cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A semi-theoretical and experimental approach for the determination of the stress intensity factors

Abstract The stress intensity factors for plexiglass plates containing edge cracks and subjected to either pure bending or tension are determined herein. The method of investigation was based on a semi-theoretical and experimental approach, where the stress intensity factors are expressed in terms of the measured diameter of the caustic, the crack length, and the width of the specimen. First, two basic crack arrangements (single and double edge cracks) were studied and then the method was utilized for the investigation of more complicated crack arrangements which are difficult or maybe impossible to be investigated otherwise. In particular, the stress intensity factor for plates having a sharp V-notch of various angles θ, and semi-infinite plates containing equal parallel edge cracks subjected to pure bending and tension respectively, were investigated in order to verify the validity of this method.
Learning and the role of host-specific volatiles during in-flight host-finding in the specialist parasitoid Microplitis croceipes

The effect of antennal contact with host-related stimuli on the subsequent flight response to host-specific volatiles was examined in the specialist parasitoid, Microplitis croceipes (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). In a choice test between two species of caterpillars feeding on cowpea, free-flying female M.croceipes lacking prior contact with host cues landed more often on sources of odour from its host, Heliothis tea (Boddie), than from non-host Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith). After female parasitoids contacted host cues with their antennae, more landings on sources containing hosts were observed only when caterpillars used in the pre-flight treatment and in the odour sources fed on the same plant species. The degree to which host-experienced wasps landed more often on hosts as compared with non-hosts varied with host-instar and plant species. The role of learning in host finding in specialist parasitoids is discussed.
A Variant of the Meir–Keeler-Type Theorem in Ordered Banach Spaces

Abstract This paper discusses a projective variant of the fixed-point theorem for a class of mappings satisfying the Meir–Keeler-type contraction condition in ordered Banach spaces through projective metric. We also prove a result on the ϵ-chainability of the Thompson's metric, using an elementary argument.
Tax Policy: Implications for Producers and the Agricultural Sector: Discussion

Boehlje and Carman (BC) state that ERTA made three major changes in investment credit. The second of these changes "increases the maximum credits for any tax year for both new and used property." I find nothing in ERTA that increases the maximum credits for any tax year for new property. Also, I would add as a fourth major change, the extension of the carryover period for unused credits from seven to fifteen years. The value of this extension is questionable-I tell my students that it is like putting your money in the bank for somewhere between eight and fifteen years at no interest-but it is a major change. The authors state that "maximum capital gains rates are reduced from 28% to 20%." BC do not point out that this is entirely the result of the reduction in the maximum marginal tax rate, except for a special rule that applies to transactions between 10 June and 31 December 1981. This misinterpretation of the law leads to some misleading conclusions on which I will comment later.
Rapid identification and sorting of scrap metals

Abstract The Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of the Interior, is conducting research on methods for the rapid identification and sorting of mixed metal scrap so that domestic scrap resources can be utilized more fully. Initial studies include a technical assessment of available identification methods and of their current or potential use for various scrap sorting problems. Methods investigated were thermoelectric, spectroscopic, and X-ray measurements. A survey of these techniques is presented, with data showing applications to specific scrap identidication systems.
Hydrothermal carbonization of microalgae II. Fatty acid, char, and algal nutrient products

Abstract A process for isolation of three products (fatty acids, chars and nutrient-rich aqueous phases) from the hydrothermal carbonization of microalgae is described. Fatty acid products derived from hydrolysis of fatty acid ester groups in the microalgae were obtained in high yield and were found to be principally adsorbed onto the char also created in the process. With the highest lipid-containing microalga investigated, 92% of the fatty acids isolated were obtained by solvent extraction of the char product, with the remaining 8% obtained by extraction of the acidified filtrate. Obtaining the fatty acids principally by a solid–liquid extraction eliminates potential emulsification and phase separation problems commonly encountered in liquid–liquid extractions. The aqueous phase was investigated as a nutrient amendment to algal growth media, and a 20-fold dilution of the concentrate supported algal growth to a level of about half that of the optimal nutrient growth medium. Uses for the extracted char other than as a solid fuel are also discussed. Results of these studies indicate that fatty acids derived from hydrothermal carbonization of microalgae hold great promise for the production of liquid biofuels.
The role of excitatory amino acids in behavioral sensitization to psychomotor stimulants

Behavioral sensitization refers to the progressive augmentation of behavioral responses to psychomotor stimulants that develops during their repeated administration and persists even after long periods of withdrawal. It provides an animal model for the intensification of drug craving believed to underlie addiction in humans. Mechanistic similarities between sensitization and other forms of neuronal plasticity were first suggested on the basis of the ability of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists to prevent the development of sensitization [Karler, R., Calder, L. D., Chaudhry, I. A. and Turkanis, S. A. (1989) Blockade of "reverse tolerance" to cocaine and amphetamine by MK-801. Life Sci., 45, 599-606]. This article will review the large number of subsequent studies addressing: (1) the roles of NMDA, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) and metabotropic glutamate receptors in the development and expression of behavioral sensitization, (2) excitatory amino acids (EAAs) and the role of conditioning in sensitization, (3) controversies regarding EAA involvement in behavioral sensitization based on studies with MK-801, (4) the effects of acute and repeated stimulant administration on EAA neurochemistry and EAA receptor expression, and (5) the neuroanatomy of EAA involvement in sensitization. To summarize, NMDA, AMPA metabotropic glutamate receptors all participate in the development of sensitization, while maintenance of the sensitized state involves alterations in neurochemical measures of EAA transmission as well as in the expression and sensitivity of AMPA and NMDA receptors. While behavioral sensitization likely involves complex neuronal circuits, with EAAs participating at several points within this circuitry, EAA projections originating in prefrontal cortex may play a particularly important role in the development of sensitization, perhaps via their regulatory effects on midbrain dopamine neurons. The review concludes by critically evaluating various hypotheses to account for EAA involvement in the development of behavioral sensitization, and considering the question of whether EAA receptors are involved in mediating the rewarding effects of psychomotor stimulants and sensitization of such rewarding effects.
HRR signature classification using a hybrid composite classification system

We propose several fusion techniques in the design of a hybrid composite classification system. Our composite classifier taps into the strengths of two separate classification paradigms and examines various fusion methods for combining the two. The first classifier uses non-numeric features, similar to those found in syntactic pattern recognition, by exploiting the overall structure of the patterns themselves. The second method uses a more classical feature vector method that bins the patterns and uses the maximum values within each bin in developing the feature vector for each pattern. By using these two separate approaches, we explore conditions that allow the two techniques to be complementary in nature, thus improving, when fused, the overall performance of the classification system. We examine four seperate fusion techniques, the Basic Ensemble Method, the Probabilistic Neural Network, the Borda Count and the Bayesian Belief Network using a ten class problem in our experiments.
Floral mimicry by a plant pathogen

INSECTS can effect sexual reproduction in some plant pathogens, such as the rust fungi, by carrying spermatia (gametes) between different mating types1–5. This function of insects is analogous to their role as pollinators of plants, and contrasts with their more widely known5–9 role as vectors of plant pathogens' infectious spores. Here I report an extraordinary case of pathogen-mediated floral mimicry that contributes to fungal reproduction. The rust fungus Puccinia monoica inhibits flowering in its host plants (Arabis species) and radically transforms host morphology, creating elevated clusters of infected leaves that mimic true flowers of unrelated species in shape, size, colour and nectar production. These fungal pseudoflowers attract insects which fertilize the rust. Because the pseudoflowers are highly successful in attracting pollinating insects, they may also affect the reproductive success of nearby flowering plants.
Coal and the Moessbauer Effect

The presence of iron bearing minerals in coal makes the Moessbauer effect extremely useful as an analytical tool. In this paper we present a general review of the use of Moessbauer spectroscopy in coal research. We discuss a simple method to identify iron bearing minerals in coal. Several researchers have used the Moessbauer effect to study the transformations of iron minerals during coal processing. We have studied the stoichiometries of iron sulfides produced during coal liquefaction. We found drastic changes in the stoichiometry of the pyrrhotites as a function of the total sulfur content of the coal, and the reaction conditions. Some in situ experiments are reported in this paper. We have observed evidence of reactions between the coal components and the iron sulfides at high temperatures (400° C). The possibility of studying in situ reactions makes the Moessbauer effect a unique analytical tool.
The Things We (Sorta Kinda) Believe

On Schiffer's new view, propositions are easy to come by. Any that-clause can be counted on to express one. Thus, trivially, there are vague propositions, conditional propositions, moral and aesthetic propositions. And where propositions go, truth and falsity follow: barring paradoxical cases, Schiffer accepts instances of the schemata "the proposition that p is true iff p" and "the proposition that p is false iff not-p." What isn't easy to find, Schiffer thinks, is determinate truth. By the end of the book, we have heard that a huge number of the things we say or think are indeterminate in truth value: not just whether Schiffer's book is long, but whether the property of being in pain is identical with any physical property, whether torturing children for fun is morally permissible, whether modus ponens is a valid inference rule, and whether someone else would have shot Kennedy if Oswald hadn't. Indeed, on Schiffer's view, there are no determinately true moral propositions (238) and virtually no determinately true conditionals that are "likely to interest us" (295). Due to space limitations, I won't say anything here about these radicalsounding claims. My primary aim will be to come to terms with Schiffer's interesting and original view about what it means to say that a proposition is indeterminate. There are three distinctive components to this view, which I will take up in turn. First, Schiffer insists that indeterminacy must not be understood as a third status on par with truth and falsity. This, he argues, rules out standard degree-theoretic and supervaluational approaches. Second, Schiffer takes what might be called a "phenomenalist" approach to indeterminacy: we understand what it is for a proposition to be indeterminate in terms of the attitude of taking a proposition to be indeterminate. Finally, Schiffer holds that the attitude of taking a proposition to be indeterminate can be understood as a new kind of partial belief, "vagueness-related partial belief (VPB), which is distinguished from "standard partial belief (SPB) by the epistemic norms to which it is subject.
Photoconductive gain in barrier heterostructure infrared detectors

ABSTRACT Infrared (IR) detector technologies with the ability to operate near room temperature are important for many applications including chemical identification, surveillanc e, defense and medical diagnostics. Reducing the need for cryogenics in a detector system can reduce cost, weight and power consumption; simplify the detection system design and allow for widespread usage. In recent years, infrared (IR) detectors based on uni-polar barrier designs have gained interest for their ability to lower dark cu rrent and increase a detecto rs operating temperature. Our group is currently investigating detectors based on the InAs/GaSb strain layer superlattice (SLS) material system that utilize barrier heterostructure engineering. Examples of such engineering designs include pBp, nBn, PbIbN, CBIRD, etc. For this paper I will focus on LW (lo ng wave) pBp structures. Like the built-in barrier in a p-n junction, the heterojunction barrier blocks the majority carriers allowing free movement of photogenerated minority carriers. However, the barrier in a pBp detector, in contrast with a p-n junction depletion layer, does not significantly contribute to generation-recombination (G-R) current due to the lack of a depletion region across the narrow band gap absorber material. Thus such detectors potentially work like a regular photodiode but with significantly reduced dark current from G-R mechanisms. The mechanism of photoconductive (PC) gain has not been fully characterized in such device architectures and in many recent studies has been assumed to be unity. However, studies conducted with similar device structures have shown the presence of PC gain. In this report we will measure and analyze the impact of PC gain in detectors utilizing single unipolar barriers such as the case of pBp detectors. Keywords: Infrared (IR) detector, pBp, InAs/GaSb superlattice, uni-polar barrier *smyers@chtm.unm.edu; phone 1 505 272-7849; fax 1 505 272-7801; www.chtm.unm.edu/kind
Restructuring nuclear regulations.

Nuclear regulations are a subset of social regulations (laws to control activities that may negatively impact the environment, health, and safety) that concern control of ionizing radiation from radiation-producing equipment and from radioactive materials. The impressive safety record among nuclear technologies is due, in no small part, to the work of radiation safety professionals and to a protection system that has kept pace with the rapid technologic advancements in electric power generation, engineering, and medicine. The price of success, however, has led to a regulatory organization and philosophy characterized by complexity, confusion, public fear, and increasing economic costs. Over the past 20 years, regulatory costs in the nuclear sector have increased more than 250% in constant 1995 U.S. dollars. Costs of regulatory compliance can be reduced sharply, particularly when health and environmental benefits of risk reduction are questionable. Three key regulatory areas should be closely examined and modified to improve regulatory effectiveness and efficiency: a) radiation protection should be changed from a risk-based to dose-based system; b) the U.S. government should adopt the modern metric system (International System of Units), and radiation quantities and units should be simplified to facilitate international communication and public understanding; and c) a single, independent office is needed to coordinate nuclear regulations established by U.S. federal agencies and departments.
One-time general consent for research on biological samples: is it compatible with the health insurance portability and accountability act?

The collection and storage of human biological samples has become integral to clinical research. 1 These samples, estimated to be in the hundreds of millions in the United States alone, have enormous potential.2 However, requiring individuals' informed consent each time collected samples are used for new research could thwart this potential, increasing costs, decreasing response rates, burdening individuals, and precluding some studies altogether.
Transabdominal Biopsy is a Poor Prognostic Factor in Stage-IV Ovarian Carcinoma

ABSTRACT This study investigates the clinical, pathologic, and treatment-related factors in patients with stage-IV ovarian-type carcinomas and the related prognosis. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (Iowa City, IA) Gynecologic Oncology Tumor data bank was analyzed for cases of stage-IV epithelial ovarian carcinoma and peritoneal carcinoma during the 10-year period from January 1987 through and including December 1996. Patient charts were abstracted for pertinent data including demographic variables, clinical features, and histopathologic characteristics. Thirty five cases of stage-IV ovarian and peritoneal carcinoma were treated during the 10-year period concluding in December 1996. Five of these patients had transabdominal biopsy of a solid lesion via a laparoscope or a percutaneous needle prior to referral. The mean survival of the transabdominal biopsy group was significantly less than that of the other stage-IV patients, 9.4 versus 37.0 months (p = 0.004). Laparoscopic trocar site metastas...
Reaching consensus in the sense of probability

This paper studies consensus for a team of networked agents with stochastic interactions. Specifically, consensus in the sense of probability is investigated for both fixed and switching interaction graphs that are chosen randomly from some given set. In the static case, a lower bound for the probability of consensus is calculated when each interaction graph is equally likely to be selected among set containing all possible undirected graphs. It is then shown that the (exact) probability of consensus for n agents is strictly increasing with respect to n, whenever n ≥ 3. For the case of a randomly switching directed interaction graph, the probability of consensus is equal to the probability of an event that is critical for reaching consensus under a deterministic setting. In addition, the equivalence of consensus 1) with probability 1, 2) in probability, and 3) in the r-th mean is demonstrated without requiring an i.i.d. process and linear system dynamics.
The Social Construction of Trafficked Persons: An Analysis of the UN Protocol and the TVPA Definitions

This study is an investigation of the discourse surrounding trafficked persons. The U.S. federal government constructs human trafficking as “illegal immigration” and “prostitution.” As such, it may prioritize punishing those who violate trafficking laws. In order to examine this, a content analysis was conducted examining the United Nations Protocol on Human Trafficking and the U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Findings suggest that the way in which these laws construct the meaning of trafficking and the surrounding discourse may be influenced by political agendas and subsequently may also influence the utilization of policies and the allocation of social services.
Abstract 4107: Possible role of autophagy inhibition in hypoxia-induced chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL BACKGROUND: Autophagy is a catabolic process and provides metabolic support for the cell by degradation of intracellular macromolecules. Various types of stress, including hypoxia, activate autophagy. Recent studies have suggested that hypoxia has been shown to associate with resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and hence poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer. This study investigated the role of autophagy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer with gemcitabine under hypoxic condition. METHODS: To evaluate the role of autophagy inhibition in hypoxia-induced chemoresistance, BxPC-3 human pancreatic cancer cell line was used under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. We evaluated the extent of LC3-II, as an autophagosome marker, by Western blotting to measure the hypoxia- or chemotherapy-induced autophagy. We then examined the effects of gemcitabine on induction of apoptosis under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Finally, to determine the effect of 3-MA, a known inhibitor of autophagy, on overcoming hypoxia-induced chemoresistance, the MTS assay and flow cytometry were performed.RESULTS: Compared with normoxia, gemcitabine-induced cell death was significantly decreased under hypoxia, as a result of the reduced apoptosis. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that LC3-II was increased under hypoxia, compared with normoxia. However, we found that 3-MA can enhance the growth inhibition and apoptotic effect of gemcitabine, even under hypoxia. These findings mean that autophagy mediates the chemoresistance under hypoxia. Conclusions: Activated autophagy plays a role in hypoxia-induced chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer cells. These findings may have important implications for future therapeutic strategies using gemcitabine against pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4107. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4107
Peridotite-Gabbro Complexes as Keys to Petrology of Mid-Oceanic Ridges

Two suites of olivine-rich ultramafic and feldspathic rocks appear to be present in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge: one which seems to have alkalic affinities, and one similar to the chromitite-bearing alpine peridotite-gabbro complexes. The similarities of rocks in the two environments— continental and oceanic—imply that much about the petrology of mid-oceanic ridges may be learned from studies of continental complexes, and that silicic rocks have been formed in the mantle. Although gabbros in St. Paul Rocks and similar rocks at Tinaquillo, Venezuela, and Lizard, England, have been interpreted as not comagmatic with intimately associated peridotite by some petrologists, evidence to the contrary at Lizard is discussed. Association of fresh gneissic gabbro, some containing quartz, with talcose serpentinite, amphibole schist, quartz diorite and epidotic but unsheared basalts along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is believed to indicate presence of alpine-type rocks that occur normally in eugeosynclinal belts. Gabbro, described as partly interlayered with peridotite by gravitational differentiation, forms major parts of three widely separated ultramafic complexes which have been interpreted as slices of oceanic crust and upper mantle: the Troodos massif in Cyprus, the Bowutu Mountains in Papua, and the Camaguey complex in central Cuba. If, as Dietz has suggested, peridotite and related rocks in eugeosynclines represent fragments of ocean rind formed along mid-oceanic ridges and moved laterally by ocean-floor spreading, gabbro must be an essential constituent of the upper mantle. This could account for many geophysical anomalies, but would complicate some postulated mechanisms involved in ocean-floor spreading.
Multifetal pregnancy reduction: perinatal and fiscal outcomes.

Abstract Objective: This study was undertaken to compare the birth outcomes of a multifetal pregnancy reduction population with those of other patients delivered at Hutzel Hospital, Detroit, and to determine the fiscal impact of the multifetal pregnancy reduction program. Study Design: In a retrospective review patients who were delivered after multifetal pregnancy reduction were compared with a general obstetric population who were delivered at Hutzel Hospital from January 1, 1986, through June 30, 1998. Outcome data were determined through a comprehensive perinatal database. The χ 2 analysis was used to examine the relationship between gestational age and delivery group. Financial data were estimated from published reports of neonatal intensive care unit admissions, cost estimates for neonatal intensive care unit care, and charges for multifetal pregnancy reduction. Results: Pregnancies reduced to triplets, twins, and singletons had outcomes at least comparable to unreduced pregnancies starting at these numbers and substantially better than unreduced pregnancies with the same starting number. Financial estimates of hospitalization costs averted in the multifetal pregnancy reduction population exceeded $28 million. Conclusion: Use of multifetal pregnancy reduction improved obstetric outcomes for pregnancies with multiple gestations and also was associated with significant fiscal savings. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:1575-80.)
Epitaxial Electrodeposition of Copper(I) Oxide on Single-Crystal Gold(100)

Epitaxial electrodeposition was used to crystallize a 0.5 μm thick film of Cu2O onto single-crystal Au(100) from an alkaline copper lactate solution at room temperature. The film showed strong out-of-plane and in-plane orientation, with no rotation of the respective crystallographic directions of the Cu2O overlayer relative to the Au substrate. The technique should be amenable to the deposition of other metal oxides, allowing the simple and inexpensive selection of surfaces that show high catalytic activity or crystallographic directions that have desired electrical or magnetic properties.
Intercomparison of Global Reanalyses and Regional Simulations of Cold Season Water Budgets in the Western United States

Abstract Estimating water budgets of river basins in the western United States is a challenge because of the effects of complex terrain and lack of comprehensive observational datasets. This study aims at comparing different estimates of cold season water budgets of the Columbia River (CRB) and Sacramento–San Joaquin River (SSJ) basins. An intercomparison was performed based on the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis I (NRA1), NCEP–Department of Energy (DOE) reanalysis II (NRA2), ECMWF reanalyses (ERA), regional climate simulations produced by the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5) and NCEP Regional Spectral Model (RSM) driven by the reanalyses, and two precipitation datasets gridded at 2.5° and ⅛° for 7 yr between 1986 and 1993. The purpose of the intercomparison was to understand the effects of spatial resolution, model configuration and associated parameterizations, and large-scale conditions on basin-scale water budgets. Overall, the regional simulations were superior to the gl...
Excitation of the 15.110 MeV state of 12C by neutrinos or antineutrinos

Abstract Formulae for cross sections of ν 12 C(g.s.) → ν 12 C ∗ (15.110) and ν 12 C(g.s.) → ν 12 C ∗ (15.110) and for angular distributions and circular polarizations of the subsequent decay photons are derived in a model-independent (elementary-particle) approach. Our results indicate that, granting validity of the isotriplet hypothesis which relates the isovector components of the hadronic neutral weak current to the hadronic charged weak polar and axial currents, the numerical predictions of these quantities are strikingly different between solutions A and B.
Mistakes in sexual recognition among sympatric Zygoptera vary with time of day and color morphism (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

Abstract In odonates, female specific color polymorphisms appear to be an evolutionary response to sexual harassment, but we know little about the decision rules males use when searching for variable females. For two sympatric species of Enallagma, we measured male responses to live female variants under field conditions, early and later in the day. In the morning, when the operational sex ratio was the most male-biased and female density the lowest, males of the polymorphic E. civile did not discriminate among conspecific female morphs, and reacted sexually to the andromorphic females of E. aspersum, a monomorphic species. ‘Then, male E. aspersum did not favor conspecific females over E. civile morphs. Both morph types were more confusing for males than were conspecific male signals. However, after 13:00 h, males of both species made few mistakes, and E. civile males reacted sexually relatively less often to conspecific andromorphs, the minority morph in this population. The changes in a male's sexual re...
Fabrication of an all SU-8 electrospun nanofiber based supercapacitor

Supercapacitors (SCs) as energy storage devices are advantageous in their rapid charge/discharge capabilities and their immense charge storage capacity. Two important components of a SC are the electrically conductive electrodes (anode and cathode) and an electrically non-conductive separator between the two electrodes. This paper details a fabrication process for nanofibrous carbon electrodes and a nanoporous polymer separator using all SU-8 based electrospinning and post electrospinning processes, such as lithographical patterning, conversion of the nanofibrous polymer to carbon structures using heat treatment (carbonization) and their assembly to complete a SC. The process produces immensely porous electrodes with good conductivity; it is scalable and economical compared with the carbon nanotube electrode approach. High throughput tube nozzle electrospinning for nanofiber (NF) production and its photolithographical patterning have been employed to facilitate manufacturability. The dependence of the NF morphology on the carbonization temperatures is studied. Also, SC testing and characterization are discussed.
Microwave conductivity measurements of carbon veil by two different methods

Two measurement techniques to measure the conductivity of carbon veil sample, a new composite conductive material, are presented: the parallel plate cavity resonator method and the waveguide measurement method. Comparison between results obtained by these two methods is provided and an uncertainty analysis performed for both measurement methods. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2435–2438, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24661
Aspects of illness behavior in patients with facial pain

This paper analyzes the social, cultural, and demographic characteristics of patients who have sought treatment at the TMJ clinic at Columbia University for facial pain and mandibular dysfunction. Results of recent studies have suggested that factors other than clinical signs and symptoms have a significant role in determining whether people seek treatment for perceived facial pain and mandibular dysfunction. The concept of “illness behavior” can be used to investigate this problem. Knowledge of a patient’s illness behavior patterns helps enable the dentist to understand who seeks care for symptoms of facial pain and mandibular dysfunction; why the care is sought; the meaning of the symptoms to the patient; and the patient’s response to treatment.
Comorbidity of Severe Psychotic Disorders With Measures of Substance Use

Importance Although early mortality in severe psychiatric illness is linked to smoking and alcohol, to our knowledge, no studies have comprehensively characterized substance use behavior in severe psychotic illness. In particular, recent assessments of substance use in individuals with mental illness are based on population surveys that do not include individuals with severe psychotic illness. Objective To compare substance use in individuals with severe psychotic illness with substance use in the general population. Design, Setting, and Participants We assessed comorbidity between substance use and severe psychotic disorders in the Genomic Psychiatry Cohort. The Genomic Psychiatry Cohort is a clinically assessed, multiethnic sample consisting of 9142 individuals with the diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder with psychotic features, or schizoaffective disorder, and 10 195 population control individuals. Main Outcomes and Measures Smoking (smoked >100 cigarettes in a lifetime), heavy alcohol use (>4 drinks/day), heavy marijuana use (>21 times of marijuana use/year), and recreational drug use. Results Relative to the general population, individuals with severe psychotic disorders have increased risks for smoking (odds ratio, 4.6; 95% CI, 4.3-4.9), heavy alcohol use (odds ratio, 4.0; 95% CI, 3.6-4.4), heavy marijuana use (odds ratio, 3.5; 95% CI, 3.2-3.7), and recreational drug use (odds ratio, 4.6; 95% CI, 4.3-5.0). All races/ethnicities (African American, Asian, European American, and Hispanic) and both sexes have greatly elevated risks for smoking and alcohol, marijuana, and drug use. Of specific concern, recent public health efforts that have successfully decreased smoking among individuals younger than age 30 years appear to have been ineffective among individuals with severe psychotic illness (interaction effect between age and severe mental illness on smoking initiation, P = 4.5 × 10 5 ). Conclusions and Relevance In the largest assessment of substance use among individuals with severe psychotic illness to date, we found the odds of smoking and alcohol and other substance use to be dramatically higher than recent estimates of substance use in mild mental illness.
Exhibiting the “Just-Lived Past”: Hizbullah's Nationalist Narratives in Transnational Political Context

On 20 July 2006, eight days into an Israeli air assault on Lebanon, Israeli shells hit the Khiam detention center, the notorious site where Lebanese resistance fighters and civilians had been imprisoned and tortured during the twenty-two-year (1978–2000) Israeli occupation of south Lebanon. A news article describing the destruction of the center was subtitled, “After being remade in recent years into a monument to political atrocity, the jail at Khiam now lies destroyed by Israeli strikes,” and noted, “Fragments of walls, concrete held erect by stubborn rebar, point mute to the sky” (Quilty 2006).
When viewing variations in paintings by Mondrian, aesthetic preferences correlate with pupil size.

Observers consciously prefer Mondrian’s paintings in their original orientation compared with a rotated position—the “oblique effect” (Latto, Brain, & Kelly, 2000). However, this finding’s premise, that all vertical–horizontal orientations of the thick black lines in Mondrian’s oeuvre are preferred, overlooks the fact that the overall balance of these images is also altered when they are reoriented. Thus, balance may regulate the oblique effect, which might influence conscious aesthetic preferences. To address this issue, we explore Hess’s (1965, 1972) claim that observers will unconsciously increase their pupil diameter to pleasing images and constrict it to unpleasant images. We overcame Hess’s methodological limitation of not keeping his images’ luminances and contrast constant across conditions by presenting eight Mondrian paintings (1921–1944) to 30 observers on a CRT for 20 s each in either their original or seven rotated positions. Simultaneously, we measured their pupil size while asking them to report how (dis)pleasing they found each image. We found both evidence for the oblique effect (where image rotation hampers preference) and a correlation between this consciously reported aesthetic preference and unconsciously derived pupil size.
Gender Equality, Community Divisions and Autonomy: The Prospera Conditional Cash Transfer Program in Chiapas, Mexico

This article examines the gender equality component of Prospera, a conditional cash transfer program in Mexico that provides cash contingent on three nodes of civic engagement: health, nutrition, a...
Modification of keap1 cysteine residues by sulforaphane.

Activation of the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) through modification of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) cysteines, leading to up-regulation of the antioxidant response element (ARE), is an important mechanism of cellular defense against reactive oxygen species and xenobiotic electrophiles. Sulforaphane, occurring in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, is a potent natural ARE activator that functions by modifying Keap1 cysteine residues, but there are conflicting in vitro and in vivo data regarding which of these cysteine residues react. Although most biological data indicate that modification of C151 is essential for sulforaphane action, some recent studies using mass spectrometry have failed to identify C151 as a site of Keap1 sulforaphane reaction. We have reconciled these conflicting data using mass spectrometry with a revised sample preparation protocol and confirmed that C151 is indeed among the most readily modified cysteines of Keap1 by sulforaphane. Previous mass spectrometry-based studies used iodoacetamide during sample preparation to derivatize free cysteine sulfhydryl groups causing loss of sulforaphane from highly reactive and reversible cysteine residues on Keap1 including C151. By omitting iodoacetamide from the protocol and reducing sample preparation time, our mass spectrometry-based studies now confirm previous cell-based studies which showed that sulforaphane reacts with at least four cysteine residues of Keap1 including C151.
Causal logistic models for non-compliance under randomized treatment with univariate binary response.

We propose a method for estimating the marginal causal log-odds ratio for binary outcomes under treatment non-compliance in placebo-randomized trials. This estimation method is a marginal alternative to the causal logistic approach by Nagelkerke et al. (2000) that conditions on partially unknown compliance (that is, adherence to treatment) status, and also differs from previous approaches that estimate risk differences or ratios in subgroups defined by compliance status. The marginal causal method proposed in this paper is based on an extension of Robins' G-estimation approach for fitting linear or log-linear structural nested models to a logistic model. Comparing the marginal and conditional causal log-odds ratio estimates provides a way of assessing the magnitude of unmeasured confounding of the treatment effect due to treatment non-adherence. More specifically, we show through simulations that under weak confounding, the conditional and marginal procedures yield similar estimates, whereas under stronger confounding, they behave differently in terms of bias and confidence interval coverage. The parametric structures that represent such confounding are not identifiable. Hence, the proof of consistency of causal estimators and corresponding simulations are based on two different models that fully identify the causal effects being estimated. These models differ in the way that compliance is related to potential outcomes, and thus differ in the way that the causal effect is identified. The simulations also show that the proposed marginal causal estimation approach performs well in terms of bias under the different levels of confounding due to non-adherence and under different causal logistic models. We also provide results from the analyses of two data sets further showing how a comparison of the marginal and conditional estimators can help evaluate the magnitude of confounding due to non-adherence.
Sample size recalculation using conditional power.

The sample size required to achieve a given power at a prespecified absolute difference in mean response may depend on one or more nuisance parameters, which are usually unknown. Proposed methods for using an internal pilot to recalculate the sample size using estimates of these parameters have been well studied. Most of these methods ignore the fact that data on the parameter of interest from within this internal pilot will contribute towards the value of the final test statistic. We propose a method which involves recalculating the target sample size by computing the number of further observations required to maintain the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis at the end of the study under the prespecified absolute difference in mean response conditional on the data observed so far. We do this within the framework of a two-group error-spending sequential test, modified so as to prevent inflation of the type I error rate.
BAX and Tumor Suppressor TRP53 Are Important in Regulating Mutagenesis in Spermatogenic Cells in Mice

During the first wave of spermatogenesis, and in response to ionizing radiation, elevated mutant frequencies are reduced to a low level by unidentified mechanisms. Apoptosis is occurring in the same time frame that the mutant frequency declines. We examined the role of apoptosis in regulating mutant frequency during spermatogenesis. Apoptosis and mutant frequencies were determined in spermatogenic cells obtained from Bax-null or Trp53-null mice. The results showed that spermatogenic lineage apoptosis was markedly decreased in Bax-null mice and was accompanied by a significantly increased spontaneous mutant frequency in seminiferous tubule cells compared to that of wild-type mice. Apoptosis profiles in the seminiferous tubules for Trp53-null were similar to control mice. Spontaneous mutant frequencies in pachytene spermatocytes and in round spermatids from Trp53-null mice were not significantly different from those of wild-type mice. However, epididymal spermatozoa from Trp53-null mice displayed a greater spontaneous mutant frequency compared to that from wild-type mice. A greater proportion of spontaneous transversions and a greater proportion of insertions/deletions 15 days after ionizing radiation were observed in Trp53-null mice compared to wild-type mice. Base excision repair activity in mixed germ cell nuclear extracts prepared from Trp53-null mice was significantly lower than that for wild-type controls. These data indicate that BAX-mediated apoptosis plays a significant role in regulating spontaneous mutagenesis in seminiferous tubule cells obtained from neonatal mice, whereas tumor suppressor TRP53 plays a significant role in regulating spontaneous mutagenesis between postmeiotic round spermatid and epididymal spermatozoon stages of spermiogenesis.
Accelerating the Benders decomposition for network-constrained unit commitment problems

This paper presents an optimization method by generating multiple strong Benders cuts for accelerating the convergence of Benders Decomposition (BD) when solving the network-constrained generation unit commitment (NCUC) problem. In NCUC, dc transmission network evaluation subproblems are highly degenerate, which would lead to many dual optimal solutions. Furthermore, the classical BD cuts are often low-density which involve only a limited number of decision variables in the master problem. Therefore, the dual optimal solutions and the corresponding Benders cuts are of crucial importance for improving the efficiency of the BD algorithm. The proposed method would generate multiple strong Benders cuts, which are pareto optimal, among candidates from multiple dual optimal solutions. Such cuts would be high-density in comparison with low-density cuts produced by the classical BD. The proposed multiple strong Benders cuts are efficient in terms of reducing the total iteration number and the overall computing time. The high-density cuts may restrict the feasible region of the master unit commitment (UC) problem in each iteration as they incorporate more decision variables in each Benders cut. The multiple strong Benders cuts would accordingly reduce the iteration number and overall computing time. Numerical tests demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed multiple strong Benders cuts method in comparison with the classical BD algorithm and the linear sensitivity factors (LSF) method. The proposed method can be extended to other applications of BD for solving the large-scale optimization problems in power systems operation, maintenance, and planning.
Formal validation and verification of space flight software using statechart-assertions and runtime execution monitoring

Systems of systems must rely on a sound validation and verification process due to their inherent complexity. This paper presents the results of a formal computer-aided validation and verification of critical time-constrained requirements of the Brazilian Satellite Launcher flight software. It describes the entire specification, validation, and verification process that begins with a system requirement as a natural language specification, followed by the creation and computer-aided validation of UML statechart-formal specification assertions, and ends with the log file based runtime verification. These log files were executed as JUnit tests against the assertions. The verification and validation of the flight software uncovered inaccuracies in the requirements understanding and implementation. The results also confirmed the importance of having computer-aided tools deeply integrated into the verification and validation process, supporting requirement behavioral validation and verification of requirements implementation on the hardware and software platforms on which these systems run.
Consumers' Acceptance of (and Resistance to) Genetically Modified Foods in High-Income Countries: Effects of Labels and Information in an Uncertain Environment

The use of modern biotechnology to create genetically modified products has been haled by some but scorned by others. In crop improvement, conventional plant breeding is a 20th century phenomenon. Gene exchanges occur primarily in sexually compatible species, and they are largely crosses. Breeders select primarily on observable attributes, for example, grain yield, disease or pest resistance, but there is little DNA knowledge (Lamkey). In contrast, modern biotechnology is the human mediated insertion of a synthetic gene(s) into an organism. The technique for recombinant DNA was discovered by Cohen and Boyer in 1973. The Cohen-Boyer patent for genesplicing technology was awarded in 1980, and it enabled the "gene revolution" of the 1990s. Transfers of genes are largely between sexually incompatible species. Gene(s) produce(s) proteins of interest, which are input/output traits. These transfers are sometimes said to be "precise," because the origin of the trait is known through DNA sequencing. Gene insertion is, however, at a random location by a gene gun or virus, and scientists cannot be certain of the exact expression that they will obtain (Lamkey). The process is called genetic engineering, bioengineering, genetically modified or GM and even naming of the process is controversial. Let us examine the dimensions of the GM
Enhanced Wireless Power Transmission Using Strong Paramagnetic Response

A method of quasi-static magnetic resonant coupling has been presented for improving the power transmission efficiency (PTE) in near-field wireless power transmission, which improves upon the state of the art. The traditional source resonator on the transmitter side is equipped with an additional resonator with a resonance frequency that is tuned substantially higher than the magnetic field excitation frequency. This additional resonator enhances the magnetic dipole moment and the effective permeability of the power transmitter, owing to a phenomenon known as the strong paramagnetic response. Both theoretical calculations and experimental results show increased PTE due to amplification of the effective permeability. In measurements, the PTE was improved from 57.8% to 64.2% at the nominal distance of 15 cm when the effective permeability was 2.6. The power delivered to load was also improved significantly, with the same 10 V excitation voltage, from 0.38 to 5.26 W.