cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive wall treatment for a second order turbulence model in an industrial context

CFD computations of turbulent flows always begin with a complex meshing process (upper plenum, fuel assembly in the nuclear industry for example). Geometrical constraints are the first ones to be satisfied (level of details, important zones to refine regarding “user experiences”). One has however to satisfy constraints that are inherent to the RANS model (Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes) used for the computation. For example, if a « High-Reynolds » (k-e standard, SSG, …) model is used one should only have wall cells with a dimensionless distance to the wall greater or equal to 20 to justify the use of the universal “law of the wall”. On the other hand, if a « Low-Reynolds » (BL-v²/k, EB-RSM, …) model is used, one should only find wall cells with a dimensionless distance to the wall below 1. If those models are used in an inappropriate way the results could be dramatic (computations can either diverge or give unphysical results). This thesis proposes the development of a new turbulence model with adaptive wall treatments that gives satisfactory results on all types of meshes. In particular, the model will be able to cope with meshes containing both « High-Reynolds » and « Low-Reynolds » wall cells. Given the complex flows encountered in the nuclear industry this thesis will use a model known for its good behavior: the EB-RSM model. This model is able to reproduce the anisotropy of the turbulence and give more satisfactory results than eddy viscosity models in different configurations. This model is available in Code_Saturne, an open source code developed at EDF. Al the developments are made in this code.
Locally advanced pancreatic cancer: staging, operability, and the importance of multimodality therapy

The role for surgery in the management of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is nicely discussed in the manuscript by Gemenetzis et al . published in the Annals of Surgery (1). As the authors acknowledge, therapeutic selection, sequencing and surgical resection were based on expert consensus in their multidisciplinary clinic.
Efficient, Effective and Well Justified Estimation of Active Nodes within a Cluster.

Reliable and efficient estimation of the size of a dynamically changing cluster in an IoT network is critical in its nominal operation. Most previous estimation schemes worked with relatively smaller frame size and large number of rounds. Here we propose a new estimator named \textquotedblleft Gaussian Estimator of Active Nodes,\textquotedblright (GEAN), that works with large enough frame size under which testing statistics is well approximated as a Gaussian variable, thereby requiring less number of frames, and thus less total number of channel slots to attain a desired accuracy in estimation. More specifically, the selection of the frame size is done according to Triangular Array Central Limit Theorem which also enables us to quantify the approximation error. Larger frame size helps the statistical average to converge faster to the ensemble mean of the estimator and the quantification of the approximation error helps to determine the number of rounds to keep up with the accuracy requirements. We present the analysis of our scheme under two different channel models i.e. $ \{0,1 \} $ and $ \{0,1,e \} $, whereas all previous schemes worked only under $ \{0,1 \} $ channel model. The overall performance of GEAN is better than the previously proposed schemes considering the number of slots required for estimation to achieve a given level of estimation accuracy.
High Quality Test Methodology for Highly Reliable Devices

This paper introduces a high quality screening methodology, using Integrated Passive Device (IPD) as an example device, which has the capability to increase power integrity of Integrated Fan Out Wafer Level Chip Scale Package (InFO WLCSP). InFO WLCSP is a more cost effective solution to achieve “More than Moore's law” for mobile devices than 3D integrated circuits (3DIC). Ultra-thin IPD with high capacitance density is capable to further shrinking InFO package dimensions and boosting its performance. Although the cost percentage of an IPD in the whole InFO package is negligible, a defective IPD can cause the whole InFO package malfunctioned. Traditional test methods such as good die in a bad cluster (GDBC) and dynamic part averaging testing (DPAT) are used screening IPD devices, however it is insufficient for high quality screen standards. In this paper, we propose a novel methodology that leads to an effective screening method to guarantee high quality and reliable IPD devices for InFO packages. We will show results on some industrial cases to validate our claims.
A Scalable Energy–Economy Model for State-Level Policy Analysis Applied to a Demand-Side Management Program

Over the past two decades, states and cities implemented low-carbon energy development, renewable portfolio standards, demand-side management (DSM), renewable energy production incentives, green bu...
Fortran 2000 and Various Fortran Dialects

The aim of this chapter is to provide a brief coverage of what developments are taking place with standard Fortran and look briefly at several of the so-called Fortran dialects.
Machine Learning and Data-Driven Solutions for Cost-efficient Network Automation

Although a “Self-Driving” network is still a long way to go, many time-consuming and complex tasks of network management are being automated thanks to virtualization of network services, advances in machine learning, and other data-driven solutions. This study highlights recent contributions towards network automation and gives directions for future research opportunities. © 2020 The Author(s)
Identification with drinking predicts increases in drinking behaviors (but not vice versa)

Abstract Cross-sectional research has demonstrated that endorsing, or acknowledging, and frequently thinking about having a drinking identity are uniquely and positively associated with alcohol consumption and risk for hazardous drinking. In the current investigation, we evaluated whether these facets of drinking identity indicated a latent drinking identity variable. We also investigated whether greater identification with drinking predicted subsequent increases in alcohol consumption and risk for hazardous drinking, and whether higher levels of these drinking behavior variables predicted subsequent increases in identification with drinking. Data were collected from participants (N = 422) near their graduation from college and then again eight months later. Drinking identity endorsement and drinking identity thought frequency were positive indicators of a latent drinking identity variable. Identification with drinking was concurrently, positively associated with both alcohol consumption and risk for hazardous drinking at both time points. Greater identification with drinking at the first assessment predicted subsequent increases in alcohol consumption and risk for hazardous drinking. Surprisingly, the drinking behavior variables did not prospectively predict changes in identification with drinking. These findings support an expanded conceptualization of drinking identity, provide further evidence that greater identification with drinking prospectively predicts more drinking behaviors, and suggest that drinking identity should be considered in interventions to reduce hazardous drinking.
Tematología: consideraciones sobe tema, motivo y multiculturalidad

Theme incorporates a term of a great force of evocation. Theme and motif can shape and filter the author's thinking (theme), move and move itself within the plot of a story (motif). The study of theme and motif, their communicative force, is essential to know about the connection between literary works from different cultures and fields. Cultural Studies that look on the ethno-anthropological social process and their connection to power, Gender Studies that point out on social construction, African-American Studies, New Historicism, all these cultural phenomena, and the social ones too, are characterized by a discursive centrality of a mainly thematic research; therefore, each trend has gone in this direction in a reasoned or in some cases a strategic and group way. The thematic research relevance and the different comparativism topic, such as their social links, constitute an undeniable hermeneutic nucleus that is dependent on thematologic inquiries.
Graphics in Briefs: Why Not?

Legal writers should use graphics and visuals as persuasive tools in their documents, and it’s already happening. This article discusses the support for using graphics from experts and practicing lawyers. It addresses the most common reasons lawyers give for not using visuals in legal writing. It then offers some practical tips for using graphics and some simple ideas for creating them—with some basic examples.
Mandatory Minimums: Equal but Unequal

The war on drugs promulgated drastic sentencing reform in the 1980s that has proven to be disastrous to the American criminal justice system. Decades-worth of mandatory minimum sentencing reveals the deleterious effects these provisions inflict upon the American population. Mandatory minimum sentencing undermines the criminal justice system by eroding fundamental fairness, tying judges’ hands, and discriminating against defendants’ distinctive cases. These laws arbitrarily and disproportionately impact minorities, overcrowd prisons, and incur unconscionable expenses. This article argues for the abolition of mandatory minimum sentencing for drug offenses and the restoration of judicial discretion. This article proposes that Congress take legislative action to resolve the multitude of issues associated with mandatory minimum sentencing. Abolishing mandatory minimum sentencing and restoring judicial discretion is paramount to rectifying the deleterious effect of the war on drugs and rehabilitating the criminal justice system. Taking action in this way has the capability to deter excessive plea deals, decrease the number of low-level offenders in prison, curb racial disparity, reduce recidivism, lessen mass incarceration, and save taxpayers thousands of dollars annually. Part I of this article highlights an array of problems associated with mandatory minimum sentencing. Part II argues for the legislature to abolish mandatory minimums to resolve the shortcomings addressed in Part I. Part III explains how abolishing mandatory minimums will positively affect the criminal justice system and expounds upon the issues and the resolution proposed in Part I and II, respectively.
Parameterization of Biot–Willis Effective-Stress Coefficient for Deformation and Alteration of Porous Rocks

The effective stress coefficient is an essential geomechanical parameter required for estimation of the effective stress acting upon the subsurface reservoir porous rock formations and affecting their petrophysical properties. The values of the effective stress coefficient for various rock properties depend on the complex phenomena involving various types of rock deformation and alteration processes. This paper presents a discussion of the relevant factors and an effective method for accurate correlation of the Biot–Willis effective stress coefficient by means of a kinetics-based phenomenological model. This is accomplished by developing a modified power-law equation which describes the variation of the effective stress coefficient by various rock deformation and alteration processes at a macroscopic scale. This equation has five parameters which can be determined using the experimental data obtained by rock testing. The modified power-law equation is derived in a manner to satisfy the low- and high-end limit conditions of the effective stress coefficient exactly, which are the zero and unity values, respectively, for the Biot–Willis effective stress coefficient associated with the bulk volumetric strain. However, many empirical correlations presented in the literature cannot satisfy the low- and high-end limit values of the effective stress coefficient. The modified power-law equation is applied for correlation of the Biot–Willis effective stress coefficient associated with the bulk volumetric strain as functions of porosity, permeability, permeability/porosity ratio, and stress using the experimental data of various porous subsurface rock formations and artificial porous materials. The quality of the correlations is determined by means of the coefficient of regression or correlation and the root mean-square of the difference of the correlation values relative to the measured data. The correlation of the Biot–Willis coefficient with porosity yields the best results compared to the correlations obtained with permeability and permeability/porosity ratio. The stress dependence of the Biot–Willis effective stress coefficient of heterogeneous rock formations involving the slope change and hysteresis effects is correlated to describe the slope discontinuity caused by the deformation process transition and the hysteresis caused by the inertial and delay effects, fully elastic pre-damage, and/or irreversible rock damage during loading/unloading.
Machine Learning allows Synthesis and Functional Interpolation of Computational and Field-Data for Worldwide Utility-Scale PV Systems

There has been an accelerated pace of installation variety of utility-scale solar farms across the world. Field data are streaming in from existing plants. Also, highly sophisticated physics-based numerical models and software are being developed to estimate the energy yield of a solar PV system over its lifetime. By necessity, the results are specific to a finite number of arbitrarily chosen geographical locations and require substantial computational resources for a worldwide energy estimation, making it difficult to extrapolate the results to new locations. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel machine learning-based tool that reduces the computational time by 4-orders of magnitude with an accuracy of R2 ~ 0.99. The tool utilizes the simulation-derived utility-scale solar PV energy yield to functionally interpolate the location-specific inputs and energy yields. This compact, efficient, and versatile representation will transform how large-scale modeling is used to predict the energy yield of various farm configurations for any location around the world.
Trends in Nasal Spray Prescribing Patterns by Otolaryngologists in the US Medicare Population.

Objectives To quantify national and state-level prescribing and cost trends for the 3 most prescribed nasal sprays by otolaryngologists in the Medicare population. Methods Through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) database and the Kaiser Family Foundation, we retrieved data on Medicare enrollment and on claims and costs of fluticasone propionate, azelastine HCl, and ipratropium bromide prescribed by otolaryngologists from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017. Results From 2013 to 2017, CMS reimbursed $128.8 million for 5.2 million claims of fluticasone propionate, azelastine HCl, and ipratropium bromide prescribed by otolaryngologists. The national claim rate for fluticasone propionate increased 6.5% per year from 2013 to 2015 and then decreased 4.3% per year from 2015 to 2017 while azelastine HCl and ipratropium bromide consistently increased annually (19.0% and 12.2% respectively) from 2013 to 2017. The cost for fluticasone propionate decreased 33.0% a year from 2013 to 2015 and then increased 5.4% annually to $13.60 per claim in 2017. Azelastine HCl decreased 14.8% annually from $91.30 to $50.23 per claim and ipratropium bromide increased 5.2% annually to $34.78 in 2017. Variations in the claim rate and cost for all 3 nasal sprays were observed in some states. Conclusions Otolaryngologists are prescribing azelastine HCl and ipratropium at an increasingly higher rate in the Medicare population, while the rate for fluticasone propionate has been decreasing nationally. Utilization and costs of nasal sprays also vary geographically across the United States.
Justice George Sutherland and the Business of Expression

In 1936-1937, Justice George Sutherland wrote his only two United States Supreme Court opinions about freedom of expression. Sutherland’s majority opinion in Grosjean v. American Press Co. (1936) and his dissent in Associated Press v. NLRB (1937) set forth a novel and hybrid constitutional concept, the business of expression, which melded economic liberty and freedom of expression and reflected Sutherland’s aversion towards political factions and solicitude for private economic rights. In both cases Sutherland assessed economic regulations of the press through the prism of economic liberty and suggested that through partial laws – what Sutherland considered illegitimate class legislation – political factions sought to impede the business of expression. Sutherland’s analysis underscored the interplay between economic liberty and freedom of expression.
Resource-Aware parallel adaptive computation for clusters

Smaller institutions can now maintain local cluster computing environments to support research and teaching in high-performance scientific computation. Researchers can develop, test, and run software on the local cluster and move later to larger clusters and supercomputers at an appropriate time. This presents challenges in the development of software that can be run efficiently on a range of computing environments from the (often heterogeneous) local clusters to the larger clusters and supercomputers. Meanwhile, the clusters are also valuable teaching resources. We describe the use of a heterogeneous cluster at Williams College and its role in the development of software to support scientific computation in such environments, including two summer research projects completed by Williams undergraduates.
Introduction to Designs for Learning Spaces

The act of designing anything is a messy and complex process. Yet, as Donald Schon remarked in his book The Reflective Practitioner, the competence and artistry embedded in applied practice are well worth exploring. To do so places a spotlight on the mechanics of decision-making that seeks to improve the human condition, whether it results an instructional tool, a table, or a building. Second, it tends to provide sometimes fascinating and revealing commentary on its players’ culture, values and priorities. Insights on both these points tell us something about ourselves as beings of change and betterment, and also how we interact with the world.
Effects of collecting blood into plastic heparinised Vacutainer® tubes and storage conditions on blood gas analysis values in horses

Summary Reasons for performing study: Plastic heparinised Vacutainer® (registered trademark of Becton, Dickinson and Company) tubes are used for blood gas analysis in horses. This collection method may not be ideal because influx of atmospheric O2 through the permeable plastic wall of the Vacutainer® tube and loss of CO2 into the gas phase above the blood sample should increase blood PO2 and decrease PCO2, respectively. Objectives: To determine the effects of collecting blood into plastic Vacutainer® tubes and storage conditions on blood gas analysis values. Methods: Blood was obtained from 6 healthy horses and tonometered at 37°C with 12% O2 and 5% CO2. Three ml aliquots of tonometered blood were collected using a glass syringe or Vacutainer® tube and stored in iced water or at room temperature for 0, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min. Blood samples from Vacutainer® tubes were collected aerobically (tube opened for 5 s) or anaerobically (tube remained closed). Blood gas analysis was performed in duplicate using a Radiometer ABL5. Data was analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance and P<0.05 was significant. Results: Compared to the glass syringe, tonometered blood collected in Vacutainer® tubes had an immediate, significant, sustained and marked increase in PO2 and an immediate, significant, transient but small decrease in PCO2. Blood PO2 and PCO2 were higher when Vacutainer® tubes were stored in iced water instead of at room temperature. Measured blood pH and calculated values for plasma bicarbonate and total CO2 concentration and base excess of extracellular fluid were similar when blood was collected in glass syringes or Vacutainer® tubes and values were not altered by storage temperature or time. Conclusions: Plastic heparinised Vacutainer® tubes should not be used to collect samples for measurement of blood PCO2 and PO2. Vacutainer® tubes provide an accurate method for measuring plasma bicarbonate concentration, total CO2 concentration and base excess.
Electrographic exercise stress testing and coronary arteriography. Correlation among 114 men with chest pain.

Abstract The electrocardiographic response to exercise stress testing (EST) was compared with coronary arteriographic findings in 114 men referred for evaluation of chest pain. The men were divided into two groups: group A (69 men) in whom the coronary arteriograms showed at least one major vessel with greater than 70 percent reduction in cross sectional area, and group B (45 men) in whom there was no evidence of coronary arterial narrowing. In both groups A and B the description of chest pain was judged to be at least consistent with the diagnosis of angina pectoris if not always representing classical angina pectoris. Only men with a positive finding to EST and those with a negative EST response after achieving at least 90 percent of predicted maximum heart rate were included in the calculations. Our results were strikingly similar to those obtained from an extensive review of the literature and showed the following: sensitivity, 80.4 percent; specificity, 88.6 percent; predictive value of a positive test result, 91.1 percent; predictive value of a negative test result, 75.6 percent, and efficiency of the test 83.7 percent. The maximal EST is a useful predictor of coronary artery disease when a male population is evaluated for chest pain. When a population is selected on some basis other than chest pain (such as elevated lipids or age), EST is a much less useful predictor of coronary artery disease.
Extending the descartes specification language towards process modeling

With current complex real time software problems, the need for reliable software specification becomes crucial. This paper overviews the use of formal methods to specify requirements and the advantage of using an executable formal specification language processor to develop a process model for the development of a software system. The paper presents how a software process can be described using the Descartes specification language, an executable specification language, and the language extensions made to Descartes to make it suitable to describe a software process.
Newlyweds’ Unexpected Adjustments to Marriage

The purpose of this study was to investigate the unexpected adjustments to marriage of contemporary couples. Twenty-one couples were interviewed. The criteria were as follows: all of the couples were childless, in their first marriage, and the couples had been married less than a year. Qualitative analysis based on a phenomenological approach was used in the investigation. Six themes emerged regarding unexpected adjustments. The themes were as follows: The little things, competing loyalties, letdowns, serious responsibility, relationship roles, and sex. In some cases, gender of the spouse and premarital cohabitation appeared to relevant to distinct types of adjustments. Implications for conceptualizing the transition to marriage and for further research and application toward premarital education are discussed.
In vitro evaluation of papaverine hydrochloride incompatibilities: a simulation of intraarterial infusion for cerebral vasospasm.

PURPOSE To elucidate, in light of reports of complications associated with intraarterial infusion of papaverine hydrochloride, the known propensity of papaverine hydrochloride to form precipitate in combination with other solutions or pharmaceuticals. METHODS Initially simulating a situation experienced during an intraarterial papaverine infusion for cerebral vasospasm, we mixed various concentrations of papaverine with serum, nonheparinized and heparinized saline, and nonionic contrast material. RESULTS Papaverine in concentrations of 0.3% (300 mg/100 mL of normal saline) or greater formed a precipitate when mixed with human serum (blood). The precipitate crystals were 50 to 100 microns in size and could be returned to solution simply by the addition of more serum. CONCLUSION Crystal emboli are a possible transient cause of complications experienced during treatment of vasospasm with its attendant altered flow dynamics.
Statistical Approaches to Feature-Based Object Recognition

This paper examines statistical approaches to model-based object recognition. Evidence is presented indicating that, in some domains, normal (Gaussian) distributions are more accurate than uniform distributions for modeling feature fluctuations. This motivates the development of new maximum-likelihood and MAP recognition formulations which are based on normal feature models. These formulations lead to an expression for the posterior probability of the pose and correspondences given an image. Several avenues are explored for specifying a recognition hypothesis. In the first approach, correspondences are included as a part of the hypotheses. Search for solutions may be ordered as a combinatorial search in correspondence space, or as a search over pose space, where the same criterion can equivalently be viewed as a robust variant of chamfer matching. In the second approach, correspondences are not viewed as being a part of the hypotheses. This leads to a criterion that is a smooth function of pose that is amenable to local search by continuous optimization methods. The criteria is also suitable for optimization via the Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm, which alternates between pose refinement and re-estimation of correspondence probabilities until convergence is obtained. Recognition experiments are described using the criteria with features derived from video images and from synthetic range images.
Remittances and Institutions: Are Remittances a Curse?

This paper addresses the complex and overlooked relationship between the receipt of workers' remittances and institutional quality in the recipient country. Using a simple model, we show how an increase in remittance inflows can lead to deterioration of institutional quality - specifically, to an increase in the share of funds diverted by the government for its own purposes. Empirical testing of this proposition is complicated by the likelihood of reverse causality. In a cross section of 111 countries we document a negative impact of the ratio of remittance inflows to GDP on domestic institutional quality, even after controlling for potential reverse causality. We find that a higher ratio of remittances to GDP is associated with lower indices of control of corruption, government effectiveness, and rule of law.
Resolvins, docosatrienes, and neuroprotectins, novel omega-3-derived mediators, and their aspirin-triggered endogenous epimers: an overview of their protective roles in catabasis

The molecular basis for the beneficial impact of essential omega-3 fatty acids is of considerable interest. Recently, novel mediators generated from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that displayed potent bioactions were first identified in resolving inflammatory exudates [J. Exp. Med. 192 (2000) 1197; J. Exp. Med. 196 (2002) 1025] and in tissues enriched with DHA [J. Exp. Med. 196 (2002) 1025; J. Biol. Chem. 278 (2003) 14677]. The trivial names Resolvin (resolution phase interaction products) and docosatrienes were introduced for the bioactive compounds belonging to these novel series because they demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory actions. The compounds derived from eicosapentaenoic acid carrying potent biological actions (i.e., 1-10 nM range) are designated E series, given their EPA precursor, and denoted as Resolvins of the E series (Resolvin E1 or RvE1), and those biosynthesized from the precursor docosahexaenoic acid are Resolvins of the D series (Resolvin D1 or RvD1). Bioactive members from DHA with conjugated triene structures are docosatrienes (DT) that are immunoregulatory [J. Exp. Med. 196 (2002) 1025; J. Biol. Chem. 278 (2003) 14677], and neuroprotective [J. Biol. Chem., 278 (2003) 43807; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. [submitted for publication]] and are termed neuroprotectins. The specific receptors for these novel bioactive products from omega-3 EPA and DHA are abbreviated Resolvin D receptors (i.e., ResoDR1), Resolvin E receptor (ResoER1; RER1), and neuroprotectin D receptors (NPDR), respectively, in recognition of their respective cognate ligands. Aspirin treatment impacts biosynthesis of these compounds and a related series by triggering endogenous formation of the 17R-D series Resolvins and docosatrienes. These novel epimers are denoted as aspirin-triggered (AT)-RvDs and -DTs, and possess potent anti-inflammatory actions in vivo essentially equivalent to their 17S series pathway products. Here, we provide a syntomy overview of the formation and actions of these newly uncovered pathways and products as well as highlight their role(s) as endogenous protective mediators generated in anti-inflammation and catabasis.
Cun+-assisted synthesis of multi- and single-phase yttrium oxide nanosheets

A facile hydrothermal method was used to synthesize multi- and single-phase yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanosheets (NS). Interestingly, using copper ions as catalysts, phase transformation from multiphase Y2O3 NS to single-phase cubic Y2O3 NS was observed. The multiphase Y2O3 NS-based metal–semiconductor (M–S) junction was found to be a Schottky barrier-based diode. The single-phase cubic Y2O3 NS was found to have negative resistance as an M–S junction. This is due to localized redox reaction/junction electronics. This research would benefit design and development of future microelectronic devices.
Synaptic strengthening through activation of Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors.

POSTSYNAPTIC Ca2+ elevation during synaptic transmission is an important trigger for short- and long-term changes in synaptic strength in the vertebrate central nervous system1. The AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazoleproprionate) receptors, a subfamily of glutamate receptors, mediate much of the excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain and spinal cord2. It has been shown that a subtype of the AMPA receptor is Ca2+-permeable3–6 and is present in subpopulations of neurons7–12. When synaptically localized13, these receptors should mediate postsynaptic Ca2+ influx, providing a trigger for changes in synaptic strength. Here we show that Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors are synaptically localized on a subpopulation of dorsal horn neurons, that they provide a synaptically gated route of Ca2+ entry, and that activation of these receptors strengthens synaptic transmission mediated by AMPA receptors. This pathway for postsynaptic Ca2+ influx may provide a new form of activity-dependent modulation of synaptic strength.
High-performance photorefractive glasses: understanding mechanisms and limitations

Since the first observation of the photorefractive (PR) effect in polymers, extensive efforts have been directed toward understanding the physics of the PR process in these systems, as well as optimizing polymer composites and glasses for various applications. Despite remarkable progress both in elucidating the mechanisms and processes contributing to the PR effect and in designing organic materials with high gain and diffraction efficiency, simultaneously attaining high refractive index modulation, fast dynamics, and good thermal properties in one material remains a challenge. Monolithic glasses represent an attractive class of PR organic materials since they possess large nonlinearities and minimal inert volume, which enhances the performance without stability problems. In this paper, we present a complete study of monolithic glasses based on a promising new class of chromophores (containing 2-dicyanomethylen-3-cyano-5,5-dimethyl-2,5-dihydrofuran, abbreviated as DCDHF-derivatives). We describe thermal, photoconductive, orientational, and photorefractive properties of these materials in both red and near infrared wavelength regions. By studying the temperature dependence of various parameters, we analyze the factors that affect photorefractivity in DCDHF-based materials.
Importance of the region around glycine-338 for the activity of enzyme I of the Escherichia coli phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system.

The gene encoding enzyme I of the phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system from an Escherichia coli enzyme I mutant was cloned and sequenced. The mutation was shown to be a guanine to adenine transition resulting in an altered protein in which glycine-338 was replaced by aspartic acid. The enzyme I structural gene was mutated to change glycine-338 to a variety of other amino acid residues. Fermentation tests indicated that glycine-338 could be mutated to alanine with no gross loss in phosphotransferase activity, while mutation to valine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, arginine, histidine, or asparagine led to significant loss of activity. An expression vector for enzyme I was mutated to change glycine-338 to a variety of other amino acid residues and highly purified mutant proteins were prepared. Analysis of phosphorylation of the proteins by PEP indicated that mutation of glycine-338 to alanine had little effect on phosphorylation, mutation to valine substantially decreased phosphorylation, cha...
Decay rate of bound muons

Abstract The total rate and the electron energy spectrum are calculated for the decay of a negative muon bound in an atomic 1s state, using relativistic electron and muon wave functions appropriate to an extended nuclear charge distribution, and using a general local, nonderivative, decay interaction. The rate and the spectrum are computed numerically for iron, antimony, lead, and uranium, and the rate is found to be in qualitative agreement with earlier calculations. The results are compared with experiment after approximate corrections are made for energy loss by the decay electrons in the target, and for the detection threshold for these electrons. These corrections are found to explain the great reduction in the experimental ratio of bound to free muon decay rates for heavy elements, thus removing the previous theoretical-experimental discrepancy for these elements. The observed peak in the bound muon decay rate near iron is not predicted, but a consideration of possible additional contributions to the experimental decay rate suggests that the large background of low-energy gamma rays associated with the accompanying muon capture might be connected with this peak.
The SEASWAB experiment

Abstract SEASWAB is one element of the Delta Project of the U.S. Geological Survey, a cooperative effort with several universities and other governmental agencies to investigate the processes that cause marine‐sediment instability. The basic purpose of the SEASWAB experiment was to obtain field measurements of sediment motion and pore‐pressure variations in soft sediment affected by wave‐pressure perturbations. This article serves as an introduction to the six papers that follow and that together make up a report on the results of SEASWAB.
Somatosensory cortical plasticity in carpal tunnel syndrome—a cross-sectional fMRI evaluation

Abstract Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve characterized by paresthesias and pain in the first, second, and third digits. We hypothesize that aberrant afferent input in CTS will lead to cortical plasticity. Functional MRI (fMRI) and neurophysiological testing were performed on CTS patients and healthy adults. Median nerve innervated digit 2 (D2), and digit 3 (D3) and ulnar nerve innervated digit 5 (D5) were stimulated during fMRI. Surface-based and ROI-based analyses consistently demonstrated more extensive and stronger contralateral sensorimotor cortical representations of D2 and D3 for CTS patients as compared to healthy adults ( P r = −0.79, P
Effect of rapid quenching on the mixed alkali effect of glass

Abstract The dc conductivities of rapidly quenched mixed alkali glasses were compared with those of annealed glasses. The conductivities of the rapidly quenched glasses were higher but the extent of the mixed alkali effect at room temperature was not reduced by rapid quenching. This observation does not support a defect mechanism, such as the weak electrolyte model, as the mechanism of the mixed alkali effect.
Life‐history plasticity under resource stress in a clonal fish (Poeciliidae: Poeciliopsis)

Within-individual plasticity for reproductive investment was examined in a clonal fish (Poeciliidae: Poeciliopsis) grown under six levels of resource stress. Growth, age at first reproduction, egg production, egg size, egg energetic content, and survivorship were measured from fish grown in three dietary and two density treatments. Growth and fecundity decreased with both increased density and food stress. Age at first reproduction increased with increased density, but was unaffected by the diet treatments. Reproductive effort (clutch size per female weight), offspring investment (egg size and egg energetic content), and survivorship were invariant across all treatment combinations. We compare these results with predictions based on theoretical treatments of optimal reproductive investment.
Identifying Sociocultural Barriers to Mammography Adherence Among Appalachian Kentucky Women

Despite lower breast cancer incidence rates, Appalachian women evidence lower frequency of screening mammography and higher mortality risk for breast cancer compared to non-Appalachian women in Kentucky, and in the United States, overall. Utilizing data from 27 in-depth interviews from women in seven Appalachian Kentucky counties, this study examines how Appalachian women explain sociocultural barriers and facilitators to timely screening mammography, and explores their common narratives about their mammography experiences. The women describe how pain and embarrassment, less personal and less professional mammography experiences, cancer fears, and poor provider communication pose barriers to timely and appropriate mammography schedule adherence and follow-up care. The study also identifies how improving communication strategies in the mammography encounter may improve mammography experiences and adherence to screening guidelines.
Zoogeography of Scotinomys in Middle America, With The Description of A New Subspecies from Nicaragua

The distribution of the cricetid rodent genus Scotinomys is briefly reviewed, and its distribution as a Middle American endemic is shown to coincide with the distribution of cloud forest, or upper humid montane forest. A new subspecies of S. teguina is described from north-central Nicaragua, and the significance of the Nicaraguan gap in the distribution of this mid-montane species is defined.
Soluble proteins from Schistosoma mansoni and japonicum: a comparative biochemical and immunological analysis.

Abstract 1. 1. Soluble proteins were recovered from male Schistosoma mansoni after homogenization in Tris—HCl buffer containing 0.6 M KCl and 1.0% Triton X-100 followed by preparative electrophoresis on SDS-gel. 2. 2. Polyclonal antibodies produced in mice against the soluble fraction were used in comparative analysis of S. mansoni and S. japonicum using immunoblots and immunoprecipitation of in vitro translated polypeptides. 3. 3. Small molecular weight polypeptide (20–22 kdalton), identified by infected mouse serum (IMS) on immunoblots, was predominant in females and was not cross-reactive with heterologous IMS. 4. 4. A 41–43 kdalton polypeptide which appeared as a doublet on immunoblots performed with polyclonal antiserum 4M, was predominant in males of both species although the polypeptides of S. mansoni showed slower electrophoretic mobility, and therefore the larger size (43 kdalton), than that of S. japonicum . 5. 5. Comparison of fluorograms of the immunoprecipitates of in vitro translated polypeptides indicated that IMS of S. mansoni precipitated two, 30 and 94 kdalton, polypeptides while the IMS of S. japonicum identified at 72 kdalton polypeptide. Antisera 1M, 2M and 4M also showed similarities and differences in polypeptides of in vitro translation products of the two species of Schistosoma .
An intelligent wide area system-centric controller and observer for power system stabilization using optimal Dual Heuristic Programming (DHP) architecture

In this paper, we propose an intelligent approach to power system stabilization using a Wide Area System Centric Controller and Observer (WASCCO). This architecture augments local controllers for stabilization connected to generators such as Power System Stabilizers (PSS) based on Intelligent Supervisory Loop (ISL) concept implemented with a wide area controller and Observer. For the monitoring and controller of multiple generators a Dual Heuristic Programming (DHP) action-critic neural network architecture is utilized. This coupled with a predictive Wide Area Neural Network Identifier (WANNID) generates a control signal to augment local controller. The controller performance is tested on a five generator, eight buses, two area power network to damp inter-area model oscillations. Simulation studies indicate that the proposed controller is capable of improving the stabilization of the generator over the use of PSS alone while continuously improving its performance through the use of online learning.
Childhood experiences of abuse, later substance use, and parenting outcomes among low-income mothers

Relationships among childhood abuse, subsequent adult functioning (with a focus on severity of substance abuse), and child placement were explored in an urban sample of low-income, African-American mothers. Childhood sexual trauma and age were found to be correlated with severity of later drug use; history of physical or sexual abuse was significantly related to psychological distress in adulthood; and addiction was highly correlated with child placement. Implications of the findings are discussed, with particular reference to collaborations between child welfare and substance abuse treatment.
Pregnancy in a woman with class H diabetes mellitus and previous coronary artery bypass graft: A case report and review of the literature

Background: Maternal and fetal mortality have been reported to be high in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease. Review of the literature identified only two cases of pregnancy after coronary artery bypass surgery in diabetic patients. Because of limited case experience, there are no clear recommendations for counseling and managing such patients. Case: We managed a pregnancy complicated by class H diabetes mellitus in which the patient had an earlier need for four-vessel coronary artery bypass surgery. The application of contemporary techniques for diabetic and cardiac management led to successful maternal and perinatal outcomes at 36 weeks' gestation. Conclusion: Preconception coronary artery bypass surgery, along with contemporary medical and obstetric management, may lead to improvement in the outcome of pregnancies complicated by class H diabetes.
Should we measure depth of anesthesia

F or the last several years, Carl Rosow has given a refresher course lecture at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists entitled, "Can We Measure Depth of Anesthesia?"1 The answer to that question is unequivocally in the affirmative. This review will attempt to address a related question, "Should we measure depth of anesthesia?" For a new monitoring technology to be widely adopted, it should be able to provide improved outcomes as measured by quantitative variables. Consideration of potentially improved outcomes therefore will be the emphasis of this article, which is based on review of the literature through July 2001. In general, only peer-reviewed articles are referenced herein. The only exceptions include two relevant abstracts accepted for presentation at the 2001 meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, one article currently accepted for publication with revision, and one personal communication. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has approved two monitoring modalities for intraoperative measurement of depth of anesthesia. The first is the bispectral index (BIS) developed by Aspect Medical Systems of Needham, MA, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1996. The second is the patient state index (PSI) developed by Physiometrix of North Billerica, MA, and approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2000. There are numerous peer-reviewed articles investigating the perioperative use of BIS, and thisreview has cited
Transistor biased amplifier utilizing current switching techniques

Abstract The transistor circuit described amplifies linearly the portion of a pulse above a selected bias level. The circuit utilizes a series-parallel diode current switching scheme to overcome many of the problems involved in the more common voltage switching circuits. It is entirely direct coupled to reduce overload and count rate distortions. The bias temperature stability is 0.005% of full scale per degree C. The differentia; non-linearity of the output is better than ±1% independent of bias level.
Evidence against Rank-Dependent Utility Theories: Tests of Cumulative Independence, Interval Independence, Stochastic Dominance, and Transitivity.

This study tests between two modern theories of decision making. Rank- and sign-dependent utility (RSDU) models, including cumulative prospect theory (CPT), imply stochastic dominance and two cumulative independence conditions. Configural weight models, with parameters estimated in previous research, predict systematic violations of these properties for certain choices. Experimental data systematically violate all three properties, contrary to RSDU but consistent with configural weight models. This study also tests whether violations of stochastic dominance can be explained by violations of transitivity. Violations of transitivity may be evidence of a dominance detecting mechanism. Although some transitivity violations were observed, most choice triads violated stochastic dominance without violating transitivity. Judged differences between gambles were not consistent with the CPT model. Data were not consistent with the editing principles of cancellation and combination. The main findings are interpreted in terms of coalescing, the principle that equal outcomes can be combined in a gamble by adding their probabilities. RSDU models imply coalescing but configural weight models violate it, allowing configural weighting to explain violations of stochastic dominance and cumulative independence.
Ultrasound devulcanization: comparison of synthetic isoprene and natural rubbers

Sulfur-cured vulcanizates of unfilled synthetic isoprene rubber (IR) were prepared and successfully devulcanized in a continuous co-axial ultrasonic reactor. Die pressure characteristics and ultrasonic power consumptions were measured. Network structures of the virgin vulcanizates, devulcanizates and revulcanizates were characterized by gel fraction and crosslink density according to the classic swelling method. The molecular characteristics of the sol generated by ultrasound treatment were determined by GPC. Kinetics of revulcanization, rheological properties of the devulcanizates and mechanical properties of the revulcanizates were compared with those of virgin uncured IR and their vulcanizates. In addition, a comparison of the cure behavior, devulcanization characteristics, network structures and the mechanical properties was made between IR and the natural rubber (NR) reported earlier. Simulations on the correlation of the normalized gel fraction and the normalized crosslink density show that these two rubbers have almost equivalent probability of main chain scission and crosslink rupture ratio, which is probably determined by the main chain structure of both rubbers consisting of cis-1,4-isoprene.