cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis and management of epispadias

Epispadias is a rare diagnosis and most commonly described as a part of the bladder exstrophy complex. Epispadias is characterized by failure of the urethral plate to tubularize on the dorsum with the defect ranging from a glandular to a penopubic location. In addition, male patients demonstrate a dorsal chordee whereas female patients exhibit a bifid clitoris. The goal of surgical correction is the placement of the meatus in its anatomical position and the creation of functional genitalia with good cosmetic outcomes. Two different major reconstruction principals, the modified Cantwell-Ransley and the Mitchell Bagli repair, are used in specialized centers worldwide. Both procedures comprise the major principles of epispadias surgery but differ in timing and the extent of urethral mobilization. In addition, both techniques have advantages and specific risks involved, and reports from supporting institutions demonstrate favorable results. Regardless of the approach, the reconstruction should be performed by experienced surgeons.
Recent increases in sediment and nutrient accumulation in Bear Lake, Utah/Idaho, USA

This study examines historical changes in sediment and nutrient accumulation rates in Bear Lake along the northeastern Utah/Idaho border, USA. Two sediment cores were dated by measuring excess 210Pb activities and applying the constant rate of supply (CRS) dating model. Historical rates of bulk sediment accumulation were calculated based on the ages within the sediment cores. Bulk sediment accumulation rates increased throughout the last 100 years. According to the CRS model, bulk sediment accumulation rates were <25mgcm−2year−1 prior to 1935. Between 1935 and 1980, bulk sediment accumulation rates increased to approximately 40mgcm−2year−1. This increase in sediment accumulation probably resulted from the re-connection of Bear River to Bear Lake. Bulk sediment accumulation rates accelerated again after 1980. Accumulation rates of total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), total inorganic carbon (TIC), and total organic carbon (TOC) were calculated by multiplying bulk sediment accumulation rates times the concentrations of these nutrients in the sediment. Accumulation rates of TP, TN, TIC, and TOC increased as a consequence of increased bulk sediment accumulation rates after the re-connection of Bear River with Bear Lake.
Synaptic Activation of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Regulates Dendritic Outputs of Thalamic Interneurons

Information gating through the thalamus is dependent on the output of thalamic relay neurons. These relay neurons receive convergent innervation from a number of sources, including GABA-containing interneurons that provide feed-forward inhibition. These interneurons are unique in that they have two distinct outputs: axonal and dendritic. In addition to conventional axonal outputs, these interneurons have presynaptic dendrites that may provide localized inhibitory influences. Our study indicates that synaptic activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) increases inhibitory activity in relay neurons by increasing output of presynaptic dendrites of interneurons. Optic tract stimulation increases inhibitory activity in thalamic relay neurons in a frequency- and intensity-dependent manner and is attenuated by mGluR antagonists. Our data suggest that synaptic activation of mGluRs selectively alters dendritic output but not axonal output of thalamic interneurons. This mechanism could serve an important role in focal, feed-forward information processing in addition to dynamic information processing in thalamocortical circuits.
Four Experiments On The Relation Between Foreign Language Teaching And Learning

University level students studying English as a foreign language participated in four language learning experiments which were conducted within the framework of existing EFL courses. The experiments indicated (1) that language learning is not related to amount of formal language instruction for those students concurrently enrolled in academic classes, and (2) that sequential mastery of materials is not necessary for learning in an intensive foreign language program. Even the possibility that sentences of a foreign language can be mastered in any order in which they are presented is questioned. The findings were interpreted in support of the view that the most efficient foreign language learning is informal and occurs when the learner must make communicative use of the language variety to be learned, and that the internal structure underlying a set of sentences of a foreign language is not completely learned by presentation and practice of that set of sentences.
In situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of Al2O3/InSb interface evolution from atomic layer deposition

Abstract An in situ half-cycle atomic layer deposition/X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ALD/XPS) study was conducted in order to investigate the evolution of the Al 2 O 3 dielectric interface with InSb(1 1 1)A surfaces after sulfur passivation. A thick sulfide layer was observed to form on the as-treated surfaces, with sulfur bonded to both In and Sb. Upon annealing at 300 °C in the ALD reactor, the level of Sb bonded to sulfur and oxygen is below the XPS detection limit, while significant concentrations of indium oxide/sulfur states are detected. The “clean-up” of the surface oxides and sulfides by the ALD process is presented.
Change in Methylation of 16S Ribosomal RNA Associated with Mutation to Kasugamycin Resistance in Escherichia coli

Resistance to a drug acting on the 30S ribosomal subunit is attributed to non-methylation of 16S RNA.
Radiographic Measurement of Canine Tibial Angles in the Sagittal Plane

Objective To describe a method for radiographic measurement of the mechanical joint angles of the tibia in the sagittal plane and report reference ranges for a population of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease, and specifically for Labrador Retrievers. Study design Retrospective evaluation of radiographs. Animals Canine tibia (n=150) of dogs evaluated for cranial cruciate ligament disease; 104 tibiae were from Labrador Retrievers, 46 tibiae were from other medium- to large-breed dogs. Methods Medial-lateral radiographs were used to establish anatomic landmarks and measure the mechanical cranial distal tibial angle (mCrDTA) and mechanical caudal proximal tibial angle (mCaPTA). Results For all tibiae mean mCrDTA was 81.6 degrees and mCaPTA, 63.6 degrees . For Labrador Retriever tibiae mean mCrDTA was 81.7 degrees and mCaPTA, 63.8 degrees . For non-Labradors, means mCrDTA was 81.5 degrees and mCaPTA, 63 degrees . Labrador Retrievers were significantly younger than non-Labradors in our study population. No significant differences were noted between Labrador Retrievers and non-Labradors for mCrDTA or mCaPTA and correlations between mCrDTA and mCaPTA were neither strong nor significant. Conclusion A method was established for radiographic measurement of mechanical joint angles of the canine tibia in the sagittal plane. Reference ranges are reported for a population of Labrador Retrievers and a population of non-Labradors with cranial cruciate ligament disease. Clinical relevance Measurement method and reference ranges provided for mechanical tibial angles may be used to aid in diagnosis, surgical planning, and postoperative critique for hindlimb angular deformities.
Optical propagation through a homogeneous mixture of positive and negative index materials

Metamaterials, which maybe the answer to "perfect lensing", are often fabricated as a periodic array of elements which exhibit negative refractive index or negative permeability/permittivity. In this work, we outline and illustrate a framework that can model propagation through a homogeneous and random mixture of positive and negative index materials. We achieve this by using a matrix-based multilayered approach, and a random sequence of positive and negative index materials, and by incorporating all possible combinations of such layers. Plane wave propagation is investigated, and aggregated transmittivity is calculated. We show that near-zero net refractive index maybe achieved through a random homogeneous mixture of positive and negative index materials.
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a modulator of anterior pituitary hormone secretion by hypothalamic and pituitary action

We have evaluated the role of GABA in the control of anterior pituitary (AP) hormone secretion by injecting it into the third ventricle of ovariectomized, ovariectomized-steroid primed and male rats. Specificity of the effects was determined by injecting the GABA blocker, bicuculline. The action of GABA directly on the pituitary was evaluated in vitro. The results indicate that intraventricular GABA can stimulate LH, growth hormone (GH) and, at high doses, prolactin (Prl) release, whereas low doses inhibit Prl and al doses inhibit TSH release. All of these actions are blocked by bicuculline. Intraventricular GABA administration is followed by an elevation of hypothalamic norepinephrine (NE) and median eminence dopamine (DA) levels and AP DA levels, which indicates that the compound stimulates both NE and DA release. The actions on GH and LH appear to proceed independently of DA, since the DA receptor blocker, pimozide, did not interfere with these effects, whereas the action to elevate Prl and to lower TSH was blocked by DA receptor blockade. Anterior pituitary hormone release by AP's incubated with GABA in vitro was unaltered except for an inhibition of Prl release by very high GABA doses, which could be blocked by bicuculline. Intravenous injection of bicuculline to assess the physiological significance of GABA in control of AP hormone secretion revealed no effect on FSH but a delayed rise in LH, an initial rise in Prl, followed by a fall, a tendency for GH values to rise and dramatic fall in TSH levels. These results suggest the possibility that GABA plays a physiological role in the control of AP hormone secretion, mainly via a hypothalamic action.
AIDS and the urologist.

There are numerous urological manifestations of AIDS. As the treatment of this condition has improved over the last two decades, the conditions and manifestations that urologists have been asked to manage have changed as well. Now a common problem is the treatment of stones and renal colic, which are side effects of protease inhibitor therapy.
Paraoxon-Induced Protein Expression Changes to SH-SY5Y Cells

SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were examined to determine changes in protein expression following exposure to the organophosphate paraoxon (O,O-diethyl-p-nitrophenoxy phosphate). Exposure of SH-SY5Y c...
Heat transfer coefficient measurements for mixed gas working fluids at cryogenic temperatures

Abstract The use of mixed gas working fluids has become common in Joule–Thomson type cryocoolers for a variety of applications. However, there is very little data or theory currently available regarding the heat transfer coefficient associated with these multi-component, multi-phase mixtures at cryogenic temperatures. This paper describes an experimental test facility and procedure that has been used to make careful measurements of the horizontal, flow boiling heat transfer coefficient for several hydrocarbon mixtures that are nominally optimal for small, Joule–Thomson cryocoolers in the 80 K to 120 K operating range. Data are presented over a range of temperatures from 100 K to room temperature and for several pressures and mass flow rates. The results indicate that quality and mass flux are the most important parameters governing the heat transfer coefficient among those that were varied. The experiment is verified by carrying out tests using single-phase, pure nitrogen gas and comparing the results with the Dittus–Boelter equation. The experimental uncertainty of the measurements is estimated from 1st principles; additionally, the repeatability of the experimental measurements was investigated by replicating tests at a nominal set of operating conditions and composition on separate days. The measurements presented here are intended to aid in the design of small, mixed-gas Joule–Thomson cryocoolers.
Review of vertebral artery fenestration and novel extracranial fenestration

Although anomalies of the vasculature of the head and neck are ot particularly common, vertebral artery abnormalities have been ell described in the literature. Anatomical variations of the verebral arteries can pose significant risk for vascular injury during urgical and endovascular interventions [1]. Therefore it is imporant to understand and recognize these anomalies. The classic anatomic course of the vertebral artery has its oriin from the subclavian or innominate artery, enters the foramen ransversarium of C6–C2 where it courses around C1 to enter the oramen magnum and join the contralateral vertebral forming the asilar artery. There are some important variations of the usual natomy. The vertebral artery enters at the C6 foramen in 93% of atients; alternatively, the vertebral artery may enter at C4, C5, or 7 at the respective frequency of 1, 5, and 0.8% [1]. An aberrant verebral artery course may lead to iatrogenic injury during surgical pproaches to the cervical spine. Understandably, it has been proosed that the course of the vertebral artery should be noted in the nterpretation of all routine cervical spine MRIs. In addition to an berrant arterial route, various authors have previously described everal anomalous origins. The vessel itself may randomly divide nd reconstitute as seen in arterial fenestrations and duplications.
Whither scientific deliberation in health policy recommendations? Alice in the Wonderland of breast-cancer screening.

“Let the jury consider their verdict,” the King said, for about the twentieth time that day. “No, no!” said the Queen. “Sentence first — verdict afterwards.” “Stuff and nonsense!” said Alice loudly. “The idea of having the sentence first!” “Hold your tongue!” said the Queen, turning purple. “I won't!” said Alice. “Off with her head!” the Queen shouted at the top of her voice. — Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland At 9 a.m. on January 23, 1997, after two days of speeches and presentations at a consensus-development conference sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the conference panel . . .
Motion identification and correction schemes for ultrafast CT flow studies

for Ultrafast CT Flow StudiesChristopher J. WolfkielUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoDepartment of Medicine, Section of CardiologyChicago, IL 60680ABSTRACTFlow measurement algorithms and flow image segmentation algorithms for ultrafast computed tomography requireimage registration throughout the image sequence. Motion between images occurs due to improper ECG gating, breathing
Michigan's RPS ballot defeat: A policy failure or success?

Abstract Despite heavy reliance on fossil fuels, Michigan's electorate soundly defeated a Renewable Energy Amendment in 2012 (Proposal 3). The proposal would have mandated that 25% of its electricity come from renewable energy resources by 2025. Prior to the election the State had legislated a 10% goal of adopting more renewable energy into its electricity system through a renewable portfolio standard. Was the defeat a policy failure? This paper employs concepts from the policy failure literature to answer the question. We argue that a traditional policy evaluation such as cost-benefit analysis (CBA) needs to be considered along with broader “political” evaluations. CBA results are complemented with political analysis, which reveal the complexity of evaluating key energy strategies.
An integrated theory of motivation

Abstract A frequent observation of young engineers indicates that many of them are unhappy in their jobs. This is in spite of the numerous internal and external training programs attended by an increasing number of engineering and technical supervisors. Why do trained supervisors often fail in motivating young engineers? This paper proposes an existing interrelationship of three types of well known management theories and principles. These are: first, behavioral principles; second, structural theories; and third, systems theories. A significant deficiency in any of the three will greatly reduce the effectiveness of motivational efforts of supervisors. This is particularly true if the supervisor is trained in only one or two of the groups of theories and not in all three. The typical behavioral theories covered in this paper are those of Maslow, McGregor, Herzberg, Vroom, and Porter and Lawler. The structural concepts include: Jay Lorsch's “differentiation and integration”; Warren Bennis 's “adaptability and reciprocity”; the author's own “critical mass of resources principle”; and a new look at “span of control”. The typical procedural and systems theories discussed are: MBO, Likert's Systems — preferably System IV, and Mouton and Blake's Managerial Grid — especially the 9,9 position. In order for this sequence of theories to be effective, a progressive company policy which encourages the use of the theories is required. Specifically, a fair wage and salary system together with an effective merit review plan supports the implementation of each of the three groups of theories. The concluding hypothesis is that in order to sustain itself as a progressive, productive organization, an organization first must utilize behavioral theories, then must have a flexible, adaptive organization, and finally must have effective organization systems which involve the total organization. A fair wage and salary plan with a merit review system which rewards accomplishment acts as catalyst in supporting each group of systems and theories.
Ultraviolet phototherapy for pruritus

Ultraviolet-based therapy has been used to treat various pruritic conditions including pruritus in chronic renal failure, atopic dermatitis, HIV, aquagenic pruritus and urticaria, solar, chronic, and idiopathic urticaria, urticaria pigmentosa, polycythemia vera, pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy, breast carcinoma skin infiltration, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic liver disease, and acquired perforating dermatosis, among others. Various mechanisms of action for phototherapy have been posited. Treatment limitations, side effects, and common dosing protocols are reviewed.
Ear pain due to cervical spine arthritis: treatment with cervical facet injection

Two patients with cervical spine arthritis and ear pain were recently evaluated at our clinic. Injection of the C1-2 facet joints with local anesthetic plus corticosteroid resulted in relief of the pain. Therapeutic cervical facet injections may be indicated in cases of recalcitrant head and neck pain due to cervical spine arthritis.
Genotoxicity of [1H]Benz [de] isoquinoline-1, 3[2H]Dione, 5 Amino-2-, [2-(Dimethylamino) ethyl] (BIDA) in Human Lymphocytes

AbstractWe have investigated the genotoxicity of BIDA in cultured human lymphocytes. Lymphocytes were cultured and stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) for 72 h. Doses of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 fig/ml of BIDA were added to the culture at 1 h (G2 phase), and 6 h (S/G2 phase) before harvesting. Cells were harvested at the end of the 72-h culture period with 1-h colcemid treatment to accumulate mitosis, and further prepared by standard cytogenetic technique. BIDA induced chromatic type breakages and chromatid exchanges at both 1 h and 6 h. The mean number of breakages per cell was 0, 0.1, 1.0, and 1.7 after treatment with 0.1, 0.25, and 0.75 kg/ml, respectively. At 1 kg/ml, BIDA severely inhibited cell progression and very few mitoses were observed. At 6 h the mean number of breakages per cell was 0.3 at 0.25 fig/ml and 1.2 at 0.5 kg/ml. Very few cells entered mitosis at 0.75 and 1 kg/ml. To study the effect of BIDA on cells in G0 and G1, BIDA (0.75 kg/ml) was added for 1 h to the cultures at the be...
Characterization of the membrane-associating domain of the sperm adhesive protein, bindin.

Abstract Bindin is an adhesive protein that mediates the binding of sea urchin sperm to the egg during fertilization. Bindin selectively associates with gel-phase phospholipid vesicles in a peripheral fashion. Bindin interacts specifically with sulfated fucan on the egg's surface, and directly with the phospholipid bilayer of the sperm. Analysis of a series of deletion mutants of recombinant bindin was undertaken to define the membrane associating domain of bindin. Recombinant and sperm bindin display nearly identical binding kinetics to gel-phase phospholipids and have equivalent saturation points of approx. 250 lipid molecules per molecule of bindin. Deletion mutants of bindin which contain residues 75–130 retained specific membrane binding activity. Synthetic peptides corresponding to residues 69–130, and 92–130 also display gel-phase specific membrane association. This region is highly conserved within four different species of bindin molecules. Circular dichroism spectroscopy of synthetic peptides corresponding to residues 92–130 and 69–130 suggests that a distinct change in conformation takes place upon binding liposomes. Taken together, these data indicate that the membrane binding activity of bindin residues within this highly conserved region of the bindin molecule.
Efficient Resonantly-Pumped Eye-Safe Composite Ceramic Er:YAG Laser

Laser operation of a composite ceramic Er:YAG rod is demonstrated at 1645 nm with a slope efficiency of 56.9% under resonant pumping. This is believed to be the first reported composite ceramic Er:YAG laser.
NANOFLUIDS: FROM VISION TO REALITY THROUGH RESEARCH

Nanofluids are a new class of nanotechnology-based heat transfer fluids engineered by dispersing and stably suspending nanoparticles with typical length on the order of 1-50 nm in traditional heat transfer fluids. For the past decade, pioneering scientists and engineers have made phenomenal discoveries that a very small amount (<1 vol %) of guest nanoparticles can provide dramatic improvements in the thermal properties of the host fluids. For example, some nanofluids exhibit superior thermal properties such as anomalously high thermal conductivity at low nanoparticle concentrations, strong temperature- and size-dependent thermal conductivity, a nonlinear relationship between thermal conductivity and concentration, and a threefold increase in the critical heat flux at a small particle concentration of the order of 10 ppm. Nanofluids are of great scientific interest because these unprecedented thermal transport phenomena surpass the fundamental limits of conventional macroscopic theories of suspensions. Therefore, numerous mechanisms and models have been proposed to account for these unexpected, intriguing thermal properties of nanofluids. These discoveries also show that nanofluids technology can provide exciting new opportunities to develop nanotechnology-based coolants for a variety of innovative engineering and medical applications. As a result, the study of nanofluids has emerged as a new field of scientific research and innovative applications. Hence, the subject of nanofluids is of great interest worldwide for basic and applied research. This paper highlights recent advances in this new field of research and shows future directions in nanofluids research through which the vision of nanofluids can be turned into reality.
Bone Mineral Density and Aortic Calcification: The Study of Osteoporotic Fractures

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between bone mineral density (in the axial and appendicular skeleton) and calcification of the aorta. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Community-based study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 2051 women aged 65 years and older enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. MEASUREMENTS: Bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip, spine, calcaneus, proximal and distal radius; calcification of the aorta (AC); demographic and lifestyle variables; dietary history; functional status; blood pressure; anthropomorphic measures. RESULTS: The prevalence of AC increased with age, ranging from 60% at ages 65 to 69 years to 96% at 85 years and older. BMD in women with calcified arterial plaques was lower (P < .001) when compared with those with no plaques, at all sites measured except the lumbar spine. After adjustment for age, BMD at the hip, spine and calcaneus was not associated with the presence of plaques; only a weak association between BMD and AC remained at the distal and proximal radius. The independent correlates of AC were age, smoking status, systolic blood pressure, coffee drinking, central obesity and a history of diabetes or stroke; current estrogen use was protective. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that osteopenia and the deposition of calcific plaques in the wall of the aorta are independent processes that occur as women age. They are probably not causally linked.
[D-pGlu1,D-Phe2,D-Trp3,6]-LRF. A potent luteinizing hormone releasing factor antagonist in vitro and inhibitor of ovulation in the rat.

Abstract The decapeptide D-pGlu-D-Phe-D-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Trp-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH 2 was synthesized in gram quantities by solid phase techniques on a methyl benzhydrylamine resin. This peptide was purified by ion exchange and partition chromatographies. It was fully characterized by amino acid analysis, tlc in four systems, optical rotation and high pressure liquid chromatography (reversed phase) using a triethyl ammonium phosphate buffer. This peptide was found to inhibit ovulation by 100% in the rat at a subcutaneous dose of 250μg in corn oil when administered at noon on the day of proestrus. Furthermore, it was found to be long acting since 1.5mg blocked ovulation in 9 out of 10 rats when administered as early as 19 hrs before the afternoon of proestrus. [D-pGlu 1 , D-Phe 2 , D-Trp 3,6 ]-LRF reduces the amount of LH normally secreted in response to LRF by 50% at a molar ratio (IDR 50 ) of 3/1 ([antagonist])/[LRF]). Three other analogs, equally well-characterized and with the D-pGlu 1 modification, i.e. [D-pGlu 1 , D-Phe 2 , Pro 3 , D-Trp 6 ]-LRF, [D-pGlu 1 , D-Phe 2 , Phe 3 , D-Trp 6 ]-LRF and [D-pGlu 1 , D-Phe 2,6 , D-Trp 3 ]-LRF were found to be somewhat less potent ( IDR 50 = 150 1 , 60 1 , 5 1 ) respectively.
Determination of the trapped charge distribution in scaled silicon nitride MONOS nonvolatile memory devices by tunneling spectroscopy

Abstract In this paper an analytical model for extraction of the spatial trapped charge density in silicon nitride has been formulated with amphoteric trap statistics. The model includes the energy distribution of traps in nitride and the time-dispersive tunneling transitions from these nitride traps. We have examined charge loss from sub-100 A nitride films with MONOS memory devices at 110 K at different gate bias conditions. We conclude that by maintaining depletion/weak-inversion at the Si surface, the primary charge loss mechanism is back-tunneling of charge from the nitride traps into the Si bands. The actual charge distribution in the nitride is a function of charge injection and trapping. We have demonstrated that modified Fowler-Nordheim tunneling of electrons into the nitride generates a non-uniform spatial distribution of trapped charge for a spatially uniform trap density in the nitride.
THE HISTORY AND THEORY OF EMPIRES

Contemporary histories and theories of empire generally remain within boundaries inspired by varieties of liberalism, and by Marxian theory and its hybrids, in which changing modes of production determine the forms of power, including empire. Liberal theorists and historians of empire generally trace a complex process in which expanding imperial power systems led ultimately to nation-states, democracy, and market economies. For Marxists and postmodern theorists, the formal aspects of empire remain unimportant compared to the broader workings of modes of production and particularly, the global power of capitalism. Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri use the word “empire” to describe the workings of contemporary capitalism and its myriad forms of power. Whether they rely upon the formal definitions of empire or the Marxian-postmodern one, theories of empire often descend from modern utopian visions: perhaps the Kantian variety emphasizing a peaceful union of states and collective learning, or the Marxian one, although now taking into account changes in the mode of production and victims unattended to by Marx and Engels. New technologies and communications networks impress all contemporary theorists. Some proclaim the end of modern power systems and empire; others find empire in a new, postmodern form. Nonetheless, there are stubborn continuities with the modern in the very persistence of modern utopias, the dominance of nation-states, the pursuit of democracy, and the durability of capitalism. Theorists of power and empire have to explain these and other continuities, alongside the disappearance of the more than 400-year-old balance-of-power system in which imperial powers in the European core finally delivered vast power to the United States and the Soviet Union, and created new technologies that strengthen human connection as well as threaten vast destruction. The question of the power of the United States and its imperial status commands the center of attention.
The two-dimensional,N=2 Wess-Zumino model on a cylinder

We construct a family of supersymmetric, two-dimensional quantum field models. We establish the existence of the HamiltonianH and the superchargeQ as self-adjoint operators. We establish the ultraviolet finiteness of the model, independent of perturbation theory. We develop functional integral representations of the heat kernel which are useful for proving estimates in these models. In a companion paper [1] we establish an index theorem forQ, an infinite dimensional Dirac operator on loop space. This paper and, another related one [2], provide the technical justification for our claim thatQ is Fredholm, and for our computation of its index by a homotopy onto quantum mechanics.
MPEC strategies for cost optimization of pipeline operations

Abstract This study develops a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPECs) approach for efficient operation of gas pipelines. The resulting model handles time dependent operations in order to determine minimum energy consumption and operating cost over a given time horizon. The MPEC structure also allows flow reversals, flow transitions and other nonsmooth elements to be incorporated within the approach. Applied to industrial gas pipelines, this approach can also deal with customer demand satisfaction in the presence of compressor outages and minimize recovery time for systems that are unable to meet customer demands at all times. A large-scale oxygen pipeline case study is considered to demonstrate this approach and complex energy pricing schemes are also applied to this problem. These schemes include time of day electricity pricing, along with extensions to Real Time Pricing and Day Ahead Pricing. Compared to flat rate and minimum energy optimizations, respectively, we observe operating cost savings up to 5.13% for time of day electricity pricing and up to 12.85% for Real Time Pricing.
Assessing the deformation of pulmonary capillaries produced by ventilation

We used a Fourier transform method to compute from the density fluctuation of aortic blood the changes in the blood volume of pulmonary capillaries and the transit time from the capillaries to the aorta. First the time constants of a lagged normal density function capable of simulating the saline dilution through the central circulation were established. Then we decomposed the Fourier transform of the lagged normal density function to determine an attenuation for the estimation of the density fluctuation in blood leaving the capillaries. Regarding the low hematocrit blood in the capillaries as a density indicator, we deduced from the density fluctuation the percentage change of capillary volume for dogs ventilated mechanically. This change was found to range from 3.8 to 5.8% for frequencies within 6 to 20 cycles per minute. Based on this simulation and the delay time of the density fluctuation from the tracheal pressure, we estimated that the transit time for the density indicator being released from the pulmonary capillaries to the aorta was 45% of the mean transit time of the central circulation, suggesting that the releasing sites are midway of the pulmonary capillaries.
Factorial effects of mix design variables on the coefficient of thermal expansion of concrete mixtures

The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is one of the most critical parameters for concrete pavement design. Concrete paving mixtures with high CTEs are generally subjected to temperature-related stresses and deterioration. In this study, a 2k design of experiment was applied to evaluate the effects of concrete mix design variables on the CTE of resultant concrete mixtures. Laboratory experiments were conducted by controlling six mix design variables, each at two levels, including aggregate type (granite or dolomite), fine sand type (manufactured or natural), fly ash type (Class C or Class F), cement content (314 or 273 kg/m 3), coarse aggregate content (1246 or 682 kg/m 3), and air content (3% or 6%). The respective and collective effects of these factors on the CTE were analysed. It showed that the type of coarse aggregate, fine sand, fly ash, and their respective contents are significant in explaining the variance of the lab-measured CTEs. The minimum CTE is a result of the concrete mixture consisti...
Adaptation of a digital nuclear imaging technique for the study of bubble scavenging of surface-active organic materials in seawater

A gamma camera technique for the study of bubble scavenging of surface-active organic materials in seawater is investigated. The technique is shown to be suitable for the quantitative determination of scavenging rates, surface adsorbtion rates and seaair transfer processes. The major drawback to the procedure is the present lack of availability of gamma labelled surface-active materials with representative oceanographic characteristics.
The incomplete plasma dispersion function: Properties and application to waves and collisions near plasma boundaries

Summary form only given. The incomplete plasma dispersion function1, 2 is a generalization of the plasma dispersion function in which the defining integral spans a semi-infinite, rather than infinite, domain. Like the plasma dispersion function, it arises in the linear dielectric function and corresponding wave dispersion relations. However, the plasma dispersion function describes Maxwellian distributions, whereas the incomplete plasma dispersion function describes non-Maxwellian distributions so long as they can be approximated as Maxwellian in finite, or semi-infinite, intervals of velocity phase-space. Each interval may have different characteristic densities, flow speeds, and temperatures associated with them. It is particularly useful in the presence of potential barriers, such as sheaths near material walls, probes, or double layers, which create a trapped-passing boundary for electrons. In this poster, several properties of the incomplete plasma dispersion function that are useful for applying it to the linear dielectric response and wave dispersion relations in piecewise Maxwellian plasmas are provided. The depleted Maxwellian, as found near a conventional sheath, is used as an example to demonstrate the utility of using this function to compute modifications to common wave dispersion relations (ion-acoustic and Langmuir waves). It is also used to show that modifications to the dielectric function in the depleted region of velocity-space can significantly affect the local (in velocity-space) Coulomb collision rate. Here, we compare predictions of the Landau collision operator, which does not account for the plasma dielectric response, with predictions of the Lenard-Balescu equation, which does. Near equilibrium, these solutions converge.
Bismuth germanate scintillators as detectors for high-energy gamma radiation

Abstract The properties of bismuth germanate (BGO) relevant to the detection of high-energy gamma-rays are discussed on the basis of a comparison between a 76 mm diameter by 76 mm long BGO scintillator and a 152 mm diameter by 254 mm long NaI(Tl) crystal. The two detectors were exposed to monoenergetic gamma rays from the 12 C(p, p′γ) 12 C reaction at the proton energy 17 MeV ( E γ = 4.44, 12.71 and 15.11 MeV) and from the 1 H(t, γ) 4 He reaction at the triton energy 9 MeV( E γ = MeV). The bismuth germanate detector has several properties which are important for the detection of high-energy gamma radiation.
Ferromagnetic Anisotropy of Iron Crystals at Various Temperatures

Magnetization curves in important crystallographic directions in small oblate spheroids cut from hydrogen-purified iron crystals show ferromagnetic anisotropy of the same sort as that previously reported for iron of less purity. At room temperature agreement with earlier work is good. At 296\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and at 500\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C the principal (fourth-order) term in the anisotropy is larger, at 650\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and 696\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C the same term is smaller than in earlier studies, anisotropy not being detected. The subsidiary (sixth-order) term is not accurately determined. The pendulum magnetometer method, which has certain advantages for such purposes over classical methods, was used and results for different spheroids agree well, especially at the higher temperatures.
Precession of Magnetically Driven Warped Disks and Low-Frequency Quasi-periodic Oscillations in Low-Mass X-Ray Binaries

An accretion disk around a rotating magnetized star is subjected to magnetic torques that induce disk warping and precession. These torques arise generically from interactions between the stellar field and induced surface currents on the disk. Applying these new effects to weakly magnetized (B ~ 107-109 G) neutron stars in low-mass X-ray binaries, we study the global hydrodynamical warping/precession modes of the disk under the combined influences of relativistic frame dragging, classical precession due to the oblateness of the neutron star, and the magnetic torques. Under quite general conditions, the magnetic warping torque can overcome the "Bardeen-Petterson" viscous damping and make the modes grow. The modes are confined to the inner region of the disk and have frequencies equal to 0.3-0.95 (depending on the mass accretion rate ) times the sum of the Lense-Thirring frequency, the classical precession frequency, and the magnetically driven precession frequency evaluated at the inner disk radius rin. As increases, the mode frequency is reduced relative to the total precession frequency at rin, since the mode becomes less concentrated around rin due to the increasing viscous stress associated with the large . Because of this, and because the magnetically driven precession is retrograde (opposite to the Lense-Thirring precession) and depends strongly on , the mode frequency can have a nonmonotonic dependence on the mass accretion rate. This may account for several observed features of low-frequency (10-60 Hz) quasi-periodic oscillations (LFQPOs) in low-mass X-ray binaries that are otherwise difficult to explain, such as the flattening/turnover in the LFQPO frequency- correlation or in the LFQPO frequency-kHz QPO frequency correlation (e.g., as seen clearly in GX 17+2).
WiFi-BA: Choosing arbitration over backoff in high speed multicarrier wireless networks

Advancements in wireless communication techniques have increased the wireless physical layer (PHY) data rates by hundreds of times in a dozen years. The high PHY data rates, however, have not been translated to commensurate throughput gains due to overheads incurred by medium access control (MAC) and PHY convergence procedure. At high PHY data rates, the time used for collision avoidance (CA) at MAC layer and the time used for PHY convergence procedure can easily exceed the time used for transmission of an actual data frame. Recent work intends to reduce the CA overhead by reducing the backoff time slot size. However, the method introduces more collisions in presence of hidden terminals because the tiny backoff slots can no longer de-synchronize hidden terminals, leading to persistent collisions among hidden terminals. As collision detection (CD) in wireless communication became feasible recently, some protocols migrate random backoff from the time domain to the frequency domain, but they fail to address the introduced high collision probability. We investigate the practical issues of CD in the frequency domain and introduce a binary mapping scheme to reduce the collision probability. Based on the binary mapping, a bitwise arbitration (BA) mechanism is devised to grant only one transmitter the permission to initiate data transmission in a contention. With the low collision probability achieved in a short bounded arbitration phase, the throughput is significantly improved by our proposed WiFi-BA. Because collisions are unlikely to happen, unfairness caused by capture effect of radios is also reduced. The bitwise arbitration mechanism can further be set to let high priority messages get through unimpeded, making WiFi-BA suitable for real time prioritized communication. We validate the effectiveness of WiFi-BA through implementation on FPGA of USRP E110. Performance evaluation demonstrates that WiFi-BA is more efficient than current Wi-Fi solutions.
Maintaining Magnet Status: Establishing an Evidence‐Based Practice Committee

Magnet status for a facility indicates excellent nursing practice, positive and improved patient outcomes, and professional working environments. To maintain Magnet status, hospitals must show improved outcomes and clinical practice based on current evidence. Evidence-based practice (EBP) committees provide a streamlined approach for improving clinical/bedside practice decisions based on current research. The Magnet program is designed to guide nurses in clinical practice and making recommendations, and the EBP committee is a mechanism by which to do this. Participating in an EBP committee encourages professional growth and improved patient outcomes.
The intranuclear helices of Euplotes: Their substructure, localization, and apparent migration to the cytoplasm

Study of the fine structure of the macronucleus in Euplotes eurystomus, a ciliate protozoon, during various stages of the cell division cycle has yielded new information about intranuclear helices. They are frequently observed at the periphery of chromatin bodies or next to the nuclear envelope, and they appear to be a constituent of nucleoli. The fibril that forms a helix is about 11-15 nm thick, and torus profiles of helices cut in cross section are about 35 nm in diameter. In substructure the helix is composed of a thin strand 3-5 nm thick which is coiled to form the 11-15 nm fibril; so the helix is a super-coiled structure. The intranuclear helices are present in the macronucleus throughout the cell cycle. They do not show obvious changes of relative abundance nor changes of relative localization in the nucleus, with one exception: they were never observed in the diffuse zone of replication bands. Evidence is presented indicating that nuclear helices migrate to the cytoplasm through nuclear pores. Although the chemical composition of the Euplotes intranuclear helices is unknown, information in the literature on similar helices in Amoeba indicates that they contain RNA and not DNA. The observations on Euplotes helices are consistent with a concept of "packaged" RNA for transport to the cytoplasm.
Streamlining Chinese Highway Accident Data Acquisition, Communications, and Analysis:

This research examines a streamlined accident data acquisition, communications, and analysis system to improve the Chinese highway safety program. A data logger compatible with the Global Positioning System and geographic information system is proposed to identify highway accident locations and organize the data into a database format. A data encoding concept is used to transform Chinese characters into numbers, so that the encoded data are easy to integrate into a large data system. A three-tier client-server networking system is set up as the backbone framework for data communications between the central database and distributed local offices. Using local database functions, traffic police at the client level can view crash data through data mapping and attribute listing and analyze the data through nested query and sorting operations. A data graphing and analysis module was tested for automatically constructing a collision diagram on selected data. The proposed approach to crash data acquisition and analysis was found to be feasible and effective and will help to enhance China's highway safety program after full implementation.
Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis in the Bud Essential Component of Floral Induction in Xanthium

It has been shown in earlier papers (8, 9) that photoperiodic induction of the cocklebur is inhibited by application to the plant of the pyrimidine, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). It was further found that the inhibitor is most effective in this function if applied directly to the bud at the beginning of the otherwise inductive dark period. It has been further concluded that the inhibitor functions by adversely affecting processes which take place in the bud during the inductive dark period and which are essential to photoperiodic induction. In this paper we shall show that the process in the bud which is inhibited by 5-FU and which is related to inhibition of induction is the synthesis of ribonucleic acid (RNA).
Quantitative Analysis of Powder Mixtures by Diffuse Reflectance

Previous tests of continuum diffuse reflectance models are extended in the current study to include powder mixtures in which one component is an intense absorbant and the other is a nonabsorbing scatterer. For model systems of this type, the Pitts-Giovanelli formula gives a very good fit over a large concentration range. However, the fitting procedure is very sensitive to the initial estimate of parameters, and it failed to converge in several cases. The Rozenberg formula, on the other hand, was very stable and gave a moderately good fit to the data, particularly for low reflectances. A simplified version of the Rozenberg formula, Ro/R = 1 + β, was almost as good, and represents a very simple formula which should be quite useful for quantitative analyses.
Practice and Perception of Parental HIV Disclosure to Children in Beijing, China

To explore parental disclosure practices and perceptions among HIV-positive parents in urban China, we conducted in-depth interviews with 29 HIV-positive parents in Beijing in 2011. The disclosure rate was low (17%), and unplanned disclosure was common. Most parents chose not to disclose because of concerns regarding their children’s young age, concerns about potentially negative psychological impacts on the children, potential secondary disclosure by the children to others, and perceived stigma associated with HIV infection and the causes of such infection (e.g., homosexual behaviors). Parents considered that an appropriate disclosure should be well-planned, cautious, and a gradual process conducted in a comfortable and relaxed environment when both parents and children were calm. We concluded that it was important to (a) provide professional guidance and services about disclosure to children for HIV-positive parents in China, (b) reduce or eliminate HIV-related stigma, (c) set up support groups among HI...