cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bubble Column Reactors for Wastewater Treatment. 2. The Effect of Sparger Design on Sublation Column Hydrodynamics in the Homogeneous Flow Regime

A simple analysis of bubble column hydrodynamics indicates that the upper limit of the homogeneous flow regime is the optimum operating condition for solvent sublation. This is in contrast to the traditional belief that solvent sublation is limited to the string bubbling flow regime. The implication is that the limited number of low-pressure adsorptive processes that operate in the bubbly flow regime, such as solvent sublation, may soon become viable options for industry. Results of gas holdup, bubble size, and dispersion experiments are reported as functions of gas velocity for three different types of gas-bubble spargers, namely, a fine porous glass frit, a flexible rubber membrane, and an annular shear sparger. The data show that the shear sparger affects the column dynamic properties such that the transition to the heterogeneous regime is delayed. Therefore, for applications requiring homogeneous flow, column capacity can be improved by approximately 25%. Moreover, the interfacial area produced by the shear sparger operating in the homogeneous regime rivals that produced by perforated and sintered plates operating in the heterogeneous regime.
Can molecular subtyping be used to guide metastatic screening in breast cancer

The seminal study in 2000 by Perou and colleagues1 describing the molecular classification of breast cancer based on complementary DNA microarray analysis has forever changed the way we view this disease. Their results supported the concept that breast cancer is not a single entity but rather a heterogeneous group of tumors with diverse behavior and corresponding gene expression patterns. Subsequently, the same group refined their molecular subtypes using a greater number of tumors and identified the now familiar five distinct gene expression patterns: luminal A, luminal B, HER2+, basal-like, and normal breast-like.2 They further demonstrated a correlation between tumor subtype and patient outcome, including overall survival and relapse-free survival. Since the publication of these studies, numerous other investigators have confirmed the clinical significance of this classification system,3–7 including the prognostic and predictive value of the molecular subtypes. Since immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a more accessible and inexpensive modality in the clinical setting, there has been ongoing interest in using protein expression to identify the subclasses. Based on the particular gene clusters differentially expressed among the subtypes and their correlation with protein expression, the most commonly used IHC stains have been estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2/neu, and Ki-67.1,3,4,6–9 IHC for CK5/6 and epidermal growth factor receptor (HER1) also has been used to further distinguish the basal-like subtype.6,8 In …
Effect of exogenous thyroxine on thyroid accumulation and secretion in euthyroid subjects.

Euthyroid volunteer subjects from an Arkansas population were studied during administration of exogenous Na-Lthyroxine (T4) in doses of 0, 100 and 200 μg daily. Indices measured by chemical and 131I thyroidal and whole body counting methods were the daily thyroidal accumulation of iodide and the daily thyroxine degradation rate; the latter was derived from estimated absorption of the oral dose and total turnover measurements. Accumulation and proteinbound iodine (PBI) only were measured in 54 subjects, and both accumulation and degradation in each of a further 20 subjects. The results show that with increasing exogenous thyroxine dosage a progressive decrease in thyroidal uptake rate occurs. This approaches zero for an oral dose of about 280 μg of thyroxine daily. This dosage is associated with a small but definite increase in PBI. Total thyroxine turnover rate increased approximately in proportion to the PBI, while the fractional thyroxine degradation rate remained relatively constant at these physiologi...
Role of Polysomnography in the Development of an Algorithm for Planning Tracheostomy Decannulation

ObjectiveTo examine the role of polysomnography (PSG) in helping determine readiness of tracheostomized patients for decannulation.Study DesignCase series with chart review of pediatric patients who underwent PSG with tracheostomy tube in place with the goal of decannulation.SettingTertiary care pediatric center.Subjects and MethodsTwenty-eight tracheostomized patients who underwent PSG from January 2006 to March 2012 were included. Outcome measures were successful decannulation, PSG results, surgical procedures, and medical comorbidities.ResultsOf the 28 patients, 20 (71.4%) were decannulated and 8 (28.6%) were not. One (3.6%) patient failed long-term decannulation. The average apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) with a capped tracheostomy for those successfully decannulated was 2.75 (range, 0.6-7.6), while the AHI for those not decannulated was 15.99 (range, 3.2-62). Factors associated with success or failure to decannulate were assessed, and an algorithm was developed to plan for successful decannulation. Laryn...
Role of adiposity in food intake control of juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Experiments were conducted to determine if adiposity affected feed intake in juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) with different nutritional histories. Fry were fed high-fat (23%) or low-fat (3%) diets at high (satiation) and low (one-half satiation) ration levels for 7 months before the start of the intake experiment. This pre-treatment produced fish averaging 22 g with 11.3% (high-fat diet) and 5.4% (low-fat diet) body fat when fed to satiation or 11 g with 7.0% (high-fat diet) and 3.3% (low-fat diet) body fat when fed at one-half satiation. Experiment 1 had a 2 × 2 factorial design where duplicate groups of 20 fish from the high-ration groups (22 g) were fed high- (16%) or low- (4%) fat diets twice daily to satiation 6 days/wk for 3 weeks. Daily feed intake was recorded. The same protocol was used in experiment 2 on fish (40 fish per tank) from the smaller low-ration groups (11 g). Feed intakes on day 1, cumulative feed intakes after 21 days and plasma levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were compared using two-way ANOVA with initial whole body fat and dietary fat as the independent variables. In both experiments, high body fat led to significantly lower feed intake on day 1 and after 21 days of feeding. High dietary fat levels caused greater intake on day 1, but by the end of the experiments, this effect was not significant, suggesting some adaptation to the diets. Insulin in plasma showed greater response to dietary fat (high-fat diets causing higher insulin levels), whereas IGF-1 responded more to body fat level (high body fat led to higher IGF-1 levels). Our results show that in both-fast- and slow-growing juvenile chinook salmon, adiposity plays a role in regulation of feed intake and that adiposity appears to interact with IGF-1. Dietary fat levels had transient effects on intake, but plasma insulin levels consistently reflected the dietary fat levels. An important implication of our findings is that food intake, and possibly growth, could be retarded if a feeding regime results in high body fat levels.
On the feasibility of dynamic rescheduling on the Intel Distributed Computing Platform

This paper examines the feasibility of dynamic rescheduling techniques for effectively utilizing compute resources within a data center. Our work is motivated by practical concerns of Intel Distributed Computing Platform (IDCP), an Internet-scale data center based distributed computing platform developed by Intel Corporation for massively parallel chip simulations within the company. IDCP has been operational for many years, and currently is deployed live on tens of thousands of machines that are globally distributed at various data centers. We perform an analysis of job execution traces obtained over a one year period collected from tens of thousands of IDCP machines from 20 different pools. Our analysis shows that the IDCP currently does not make full use of all the resources. Specifically, the job completion time can be severely impacted due to job suspension when high priority jobs preempt low priority jobs. We then develop dynamic job rescheduling strategies that adaptively restart jobs to available resources elsewhere, which better utilize system resources and improve completion times. Our trace-driven evaluation results show that dynamic rescheduling enables IDCP to significantly reduce system waste and completion time of suspended jobs.
A preliminary study of some ecological correlates of child abuse: the impact of socioeconomic stress on mothers

The ecological correlates of child abuse and maltreatment are explored. A model which focuses on the degree to which mothers are given support for the parent function is considered. This model, based on studies by Gil (1970) and Bronfenbrenner's (1974c) analysis of "support systems for parents", is examined empirically. Data on rates of child abuse/maltreatment for counties in New York State - based on reports made pursuant to a new, more stringent 1973 reporting law - are examined in light of indices of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the 58 counties under study. The data suggest that the degree to which mothers in a particular county are subjects to socioeconomic stress without adequate support systems accounts for a substantial proportion (36%) of the variance in rates of child abuse/maltreatment across New York counties, while economic conditions more generally affecting the family account for 16% of the variance. Application of them empirical model (based on the stepwise multiple regression analysis) to 2 additional samples of child abuse/maltreatment reports (1974) in New York State counties yields results consistent with the initial sample from which the multiple regression equation was drawn.
Simultaneous precipitation kinetics of kaolinite and gibbsite at 80°C and pH 3

Precipitation rates of kaolinite and gibbsite were measured in stirred-flow reactors with a mixed seed substrate of kaolinite plus gibbsite at 80°C and pH 3. Input solutions were supersaturated simultaneously to different degrees with respect to both kaolinite and gibbsite. Rates were determined by assuming that each mineral precipitated only on its own seed. The calculated precipitation rates for each mineral are in good agreement with published data on the saturation state dependence of precipitation rates for each mineral alone (Nagy et al., 1991; Nagy and Lasaga, 1992). One rate for kaolinite was determined at a saturation state given by ΔGr = +1.11 kcal mol−1. This value doubles the range of saturation states at which kaolinite precipitation rates had been measured in the single-phase experiments. The new precipitation rates (mol m−2 s−1) for kaolinite support either a linear dependence of precipitation rate on solution saturation state for 0 ⩽ ΔGr ⩽ 1.11 kcal mol−1 given by Rateppt = (5.0 ± 1.3) × 10−13[ΔGrRT], or a dependence derived from Transition State Theory given by Rateppt = (3.4 ± 0.91) × 10−13[1−exp{(−1.9 ± 1.4)ΔGrrt}]. The experimental technique shows promise for measuring precipitation rates of minerals in solutions supersaturated with respect to more than one phase. The results also indicate that a mineral preferentially will grow on itself. The gibbsite-like surface of kaolinite does not appear to serve as a nucleation site for gibbsite when gibbsite is also available for growth in solutions near equilibrium with respect to both minerals.
MO-E-BRA-05: Clinical Issues Associated with the Use of Monte Carlo-Based Prospective Planning for Lung SBRT and Spine SRS Patients

Purpose: To investigate the clinical issues associated with the use of Monte Carlo‐based prospective planning for lungSBRT and spine SRS patients. Methods: Experimental verification of the iPlan v.4.1 MCphoton beam algorithm (BrainLab) was performed using film and ion‐chamber in water phantoms and solid‐water slabs containing bone and lung‐equivalent materials for a 6 MV photon beam from a Novalis linac.MC dose verification was performed for 5 spine and 7 lung patients using an anthropomorphic phantom. Treatment plans of prospectively treated patients were examined to investigate the influence of statistical uncertainties, MC‐based dose‐to‐water (Dw) and medium (Dm) and calculation speed. Results: Agreement between calculations and measurements in the water phantom verification tests was, on average, within 2%/1 mm (high dose/high gradient), and was within ±4%/2 mm in the heterogeneous slab geometries. For spine SRS, the agreement between PB and Dm calculations were within 4 % of IC measurements, however, the difference between MC_Dw and Dm was on average 9 %. For the lungSBRT tests the average difference between calculated PB doses and IC reading was 13%, and both MC calculations agreed within 1.5 % of measurements. The use of reduced uncertainty below 2% increases dose calculation time significantly but has an insignificant effect on the dose volume histograms (DVH). Conclusion: Prospective treatment planning with a well‐commissioned MC algorithm provides improved dose coverage and can be introduced for efficient calculations in the routine clinical setting. However, further investigation is warranted on issues such as dose‐to‐medium and water, the impact of statistical uncertainties on serial and parallel organs, and proper approaches for reliable dose measurements at small field sizes, under non‐equilibrium conditions. Acknowledgement: Supported in part by a grant from the NIH/NCI (R01CA106770)
Fermi liquid theory in two dimensions

Abstract To describe the observed behavior of 3 He monolayers on graphite, a quasiparticle formulation is developed for a two-dimensional Fermi liquid, based on the work of Landau. In this formulation of a qualitative Fermi liquid theory, three-dimensional parameters are used to describe the two-dimensional case. Expressions are formulated for the effective mass, the specific heat, the chemical potential, the velocity of density fluctuation waves, and the magnetic susceptibility for a two-dimensional Fermi liquid. The theoretical expression for the magnetic susceptibility is used to calculate a degeneracy value of ( T ∗∗ F ) 2D ≈ 0.2 K for the 3 He monolayer on graphite, in close agreement with the experimentally determined value of ( T ∗∗ F ) 2D .
Social linkages and organizational commitment in voluntary organizations

A mail survey of 519 Southern Baptists tested the prepotency of social linkages of predicting commitment in voluntary organizations. The results of the study indicated that instrumentality theory was a weak predictor of organizational commitment, while results were notably more consistent with cohesion theory. The results are discussed and implications for theoretical and empirical research are addressed.
A Photon-Counting, Subnanosecond, Imaging Camera For X-Ray Detection

We have developed a high-bandwidth, photon-counting, x-ray detector for x-ray imaging experiments. It consists of an x-ray photocathode, an optional microchannel plate (MCP), optional electrostatic optics, and a subnanosecond phosphor. The detector can be used for two-dimensional imaging with a subnanosecond framing camera or one-dimensional imaging with a Reticon or streak-camera readout. Several versions of the one-dimensional detector have been developed. The MCP version employs a photocathode on the front surface of the MCP, and the transmission-photocathode version consists of a photocathode deposited on a thin polypropylene foil. The output electrons from the MCP or the transmission photocathode are accelerated into a fast phosphor deposited on a coherent fiber-optic faceplate. Both detectors can be enhanced with the use of electrostatic electron optics to compress the output electrons in one dimension. The best parameters achieved to date are a time resolution of 400 ps, spatial resolution of 100 ,um, and electron compression of 10:1. Quantum efficiencies of 40% have been achieved. Effective quantum efficiencies greater than 100% have been achieved with the one-dimensional electrostatic optics. Data are presented on the efficiency, time response, and spatial resolution of the one-dimensional detectors.
Heat Wave Mortality in New York City, 1949 to 1970

Epidemiological studies have been carried out to search for an influence of air conditioning on patterns of heat wave mortality in New York City. Two models were used to predict total daily summer mortality as a function of temperature; one of the models included heat acclimatization effects. Ratios of the models' predictions of heat wave mortality to actual mortality were calculated for heat waves occurring during 12 summers in the period 1949 to 1970. Trends in these ratios as a function of time were sought. The analysis suggests that the relative magnitudes of excess mortality during initial summer heat waves may have decreased over the 21-year period. No trend was observed for excess mortality during late summer heat waves.
Accountability for Perfection

Accountability could play a much bigger role in getting software producers to implement systems that are more secure and as an alternative to prevention for defending against attacks. Accountability, however, requires attribution of action. Current system development processes are weak here, as are our system designs. In both settings, forensics is key for supporting accountability.
Biochemical Diagnosis of Adrenal Insufficiency: the Added Value of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Measurements

ABSTRACT Objective To review biochemical tests used in establishing the challenging diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency. Methods We reviewed the relevant literature, including our own data, on various biochemical tests used to determine adrenal function. The advantages and limitations of each approach are discussed. Results Baseline measurements of serum cortisol are helpful only when they are very low (≤ 5 μg/dL) or clearly elevated, whereas baseline plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone levels are helpful only when primary adrenal insufficiency is suspected. Measurements of baseline serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels are valuable in patients suspected of having adrenal insufficiency. Although serum DHEA-S levels are low in patients with primary or central adrenal insufficiency, a low level of this steroid is not sufficient by itself for establishing the diagnosis. A normal age- and sex-adjusted serum DHEA-S level, however, practically rules out the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency. Many patients require dynamic biochemical studies, such as the 1-μg cosyntropin test, to assess adrenal function. Conclusion In establishing the diagnosis of central adrenal insufficiency, we recommend measurements of baseline serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels. In addition to these, determination of plasma levels of aldosterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and renin activity is necessary when primary adrenal insufficiency is suspected. With a random serum cortisol level of ≥ 12 μg/dL in the ambulatory setting or a normal age- and sex-adjusted DHEA-S level (or both), the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency is extremely unlikely. When serum DHEA-S levels are low or equivocal, however, dynamic testing will be necessary to determine hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function. (Endocr Pract. 2011;17:261-270)
Interactive effects or ACTH and growth hormone on adrenocortical hormone secretion

The effects of ACTH and growth hormone (GH) on adrenocortical hormone secretion were studied in a 13-year-old girl with GH and thyrotropin deficiency but normal ACTH function. Cortisol secretion was measured by the sum of the urinary excretions of tetrahydrocortisol(THF), allotetrahydrocortisol(ATHF), and tetrahydrocortisone(THE). Adrenal androgen secretion was measured by the sum of androsterone(A) and etiocholanolone(E). The patient took a constant daily dose of desiccated thyroid(150mg) during 5 successive periods: 3-day control, 3 days of IM ACTH (0.5mg/kg daily), 12-day post-ACTH control, 6 days of IM human GH (3.5mg daily), and 3 days of ACTH + GH at the previous doses. Control excretion of THF + ATHF + THE was 6.0mg/g creatinine and of A+E was 2.9mg/g creatinine; these values confirm normal endogenous ACTH function. Taking these levels as 100, excretion of ccrtisol and androgen metabolites rose to 240 and 190 respectively during ACTH and decreased to 107 and 105 respectively during the last 3 days of the post-ACTH control period. During the GH period, they fell to 66 and 72 respectively. When ACTH was added to GH, they rose to 170 and 103 respectively. Thus GH given alone depressed secretion of both cortisol and adrenal androgens; this could be due to depression of endogenous ACTH secretion or to interference with the effect of ACTH on the adrenal. The data from the combined GH-ACTH period are compatible with either mechanism.
Local and regional geochemical signatures of surface sediments from the Cariaco Basin and Orinoco Delta, Venezuela

We have analyzed the chemical compositions of 87 samples from the Cariaco Basin and 20 samples from the Orinoco Delta, Venezuela, in order to better characterize the fluvial sources of material to the Cariaco Basin. We observe distinctive regional patterns in composition; shelf sediments found near the Tuy River, Manzanares River, the Araya-Margarita region, and in the northern portion of the Unare platform record reproducible compositional differences. However, linear mixing models using only the composition from these rivers do not satisfy the variability observed in modern sediment trap samples collected from the basin. Average trap values are best approximated by mixing upper crust (30%–50%) with local river sources (50%–70% of either the Tuy, Unare, or Neveri Rivers) and eolian dust (
On local uniqueness of weak solutions of the Navier–Stokes system with bounded initial data

Abstract We address local uniqueness of weak solutions of the Navier–Stokes system with initial data in L ∞ ( R n ) . We show that uniqueness of solutions does not hold. We classify all solutions as all those which can be obtained from the solution of the integral equation (mild solution) by means of a certain transformation.
Inference of dispersion measure from incoherent time-steady sources

Several recent papers have proposed schemes by which a dispersion measure, and hence electron column, could be obtained from a time-steady, incoherent radio source at a cosmological distance (such as an active galactic nucleus). If correct, this would open a new window on the distribution of intergalactic baryons. These schemes are based on the statistical properties of the received radiation, such as the 2- or 4-point correlation function of the received electric field, and in one case on the quantum nature of the electromagnetic field. We show, on the basis of general principles, that these schemes are not sensitive to dispersion measure (or have an extremely small signal-to-noise ratio), because (i) the classical 2-point correlation function is unaffected by dispersion; (ii) for a source with a large number of incoherently emitting electrons, the central limit theorem obliterates additional information in higher-order functions; and (iii) such an emitter produces a radiation density matrix that is equivalent to a statistical distribution of coherent states, which contains no information that is not already in the statistics of the classical waveforms. Why the proposed observables do not depend on dispersion measure (or have extremely tiny dependences) is discussed in detail.
A Lapse Rate Depiction for Clear-Air Convection

Abstract Using moisture as a source identifier and as a tracer, a pair of lapse rates were constructed which give the temperatures associated with rising and with descending air. This lapse rate depiction is discussed both in terms of what it exhibits and in what it describes of the clear-air convective process. The data for this depiction were taken by an aircraft in a field of convective cells.
Quantitative assessment of species identification in aerial transect surveys for ice‐associated seals

Technological advances have facilitated collection of vast quantities of photographic data from aerial surveys of marine mammals. However, when it is difficult to distinguish species from a distance, reliable identification from aerial images can often be challenging. This is the case for ice-associated seals, species for which global climate change has motivated intensive monitoring efforts in recent years. We assess species and age class identification from aerial images of four ice seal species (bearded seals, Erignathus barbatus; ribbon seals, Histriophoca fasciata; ringed seals, Pusa hispida; spotted seals, Phoca largha) in the Bering Sea. We also investigate the specific phenomenological and behavioral traits commonly associated with species identification and observer confidence. We generally found species and age class misidentification occurred at relatively low levels, but only 83% of spotted seals tended to be correctly identified (with 11% mistaken as ribbon seals). We also found certain traits were strong predictors for observed species, age class, or observer confidence. Our findings add to the growing body of evidence that species misidentification is pervasive in passive sampling of animal populations. Even low levels of misidentification have been demonstrated to induce substantial biases in estimators of species distribution and abundance, and it is important that statistical models account for such errors.
Respiratory failure after superior-based pharyngeal flap for velopharyngeal insufficiency: A rare complication

Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is an uncommon pediatric disorder often associated with congenital syndromes. After speech therapy, surgery is the standard management. Many surgical approaches to VPI repair have been reported and the complications of these procedures are well documented. To date, there have been no published cases of respiratory failure secondary to pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, and bilateral pneumothoraces with associated subcutaneous emphysema after superior-based pharyngeal flap. We present the first case in the literature. Our proposed etiology for the respiratory failure is air tracking from the flap donor site to the pleural spaces of the thoracic cavity via the visceral or prevertebral fascia following positive pressure ventilation.
Ultrastructural changes in magnocellular neurons from the supraoptic nucleus of aged rats

Magnocellular neurosecretory neurons in the supraoptic nucleus were examined in aged and young subjects to assess the ultrastructural correlates of cellular activity including cell, nuclear and nucleolar size, as well as the percentage of the cell occupied by Golgi, mitochondrial and rough endoplasmic reticulum compartments. Morphometric analysis was performed on arbitrarily selected cell profiles using a computerized morphometry protocol. Approximately 50% of those neurons examined from aged subjects exhibited a statistically significant increase relative to the young rats in total cell area and all cellular organelles examined except nuclear area. Moreover, an increase in the number and density (per unit membrane area) of synaptic contacts onto those neurons was observed. These findings suggest an increase in synthetic activity by a subpopulation of supraoptic magnocellular neurons, and support the concept of neuronal plasticity in aged rats.
Thermomechanical Fatigue of a Directionally-Solidified Ni-Base Superalloy in the Presence of Stress Concentrations

Directionally-solidified (DS) Ni-base superalloys are used in high temperature gas turbines because of their excellent properties in the most aggressive mechanical, thermal, and environmental operating conditions. Complex thermomechanical loading of turbine blades is induced by repeated engine start-up, firing, and shut-down transients. These histories make life prediction for such components difficult and subjective. In addition, accurate techniques need to account for the presence of cooling hole stress concentrations, time-dependent dwells, thermal gradients, and anisotropic material properties. In working towards such an analytical life model, this paper describes the cyclic deformation response and damage mechanisms resulting from thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) of directionally-solidified CM247LC DS. Experimental LCF tests consisted of linear in-phase (IP) and out-of-phase (OP) TMF cycles performed on smooth and notched round-bar specimens in both longitudinal and transverse grain orientations. Results take into consideration anisotropy, time-dependent deformation, and notch effects in addition to the waveform and temperature cycle characteristics. The active damage mechanisms are identified as a function of these parameters. Conclusions are drawn in light of fractography, microscopy, and finite element analysis conducted to evaluate geometric and microstructural influences on material behavior.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Forms over number fields and weak approximation

Let K be a number field, and let \(X \subseteq \mathbb{P}_K^{s - 1} \) be asmooth complete intersection defined over K. In this paper, weakapproximation is shown to hold for X provided s exceeds some functionof the degree and codimension of X. This is a corollary of a moregeneral result about the number of integral points on certain affine varieties in homogeneously expanding regions. This general result isestablished via a suitable adaptation of the Hardy-Littlewood Circle Method.
Seeing the Difference between Cosmological Simulations

Visualizing the time-variant results of a simulation can help scientists see patterns that would be difficult to find using only statistics. Furthermore, visualizing the differences between multiple simulations can let scientists directly analyze the simulations' consistency. In this article, we describe our interactive application for viewing the differences between multiple time-variant cosmological simulations. Using programmable shaders and multiple visualization techniques, the application illustrates how the properties of millions of particles vary across simulations. In doing so, we aim to help scientists find patterns in variance across dimensions, simulation parameters, and time. The driving force behind this study is a series of cosmological particle data sets with multiple dimensions of data as well as temporal changes and variability across all of the dimensions. We specifically examine past scenarios wherein a particle visualization requires a defined spatial element and multiple additional dimensions. Expanding on our previous work, we also show examples of the multiple structural components of the data sets, which can be difficult to qualitatively investigate without visualization.
Microstructure and conductivity of hierarchical laminate composites

Certain hierarchical laminates with a wide separation of length scales are known theoretically to have optimal transport and mechanical properties. We derive analytical expressions for the {ital n}-point probability functions that statistically characterize the microstructure for more general hierarchical laminates with an arbitrary number of stages and a finite separation of length scales. Using two-point probability information, we rigorously bound the effective conductivity (or dielectric constant) tensor for macroscopically anisotropic laminates and study how the separation of length scales affects the effective properties. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Screening CT of the brain determined by CD4 count in HIV-positive patients presenting with headache.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Few studies have examined HIV-positive patients presenting with uncomplicated headache for clinical variables that might be predictive of those patients who would most benefit from CT. Because of the value of CD4 counts in predicting the relative risk of developing opportunistic infections and neoplasms, we assessed the diagnostic yield of screening CT in HIV-positive patients presenting with headache as sorted by CD4 count. METHODS: We reviewed CT scan results and CD4 counts in patients presenting with headache uncomplicated by altered mental status, meningeal signs, neurologic findings, or symptoms of subarachnoid hemorrhage. For analysis, scans were considered positive or negative and were grouped according to CD4 counts of less than 200 cells/ μ L, 200 to 499 cells/ μ L, and equal to or greater than 500 cells/ μ L. The results were then analyzed using the χ 2 test. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-eight HIV-positive patients underwent a total of 204 unen-hanced and contrast-enhanced CT examinations. One hundred twenty-eight (62.7%) of the scans were negative, and 76 (37.3%) were positive. Of the positive scans, 58 (76.3%) showed atrophy only and 18 (23.7%) showed mass lesions or white matter lesions. All cases that were positive for mass lesions or white matter lesions occurred in patients with CD4 counts less than 200 cells/ μ L ( P = .04). CONCLUSION: A recent CD4 count provides an important predictor variable when considering performing CT in HIV-positive patients presenting with uncomplicated headache. Performing CT of the head for patients with CD4 counts equal to or greater than 200 cells/ μ L is of questionable value considering the low prevalence of positive CT findings. For this select group of patients, MR imaging may be more appropriate than CT. Patients with CD4 counts less than 200 cells/ μ L should undergo CT because of the high prevalence of positive scans.
Nursing Considerations for Discharging Children Home on Low-Flow Oxygen

Children in greater numbers are being sent home from the hospital on low-flow oxygen therapy. Positive aspects of discharging children including the decreased cost, the normal home environment, and increased socialization are discussed. Criteria for discharge and a plan and guide for discharge teaching are also included in this article. Discharging children on oxygen is discussed as a viable alternative to prolonged hospitalization.
A matched-filter-based reverse-time migration algorithm for ground-penetrating radar data

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a remote sensing technique used to obtain information on subsurface features from data collected over the surface. The process of collecting data may be viewed as mapping from the object space to an image space. Since most GPRs use broad beam width antennas, the energy reflected from a buried structure is recorded over a large lateral aperture in the image spare, migration algorithms are used to reconstruct an accurate scattering map by refocusing the recorded scattering events to their true spatial locations through a backpropagation process. The goal of this paper is to present a pair of finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) reverse-time migration algorithms for GPR data processing. Linear inverse scattering theory is used to develop a matched-filter response for the GPR problem. The reverse-time migration algorithms, developed for both bistatic and monostatic antenna configurations, are implemented via FDTD in the object space. Several examples are presented.
Relationships among native and introduced populations of the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) and the source of introduced populations

The Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) is a damaging invasive species that has become established in many Mediterranean-type ecosystems worldwide. To identify likely sources of introduced populations we examined the relationships among native Linepithema populations from Argentina and Brazil and introduced populations of L. humile using mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence data and nuclear microsatellite allele frequencies. The mitochondrial phylogeny revealed that the populations in Brazil were only distantly related to both the introduced populations and the native populations in Argentina, and confirmed that populations in Brazil, previously identified as L. humile, are likely a different species. The microsatellite-based analysis provided resolution among native and introduced populations of L. humile that could not be resolved using the mitochondrial sequences. In the native range, colonies that were geographically close to one another tended to be genetically similar, whereas more distant colonies were genetically different. Most samples from the introduced range were genetically similar, although some exceptions were noted. Most introduced populations were similar to native populations from the southern Rio Parana and were particularly similar to a population from Rosario, Argentina. These findings implicate populations from the southern Rio Parana as the most likely source of introduced populations. Moreover, these data suggest that current efforts to identify natural enemies of the Argentine ant for biological control should focus on native populations in the southern Rio Parana watershed.
A study of cathode catalysis for the aluminium/hydrogen peroxide semi-fuel cell

Abstract The characterization and use of a Pd and Ir catalyst combination on a C substrate in an Al/H2O2 semi-fuel cell is described. The Pd–Ir combination outperforms Pd alone or Ir alone on the same substrate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrophotometry (EDS) were used to establish the location of Pd, Ir and O in clusters on the cathode substrate surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) binding energy measurements indicate that Pd is in the metallic state and the Ir is in the +3 state. A configuration consisting of an Ir(III) oxide (Ir2O3) core and a Pd shell is proposed. The electrochemical, corrosion, direct and decomposition reactions which take place during cell discharge were evaluated. Improved initial and long term performance, at low current densities, of the Al/H2O2 semi-fuel cell incorporating a Pd–Ir on C cathode relative to a similarly catalyzed Ni substrate and a baseline silver foil catalyst is demonstrated.
Admittance calculations for non-reflective SAW transducers

This paper concerns SAW transducers using regular electrodes with negligible electrode reflections, for example the common types with 3 or 4 electrodes per period. Assuming power conservation and no diffraction, the conductance of such transducers is easily and accurately obtained using quasi-static theory. For apodised transducers it is usual to envisage the transducer as a limited number of unapodised sub-transducers ('channels') connected electrically in parallel, and this is inconvenient and involves an undesirable approximation. In contrast, the frequency response and capacitance calculations are simple linear sums, without the need to channelise. It is shown here that the conductance analysis can be rearranged such that channelisation becomes unnecessary. This gives a sum in which each term corresponds to the current induced in one electrode by the wave launched at another. The large number of such terms is substantially reduced by grouping together those with the same delay. This gives a result without approximation and which is simple to calculate. The Hilbert transform, needed for the acoustic susceptance, is obtained using a simple algebraic transformation of the conductance This avoids the usual numerical Hilbert transform, another source of error. The method can be straight-forwardly adapted to allow for propagation loss.
Labor Standards: Where Do They Belong on the International Trade Agenda?

During the past decade, universal labor standards have become the focus of intense debate. Advocates argue from humanitarian concerns and the interests of industrialized-country labor, seeking enforcement with WTO sanctions. Opponents regard labor regulation as a matter of national sovereignty, challenge the effectiveness of trade sanctions, and prefer the ILO emphasis on dialogue, monitoring and technical advice. This paper analyzes the labor standards debate, with specific attention to the analytical underpinnings of universal rules; evidence linking weak labor protections in developing countries to industrialized country wages; and the role of labor standards in WTO negotiations.
Observer parameterization for simultaneous observation

The stable inverse approach is used to obtain the observers for the simultaneous observation of a given set of plants. A parameterization in terms of a stable inverse and a stable null space is proposed for all simultaneous observers. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, a design example is also given.
Impact of Diabetes E-Consults on Outpatient Clinic Workflow.

Background. An e-consult is an electronic communication system between clinicians, usually a primary care physician (PCP) and a medical or surgical specialist, regarding general or patient-specific...
Comparison of Pulse Velocity and Impact-Echo Findings to Properties of Thin Disks from a Fire-Damaged Slab

The engineering assessment of fire damage to a concrete slab provided the opportunity to compare the results of in situ, nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques and laboratory testing of specimens taken from cores extracted from the fire damaged slab. This paper discusses and compares results of in situ pulse velocity and impact-echo testing with dynamic elastic modulus and air permeability index test results of 25 mm (1 in.) thick disks sawed from concrete cores removed from selected areas of the damaged slab. Both the NDE techniques and the laboratory testing of thin disks identified the presence of damage as a result of the fire. Analysis of the relatively thin concrete specimens permitted assessment of the presence and degree of damage in thin layers, and provided important and useful data on concrete properties for engineering assessment which was not available from NDE alone. Compressive strength results were consistent with the results of other tests but largely inconclusive by themselves. Impact-echo testing was able to identify the presence of a severely deteriorated concrete layer but could not identify the extent or depth of damage or clearly identify less damaged areas. A distressed layer of concrete was found by subsequent laboratory testing to be limited to a near-surface zone in some areas as suggested by the pulse velocity evaluation, but pulse velocity based analysis resulted in an overestimate of the depth of the damage. The findings highlighted a shortcoming of using conventional strength testing alone on investigations involving relatively thin layers of damage and pointed out several key limitations in the use and interpretation of nondestructive evaluation and associated analysis in a field assessment project.
Probabilistic analysis of tsunami hazards

Determining the likelihood of a disaster is a key component of any comprehensive hazard assessment. This is particularly true for tsunamis, even though most tsunami hazard assessments have in the past relied on scenario or deterministic type models. We discuss probabilistic tsunami hazard analysis (PTHA) from the standpoint of integrating computational methods with empirical analysis of past tsunami runup. PTHA is derived from probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA), with the main difference being that PTHA must account for far-field sources. The computational methods rely on numerical tsunami propagation models rather than empirical attenuation relationships as in PSHA in determining ground motions. Because a number of source parameters affect local tsunami runup height, PTHA can become complex and computationally intensive. Empirical analysis can function in one of two ways, depending on the length and completeness of the tsunami catalog. For site-specific studies where there is sufficient tsunami runup data available, hazard curves can primarily be derived from empirical analysis, with computational methods used to highlight deficiencies in the tsunami catalog. For region-wide analyses and sites where there are little to no tsunami data, a computationally based method such as Monte Carlo simulation is the primary method to establish tsunami hazards. Two case studies that describe how computational and empirical methods can be integrated are presented for Acapulco, Mexico (site-specific) and the U.S. Pacific Northwest coastline (region-wide analysis).
Efficient self-testing/self-correction of linear recurrences

The authors consider the problem of designing self-testers/self-correctors for functions defined by linear recurrences. They present the first complete package of efficient and simple self-testers, self-correctors, and result-checkers for such functions. The results are proved by demonstrating an efficient reduction from this problem to the problem of testing linear functions over certain matrix groups. The tools include spectral analysis of matrices over finite fields, and various counting arguments that extend known techniques. The matrix twist yields simple and efficient self-testers for all linear recurrences. They also show a technique of using convolution identities to obtain very simple self-testers and self correctors. Their techniques promise new and efficient ways of testing VLSI chips for applications in control engineering, signal processing, etc. An interesting consequence of their methods is a completely new and randomness-efficient self-tester for polynomials over finite fields and rational domains. In particular the self-tester for polynomials over rational domains overcomes a main drawback of the result of Rubinfeld and Sudan (1992)-the need for a test domain of much larger size and of much finer precision.
AUTOGENY AND BLOOD-FEEDING BY CULEX TARSALIS (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) AND THE INTERVAL BETWEEN OVIPOSITION AND FEEDING

Female Culex tarsalis Coquillett trapped in CO2-baited light traps or reared from field-collected pupae were marked with fluorescent dust, released, and recaptured in traps baited with CO2 with or without light. Recaptures of trapped females peaked on the first night of recapture collections. Recaptures of reared females peaked on the first or second night when autogeny rates were low (25–44%) but 2-4 nights later when rates were high (86–88%). It was concluded that autogenous females did not seek blood until after they had oviposited, and that autogenously induced delays in feeding probably influence the extent of virus transmission by C. tarsalis.Stretched follicular tubes indicating recent oviposition were found in 23.4% and 5.2% of empty parous females from shelters and CO2-baited traps, respectively, and in 2.3% of freshly engorged parous females from shelters. Females often failed to blood-feed until at least the second night after oviposition.
State of surgical speech rehabilitation after total laryngectomy

This paper reports the present state of speech rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. The tracheal esophageal puncture (TEP) method has become the surgical treatment of choice for aphonia after total laryngectomy. The TEP method has been found to give higher speech acquisition rates and improved intelligibility over nonsurgical methods. TEP is being performed as a primary and secondary procedure with acceptable complication rates. As the prosthesis improves, the inherent disadvantages of a prosthetic method are being overcome. Long-term follow-up is still lacking to determine the permanent role of TEP in speech rehabilitation.
Other Approaches for Analysis of Correlated Data

In this chapter, the discussion of methods to analyze outcome variables that have dichotomous correlated responses is expanded to include approaches other than GEE. Three other analytic approaches are discussed. These include the alternating logistic regressions algorithm, conditional logistic regression, and the generalized linear mixed model approach.