SIRIS-Lab/unlabelled-sti-corpus huggingface dataset:
Institutional, geographic, and facility factors affecting differences in prices for wastewater services

The provision of wastewater services is an important infrastructure service that affects social welfare. It improves the quality of community life by promoting sanitary conditions and minimizing the negative impact of wastewater on ecosystems. The price for this important public service, however, varies considerably across regions and localities. In this paper, we examine the physical factors and institutional characteristics that affect wastewater service prices across regions and localities. Our major concerns are the following: (1) institutional arrangements and characteristics of a wastewater utility, (2) government regulations, (3) supply factors and characteristics, and (4) natural environments and local characteristics. To analyze the price differences, we employ the demand and price equations for wastewater services using a simultaneous equations framework. For empirical estimation, we utilize a seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) method to account for the correlations between the residuals in the four price equations for wastewater services. Our empirical results are that the institutional arrangement of services, including monthly charges (versus bi-monthly or quarterly charges), provision of other infrastructure services in addition to wastewater services, and long-term debt, explain much of the price difference. In addition, the wastewater prices are influenced by state environmental regulations as well as supply factors, such as the number of wastewater treatment plants and infiltration and inflow into the sewer system. Interestingly, local geographic and meteorologic factors that were hypothesized to affect the selection of treatment processes were not found to be associated with price. These findings suggest ways wastewater services might be offered at lower prices for users.
Correlations in large quantum systems

This project is devoted to the mathematical analysis of important physical properties of many-body quantum systems. We will be interested in properties of the ground state and low-energy excitations but also of non-equilibrium dynamics. We are going to consider systems with different statistics and in different regimes. The questions we are going to address have a common aspect: correlations among particles play a crucial role. Our main goal consists in developing new tools that allow us to correctly describe many-body correlations and to understand their effects.   The starting point of our proposal are ideas and techniques that have been introduced in a series of papers establishing the validity of Bogoliubov theory for Bose gases in the Gross-Pitaevskii regime, and in a recent preprint showing how (bosonic) Bogoliubov theory can also be used to study the correlation energy of Fermi gases. In this project, we plan to develop these techniques further and to apply them to new contexts. We believe they have the potential to approach some fundamental open problem in mathematical physics.   Among our most ambitious objectives, we include the proof of the Lee-Huang-Yang formula for the energy of dilute Bose gases and of the corresponding Huang-Yang formula for dilute Fermi gases, as well as the derivation of the Gell-Mann--Brueckner expression for the correlation energy of a high density Fermi system. Furthermore, we propose to work on long-term projects (going beyond the duration of the grant) aiming at a rigorous justification of the quantum Boltzmann equation for fermions in the weak coupling limit and at a proof of Bose-Einstein condensation in the thermodynamic limit, two very challenging and important questions in the field.
Calibrating unit for calibrating a hydraulic or electric pressure gauge, especially of a probing device

A calibrating unit for calibrating a pressure gauge includes a piston (7) which may be loaded by pressurized oil and which may be fastened at its upper end to the pressure gauge. A pressure piece (11) being movable within the piston (7) can be loaded at its upper side by a measuring member (3) of the pressure gauge and can transmit this load at its lower side to a spring system (15,16,17) resting on the housing (6) of the unit. The movement of the pressure piece (11) is determined by a measuring instrument such as a measuring watch (21). The deflection of the pointer of this watch is a calibrating measure for the pressure gauge.
Gyre formation in open and deep lacustrine embayments: the example of Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Numerical simulations were carried out to investigate gyres within open lacustrine embayments subjected to parallel-to-shore currents. In such embayments, gyre formation occurs due to flow separation at the embayment’s upstream edge. High momentum fluid from the mixing layer between the embayment and offshore flows into the embayment and produces recirculating flow. Systematic numerical experiments using different synthetic embayment configurations were used to examine the impact of embayment geometry. Geometries included embayments with different aspect ratios, depths and embayment corner angles. The magnitudes of the recirculation and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) in the embayment vary significantly for angles in the range 40°–55°. Embayments with corner angles less than 50° have much stronger recirculation and TKE, other parameters remaining the same. The numerical findings are consistent with gyre formation observed in two embayments located in Lake Geneva, Switzerland, and thus help explain flow patterns recorded in lacustrine shoreline regions.
GOLD COATED NATURAL FIBRE AS ELECTRODE MATERIALS AND PROCESS FOR PREPARATION THEREOF

The present invention relates to gold wires and electrodes fashioned from natural fibres. In particular, fine natural fibres such as coir fibre, jute fibre, sisal fibre, banana fibre, and human hair, which are mechanically strong and flexible, were used as templates over which an 80- 200 nm layer of gold was coated by sputter coating. The composite materials were shown to have low electrical resistivity and functioned normally as electrodes in conventional electrochemical applications such as cyclic voltammetry and anodic stripping voltammetry. Although the present invention focused on the use of single fibres and gold coating exclusively, bundles of naturally aligned fibres and coatings of metals other than gold are logical extensions of the invention.
Exergy cost of water supply and water treatment technologies

Exergy analysis (EA) has demonstrated to be useful in the assessment of the energy performance of technologies, including those regarding water management. In this paper, an EA-based index like the unit exergy cost (UEC) of different water-related technologies were obtained, from transport (pumping) to depuration and even brackish and seawater desalination. Those coefficients are important to quantify the additional energy consumption of present technologies with respect to the ideal ones, which correspond to the behaviour of a reversible process. Minimum UEC values were obtained in pumping techniques (1.5). Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) ranged from 4 to 5, and commercial desalination varied from 5 (reverse osmosis) to 21 (multi-stage flash distillation). This affirms the fact that chemical-based water treatments are less efficient from the point of view of thermodynamics, however further improvements might be reached in those processes. Besides their embedded energy-efficiency information, the UEC v...
ORALLY ADMINISTERED SUPPLEMENTS AND METHODS OF REDUCING ABSORPTION OF CALORIES AND MODIFYING THE NUTRITIONAL VALUES OF CONSUMED NUTRIENTS

Methods and orally administered supplements are provided, which use bacterial strains to reduce absorption of calories by a subject from consumed nutrients. The bacterial strain(s) are selected to metabolize at least part of the nutrient(s) consumed by the subject, and may be selected to be excreted and/or to have metabolic products that are excreted by the subject - making some of the consumed calories unavailable to the subject and/or reducing any of a glycemic, a cholesterol/lipids level and a protein value of the consumed nutrient(s). Appropriate coatings or covers may be applied to protect the bacteria from gastric acids, and the specific strains may be adjusted to increase their nutrient metabolism, improve their resistance to intestinal chemical conditions and optimize bacterial communities that may have synergic effects in nutrient metabolism, in a way that makes some of the calories unavailable to the subject.
New insights into the pathoanatomy of macular holes based on features of optical coherence tomography

Various important findings related to the development and progression of idiopathic macular holes (MHs) have been described using optical coherence tomography since Gass first staged MH development using biomicroscopy in 1988 and 1995. We believe that a system for classifying and staging MHs should reflect the degree of disease status and its progression and have value not only from a practical point of view (by predicting the chance of closure or visual recovery), but also provide researchers and clinicians with insights into the pathogenesis and disease progression of MH. These data pave the way for the development of more effective strategies. In this review, we integrate the morphologic features of MHs observed by optical coherence tomography with Gass's biomicroscopic classification and anatomic interpretations. As a result, we propose a conceptual model of a modified classification system for MHs: (1) there are 2 types of MHs starting from the earliest developmental phases of the condition; (2) differences between the types of MHs result from the peculiar characteristics of Müller cells in the fovea; and (3) this classification system, which is based on the degree of preoperative tissue defects, determines closure patterns as well as visual outcomes after an MH is surgically repaired.
Testing of Two Selective Flatfish Sorting-Grid Bycatch Reduction Devices in the U.S. West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Fishery

AbstractIn the U.S. West Coast limited-entry (LE) groundfish bottom trawl fishery, catches of stocks with restrictive harvest limits (e.g., Darkblotched Rockfish Sebastes crameri, Sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria, and Pacific Halibut Hippoglossus stenolepis) continue to hinder many fishermen’s ability to fully utilize their quota shares of more abundant flatfish stocks (e.g., Dover Sole Microstomus pacificus and Petrale Sole Eopsetta jordani). We used a recapture net to examine the size-selection characteristics of two selective flatfish sorting-grid bycatch reduction devices (BRDs), which were designed to reduce catches of Pacific Halibut and non-flatfish species while retaining target flatfishes. The two devices were identical in materials and design except that the sorting-grid dimensions differed (BRD-1: 6.4- × 25.4-cm grid size; BRD-2: 6.4- × 30.5-cm grid size). The size selectivity for rockfishes, other roundfishes, Pacific Halibut, English Sole Parophrys vetulus, and Rex Sole Glyptocephalus zachirus di...
Estimate of the neutral atoms' contribution to the Mercury exosphere caused by a new flux of micrometeoroids

Context. The planet Mercury has an extended and tenuous exosphere made up of atoms that are ejected from the surface by energetic processes, including hypervelocity micrometeoritic impacts, photon-stimulated desorption by UV radiation, and ion sputtering. The well known constituents of the Hermean exosphere are H, He, O, Na, K, and Ca but, from the new MESSENGER data from flybys, many others elements are expected, as for instance Mg. Aims. Meteoroid impacts are an important source of neutral atoms in the exosphere of Mercury. We estimate the vapor and neutral atom production rates on Mercury caused by impacts of micrometeoroids of sizes between 5–100 μm. The micrometeoritic flux is derived from a new statistical approach based on direct numerical integrations of dust particle trajectories under the action of the Poynting-Robertson drag and the gravitational attraction of all planets. Methods. We included two different calibration sources for the meteoroid flux in our calculations of the vapor and neutral atoms and also considered both asteroidal and cometary sources for the dust. Three different surface compositions, which might be found on the planet, have been adopted, each with a different mass fraction of atoms in the regolith of the planet. Results. We derive different values of neutral atom vapor production rates assuming different calibration sources for the meteoroid flux. The three simple mineralogical surface compositions show significant differences in the related production rates, and they are all greater than those reported in the previous papers assuming other dominant source mechanisms. Our neutral atom production rates are about one order of magnitude higher than the previous estimates. This implies that the impact vaporization has a much higher contribution than previously assumed.
The study of eQTL variations by RNA-seq: from SNPs to phenotypes

Common DNA variants alter the expression levels and patterns of many human genes. Loci responsible for this genetic control are known as expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). The resulting variation of gene expression across individuals has been postulated to be a determinant of phenotypic variation and susceptibility to complex disease. In the past, the application of expression microarray and genetic variation data to study populations enabled the rapid identification of eQTLs in model organisms and humans. Now, a new technology promises to revolutionize the field. Massively parallel RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) provides unprecedented resolution, allowing us to accurately monitor not only the expression output of each genomic locus but also reconstruct and quantify alternatively spliced transcripts. RNA-seq also provides new insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying eQTLs. Here, we discuss the major advances introduced by RNA-seq and summarize current progress towards understanding the role of eQTLs in determining human phenotypic diversity.
MRI Correlation of Odor Identification Deficit as a Biomarker for Alzheimer’s Disease. (P2.171)

OBJECTIVE: To refine odor identification deficit (OID) as a biomarker for an amnestic disorder (Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI)) by correlating it with global and tissue specific brain volume measures.
BACKGROUND: OID has been associated with AD and aMCI with an ROC AUC of 0.82 for identifying an amnestic disorder. Volumetric correlation of OID in amnestic disorders has not been reported yet.
METHODS: Cross-sectional study of normal controls (N=27) and amnestic disorder (AD(N=35) and aMCI (N=15)) was performed by measuring OID by the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and normalized volumes of gray matter (GM), white matter, brain parenchyma, lateral ventricle and neocortex using T1-weighted MRI as determined by the SIENAX software algorithm. Smell identification measures included the total UPSIT; the top 10 smells by logistic regression and the previously proposed 10-item subset by Tabert. Smeller/non-smeller status was assigned with a cut off of 7 (less than or equal to 7,non-smeller; greater than 7,smeller) based on the top 10-item based on logistic regression. Volumes were compared between smellers and non-smellers within the groups with age and sex as covariates (ANCOVA).
RESULTS: GM and neocortex volumes were lower among non-smellers as compared to smellers within each group. Specifically, in the amnestic group OID was associated with GM (p=0.033) and neocortex volume loss (p=0.017). In the AD group the relationship of neocortex volume loss and smell identification scores are consistent between all OID measures.
CONCLUSION: Olfactory deficit is associated with lower neocortical and GM volumes suggesting that OID is an indicator of neurodegeneration. The consistent association of all OID measures with neocortical and GM volumes loss suggests the utility of the short version. Longitudinal studies are needed to delineate the relationship between decline in smell sensation, cognition and cerebral atrophy.
Study Supported by: NIA/K23/AG036852
MH/NIMH/R25/MH071544 Disclosure: Dr. Rafique has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hagemeier has nothing to disclose. Dr. Woodward has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bergsland has nothing to disclose. Dr. Benedict has received personal compensation for activities with Actelion, Biogen Idec, Bayer, and Novartis as a consultant. Dr. Zivadinov has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience, Biogen Idec, EMD Serono, Novartis, Claret Medical Inc., and Genzyme Corporation as a speaker and/or consultant. Dr. Szigeti has nothing to disclose.
Cranking mass parameters for fission

A formalism for semi-adiabatic cranking mass parameters is presented. For the fission process of 234U, the time-dependent pairing equations of motion were used to calculate the excitation energy and to extract values of the cranking inertia. A fission barrier is determined by minimizing the action trajectory in a five dimensional configuration space spanned by elongation, necking, deformations of fragments and mass-asymmetry. The deformation energy is computed in the the frame of the microscopic-macroscopic model. The two center shell model with Woods-Saxon potentials is used in this context. Values of the inertia for excited fissioning systems are reported. A dependence between the cranking mass parameters and the intrinsic excitation energy is evidenced.
Variaciones estacionales en el tamaño corporal y dieta de la estrella de mar Astropecten marginatus (Paxillosida, Astropectinidae) frente a la costa de Paraná, sur de Brasil

The sea star Astropecten marginatus has a neotropical distribution and is a highly abundant and frequent species in shrimp trawling by-catchin many places along the Brazilian coast. This has caused its threat to extinction and in addition, its bio-ecological aspects are poorly known. Thus, the main objective of this study was to analyze the seasonal variations of population length structure and feeding habits of the sea stars A. marginatus inhabiting off state of Paraná, Southern Brazil. The analyzed specimens were collected in February (summer), April (fall), June (winter) and October (spring) of 2008 from shrimp by-catch trawling. In the laboratory, each individual had its length measured and then weighed on an analytical scale. Afterwards, the stomach contents of 10 individuals of each of two most frequent length classes were seasonally analyzed. The relative frequency and abundance for each prey category was determined and, then combined into an index of alimentary importance. A total of 994 individuals of A. marginatus were collected with length ranging from 7.0 to 56.2mm, but most individuals were in the 20.1-25mm length classes. Individuals larger than 40mm were only collected in the spring while a few recruits (<10mm) were found in fall and winter. The total weight of individuals ranged from 0.1 to 15.3g and the weight-length relationships showed a negative allometric growth (b<2.54). Regarding its food consumption, this sea star explored eleven food items, with cumaceans and mollusks as the most frequent items. High frequency of empty stomach was recorded at fall. Seasonal differences in the amount explored preys and ingested items as well as in the prey composition were also observed. Higher amount of explored prey categories and ingested items were recorded at winter-spring than summer-fall periods. Predominance in prey category changed from gastropods (summer and fall) to cumaceans (winter and spring). The importance of gastropods as main prey category at summer and fall should be carefully considered since it was coincidently observed with high frequency of empty stomach and low amount of ingested items. The observed seasonal differences in feeding behavior pattern were mainly associated to low prey availability and to changes in the sea star feeding rates, and probably reflected in some biological traits such as small body size of the population inhabiting waters off the Paraná coast, Southern Brazil.
Development of an innovative fuel system for auxiliary energy units

The project deals with the fuel system of auxiliary energy units (PEJ). In particular, it is a solution to replace the existing fuel system used in PEJ. The expected result of the project is a functional fuel system of the auxiliary power unit, which includes a speed-controlled fuel pump from the partner Jihostroj Velešín, who will cooperate with another MESIT partner responsible for control electronics. The project will be dealt with in a consortium of 3 large enterprises.
Coupled Thermo–Hydro–Mechanical Modeling of Hydro-Shearing Stimulation in an Enhanced Geothermal System in the Raft River Geothermal Field, USA

The Raft River Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) demonstration project aims to improve the geothermal production by enhancing the reservoir permeability via shear stimulation in well RRG-9. In this paper, we performed a series of 3D thermo–hydro–mechanical (THM) simulations to investigate the influence of hydraulic and thermal effects on the development of this EGS. The model includes synthetic fracture populations based on borehole televiewer images and in-situ stress measurements from well RRG-9. Fracture permeability evolution is determined using an empirical permeability law developed from laboratory experiments. The model was calibrated by comparing the hydraulic response to field observations, including wellhead pressure, injection rate, and well injectivity. Particularly, we analyzed the enhancement of reservoir permeability and the spatial extent of the stimulation zone for the given injection schedule. Our results indicate that the permeability enhancement of fractured geothermal reservoir is caused by the combined effects of injection-induced cooling and fluid pressure increase. The decrease of temperature plays a dominant role in reactivation of natural fractures under the hydro-shearing mechanism, while the higher injection pressure promotes shear failure and enlarges the stimulation zone. For the specified extensional stress state, the model favors greatest permeability enhancement along the maximum horizontal principal stress, a moderate vertical enhancement, and a smaller gain along the minimum horizontal principal stress.
A simulation-based robust methodology for operator guidance on injection moulding machine settings

Injection moulding of plastic parts is a long established manufacturing process requiring rich experience both on mould design and on machine settings. It is customary to use process simulation software, which is considered mature enough, in order to validate tooling design and machine settings before these are tested in production. In this work, the baseline is the correct design of the tooling, i.e. the premise is that acceptable part quality can be reached, if the right values in the machine settings are used. It is not sufficient to discover these values, because they are often superseded by the operator when quality problems arise, mainly due to cycle variability. Hence, it is much more useful to determine the influence of the respective factors on part quality as a solid basis for interactive process adjustment. Thus, three main digital experiments are advocated, corresponding to the filling, cooling and packing stages of the injection moulding cycle. The control factors for each experiment are determined by referring to process ‘mechanics’ knowledge. Taguchi cost functions are setup, involving the most important responses related to the product (sink marks and shrinkage), the process (cooling time) and the machine (pressure). Nested experiments are performed for better focus on a particular range of values as necessary or desired. Analysis of variance provides information as to factor inter-dependencies and completeness of modelling. The trends are tabulated to provide interaction guidance to the machine operator.