D=2 N=(2,2) Semi Chiral Vector Multiplet

We describe a new 1+1 dimensional N=(2,2) vector multiplet that naturally couples to semi chiral superfields in the sense that the gauged supercovariant derivative algebra is only consistent with imposing covariantly semi chiral superfield constraints. It has the advantages that its prepotentials shift by semi chiral superfields under gauge transformations. We also see that the multiplet relates the chiral vector multiplet with the twisted chiral vector multiplet by reducing to either multiplet under appropriate limits without being reducible in terms of the chiral and twisted chiral vector multiplet. This is explained from the superspace geometrical point of view as the result of possessing a symmetry under the discrete supercoordinate transformation that is responsible for mirror copies of supermultiplets. We then describe how to gauge a non linear sigma model with semi chiral superfields using the prepotentials of the new multiplet.Comment: 15 page

The Effect of Increasing Calcium Ion Concentration on Alkyl Ketene Dimer Sizing Efficiency

This thesis is a study of the relationship between calcium ions and the effectiveness of an alkaline sizing agent. Relationships between the increasing calcium ion concentration of a pure system and the sheet sizing based on the Hercule Size Tester are developed. It was determined that low addition levels of calcium ions increased the level of sizing developed and excessive calcium contents caused sizing response to deteriorate. Proposed mechanisms for this determination involve the compression or the fiber\u27s electrical double layer at low concentrations of calcium, and an adsorption competition between the size and calcium where high concentrations of calcium ions are found. High variability in sizing existed within· a large majority of the handsheets produced. Standard error for handsheet sizing reproducibility averaged around twenty percent. It is suggested that a handsheet sizing method be developed with reduced variability so that the pertinent results are not concealed by excessive error

State-of-the-art Assessment For Simulated Forces

Summary of the review of the state of the art in simulated forces conducted to support the research objectives of Research and Development for Intelligent Simulated Forces

Off-shell N=(4,4) supersymmetry for new (2,2) vector multiplets

We discuss the conditions for extra supersymmetry of the N=(2,2) supersymmetric vector multiplets described in arXiv:0705.3201 [hep-th] and in arXiv:0808.1535 [hep-th]. We find (4,4) supersymmetry for the semichiral vector multiplet but not for the Large Vector Multiplet.Comment: 15 page

Gauged (2,2) Sigma Models and Generalized Kahler Geometry

We gauge the (2,2) supersymmetric non-linear sigma model whose target space has bihermitian structure (g, B, J_{\pm}) with noncommuting complex structures. The bihermitian geometry is realized by a sigma model which is written in terms of (2,2) semi-chiral superfields. We discuss the moment map, from the perspective of the gauged sigma model action and from the integrability condition for a Hamiltonian vector field. We show that for a concrete example, the SU(2) x U(1) WZNW model, as well as for the sigma models with almost product structure, the moment map can be used together with the corresponding Killing vector to form an element of T+T* which lies in the eigenbundle of the generalized almost complex structure. Lastly, we discuss T-duality at the level of a (2,2) sigma model involving semi-chiral superfields and present an explicit example.Comment: 33 page

A Tale of Two Toxins: Helicobacter Pylori CagA and VacA Modulate Host Pathways that Impact Disease

Helicobacter pylori is a pathogenic bacterium that colonizes more than 50% of the world's population, which leads to a tremendous medical burden. H. pylori infection is associated with such varied diseases as gastritis, peptic ulcers, and two forms of gastric cancer: gastric adenocarcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. This association represents a novel paradigm for cancer development; H. pylori is currently the only bacterium to be recognized as a carcinogen. Therefore, a significant amount of research has been conducted to identify the bacterial factors and the deregulated host cell pathways that are responsible for the progression to more severe disease states. Two of the virulence factors that have been implicated in this process are cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA), which are cytotoxins that are injected and secreted by H. pylori, respectively. Both of these virulence factors are polymorphic and affect a multitude of host cellular pathways. These combined facts could easily contribute to differences in disease severity across the population as various CagA and VacA alleles differentially target some pathways. Herein we highlight the diverse types of cellular pathways and processes targeted by these important toxins

Predictors of Female Sexual Dysfunction

Tiefer, Hall, and Tavris (2002) described factors comprising four categories of female sexual dysfunction. They suggested that unique factors need to be examined to understand sexual dysfunction in women. Socio-cultural, political, or economic factors, partner and relationship factors, psychological factors, and medical factors described as aspects of women’s lives that can be the source of sexual dysfunction. The current study examined indicators of the above factors-body shame, relationship satisfaction, sexual self-schema, positive and negative affect, and overall health-as predictors of female sexual dysfunction. The hypotheses were: Body shame and negative affect will be negatively associated with sexual function; and relationship satisfaction, positive sexual self-schema, positive affect, and overall health will be positively associated with women’s sexual function. Eighty-seven women participated completing the Approval Motive scale to control for social desirability (Crowne & Marlowe, 1964), Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (McKinley & Hyde, 1996), Intimacy Scale (Walker & Thompson, 1983), items from the Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships Inventory (Schaefer & Olson, 1981), the Positive and Negative Affect were Schedule (PANAS: Watson, Clark, &Tellegan, 1988), Sexual Self-Schema Scale (Anderson & Cyranowski, 1994), Short Form 6-item General Health Survey (Ware, et al., 1992), Female Sexual Function Index (Rosen et aL, 2000), and demographic items. Data attained from these scales were analyzed using correlations and multiple regression. As predicted within each of the four factors of sexual functioning described by Tiefer et al. (2002), at least one variable chosen in this study was an independent and significant predictor of female sexual function. Sexual intimacy was the strongest predictor of female sexual function supporting the idea that female sexuality is socially constructed, in that women are socialized to value intimacy in their relationships. These findings confirm the importance of studying female sexual function utilizing Tiefer et al.’s (2002) four factor model of sexual functioning; examining psychological as well as physical components of sex; and moving away from a universalized view of sexuality in which and women are expected to respond men identically to sexual experience (Tiefer et al., 2002)

Mirizzi syndrome associated with hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: This is the first case report of Mirizzi syndrome associated with hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old man presented with painful obstructive jaundice and weight loss. Computed tomography showed a hilar mass in the liver. Following an episode of haemobilia, angiography demonstrated a pseudoaneurysm of a branch of the right hepatic artery that was embolised. At surgery, a gallstone causing Mirizzi type II syndrome was found to be responsible for the biliary obstruction and a necrotic inflammatory mass and haematoma were found to be extending into the liver. The mass was debrided and drained, the obstructing stones removed and the bile duct drained with a t-tube. The patient made a full recovery. CONCLUSION: This case highlights another situation where there may be difficulty in differentiating Mirizzi syndrome from biliary tract cancer.Published versio

Climate controls on air quality in the Northeastern U.S.: An examination of summertime ozone statistics during 1993-2012

The goal of this study is to better understand the linkages between the climate system and surface-level ozone concentrations in the Northeastern U.S. We focus on the regularity of observed high ozone concentrations between May 15 and August 30 during the 1993-2012 period. The first portion of this study establishes relationships between ozone and meteorological predictors. The second examines the linkages between ozone and large-scale teleconnections within the climate system. Statistical models for each station are constructed using a combination of Correlation Analysis, Principal Components Analysis and Multiple Linear Regression. In general, the strongest meteorological predictors of ozone are the frequency of high temperatures and precipitation and the amount of solar radiation flux. Statistical models of meteorological variables explain about 60-75% of the variability in the annual ozone time series, and have typical error-to-variability ratios of 0.50-0.65. Teleconnection patterns such as the Arctic Oscillation, Quasi-Biennial Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation are best linked to ozone in the region. Statistical models of these patterns explain 40-60% of the variability in the ozone annual time series, and have a typical error-to-variability ratio of 0.60-0.75