceptors monitor muscle tension and function in parallel processing with other receptors and with the central control mechanisms of the nervous system; and (d) how GTO's are involved in regulating autogenic excitation, autogenic inhibition, or co-contraction of extrafusal muscle fibers.
Prostaglandin F2alpha and oxytocin interactions in ovarian and uterine function

Abstract The oxytocin-neurophysin gene is expressed in several nontraditional sites within the endocrine system. In the ovary its expression in the corpora lutea is initiated by ovulation. Ovarian oxytocin concentrations reach maximal levels around day 11 of luteal cycle and fall to a nadir at estrus. PGF2alpha has the capacity to release oxytocin from the corpus luteum, and oxytocin in turn releases PGF2alpha from the uterine endometrium or decidua. This positive feedback loop between the ovary and the uterus ensures the completion of luteolysis in species that depend on the presence of the uterus for the termination of luteal lifespan. Immunization against oxytocin has been shown to disrupt this loop, resulting in much-prolonged luteal cycles. In primates and other species in which luteal life span is independent of the uterus, an oxytocin PGF2alpha interaction may take place within the ovary itself. At parturition a related interaction takes place which ensures the expulsion of the fetus and placenta in an orderly manner. Oxytocin of both pituitary and ovarian origin reaches the uterus via its blood supply and binds to two types of receptors: one on myometrial cells, the occupation of which initiates contractions, and the other on decidual cells, the occupation of which initiates prostaglandin generation. This prostaglandin diffuses into the adjacent myometrium and augments the oxytocin-induced contractions. In conjunction with a direct softening effect by prostaglandins on the cervix the augmented contractions achieve the force needed to dilate the cervix and expel the fetus. An additional source of oxytocin during labor may be the placenta, another non-traditional site for the occurrence of oxytocin.
Mary Monroe Atwater: A transformative force in science education

This article highlights the transformative contributions of Mary Monroe Atwater to the field of science education. Influenced by worldviews shaped by a segregated macro-society and the privileges of a micro-society, Mary stood against oppression in the early years of her academic career by desegregating academic settings and being the first and only African American in varied arenas for many years. As an aspiring academic, Mary challenged dominant paradigms and as an activist academic, she changed the landscape of science education. She broadened the knowledge base through scholarship and praxis and diversified the science education community through personal and professional efforts that were pioneering in nature.
Immunogenicity of the Haemophilus influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide conjugate vaccine in children after systemic Haemophilus influenzae type b infections.

We immunized 24 patients (mean age 15.2±9.3 months) with polyribosylribitol phosphate-diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine (PRP-D) 2 months after a systemic Haemophilus influenzae type b infection. Children 24 months of age and three of six children 18 to 24 months of age developed >1 μg/ml of antibody after immunization, and geometric mean postimmunization levels were significantly greater than preimmunization levels for both groups. However, two children who failed to respond to conventional PRP vaccine did not respond as expected to one dose of PRP-D. For children 7 to 17 months of age, the geometric mean PRP antibody levels increased as follows: preimmunization, 0.05 μg/ml; after the first dose, 0.28 μg/ml ( p =0.003); and after the second dose, 3.39 μg/ml ( p =0.001). Of 13 children, 10 developed antibody values >1.0 μg/ml. PRP conjugate vaccines are immunogenic in young children who have not developed protective PRP antibody levels after a systemic H. Influenzae type b infection.
Villoglandular papillary adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. A clinicopathologic analysis of 13 cases

The clinical and pathologic features of 13 cervical papillary adenocarcinomas of villoglandular type were reviewed. They occurred in patients 23 to 54 years of age, with ten patients younger than 40 years of age. Microscopic examination revealed surface papillae that ranged from tall and thin to short and broad and contained central fibrous cores typically containing numerous inflammatory cells. The papillae were usually lined by stratified epithelial cells with slight to moderate nuclear atypicality and mitotic activity and no more than a minor degree of cellular budding. The deeper portions of the tumors were composed of branching tubular glands separated by a fibrous or fibromatous stroma and were more or less sharply demarcated from the adjacent cervical stroma. A hysterectomy was performed in 12 cases and only a cone biopsy in one case. The cone biopsy specimen and four of the hysterectomy specimens contained no residual carcinoma. In six uteri adenocarcinoma was confined to the inner third of the cervical wall whereas in two there was deep invasion. Follow-up of 2 to 14 years' duration including more than 5 years in ten cases has revealed no evidence of recurrent tumor. The excellent prognosis of the patients in this small series and the young age of many of them suggest that this tumor may be managed by a procedure less radical than a hysterectomy provided the tumor is superficial, has been completely excised, does not exhibit vascular space invasion, and close follow-up examination is possible.
Fibrel and wound healing

Abstract The use of implants for cosmetic correction of depressed scars and wrinkles has been a growing area in dermatologic practice. For several years, the availability of Zyderm has made it a very useful approach. Improvements in the product design to Zyderm II and Zyplast reflected perceived problems with the very short duration of the correction initially experienced after the use of Zyderm I. The problem of reactions to Zyderm and Zyplast also has created a perceived need for alternate products. Fibrel was released several years ago as an alternative. It has found favor because of its longer duration of correction and, as a result, has shown a steady increase in acceptance by dermatologists. The differences between Fibrel and the Zyderm products apparently relate to some basic areas of tissue repair and wound healing. These are currently under investigation, but some insights have already been gained and are presented in this article.
Dicentric chromosome 13 and centromere inactivation.

The karyotype of a child with dysmorphic findings suggestive of both trisomy 13 and the 13q-syndrome was found to have cells with one of two different dicentric chromosomes: one bearing a duplication of chromosome 13q [46,XX,-13, + psu dic(13)t(13;13)(pter→ce→q34::q34→pter)] and the other a deletion of 13q [46,XX,-13,+psu dic(13)t(13;13)(pter→cen→q22::q11→pter). Longitudinal cytogenetic studies in leukocytes demonstrated a loss of those cells possessing the small dicentric [psu dic(13)(q22;q11)], whereas fibroblasts from two separate skin biopsies contained only this marker. Q-band polymorphisms indicated that both dicentrics were of paternal origin, with the smaller dicentric derived from the larger via the bridge-breakage-fusion cycle. The presence of two active centromeres could not be confirmed in either dicentric.
A MEMS-based flexible sensor and actuator system for space inflatable structures

Inflatable and other membrane structures are expected to become increasingly important in space exploration due to their light weight and low cost. Unlike rigid structures, these structures are typically fabricated of flexible polymers and require internal pressurization to achieve structural integrity. Due to this, inflatable structures are vulnerable to the harsh space environment and catastrophic failure from structural vibration. A MEMS-based health monitoring and control system (HMCS) for space inflatables has been developed at the University of Arkansas. Fabricated mostly from polymeric materials, the HMCS is lightweight, flexible and can be attached directly to the external surface of an inflatable to provide health monitoring. Structure-wise, the HMCS is a three-dimensional multichip module with a sensor layer at the top, a common polyimide substrate in the middle and an actuator layer at the bottom. The sensor layer consists of an interconnected network of MEMS sensors for monitoring the environmental conditions around the inflatable and also the structural vibration of the inflatable. The actuator layer, fabricated from electroactive polymers, provides a two-dimensional shape control capability to the HMCS. When operated with strain and vibration sensors in the sensor layer, the polymer actuator can deform the surface contour of the inflatable to remove `wrinkles' and dampen structural vibration.
Nonparametric Methods in Reliability

Probabilistic and statistical models for the occurrence of a recurrent event over time are described. These models have applicability in the reliability, engineering, biomedical and other areas where a series of events occurs for an experimental unit as time progresses. Nonparametric inference methods, in particular, the estimation of a relevant distribution function, are described.
Detection of potato viruses X and S in tissue culture plantlets

The latex agglutination test (LAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were evaluated in separate studies for their ability to detect potato virus X (PVX) and potato virus S (PVS) in tissue culture plantlets. Healthy and infected clonal lines of several potato cultivars were used. LAT was unsatisfactory because only low levels of agglutination were obtained with infected samples, and because variable and inconsistent results were obtained with both healthy and infected clones. ELISA, however, consistently gave high spectrophotometric readings and intense visual reactions for infected but not for healthy clones. The results indicate that ELISA can be used to detect PVX and PVS in tissue culture plantlets, and in programs where tissue culture is employed, early detection and elimination of infected plantlets is possible.
Antitumor activity of 4-(N-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide conjugated with poly(l-glutamic acid) against ovarian cancer xenografts

Objective Natural and synthetic retinoids such as N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4HPR) have been used for prevention and treatment of a variety of cancers; however, relapse usually occurs after treatment is stopped. Furthermore, the retinoid analogues are insoluble in water, making it difficult for systemic administration. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a water-soluble polymeric formulation of 4HPR that can release 4HPR over a period of a few days. Methods 4HPR was bound to a synthetic polyamino acid poly(L-glutamic acid) (PG). PG-4HPR was evaluated for its release kinetics and in vitro anti-proliferative and in vivo antitumor activities against ovarian cancer cell lines. Results The release profile of PG-4HPR in phosphate buffered saline at 37 degrees C followed a first order kinetic, with a rate constant of 8.8x10(-3) h(-1). Approximately 60% of 4HPR was released over a period of 100 h. In vitro, both 4HPR and PG-4HPR inhibited proliferation of three ovarian cancer cells lines (SKOV3, OVCA420, and OVCA433) and an immortalized human ovarian epithelium cell line (IOSE) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Increasing the exposure time of SKOV3 cells to both agents from 1 to 5 days resulted in an increased apoptotic response. In vivo, PG-4HPR demonstrated significantly enhanced antitumor activities compared to 4HPR in both early treatment and later treatment protocols. Treatments with PG-4HPR suppressed the expression of VEGF and reduced blood flow into the tumor. Conclusions PG-4HPR may have potential applications in the prevention and therapy of ovarian cancers.
Electro-optic and electroreflectance effects in perovskite-type crystals

Abstract A model is presented which relates the electro-optic (E-O) and electroreflectance properties of ABO3 perovskite-type crystals to their electronic energy band structure. These properties are assumed to result from electric-field-induced ionic displacements within each unit cell. SrTiO3 was selected as the model perovskite and the band structure was calculated using LCAO parameters. LCAO momentum matrix elements were used to derive the optical excitation spectrum ϵ2(ω). Field-induced changes in the Madelung potentials are found to dominate overlap effects. The E-O effects are insensitive to detailed relative ionic displacements and effective charges, but are characterized by the sum of the products of these quantities, namely the polarization. The results are compared with E-O, reflectance, and electroreflectance experiments.
Optimal lot sizing for the process cycling problem

Traditional lot sizing models seek to strike a. balance between set-up costs and holding coats for the single-machine or process cycling problem. These models require that the process somehow has achieved the optimal aggregate inventory and item inventory levels. Furthermore, most lot sizing models require that aggregate demand equals aggregate production. The model presented in this paper generates production schedules which allow for item inventory imbalance and inventory growth.
Testing the predictive ability of the “spinal cord injury equation” in estimating vancomycin clearance

Purpose A new method of estimating drug clearance in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) was tested against other methods through a retrospective analysis of its predictive ability in estimating vancomycin clearance. Methods A retrospective chart-based investigation was conducted at a hospital with a large SCI population. Using data collected from electronic patient records, 179 cases were reviewed, and 87 cases met the inclusion criteria: a diagnosis of longstanding SCI, administration of vancomycin via i.v. infusion during the 18-month study period, and at least one documented steady-state vancomycin concentration. Using the “spinal cord injury equation” (i.e., CL SCI equation), pharmacokinetic analysis was performed to determine patient-specific clearance values, which were compared to values resulting from five widely used methods of estimating the glomerular filtration rate in spinal cord-injured patients. The primary outcome measures were bias and precision, as indicated by statistical analyses to determine the mean prediction error (ME) and the square root of the mean squared prediction error (RMSE) of each method. Results Compared with the other evaluated methods, the CL SCI equation was found to be less biased and more precise, with the smallest calculated ME and RMSE values ( p p SCI method underestimated vancomycin clearance (by 6%) but not to a significant degree ( p = 0.06). Conclusion The study results suggest that the CL SCI equation for predicting vancomycin clearance was unbiased and may be more precise relative to other frequently used methods in the study population of patients with long-term SCI.
Biracial Differences in Physical Activity and Body Composition Among Women

Overweight among black females is almost two times as frequent as among white females. Genetics, caloric intake, and physical activity have been identified as possible explanatory factors. This study assessed the differences in physical activity and body composition in 76 white and 66 black adult females. Black women had significantly higher (p = .0001) percent body fat (32.2 +/- 7.1) than white women (27.7 +/- 6.5) with a similar difference in weight (4.4 kg) approaching significance (p = .055). Physical activity was assessed using a structured 24-hour recall instrument. A purposive sampling design was implemented to control for age, education and occupation. A summary physical activity value unit for the 24-hour period revealed a significantly greater mean value for white females (41.93 +/- 4.7) than for black females (40.01 +/- 3.9) suggesting white females were more physically active (p = .02) although this was not a function of biracial differences in play/recreation and exercise/sport type of activities. Although both black and white females were found to be sedentary (MET value < or = 2) over 90 percent of the time, black women are significantly more sedentary (p = .03). Biracial differences in discretionary non-exercise oriented activities may contribute to different rates of overweight observed between black and white women.
Endogenous shoot growth rhythms and indeterminate shoot growth in oak

Wide variations of shoot growth patterns in saplings of pin oak (Quercus palustris Muenchh.) have been observed as a consequence of varying environmental conditions, experimental manipulations, and vigor of trees. Shoot growth patterns range from a series of recurrent, determinate flushes, constituting a genuine endogenous rhythm, to continuous, indeterminate growth. Observed growth patterns agree well with those predicted by a model of rhythmic growth which assumes the dependence of shoot growth on the functional equilibrium between shoot and root system. Indirect evidence suggests that cessation of shoot growth under favorable environmental conditions might be a consequence of internal water deficits. Observed differences in shoot growth patterns between young and mature trees are discussed as logical consequences of the model.
Imaging of facial nerve pathology

The facial nerve is structurally complex, both functionally and anatomically. In this article, we review the functional and structural anatomy of the facial nerve, using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to emphasize important details that comprise thorough radiological assessment of the facial nerve. Additionally, CT and MR studies represent important tools for the diagnosis of facial nerve pathology, and the structural information that aids in preoperative planning and postoperative evaluation and CT and MR imaging of varied pathology of the facial nerve have been presented.
Information enhancement methods for large scale sequence analysis

Abstract The improved efficiency of similarity search programs and the affordability of even faster computers allow studies where whole sequence databases can be the target of various comparisons with increasingly larger or numerous query sequences. However, the usefulness of those “brute force” methods now becomes limited by the time it takes an experienced scientist to sift the biologically relevant matches from overwhelming, albeit “statistically significant” outputs. The discrepancy between statistical vs biological significance has different causes: erroneous database entries, repetitive sequence elements, and the ubiquity of low complexity segments with biased composition. We present two masking methods (programs XNU and XBLAST) capable of eliminating most of the irrelevant outputs in a variety of large scale sequence analysis situations: global “all against all” database comparisons, massive partial cDNA sequencing (EST), positional cloning and genomic data analysis.
A 9-Year retrospective review of antibiotic cycling in a surgical intensive care unit

Background Six years after initiating a monthly antibiotic cycling protocol in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU), we retrospectively reviewed antibiogram-derived sensitivities of predominant gram-negative pathogens before and after antibiotic cycling. We also examined susceptibility patterns in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) where antibiotic cycling is not practiced.
Nuclear factor κB represses the expression of latent membrane protein 1 in Epstein-Barr virus transformed cells

Nuclear factor κB represses the expression of latent membrane protein 1 in Epstein-Barr virus transformed cells
RelB: an outlier in leukocyte biology

RelB is one of the more unusual members of the NF-κB family. This family, arguably the best known group of transcription regulators, regulates an astonishing array of cell types and biological processes. This includes regulation of cell growth, differentiation and death by apoptosis, and the development and function of the innate and adaptive-immune system. RelB is best known for its roles in lymphoid development, DC biology, and noncanonical signaling. Within the last few years, however, surprising functions of RelB have emerged. The N-terminal leucine zipper motif of RelB, a motif unique among the NF-κB family, may associate with more diverse DNA sequences than other NF-κB members. RelB is capable of direct binding to the AhR that supports the xenobiotic-detoxifying pathway. RelB can regulate the circadian rhythm by directly binding to the BMAL partner of CLOCK. Finally, RelB also couples with bioenergy NAD(+) sensor SIRT1 to integrate acute inflammation with changes in metabolism and mitochondrial bioenergetics. In this review, we will explore these unique aspects of RelB, specifically with regard to its role in immunity.
Effect of mechanical boundary conditions on orientation of angiogenic microvessels.

Aim Mechanical forces are important regulators of cell and tissue phenotype. We hypothesized that mechanical loading and boundary conditions would influence neovessel activity during angiogenesis. Methods Using an in vitro model of angiogenesis sprouting and a mechanical loading system, we evaluated the effects of boundary conditions and applied loading. The model consisted of rat microvessel fragments cultured in a 3D collagen gel, previously shown to recapitulate angiogenic sprouting observed in vivo. We examined changes in neovascular growth in response to four different mechanical conditions. Neovessel density, diameter, length and orientation were measured from volumetric confocal images of cultures exposed to no external load (free-floating shape control), intrinsic loads (fixed ends, no stretch), static external load (static stretch) or cyclic external load (cyclic stretch). Results Neovessels sprouted and grew by the 3rd day of culture and continued to do so during the next 3 days of loading. The numbers of neovessels and branch points were significantly increased in the static stretch group when compared to the free-floating shape control, no stretch or cyclic stretch groups. In all mechanically loaded cultures, neovessel diameter and length distributions were heterogeneous, while they were homogeneous in shape control cultures. Neovessels were significantly more oriented along the direction of mechanical loading than those in the shape controls. Interestingly, collagen fibrils were organized parallel and adjacent to growing neovessels. Conclusion Externally applied boundary conditions regulate neovessel sprouting and elongation during angiogenesis, affecting both neovessel growth characteristics and network morphometry. Furthermore, neovessels align parallel to the direction of stress/strain or internally generated traction, and this may be due to collagen fibril alignment induced by the growing neovessels themselves.
Validity of the ithlete™ Smart Phone Application for Determining Ultra-Short-Term Heart Rate Variability.

The purpose of this investigation was to cross-validate the ithleteTM heart rate variability smart phone application with an electrocardiograph for determining ultra-short-term root mean square of successive R-R intervals. The root mean square of successive R-R intervals was simultaneously determined via electrocardiograph and ithleteTM at rest in twenty five healthy participants. There were no significant differences between the electrocardiograph and ithlete TM derived root mean square of successive R-R interval values (p > 0.05) and the correlation was near perfect (r = 0.99, p < 0.001). In addition, the ithlete TM revealed a Standard Error of the Estimate of 1.47 and Bland Altman plot showed that the limits of agreement ranged from 2.57 below to 2.63 above the constant error of -0.03. In conclusion, the ithleteTM appeared to provide a suitably accurate measure of root mean square of successive R-R intervals when compared to the electrocardiograph measures obtained in the laboratory within the current sample of healthy adult participants. The current study lays groundwork for future research determining the efficacy of ithlete TM for reflecting athletic training
A new efficient implementation of the AIFIR echo tail canceller for ISDN applications

An efficient echo tail canceller is proposed for use with the 2B1Q receiver for ISDN (integrated services digital network) applications. The overall echo cancellor is composed of a direct form FIR (finite impulse response) main canceller to cancel the main part of the echo followed by an adaptive interpolative FIR section (AIFIR) for tail cancellation. The AIFIR is a cascade of an adaptive sparse filter and a fixed interpolator filter. Preliminary results show that, by implementing the interpolator as a cascade of combinations of comb filters, one can achieve echo attenuation close to that obtainable by min-max interpolators while reducing the number of multipliers required. >
Accessing forbidden transitions: Magnetic dipoles and electric quadrupoles for nano-optics

Summary form only given. Although it is often assumed that all light-matter interactions at optical frequencies are mediated by electric dipole transitions, strong optical-frequency magnetic dipoles do exist. In fact, we see magnetic dipole emission every day from the many lanthanide ions (such as erbium, europium, and terbium) that help to illuminate everything from fluorescent lighting to telecom fiber amplifiers. Higher-order processes such as magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole transitions also play an important part in the light emission from transition metal ions and semiconductor quantum dots. Nevertheless, most applications have overlooked the device implications of these electric-dipole-forbidden transitions throughout the visible and near-infrared regime, and their contributions to many important emitters have not been fully characterized.In this presentation, we will experimentally characterize the "forbidden" transitions in a range of solid-state emitters and investigate their applications and implications for nanophotonics. We will examine the electric dipole approximation commonly used to describe light-matter interactions and discuss naturally occurring systems that exhibit higher-order magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole emission. We will illustrate how these nanoscale quantum transitions can provide both a new way to probe magnetic light-matter interactions and a new degree of design freedom for active electronic and photonic devices. Specifically, we will demonstrate how the different symmetries of multipolar transitions can be exploited to identify, quantify, and control light emission, even at sub-lifetime scales. Despite similar radiation patterns, magnetic and electric dipole emitters have different symmetries with respect to polarization and phase. Thus, in an inhomogeneous environment, we can tailor interference effects and the local density of optical states to selectively enhance either electric or magnetic dipole emission [1,2]. To examine the scope of such higher-order transitions, we will present quantum mechanical calculations that identify all the magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole emission lines in the trivalent lanthanide series in the visible to near-infrared spectrum [3]. Then, we will present an energyand momentum-resolved spectroscopy technique to directly quantify the electric and magnetic dipole contributions from any mixed transition. [4] Using energy-momentum spectroscopy, we will experimentally examine the higher order transitions in lanthanide ions [4,5], transition metal ions [6], and epitaxial quantum dots [7]. If time permits, we will then show how the symmetry differences between magnetic and electric dipoles can be used to address specific electronic states [6] and to dynamically tune emission spectra at sub-lifetime-scales [8].
White-noise analysis in the neuron network of the vertebrate retina

In the real world, the visual environment consists of dynamic light stimuli which vary continuously in time, space, color and intensity. Here we summarize physiological experiments in the retinal neuron network which show that a white-noise modulated light stimulus can be used to define the simultaneous linear and nonlinear response components underlying complex visual processing such as color/contrast sensitivity and spatio-temporal receptive field. This research has provided new insight into how such visual information is coded in the spike discharges of ganglion cells. >
Supercapacitor-based reconfigurable energy management unit for autonomous wireless sensor nodes

Wireless sensor nodes require longevity, zero maintenance, and self-sufficiency. However, constraints on power, system volume, and cost are prohibitive to satisfy these requirements. In this paper, a reconfigurable energy management unit (EMU) is introduced that works within the constraints to meet the requirements. With multi-directional energy flow control, the EMU achieves the unification of photovoltaic (PV) energy harvesting with maximum power point tracking (MPPT), energy storage, voltage regulation, and energy recycling for dynamic voltage scaling (DVS). Supercapacitors are employed for energy storage to enhance operation lifetime. A reconfigurable DC-DC converter architecture is implemented to accommodate flexible voltage conversion and multi-directional energy flows. Functionality is implemented and verified using a CMOS 0.35-µm process. The PV cell voltage is well controlled from 1 V to 5 V to achieve MPPT under varying illumination conditions. Meanwhile, the output voltage is regulated from 1.2 V to 3.3 V with no additional regulator. Energy recycling improves DVS down-tracking by over 15 times.
Abdominal drain placement versus laparotomy for necrotizing enterocolitis with perforation

Perforated NEC in the fragile, premature infant remains a complex neonatal and surgical problem. Future investigation into the basic mechanisms of the intestinal inflammatory response in the premature neonate may allow for preventive strategies in the management of NEC. Until then, surgical management for perforated NEC will remain a necessary intervention to treat the complications of this disease. The two most commonly used surgical strategies for perforated NEC are laparotomy, bowel resection, and enterostomy versus primary peritoneal drainage. There are no compelling, prospective, controlled data supporting one procedure over the other. Although there are several surgical options for treating perforated NEC, definitive evidence-based guidelines for the best surgical treatment in terms of survival outcome remain to be determined.
Ho:Ho upconversion: applications to Ho lasers

Ho:Ho upconversion rates are predicted with a quantum-mechanical model and measured with a Q-switched Co:MgF2 laser to directly excite the Ho 5I7 manifold. If Ho:Ho upconversion is low compared with spontaneous decay, Q-switched, Ho-only lasers can store energy efficiently over long time intervals. In this case, Ho-only lasers, when pumped by long-pulse-length Tm-only lasers, have great potential. Ho-only lasers have proven to be efficient, and, when long pump pulses are used, fewer laser diodes are required. To assess the Ho laser potential, Ho:Ho upconversion parameters are calculated and measured for several Ho laser materials including Ho:YAG and Ho:YLF. The effects of both nonuniform pump energy deposition and diffusion of the excited Ho distribution are analyzed.
Derivatives of Tree Sets with Applications to Grammatical Inference

Tree automata generalize the notion of a finite automaton working on strings to that of a finite automaton operating on trees. Most results for finite automata have been extended to tree automata. In this paper we introduce tree derivatives which extend the concept of Brzozowski's string derivatives. We use tree derivatives for minimizing and characterizing tree automata. Tree derivatives are used as a basis of inference of tree automata from finite samples of trees. Our method compares tree derivative sets and infers a tree automaton based on the amount of overlap between the derivative sets. Several of the limitations present in the tree inference techniques by Brayer and Fu and Edwards, Gonzalez, and Thomason are not imposed by our algorithm.
Regret in Men Treated for Localized Prostate Cancer

ABSTRACTPurpose: We identify the predictors of medical regret in men treated for localized prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: Patients previously treated for early stage prostate cancer were assessed for treatment regret using validated items. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified associations between regret and demographic characteristics, clinical outcomes, medical knowledge, and general and disease specific health related quality of life as measured by the general health perceptions domain of the RAND 36-Item Health Survey and a validated short form of the University of California, Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index.Results: Of 96 respondents (mean age 64 years, mean followup 2.8 years) 16% expressed regret with treatment decisions. Regretful men were almost twice as likely as nonregretful men to have less than a college education (60% versus 33%, p = 0.05) and worse current health related quality of life (p <0.05). In addition, regretful men tended to be unable to recall the most recent p...
Aesthetics and the Hispanic rhinoplasty.

Objectives/Hypothesis Current aesthetic standards for rhinoplasty have been formulated for an Anglo-American population. Nevertheless, these standards vary, and it is doubtful that these norms are universally applicable to Anglo populations, much less Hispanic ones. Study Design A retrospective study was carried out to determine how the Western norms apply to rhinoplasty populations of Anglo and Hispanic background. The effectiveness of rhinoplasty techniques used in Hispanic rhinoplasty were assessed. Methods The open approach was used frequently to augment the nasal skeleton in this population with thick skin. Techniques were primarily aimed at achieving symmetry, straightening the dorsum, and improving projection, since these Hispanic patients were less interested in tip definition or alar base narrowing. Results Hispanics were significantly more likely to have dorsal humps, saddle deformities, dependent alae, retracted columellae, and poor tip projection. The nasolabial (columellar-labial) angle method of assessing tip rotation was not accurate in the Hispanic population. Tip definition was better in Anglos, and skin thickness and base width were greater among Hispanics. Rhinoplasty can be effective in achieving aesthetic norms: As a group, the Hispanic profile was brought into greater conformity with the aesthetic norms than their Anglo counterparts who did not have surgery. Conclusions Thick nasal skin does not adapt well to a small osteocartilaginous framework, and it is better to augment and strengthen the skeleton with cartilage grafts. Even among Anglos, the Western artistic canons are merely guidelines. Good communication with the patient is more important than adhering to aesthetic norms.
Clinical, Anatomic, and Imaging Correlation in Spine-Related Pain: The Essential Elements

Successful treatment of a patient's spine-related pain depends on accurate targeting of its location and cause. At a basic level, a focused history and physical examination is essential. Understanding of spine anatomy, in particular, spine innervation, is fundamental. Correlation with preprocedure imaging is important to confirm the suspected location(s) of the pain generator and is helpful in planning the approach for image-guided treatment. Understanding the variations in spine anatomy, subtle imaging features, or correlates of root irritation and factors that can affect the patient's presentation at the time of treatment are also critical to accurate targeting and effective treatment. This section reviews the fundamental elements that play a role in accurate diagnosis of the cause of a patient's spine-related pain. Routine application of these basic principles should aid in the approach to the spine-related pain patient and improve both accurate targeting of a patient's pain generator and the outcomes of image-guided treatment.
Time-Changed Markov Processes in Unified Credit-Equity Modeling

This paper develops a novel class of hybrid credit-equity models with state-dependent jumps, local-stochastic volatility, and default intensity based on time changes of Markov processes with killing. We model the defaultable stock price process as a time-changed Markov diffusion process with state-dependent local volatility and killing rate (default intensity). When the time change is a Levy subordinator, the stock price process exhibits jumps with state-dependent Levy measure. When the time change is a time integral of an activity rate process, the stock price process has local-stochastic volatility and default intensity. When the time change process is a Levy subordinator in turn time changed with a time integral of an activity rate process, the stock price process has state-dependent jumps, local-stochastic volatility, and default intensity. We develop two analytical approaches to the pricing of credit and equity derivatives in this class of models. The two approaches are based on the Laplace transform inversion and the spectral expansion approach, respectively. If the resolvent (the Laplace transform of the transition semigroup) of the Markov process and the Laplace transform of the time change are both available in closed form, the expectation operator of the time-changed process is expressed in closed form as a single integral in the complex plane. If the payoff is square integrable, the complex integral is further reduced to a spectral expansion. To illustrate our general framework, we time change the jump-to-default extended constant elasticity of variance model of Carr and Linetsky (2006) and obtain a rich class of analytically tractable models with jumps, local-stochastic volatility, and default intensity. These models can be used to jointly price equity and credit derivatives.
An Immersed Boundary Method for the Weather Research and Forecasting Model

This paper describes an immersed boundary method that facilitates the explicit resolution of complex terrain within the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Mesoscale models, such as WRF, are increasingly used for high-resolution simulations, particularly in complex terrain, but errors associated with terrain-following coordinates degrade the accuracy of the solution. The use of an alternative-gridding technique, known as an immersed boundary method, alleviates coordinate transformation errors and eliminates restrictions on terrain slope that currently limit mesoscale models to slowly varying terrain. Simulations are presented for canonical cases with shallow terrain slopes, and comparisons between simulations with the native terrain-following coordinates and those using the immersed boundary method show excellent agreement. Validation cases demonstrate the ability of the immersed boundary method to handle both Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. Additionally, realistic surface forcing can be provided at the immersed boundary by atmospheric physics parameterizations, which are modified to include the effects of the immersed terrain. Using the immersed boundary method, the WRF model is capable of simulating highly complex terrain, as demonstrated by a simulation of flow over an urban skyline.
The Law of Religious Liberty in a Tolerant Society

This is a draft of the final chapter of my forthcoming book WHY TOLERATE RELIGION? Earlier versions of material in the first part of the book appear on SSRN as "Why Tolerate Religion?" (Constitutional Commentary, 2008) and "Foundations of Religious Liberty: Toleration or Respect?" (San Diego Law Review, 2010) (the account of religion has changed somewhat since these two papers). The two main conclusions from earlier in the book that are presupposed in this draft chapter are that: (1) the moral value of liberty of conscience is not specific to claims of "religious" conscience; and (2) there are claims of conscience that are not "religious" in character (however precisely religion is understood). "Principled toleration" requires that a dominant group, with the means to stamp out or repress disfavored beliefs of others, nonetheless recognize that there are good moral reasons to permit such beliefs to be held and expressed (subject to the limits imposed by the Harm Principle). The draft chapter explores the question: what should become of the law of religious liberty in light of these conclusions? Should we opt for a scheme of universal exemptions for claims of conscience, or are there reasons to think that no exemptions for claims of conscience, religious or otherwise, are justified? The relation between toleration and religious establishment is also discussed.
Interdependent patterns of coping and support among close friends

We introduced a 3 × 3 Coping—Support Interdependent Matrix for conceptualizing and investigating dyadic coping and support-giving among friends. By integrating attachment theory with the literatures on coping and support, we identified three prototypic patterns of coping (distance, utilize support, overwhelmed) and three prototypic patterns of support-giving (disengage, responsive, overinvolved). A sample of 113 pairs of college friends completed questionnaires assessing their own and their friend’s coping and support-giving patterns. An Actor—Partner Interdependence Model analysis revealed that utilize support coping was associated with friends’ responsive support-giving, overwhelmed coping was associated with overinvolved support-giving, and distance coping was associated with disengage support-giving. Coping and support patterns were found related in theoretically expected ways to ratings of friendship closeness and conflict.
Analyst Following, Corporate Governance And Valuation: Emerging-Market Evidence

This paper considers analyst following as a substitute way of disciplining companies and examines the joint impact of corporate governance and analyst following on valuation in an emerging-market setting. I find that the interaction of analyst following and corporate governance on valuation is not significant for my whole sample. Breaking down the sample to common law versus code law countries indicates that, only for common law countries, the positive relation between the quality of corporate governance and valuation is weaker for companies with greater analyst following than for companies with lower analyst following. This paper joins the stream of research on the monitoring role of financial analysts. It extends Lang et al. (2004) by examining t he joint impact of analyst following and corporate governance on valuation with a proxy of overall corporate governance quality. In addition, the finding from this paper suggests that analyst’s governance role is more pronounced in common law countries of emerging markets where analyst service is in greater need. The results have implications for investors, analysts and managers in the common law countries of emerging markets that firms with weak corporate governance benefit more from having a high level of analyst following in terms of market valuation.
Diazinon—Chemistry and Environmental Fate: A California Perspective

Diazinon (O,O-diethyl O-2-isopropyl-6-methylpyrimidin-4-yl phosphorothioate) was first registered in the USA in 1956 (US EPA 2006) by the Swiss company J.R. Geigy. Diazinon is a broad-spectrum contact organophosphorus pesticide that is used as an insecticide, acaricide, and nematicide. Diazinon has been widely used to control soil and foliage insects and pests on a wide range of crops such as rice, fruits, wine grapes, sugarcane, corn, and potatoes. Diazinon is also used to control mange mites, ticks, lice, biting flies on sheep, cows, pigs, goats, and horses. In California, diazinon has been applied primarily on fruits, vegetables, and for landscape maintenance and structural pest control. In 2010, a total of only 64,122 kg of diazinon was used in California (CDPR 2010a). Diazinon was formerly used in household and garden products for pest control. However, manufacturing of indoor use products was discontinued on June 30, 2001, and production of nonagricultural outdoor use products containing diazinon was discontinued on June 30, 2003. As of December 31, 2004, sales of diazinon-containing products for residential use ceased (US EPA 2000), resulting in diazinon falling to a rank of 94 among the most used pesticides in California by 2010 (CDPR 2010b). Diazinon is formulated as a wettable powder, granules, liquid concentrates, seed dressings, microencapsulations, and impregnated materials (US EPA 2006). Some typical formulations containing diazinon as an active ingredient (a.i.) include the following: Basudin® 10 (10 % a.i.), Knoxout® (Pennwalt, 23 % a.i.), Nucidol® 60 (60 % a.i.), Alfatox®, Gardentox®, and several other trade-named products. Although concentrations have decreased nationwide in urban waters, diazinon is still frequently detected as a residue in agricultural watersheds. In California’s agricultural regions with the highest diazinon use, the detection frequencies in 2005–2010 could reach 90 % of the monitoring samples; moreover, the exceedance rate vs. the water quality criterion of 0.1 μg/L was 66.7 % (Zhang and Starner 2011). This large proportion of detections and exceedance of water quality criteria have led to concerns about diazinon’s potential environmental impacts. In this chapter, we provide a review of the environmental fate of diazinon and describe its toxicity to aquatic organisms.