cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Figure-of-merit analysis of distributed sidewall loss method to suppress high-order modes in broad area quantum cascade lasers

We have modeled broad-area ridge-waveguide quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) using COMSOL and generated a rank-ordering of high-order transverse lateral modes as a function of cavity width on the basis of a figure-of-merit. In particular, we corroborate experimental results previously obtained using the distributed sidewall loss (DSL) method to suppress high-order transverse lateral modes and extract fundamental mode in broad-area QCLs. COMSOL modeling shows that waveguide losses preferentially incurred by the high-order modes, due to the direct sidewall contact with metal as prescribed by the DSL method, can be used to obtain single-lobed emission with enhanced brightness in broad-area QCLs.
Intercensal and Postcensal Estimation of Population Size for Small Geographic Areas in the United States

IntroductionPopulation estimation techniques are often used to provide updated data for a current year. However,estimates for small geographic units, such as census tracts in the United States, are typically notavailable. Yet there are growing demands from local policy making, program planning and evaluationpractitioners for such data because small area population estimates are more useful than those forlarger geographic areas. ObjectivesTo estimate the population sizes at the census block level by subgroups (age, sex, and race/ethnicity)so that the population data can be aggregated up to any target small geographic areas. MethodsWe estimated the population sizes by subgroups at the census block level using an intercensal ap-proach for years between 2000 and 2010 and a postcensal approach for the years following the2010 decennial census (2011-2017). Then we aggregated the data to the county level (intercensalapproach) and incorporated place level (postcensal approach) and compared our estimates to corre-sponding US Census Bureau (the Census) estimates. ResultsOverall, our intercensal estimates were close to the Census’ population estimates at the countylevel for the years 2000-2010; yet there were substantive errors in counties where population sizesexperienced sudden changes. Our postcensal estimates were also close to the Census’ populationestimates at the incorporated place level for years closer to the 2010 decennial census. ConclusionsThe approaches presented here can be used to estimate population sizes for any small geographicareas based on census blocks. The advantages and disadvantages of their application in public healthpractice should be considered.
Evaluation of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and PM2.5 associations for air quality assessment

Abstract Traditional station-based PM2.5 monitoring method has significant spatial gaps. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) product (10 km spatial resolution) derived from the imagery of NASA Terra satellite has been used as a tool for regional PM2.5 studies for many years. Literature suggested mixed results on AOD-PM2.5 correlation across geographic location, size of study area, and spatial resolution of MODIS AOD product. Also, correlation coefficient was reported at seasonal or yearly level and seldom any atmospheric research reported the AOD-PM2.5 correlation at daily level, which is crucial to utilize MODIS AOD products in air quality assessment. In this study, MODIS AOD product with 1, 3, and 10 km spatial resolutions were employed to examine their linear relationship with hourly PM2.5 data at daily level in order to evaluate their feasibility for PM2.5 remote monitoring in the state of North Carolina, U.S. First, the daily correlation between MODIS AOD value and ground PM2.5 concentration was statistically analyzed for the day in which both data existed. Next, a site-specific AOD- PM2.5 correlation was examined for each AirNow PM2.5 station in NC at 1 km, 3 km and 10 km spatial resolutions respectively in 2011 and 2012. The significance of all correlations was tested at 95% confidence level for each day at which two pairs of PM2.5 and AOD existed and each station in both years. It was found that the site-specific correlation between MODIS AOD value and ground PM2.5 concentration was statistically significant (95% confidence level) at majority of PM2.5 monitoring stations at 1 km, 3 km and 10 km level in both 2011 and 2012 in NC. Our results suggest that it is practicable to use MODIS AOD data to assess PM2.5 concentrations monthly at both city and state level without incorporating meteorological parameters.Main finding: Significant site-specific AOD-PM2.5 correlations allow the application of MODIS AOD to air quality assessment;
Building Tatooine: Suppression of the Direct Secular Excitation in Kepler Circumbinary Planet Formation

Circumbinary planetary systems recently discovered by Kepler represent an important testbed for planet formation theories. Planetesimal growth in disks around binaries has been expected to be inhibited interior to ~10 AU by secular excitation of high relative velocities between planetesimals, leading to their collisional destruction (rather than agglomeration). Here we show that gravity of an axisymmetric gaseous circumbinary disk in which planets form drives fast precession of both the planetesimal and binary orbits, resulting in strong suppression of planetesimal eccentricities beyond 2-3 AU and making possible the growth of 1-102 km objects in this region. The precise location of the boundary of the accretion-friendly region depends on the size of the inner disk cavity cleared by the binary torques and on the disk mass (even 0.01 M ☉ disk strongly suppresses planetesimal excitation), among other things, but this zone does not extend to present orbits of Kepler circumbinary planets. The precession of the orbit of the central binary, enhanced by the mass concentration that is naturally present at the inner edge of a circumbinary disk, plays a key role in this suppression, which is a feature specific to the circumbinary planet formation.
Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma from Transplanted Kidney with Complete Response to an Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor

Background Donor-derived malignancy is a rare complication in patients who undergo organ transplant. Approaches to treatment have largely been individualized based on clinical circumstances given the lack of evidence-based guidelines, with therapeutic options ranging from discontinuation of immunosuppression and transplantectomy to the addition of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Case Presentation. Herein, we describe a 60-year-old woman with metastatic donor-derived upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) discovered nine years postrenal transplant. Molecular diagnostic studies using polymerase chain reaction amplification of short tandem repeat alleles and HLA tissue typing proved that the urothelial carcinoma originated from donor tissue. She achieved sustained complete remission with transplant nephroureterectomy, retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy, immunosuppression withdrawal, and immunotherapy with pembrolizumab. Routine radiologic surveillance has demonstrated 15-month progression-free survival to date off pembrolizumab, and she is now under consideration for retransplantation. Conclusions Immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors can serve as a novel treatment option for patients in the clinical predicament of having a solid organ transplant and simultaneous metastatic malignancy. In this report, we also discuss the oncogenic potential of BK virus, the use of checkpoint inhibitors in urothelial carcinoma, and the feasibility of retransplant for this patient population.
A Scalar Linear-Quadratic Two Player Stochastic Differential Game with a Rosenblatt Process Noise

A stochastic differential game with two players on an infinite time horizon, a quadratic payoff, and a scalar linear stochastic system that includes the two players’ actions and a Rosenblatt process noise is formulated and explicitly solved. The players actions are restricted to the family of linear feedback strategies to allow for explicit solutions. For the infinite time horizon problem, strategies are given explicitly in terms of feedback gains that depend on some values of Gamma functions. Rosenblatt processes are a family of non-Gaussian processes that can have application to physical situations where the noise has been empirically determined to be continuous and to have a long range dependence but not to satisfy a Gaussian distribution. The Rosenblatt processes can be described as suitable double Wiener-Ito integrals with singular kernels. It seems that there are no explicit game solutions when the noise is continuous, long range dependent, and non-Gaussian.
Meeting by text or video-chat: Effects on confidence and performance

Abstract How does the way people first interact affect communicative effectiveness? Does it matter if you meet someone via video-chat first or via text first? In Study 1, attitudes towards three common communication media were surveyed. In general, respondents preferred face-to-face interactions and messaging platforms over phone calls. In Study 2, participants first met via either video-chat or messaging, and then switched to the other modality. Dyads who met first via text performed worse on an anagram task than those who met first via video. However, those who met first via text were more confident in their performance. How people first get to know each other impacts how they feel about their conversations and how effectively they work together.
Un)Changing Rates of Pro Se Litigation in Federal Courts

There is widespread concern among scholars, court actors, and policymakers that the number of pro se litigants is increasing. However, we have little empirical evidence of the scope of pro se litigation, especially in the federal court system. Using data from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts on all civil case filings since 1999, we investigate the prevalence and rate of pro se litigation in federal district courts. We find no evidence of a dramatic rise in pro se litigation, but document substantial variation in rates of pro se litigation by type of case and circuit of filing. The results have implications for our understanding of self-representation and for the development of policies addressing access to civil justice.
Bias in student evaluations: Are my peers out to get me?

Abstract The use of peer evaluations to evaluate performance is commonplace, especially in higher education. Yet, researchers and educators have long expressed concerns about the accuracy of such ratings. While research has found student peer evaluations to be consistent with instructor evaluations, rater bias is inherent in all evaluations, and students are not exempt from this. This study examines task completion and identity threat to determine if experience and identity play a role in shaping student peer evaluations. A sample of MBA students evaluated their peers before and after completing a course presentation. Results showed that students’ peer evaluations were significantly “lower” or more critical after having completed the presentation themselves. This study illuminates the importance of experience and training in the implementation of performance evaluations.
Not out of MY bank account! Science messaging when climate change policies carry personal financial costs

We suggest that policies will be less popular when individuals personally have to pay for them rather than when others have to pay (i.e., a Not Out of My Bank Account or NOMBA effect). Dual process...
Sedation with dexmedetomidine is associated with transient gallbladder wall thickening and peritoneal effusion in some dogs undergoing abdominal ultrasonography.

Background Dexmedetomidine often is used for sedation before or during abdominal ultrasonography. The effect of dexmedetomidine on gallbladder wall thickness is unknown. Hypothesis/objectives To investigate the relationship between dexmedetomidine administration and gallbladder wall thickening in dogs. The hypothesis was that sedation with dexmedetomidine will cause transient gallbladder wall thickening. Gallbladder wall thickness will be associated with duration of sedation and recumbency position. Animals Seventy-nine client owned dogs and 10 healthy research dogs. Methods A prospective observational study (n = 79) was used to establish the prevalence of gallbladder wall thickening (> 2.0 mm) after sedation with dexmedetomidine. A randomized, crossover study (n = 10) was used to evaluate the effect of time and recumbency position on the development of gallbladder wall thickening. Linear mixed models were used. Results The proportion of client-owned dogs that developed gallbladder wall thickening was 24.05% (19/79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 15.1%-35.0%) with a median dose of dexmedetomidine of 5.0 μg/kg (range, 2.0-12.5 μg/kg). After sedation, the proportion of research dogs that developed gallbladder wall thickening in left lateral (5/10, 50%; 95% CI, 18.7%-81.3%) and dorsal (7/10, 70%; 95% CI, 34.8%-93.3%) recumbency did not differ significantly (P = .45). Gallbladder wall thickening developed within 20 to 40 minutes. Duration of sedation was significantly associated with thickening of the gallbladder wall (P Conclusions and clinical importance Sedation with dexmedetomidine is associated with gallbladder wall thickening (> 2.0 mm) and peritoneal effusion that could be confused with pathologic etiologies.
Risk Management Breakdown at AXA Rosenberg: The Curious Case of a Quant Manager Trusted Too Much

All companies face challenges designing a governance system that works best for their particular situation and structure. Even the owners of privately held companies sometimes struggle with issues of separation and control. The challenges can be particularly acute when a company founder has considerable influence over the organization and its culture, and third-party investors have been brought in to share ownership.We examine the interesting case of AXA Rosenberg, a joint venture investment management firm founded and run by legendary finance professor Barr Rosenberg. Although successful for a time, the firm eventually collapsed due to a failure in risk management. We examine the governance structure, unique personalities, and series of events that led to the breakdown of the firm, and the SEC investigation that resulted in Barr Rosenberg’s lifetime ban from the securities industry. We ask: Is it possible for a board to monitor a renowned executive with extremely specialized knowledge? How can the board satisfy itself that risks are appropriately known and monitored? How does an executive’s personality affect a company’s risk management practices?Topics, Issues and Controversies in Corporate Governance and Leadership: The Closer Look series is a collection of short case studies through which we explore topics, issues, and controversies in corporate governance. In each study, we take a targeted look at a specific issue that is relevant to the current debate on governance and explain why it is so important. Larcker and Tayan are co-authors of the book Corporate Governance Matters, and A Real Look at Real World Corporate Governance.
Identifying key mechanisms in fibroblast disregulation using a systems biology approach. (IRM9P.727)

Pulmonary fibrosis, stiffening and scarring of the lung tissue, is a symptom of interstitial lung disease with no available treatments and poor prognosis for patients. It occurs when disregulation of the proliferative and remodeling phases of the wound healing process results in uncontrolled proliferation and activation of fibroblasts, excessive extracellular matrix deposition, and detrimental tissue remodeling. The molecular mechanisms underlying this disregulation are poorly understood providing an untapped pool of potential therapeutic targets. TGFβ is known to be an important factor in fibroblast activation while Pge2 has been shown to counteract TGFβ; however the mechanistic details of this relationship have not been characterized. To this end, we combined computation and experimental techniques to study these cellular and molecular scale events. In vitro experiments are done in parallel with computation experiments and used to build and validate an in silico model. We created a hybrid multi-scale model focusing on the roles of TGFβ receptor ligand signaling dynamics with downstream signaling events leading to fibroblast activation, and fibroblast and epithelial cell co-regulation. Analysis of our model allows evaluation of real-time molecular events in the context of a simultaneous fibroblast/epithelial cell co-culture system. With these tools we have identified key factors driving fibroblast regulation and predict potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis.
Interaction of WASP/Scar proteins with actin and vertebrate Arp2/3 complex

The Wiskott–Aldrich-syndrome protein (WASP) regulates polymerization of actin by the Arp2/3 complex. Here we show, using fluorescence anisotropy assays, that the carboxy-terminal WA domain of WASP binds to a single actin monomer with a Kd of 0.6 μM in an equilibrium with rapid exchange rates. Both WH-2 and CA sequences contribute to actin binding. A favourable ΔH of −10 kcal mol−1 drives binding. The WA domain binds to the Arp2/3 complex with a Kd of 0.9 μM; both the C and A sequences contribute to binding to the Arp2/3 complex. Wiskott–Aldrich-syndrome mutations in the WA domain that alter nucleation by the Arp2/3 complex over a tenfold range without affecting affinity for actin or the Arp2/3 complex indicate that there may be an activation step in the nucleation pathway. Actin filaments stimulate nucleation by producing a fivefold increase in the affinity of WASP-WA for the Arp2/3 complex.
Proton implanted single mode holey vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of wedge-shaped holes in proton-implant VCSELs. CW measurements indicate this holey structure can decrease threshold current, increase maximum single mode output power, and increase the efficiency of the VCSEL. With further refinement of the wedge-shape and implant diameter, to form a more optimum radially graded index profile, greater enhancement of the single mode VCSEL output is expected.
Danger: The Ethics of Preemptive Action

The law has developed principles for dealing with morally and legally responsible actors who act in ways that endanger others, the principles governing crime and punishment. And it has developed principles for dealing with the morally and legally nonresponsible but dangerous actors, the principles governing civil commitments. It has failed, however, to develop a cogent and justifiable set of principles for dealing with responsible actors who have not yet acted in ways that endanger others but who are likely to do so in the future, those whom we label “responsible but dangerous” actors, or RBDs. Indeed, as we argue, the criminal law has sought to punish RBDs through its expansive use of inchoate criminality; however, current criminalization and punishment practices punish those who have yet to perform a culpable act. In this article, we attempt to establish defensible grounds for preventive restrictions of liberty (PRLs) of RBDs in lieu of contorting the criminal law. Specifically, we argue that just as a culpable aggressor becomes liable to defensive force, an RBD can become liable to PRLs more generally. Although there are many examples of PRLs of RBDs currently in operation, the principles, if any, that justify and limit such PRLs have yet to be satisfactorily established.
Computer model for mechanisms underlying ultradian oscillations of insulin and glucose.

Oscillations in human insulin secretion have been observed in two distinct period ranges, 10-15 min (i.e. rapid) and 100-150 min (i.e., ultradian). The cause of the ultradian oscillations remains to be elucidated. To determine whether the oscillations could result from the feedback loops between insulin and glucose, a parsimonious mathematical model including the major mechanisms involved in glucose regulation was developed. This model comprises two major negative feedback loops describing the effects of insulin on glucose utilization and glucose production, respectively, and both loops include the stimulatory effect of glucose on insulin secretion. Model formulations and parameters are representative of results from published clinical investigations. The occurrence of sustained insulin and glucose oscillations was found to be dependent on two essential features: 1) a time delay of 30-45 min for the effect of insulin on glucose production and 2) a sluggish effect of insulin on glucose utilization, because insulin acts from a compartment remote from plasma. When these characteristics were incorporated in the model, numerical simulations mimicked all experimental findings so far observed for these ultradian oscillations, including 1) self-sustained oscillations during constant glucose infusion at various rates; 2) damped oscillations after meal or oral glucose ingestion; 3) increased amplitude of oscillation after increased stimulation of insulin secretion, without change in frequency; and 4) slight advance of the glucose oscillation compared with the insulin oscillation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
High-resolution behavioral economic analysis of cigarette demand to inform tax policy.

Aims Novel methods in behavioral economics permit the systematic assessment of the relationship between cigarette consumptionandprice.Towardsinformingtaxpolicy,thegoalsof thisstudyweretoconductahigh-resolutionanalysis of cigarette demand in a large sample of adult smokers and to use the data to estimate the effects of tax increases in 10 US States. Design In-person descriptive survey assessment. Setting Academic departments at three universities. Participants Adult daily smokers (i.e. more thanfive cigarettes/day; 18+years old;8th grade education);n = 1056. Measurements Estimated cigarette demand, demographics, expired carbon monoxide. Findings The cigarette demand curve exhibited highly variable levels of price sensitivity, especially in the form of 'left-digit effects' (i.e. very high price sensitivity as pack prices transitioned from one whole number to the next; e.g. $5.80-6/pack). A $1 tax increase in the 10 states was projected to reduce the economic burden of smoking by an average of $530.6 million (range: $93.6-976.5 million) and increase gross tax revenue by an average of 162% (range: 114-247%). Conclusions Tobacco price sensitivity is non-linear across the demand curve and in particular for pack-level left-digit price transitions. Tax increases in US states with similar price and tax rates to the sample are projected to result in substantial decreases in smoking-related costs and substantial increases in tax revenues.
Isolation and Characterization of Escherichia Coli Mutants with Altered Rates of Deletion Formation

Using site-specific mutagenesis in vitro we constructed a genetic system to detect mutants with altered rates of deletion formation between short repeated sequences in Escherichia coli. After in vivo mutagenesis with chemical mutagens and transposons, the system allowed the identification of mutants with either increased or decreased deletion frequencies. One mutational locus, termed mutR, that results in an increase in deletion formation, was studied in detail. The mutR gene maps at 38.5 min on the E. coli genetic map. Since the precise excision of many transposable elements is also mediated at short repeated sequences, we investigated the effects of the mutant alleles, as well as recA, on precise excision of the transposon Tn9. Neither mutR nor recA affect precise excision of the transposon Tn9, from three different insertions in lacI, whereas these alleles do affect other spontaneous deletions in the same system. These results indicate that deletion events leading to precise excision occur principally via a different pathway than other random spontaneous deletions. It is suggested that, whereas precise excision occurs predominantly via a pathway involving replication enzymes (for instance template strand slippage), deletions on an F'factor are stimulated by recombination enzymes.
Geomorphic and land cover characteristics of aeolian dust sources in West Texas and eastern New Mexico, USA

Abstract Wind erosion in West Texas and eastern New Mexico typically happens in localized source areas while most of the landscape is not eroding. Dust source areas were located and characterized according to type of geomorphological surface and land cover. For 2001–09, 27 erosion event days were identified where dust plumes were visible on MODIS satellite images. From these images, 625 point sources were located. Geomorphology and land use (land cover) were mapped and overlaid on the dust source point map. In terms of geomorphology, 79% of sources occurred on sand sheets, which comprise 50% of the region. Other geomorphic surfaces were sand dunes (5% sources from 12% area), loess (4%/24%), playa (3%/1%), high relief alluvial (3%/6%) and low relief alluvial (6%/5%). Sand sheets (here, anthropogenically disturbed) produce more sources than other geomorphic categories, with playas producing the most sources per unit area. Results for land use and land cover reflected cultivated cropland (57%/33%), shrubland (17%/32%), grassland (20%/31%) and urban (4%/4%). Cropped land produces proportionately more dust than rangeland or other land uses. With dust emission dominated by relatively uniform geomorphology, the data highlight the strong anthropogenic influence on the spatial pattern of observed dust sources in the region.
Micron-Scale Diagnostics for Through-Plane Transport Phenomena in Porous Electrodes

This paper presents the development of a new method for characterizing the electrochemistry and transport phenomena in the porous electrodes of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The new method uses a unique microstructured electrode scaffold (MES) that provide an architecture for obtaining measurements at discrete points through the thickness of an electrode. This paper reports on the design, fabrication and initial testing of an MES for measuring ionic potential across the thickness of a PEMFC’s cathode. The new fuel cell hardware and reference electrodes (REs), which gather electrolyte potential measurements through the thickness of the electrode via the MES, have been tested for accuracy and repeatability. The use of hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) REs versus oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) REs is analyzed and discussed. Polarization data was also gathered and the REs are used to separate the half-cell potentials. Finally, the preliminary fabrication of an MES and a micro-structural analysis are discussed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The effects of review on science process skill acquisition

(1993). The effects of review on science process skill acquisition. Journal of Science Teacher Education: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 54-57.
Biventricular Pacing and Defibrillator Use in Chronic Heart Failure

Since the 1970s when the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was developed, multiple clinical trials have documented survival benefits in certain high-risk subsets of heart failure patients. Over the past decade, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) emerged as an important therapy in carefully selected patients with ongoing symptoms despite optimized pharmacological therapy. ICDs should be considered first-line therapy for survivors of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmic events. Subsets of patients with both ischemic and nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy appear to have a survival benefit from primary ICD therapy. CRT has resulted in substantial symptomatic improvement and survival benefits in a subgroup of chronic heart failure patients. CRT should be considered in heart failure patients undergoing ICD implantation who have evidence of ventricular dyssynchrony.
Effect of genistein and dexamethason on cytokine expression in colonic epithelial cell lines

Effect of genistein and dexamethason on cytokine expression in colonic epithelial cell lines
Tyree-body mechanisms in the {sup 3}He(e,e'p) reactions at high missing momentum

A particular three-body mechanism is responsible for the missing strength that has been reported in $^{3}\mathrm{He}$$(e,{e}^{'}p)$ reactions at missing momentum above 700 MeV/c. It corresponds to the absorption of the virtual photon by a nucleon at rest which subsequently propagates on shell and emits a meson which is reabsorbed by the pair formed by the two other nucleons. Its amplitude, which is negligible in photon-induced reactions as well as in the electroproduction of an on-shell meson, becomes maximal in the quasifree kinematics ($X=1$). This mechanism relates the amplitude of the $^{3}\mathrm{He}$$(e,{e}^{'}p){}^{2}$H reaction to the amplitude of pd elastic scattering at backward angles.
ROR1 Is Expressed in Human Breast Cancer and Associated with Enhanced Tumor-Cell Growth

Receptor-tyrosine-kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) is expressed during embryogenesis and by certain leukemias, but not by normal adult tissues. Here we show that the neoplastic cells of many human breast cancers express the ROR1 protein and high-level expression of ROR1 in breast adenocarcinoma was associated with aggressive disease. Silencing expression of ROR1 in human breast cancer cell lines found to express this protein impaired their growth in vitro and also in immune-deficient mice. We found that ROR1 could interact with casein kinase 1 epsilon (CK1e) to activate phosphoinositide 3-kinase-mediated AKT phosphorylation and cAMP-response-element-binding protein (CREB), which was associated with enhanced tumor-cell growth. Wnt5a, a ligand of ROR1, could induce ROR1-dependent signaling and enhance cell growth. This study demonstrates that ROR1 is expressed in human breast cancers and has biological and clinical significance, indicating that it may be a potential target for breast cancer therapy.
Use of chromatographic pre-concentration for routine uranium bioassay analysis by ICP-MS

Routine monitoring of urine is an effective way to detect occupational intake of radioactive material. Historically, determinations of uranium isotopic ratios have been performed by radiochemical separation followed by alpha spectrometry. With recent advancements in technology, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has become widely available for the determination of trace metals as well as radioactive nuclides with long half-lives, such as 238U in urine. Furthermore, ICP-MS measurements of 238U do not require radiochemical separation since the number of atoms in the sample is determined instead of the number of alpha particles emitted. However, this method does not provide good sensitivity for the determination of 235U due to its shorter half-life. An improved procedure using pre-concentration of uranium and determination by ICP-MS decreases the detection limit by a factor of ten or greater with only slight increase in total analysis time. The method also has the capability of accurately determining the isotopic ratio of the sample, which is very important in cases where enriched or depleted uranium is involved.
The Protein Partners of GTP Cyclohydrolase I in Rat Organs

Objective GTP cyclohydrolase I (GCH1) is the rate-limiting enzyme for tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthesis and has been shown to be a promising therapeutic target in ischemic heart disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis and diabetes. The endogenous GCH1-interacting partners have not been identified. Here, we determined endogenous GCH1-interacting proteins in rat.
Electromagnetic Topology-Based Analysis of Coupling through Small Aperture on Cables of Communication Systems

The interactions and coupling between an external source and the cables of a digital communication system through a small aperture have been analyzed through the electromagnetic topology technique for simulations. Using an alternate approach to transfer function generation in the state-of-the-art topological code and by utilizing experimentally determined S-parameters of a cable network linked to personal computers, the response of the cables to lightning and electromagnetic pulses has been studied. The simulation results show that external fields on the cable current depend strongly on cable lengths, locations, and terminating impedances. Analysis also shows that damage to cables or soft errors on data transmission is more pronounced at high-frequency electromagnetic pulses, compared to lightning.
Electronic monitoring in their own words: an exploratory study of employees' experiences with new types of surveillance

Electronic monitoring of employees has recently begun to take new forms such as email and web site monitoring. In an exploratory study of these new types of monitoring, 53 employed individuals responded to an anonymous, on-line, open-ended query about their related experiences. Content analysis of the resulting textual data explored two issues: the extent to which electronic monitoring shaped employees' behavior and the reasoning processes by which employees decided whether or not the monitoring was a negative experience. Results of the content analysis suggested that behavior was influenced by the capabilities of monitoring in combination with managerial expectations. Employees' attitudes about monitoring appeared to be dependent, in part, on the uses to which monitoring information was put. Finally, an unexpected focus on sexual content on the Internet revealed that employees had assimilated managerial concerns about organizational reputation.
Computational and Experimental Study of Linear Aerospike Engine Noise

Experimental and computational results of X-33 linear aerospike engine noise tests are presented. Only noise sources external to the nozzle are considered (no combustion noise). The experimental setup is such that the engine, located 18.3 m above the ground, has its exhaust plume diverted from a vertical position to a nearly horizontal position located 3 m above the ground using a J deflector. Experimental measurements are made at several locations in the midfield. A semi-empirical model is derived that accounts for the nonaxisymmetry of the engine exit plane. The model uses mean flow quantities obtained from a computational fluid dynamics computation using a k-e turbulence model. Midfield results obtained using the semi-empirical model are in reasonable agreement with the experimental measurements. The semi-empirical model was able to explain the source of a low-frequency peak observed in the spectra (near 10 Hz). In addition, the midfield directivity pattern and overall sound pressure levels given by the semi-empirical model are in good agreement with the measurements.
Structure of homo- and hetero-oligomeric meprin metalloproteases. Dimers, tetramers, and high molecular mass multimers.

Meprin A and B, metalloproteases consisting of evolutionarily related α and/or β subunits, are membrane-bound and secreted enzymes expressed by kidney and intestinal epithelial cells, leukocytes, and cancer cells. Previous work established that the multidomain meprin subunits (each ∼80 kDa) form disulfide-bridged homo- and heterodimers, and differ in substrate and peptide bond specificities. The work herein clearly demonstrates that meprin dimers differ markedly in their ability to oligomerize. Electrophoresis, light scattering, size exclusion chromatography, and electron microscopy were used to characterize quaternary structures of recombinant rat meprins. Meprin B, consisting of meprin β subunits only, was dimeric under a wide range of conditions. By contrast, meprin α homodimers formed heterogeneous multimers (ring-, circle-, spiral-, and tube-like structures) containing up to 100 subunits, with molecular masses at protein peaks ranging from ∼1.0 to 6.0 MDa. The size of the meprin α homo-oligomers was dependent on protein concentration, ionic strength, and activation state. Meprin αβ heterodimers tended to form tetramers but not higher oligomers. Thus, the presence of meprin β, which has a transmembrane domain in vivo, restricts the oligomerization potential of meprin molecules and localizes meprins to the plasma membrane. By contrast, the propensity of secreted meprin α homodimers to self-associate concentrates proteolytic potential into high molecular mass multimers and thus allows for autocompartmentalization. The work indicates that different mechanisms exist to localize and concentrate the proteolytic activity of membrane-bound and secreted meprin metalloproteinases.
The Hegemon and the Professions

The hegemony in my teaching life comes from the professions that dominate my school. Most of my students plan to become engineers or accountants or foresters or scientists. They are in my international law class to fulfill their general education requirements. At other schools a course like mine often gets no takers from outside of political science or history, certainly not from engineering. And yet, there's a good reason for all those professionally oriented students to be grappling with the materials in the course. The rise of public international rules in economics, human rights, intellectual properties, trade, money, and the environment constrain their professional behaviors and structure the very problems they will solve. Moreover, the professions need to understand the “hegemon” before they can moderate behavior and advance the rule of law. What constantly puzzles me as an American, a native of a country where the professions increasingly squeeze out all other forms of learning, is why the United States is not a stronger advocate and supporter of international law in its foreign policy. One would think the professions would actively demand widespread learning about international law, as well as United States' adherence to its principles and support of proactive efforts to develop it even further. The international legal agenda is filled with worries over trade, intellectual properties, ecosystem problems, shipping, the technologies of terror, and problems in public health. Legal systems reduce the risk of entrepreneurial behavior, international agreements on standards enhance technical rationality, and law serves as a powerful means of communications and conflict resolution. Yet …
An Adjustable Random-Pulse Generator

This short communication describes a device which delivers pulses whose time of arrival is randomized within a time interval distribution whose lower boundary and duration are set by the user. In addition, the device permits the user to select the ``fineness'' of timing within the selected interval.
Alkylation of isobutane with C3-C5 olefins to produce high-quality gasolines: Physicochemical sequence of events

Alkylation of isobutane with C3−C5 olefins currently produces alkylates that are the highest-quality and cleanest-burning gasolines. Four processes are widely used; two employ sulfuric acid as the catalyst, whereas the other two employ liquid HF. Processes that employ solid catalysts have yet to be commercialized. This paper comprises a review of recent findings concerning the fundamentals (chemistry of alkylation plus side reactions, mass- and heat-transfer steps in the acid/hydrocarbon dispersions, characteristics of dispersion, etc.), i.e., the physicochemical events. A sequence of over 30 chemical, physical, and transfer steps is outlined and explained, for probably the first time. Better understanding of the fundamentals strongly suggests that much improved processes can be developed.
A Bibliography Of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Of Composite Materials Performed With Infrared Thermography And Liquid Crystals

A BIBLIOGRAPHY OF NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING (NOT) OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS PERFORMED WITH INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY AND LIQUID CRYSTALSbyDouglas D. BurleighGeneral Dynamics Space Systems Division San Diego, CaliforniaBIBLIOGRAPHY OF NOT OF COMPOSITE PERFORMED WITH INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY NAME AUTHOR(S) JOURNAL___ VOL. NO. PAGE MONTTTH YEARTheoretical and Practical Aspects of the Thermal Nondestructive Testing of Bonded StructuresCan Thermal Pulse Video Thermography Help to Keep Aircraft Flying Safely?Video - Compatible ThermographyDetectability of Defects by Thermal NOTInfrared NDT of Bonded Structures : Aspects of Theory and PracticeA Model for Quantitative Flaw Detection Using Infrared ScanningThermal Pulse Inspection of Multilayer PartsA Method for Quantitative Characterization of Flaws in Sheets by Use of Thermal-Response DataNondestructive Testing of Honeycomb Structures by Computerized Thermographic SystemsA Thermal Method of Nondestructive Testing Large Parts Carbon-Reinforced PlasticAerostructure Nondestructive Evaluation by Thermal Field Detection; Phase II - Technique Refinement and Quantitative Determination of Flaw Detection CapabilitiesAerostructure Nondestructive Evaluation by Thermal Field Detection; Phase 1 - Fundamental Information and Basic Technique DevelopmentAerostructure Nondestructive Evaluation by Thermal Field TechniquesQuality Control and Nondestructive Evaluation Techniques for Composites - Part VII : Thermography - A State-of-the- Art ReviewThermographic Monitoring of Damage GrowthThermography Applied to Reinforced PlasticsUtility of Thermograpy in Process ControlThermographic Technique for the Nondestructive Evaluation of Graphite Composite StructuresV .P. Vavilov and R. TaylorJ. MilneW. N. Reynolds and C. M. WellsC. M. SayersV. VavilovC. K. Hsieh, et al.V. P. Vavilov and A. 1. IvanovT. V. Baughn and D. B. JohnsonR. Monti and G. MannaraV. T. Shcherbakov, et al.P. V. Me Laughlin, and M. G. MirchandP. V. Me Laughlin, et al.P. V. Me Laughlin,E. G. Henneke and K. L. ReifsniderA. Talug, and K. ReifsniderK. L. Reifsnider and E. G. HennekeR. J. Shuford and B. R. MarketC. W. Soulder and G. E. SingletonResearch Techniques in NDT 5 TestingAerospace Design and ComponentsBritish Journal of NDT 26 1British Journal of NDT 26 1British Journal of NDT 22 4British Journal of NDT 21Soviet Journal of NDT 20 6Materials Evaluation 4434th Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, Budapest, Hungary (IAF-83-419, A1AA A83-47378)Soviet Journal of NDT 1 9 6Naval Air Engineering Ctr. Report NAEC-92-181Naval Air Engineering Ctr. Report NAEC-92-157Naval Air Engineering Ctr. Report NAEC-92-131U.S. Army Aviation Research and Development CommandIRIEDevelopments in Reinforced Plastics Vol. 4 Edited by G. PritchardARO Workshop on Manufacturing ResearchSPIE 366Chapter 7 1982 240-27916-23 May 198640-44 Jan. 28-33 Jan. 1984179-183 July 1980185-192 July 1979381-388 June 850-858 June 1986Oct. 447.449 June 19831-197 Dec. 19841-117 May 19821-35 Nov. 19791-34 Mar. 198229-35 197889-130 1984June 198380-87 1983
Examining the Effects of Mexican Serial Migration and Family Separations on Acculturative Stress, Depression, and Family Functioning

This study examined the role of parent-child separations during serial migration to the United States in predicting individual- and family-level outcomes in Mexican immigrant families. We assessed ...
Venting a ramjet missile to prevent buzz during boost by tandem rocket.

2 Gessner, F. B., Ingram, R. J., and Seader, J. D., "Summary report, self-cooled rocket nozzles," Aeronautical Systems Div., Vol. 2, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Rept. PN63-68997351 TN 735101, Contract AF33(657)-9166, Rocketdyne, Canoga Park, Calif. (September 1963). 3 Schwarzkopf, P., "Final report, self-cooled rocket nozzles," Air Force Materials Lab., Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Contract AF33(657)-9166, Rocketdyne, Canoga Park, Calif, (to be published).
Moving from Emergency Food Aid to Predictable Cash Transfers: Recent Experience in Ethiopia

Changes in the way hunger is tackled in Ethiopia have significant implications for its estimated 8.8 million chronically and acutely food-insecure people. This article compares findings from the new Productive Safety-Net Programme (PSNP) in two districts where Save the Children-UK is a PSNP implementing partner or has its own cash-based livelihood-development programme. Evidence from the first year suggests that shifting from food to cash transfer programmes has implications for targeting and for the availability and price of food in local markets, especially in remote, deficit areas, and therefore requires a range of complementary measures, if the programmes are to be successful.
Cytotoxic Agents from Bursera klugii (Burseraceae) I: Isolation of Sapelins A and B

A crude chloroform-soluble fraction of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Bursera klugii showed activity against two test systems, the P-388 lymphocytic leukemia (3PS) and the human epidermoid carcinoma of the nasopharynx (9KB). The PS activity was due to two constituents, sapelins A and B.
Experimental studies on cryogenic recycling of printed circuit board

Printed circuit board (PCB) recycling is an important challenge for today’s industry. This paper presents results from a study of cryogenic decomposition as a potential alternative recycling method for obsolete printed circuit board scraps. In this method liquid nitrogen is employed as a cryogen to form an environment as low as 77 K for PCB treatment. In order to test the effect of thermal stress set-up during the rapid cryogenic treatment, impact tests were used to simulate the current shredding process. The treated PCB scraps were investigated under a monocular microscope with a 200X magnitude for micro-crack effect observation. Fatigue behavior of the boards was also examined by repeating the cryogenic treatment. The experimental results, as analyzed, demonstrated no obvious support to this alternative PCB recycling method. The energy absorbed during the impact tests for the cryogenically treated boards is insignificantly different from those without the treatment.
Metallothioneins 1 and 2 Have Distinct but Overlapping Expression Patterns in Arabidopsis

The spatial and temporal expression patterns of metallothionein (MT) isoforms MT1a and MT2a were investigated in vegetative and reproductive tissues of untreated and copper-treated Arabidopsis by in situ hybridization and by northern blotting. In control plants, MT1a mRNA was localized in leaf trichomes and in the vascular tissue in leaves, roots, flowers, and germinating embryos. In copper-treated plants, MT1a expression was also observed in the leaf mesophyll and in vascular tissue of developing siliques and seeds. In contrast, MT2a was expressed primarily in the trichomes of both untreated and copper-treated plants. In copper-treated plants, MT2a mRNA was also expressed in siliques. Northern-hybridization studies performed on developing seedlings and leaves showed temporal variations of MT1a gene expression but not of MT2a expression. The possible implications of these findings for the cellular roles of MTs in plants are discussed.
The Impact of Standardized Models, Programming Interfaces, and Protocols on a Shipboard Power System

Electric power research institute's control center application programming interface proposed the common information model (CIM) as the common information exchange model, which provides an excellent platform for representing the components of a power system. This paper discusses using CIM for data modeling for ship power system analysis. Features include using the CIM to accommodate shipboard power systems. Detailed data models for a pulsed load and an active filter are presented and validated through simulation in Matlab. The general process to extend CIM for shipboard power system is briefly outlined. Further efforts are underway to develop a CIM-based shipboard baseline test case to standardize modeling terminology.