cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Telescopes on Astronomical Polarization Measurements

Systematic errors appearing in astronomical polarization measurements in the range of one percent and less are expected to be partly due to the telescopes used in making the measurements. A 6-parameter description of possible telescope polarization effects is proposed which can be reduced to a 4-parameter description in the practical case in which the telescope is to be used only for relative intensity measurements. The 4 parameters can be represented as 2 which describe the elliptically polarized telescope eigenstates, and 2 which are the relative phase-shifts and the ratio of absorptions of the orthogonal eigenstates. The effects of the telescope are presented in a 4 × 4 transformation matrix which transforms the Stokes parameters of the incident beam into those of the emergent ray. The empirical determination of the telescope parameters, the correction of polarization measurements once the parameters are known, and the problem of establishing stellar sources of known polarization for use in calibrating telescopes is discussed. No estimates of the magnitude of the possible effects are attempted.
Pregnancy and cervical infection with human papillomaviruses

Abstract Objective: This investigation was undertaken to assess whether pregnancy represents a risk factor for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection which is independent of age and other known HPV risk factors. Methods: One hundred eighty-nine women were enrolled from the outpatient clinics of a large municipal hospital. The subjects completed a self-administered questionnaire and underwent a gynecologic examination which included a cervicovaginal lavage. Lavage samples were assessed for the presence of HPV DNA by restriction enzyme analysis and Southern blot hybridization. Statistical significance was assessed by the χ 2 -test. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between pregnancy and HPV while controlling for the effect of other risk factors. Results: The prevalence odds ratio (POR) for the association of pregnancy and HPV infection was 2.2 (95% C.I. 1.1–4.5). The prevalence of HPV increased with increasing gestational age (HPV prevalence of 18.9% among non-pregnant women vs. 27.3% in those in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and 39.7% in those who were past the 12th week of pregnancy). Although statistical significance was not achieved in a multivariate model which controlled for age, race/ethnicity, education, age at first coitus, number of sexual partners within the last year and parity, the POR associated with the current pregnancy (POR = 2.1) was not substantially changed by correcting for these risk factors, suggesting that these factors were not significant confounders of the association between pregnancy and HPV infection. Conclusion: Current pregnancy is associated with a modestly increased prevalence of cervical HPV infection. This association appears to be independent of age and other major HPV risk factors.
Joint distributions of potential vorticity and inert trace constituent in CCM2 and UW θ-σ model simulations

This letter describes an experiment that examines the ability of the University of Wisconsin (UW) hybrid isentropic-sigma (θ-σ) and sigma (σ) coordinate models and the NCAR Community Climate Model 2 (CCM2) to transport and conserve the joint distributions of isentropic potential vorticity (P θ ) and a source-free inert trace constituent related to the initial distribution of P θ , called proxy ozone (O 3 ), during 10-day isentropic integrations. Under the idealized conditions of this experiment, the governing equations for the atmospheric continuum require that the initial joint distribution of P θ and O 3 be conserved, thereby establishing a test of model accuracy from statistical comparisons of paired values of O 3 and P θ . Any decrease in the initial correlation of unity of P θ and O 3 after integration is an objective measure of a model's skill. Results show that correlation coefficients for the UW θ-σ model remain higher than those from CCM2 and the UW σ model, demonstrating an inherent advantage in the simulation of trace constituent transport relative to dynamical processes in isentropic versus sigma coordinate models.
Composition of toxicants and other constituents in yard or sludge composts from the same community as a function of time-of-waste-collection

Samples of yard waste compost and sewage sludge compost were analyzed for toxic and nutrient elements and PCBs to assess variations in their concentrations as a function of the time of delivery of the initial organic material to the same composting site. In general, the variations in composition found were remarkably small. Generally, the samples of sludge compost were higher in Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mo, Na, P, Pb, S, Se, Zn, and PCBs than those of the yard waste compost. The latter was higher in Cr, Ni, K, Mg, and Si. Possible factors affecting compost composition are discussed.
Factors associated with longer ED lengths of stay.

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to identify and quantify patient, physician, hospital, and system factors that are associated with a longer ED length of stay. Methods Data were from the 2001-2003 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. The primary outcome was length of stay in minutes. Predictor variables were patient level (eg, age, triage score), physician level (eg, level of training), and hospital/system level (eg, geographic location, ownership). Results Admitted patients' median length of stay was 255 minutes (interquartile range, 160-400); discharged patients stayed a median of 120 minutes (interquartile range, 70-199). Factors independently associated with longer ED stays for admitted patients were Hispanic ethnicity (+20 minutes), computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging (+36 minutes), and hospital location in a metropolitan area (+32 minutes). Intensive care unit admissions had a shorter length of stay (−30 minutes). Conclusion Several factors are associated with significant increases in ED length of stay and may be important factors in strategies to reduce length of stay.
Barriers to knowledge seeking within MNC teams: Which differences matter most?

Do international or non-international differences between members matter most for multinational corporation (MNC) teams? We consider two types of international differences, arising from geographic locations and national origins, and two types of non-international differences, arising from structural affiliations and demographic attributes. Examining the barriers to knowledge seeking between MNC team members, we argue that whether international or non-international differences create greater barriers depends on whether they are position-based or person-based. Using the Social Relations Model to analyze 13,616 dyadic interactions among 2090 members of 289 teams in a large MNC, we find that, for both international and non-international differences, those that are position-based (i.e., geographic and structural differences) created greater barriers than those that are person-based (i.e., nationality and demographic differences). In addition, familiarity from a prior team reduced the barriers created by international and non-international differences that are position-based more than those that are person-based. We discuss the implications of our study for understanding the micro-foundations of knowledge flows in MNCs.
Ineffective Suckling: A Possible Consequence of Obstructive Positioning

Failure to thrive in breastfed babies frequently is attributed to inadequate lactation. In some cases, the origin of inadequate lactation may be ineffective suckling that obstructs milk flow. To support this conclusion, an infant who presented with failure to thrive was studied at the breast with magnetic resonance imaging.
Synthesis and Small Molecule Exchange Studies of a Magnesium Bisformate Metal–Organic Framework: An Experiment in Host–Guest Chemistry for the Undergraduate Laboratory

Experiments are described that introduce students to the important concepts of host–guest chemistry and size exclusion in porous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The experiment has been successfully carried out in both introductory and advanced-level inorganic chemistry laboratories. Students synthesized the porous MOF, α-Mg3(O2CH)6, and examined its ability to take up a variety of small organic molecules into its pores using 1H NMR spectroscopy. The MOF exhibited size exclusion and students rationalized this behavior based on the structures of the organic molecules and the pore size of the MOF.
Hitting the sweet spot

A method for producing large carbohydrate microarrays allows high-throughput, sensitive detection of carbohydrate–antibody interactions.
The effectiveness of McFaddens’s nested logit model in valuing amenity improvement

Abstract The paper presents an application of the nested logit model to a large, Chicago housing data set, with the goal of valuing environmental amenities. Four alternative hierarchical nestings based on dwelling, neighborhood, and city attributes are considered, and a sampling rule satisfying McFadden’s uniform conditioning property is adopted. The benefit estimates of dwelling and city attributes are found to be less sensitive, while those of neighborhood attributes are found to be more sensitive to alternative nesting strategies. The effects of household demographics on parameter estimates generally conform to standard notions. A comparison of the model with the standard two-step hedonic model reveals that the benefit estimates are consistently lower in the case of the former.
The effects of exposure in space on two high-performance polymers

Abstract Films of a polyimide, poly(pyromellitimide-1,4-diphenyl ether), and a poly(etherimide), commercial Ultem ® , both pure and with additives were exposed to the low earth orbit (LEO) space environment on several missions of the Materials on the International Space Station Experiment (MISSE). The additives, which contained aluminum or boron, were designed to interact with atomic oxygen to form a protective metal oxide coating. A polyimide film containing 10% aluminum acetylacetonate (Al(acac) 3 ) survived an exposure of nearly four year while an adjacent pure film was completely eroded. After exposure in space, films containing aluminum showed an enhanced amount of the element on the surface along with an enhanced amount of oxygen. Boron-containing films showed no enhancement of the element after exposure. The temperature of 10% mass loss increased with space exposure for films containing aluminum but decreased for those containing boron. The glass transition temperature ( T g ) increased after space exposure for polyimide films containing Al(acac) 3 .
Feather-Releasing Forces Related to Stunning, Scaling Time, and Scalding Temperature

Abstract Factors of stunning vs. nonstunning, scalding time, and scalding temperature were studied to determine their individual effects on feather retention forces. Live birds were used as controls to determine feather retention forces as affected by flock, sex, and feather location. Forces were measured before stunning, after stunning for 20 and 120 s, and after scalding for 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 min at scalding temperatures of 52 C and 56 C. Stunning and scalding for longer times at higher temperatures lowered the feather-pulling forces required. The percentage of reduction ranged from 18% after stunning, relative to the force required for nonstunned birds, to 81% after a 2.5-min, 56-C scalding, relative to the force required after scalding for 1 min at a temperature of 52 C. Processing parameters prior to picking have a definite effect on the feather-removal forces in chickens.
Multi-model tracking using team actuation models

Robots need to track object. Object tracking efficiency completely depends on the accuracy of the motion model and of the sensory information. Interestingly, when multiple team members can actuate the object being tracked, the motion can become highly discontinuous and nonlinear. We have previously developed a successful tracking approach that switches among target motion models as a function of one robot's actions. In this paper, we report on a tracking approach that can use a dynamic multiple motion model based on a team coordination plan. We present the multi-model probabilistic tracking algorithms in detail and present empirical results both in simulation and in a human-robot Segway soccer team. The team coordination plan allows the robot to much more effectively track mobile targets
The indoor UV tanning industry: A review of skin cancer risk, health benefit claims, and regulation

Background Nearly 30 million people tan indoors in the United States annually, including 2.3 million adolescents. Despite increased evidence on the dangers of artificial UV radiation, the popularity of indoor tanning is growing. Objectives We aim to assess the following 3 entities: (1) the association of indoor tanning with skin cancer; (2) statements regarding the health benefits of indoor tanning, especially regarding the production of vitamin D; and (3) current regulation of the tanning industry in the United States. Methods We conducted a narrative review of the literature. Results Indoor tanning poses great risks. Studies support the role of artificial UV radiation in cutaneous carcinogenesis. Despite claims by the tanning industry, artificial tanning is not a safe or necessary way to increase systemic vitamin D levels. The National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization have acknowledged the risks of indoor tanning. Nonetheless, regulations limiting tanning in the United States are surprisingly sparse. Limitations Systematic review of the literature was not performed. Conclusions Health care providers must increase efforts to warn and educate the public and government about the dangers of UV radiation.
Protein phosphatase 2A dephosphorylation of phosphoserine 112 plays the gatekeeper role for BAD-mediated apoptosis.

BAD, a proapoptotic molecule of the BCL2 family, is regulated by reversible phosphorylation. During survival, BAD is sequestered by 14-3-3 through serine 136 phosphorylation and is dissociated from BCL-XL through serine 155 phosphorylation. We report that phosphoserine 112 (pSer112) dephosphorylation functions as a gatekeeper for BAD-mediated apoptosis. During apoptosis, dephosphorylation of pSer112 preceded pSer136 dephosphorylation. Dephosphorylation of pSer112 accelerated dephosphorylation of pSer136, and inhibition of pSer112 dephosphorylation prevented pSer136 dephosphorylation, indicating that dephosphorylation of pSer112 is required for dephosphorylation of pSer136. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is the major pSer112 phosphatase. PP2A competed with 14-3-3 for BAD binding, and survival factor withdrawal enhanced PP2A association with BAD. Dephosphorylation of the critical residue, pSer136, could only be blocked by inhibition of all known subfamilies of serine/threonine phosphatases, suggesting that multiple phosphatases are involved in pSer136 dephosphorylation. Inhibition of PP2A rescued FL5.12 cells from apoptosis, demonstrating a physiologic role for PP2A-mediated pSer112 dephosphorylation. Thus, PP2A dephosphorylation of pSer112 is the key initiating event regulating the activation of BAD during interleukin-3 withdrawal-induced apoptosis.
Backscattering peak of ice cloud particles

At a wavelength corresponding to negligible electromagnetic absorption by ice, rigorous numerical simulations based on solving Maxwell’s equations show a backscattering peak associated with the phase function of randomly oriented hexagonal ice crystals. The backscattering peak, which has important implications to the interpretation of lidar observations, exists in the cases of smooth regular, smooth irregular, and roughened hexagonal ice crystals. The backscattering peak width is inversely proportional to the size parameter. The theoretical prediction of the backscattering peak is consistent with observations.
The genic view of the process of speciation

The unit of adaptation is usually thought to be a gene or set of interacting genes, rather than the whole genome, and this may be true of species differentiation. Defining species on the basis of reproductive isolation (RI), on the other hand, is a concept best applied to the entire genome. The biological species concept (BSC; Mayr, 1963) stresses the isolation aspect of speciation on the basis of two fundamental genetic assumptions ‐ the number of loci underlying species differentiation is large and the whole genome behaves as a cohesive, or coadapted genetic unit. Under these tenets, the exchange of any part of the genomes between diverging groups is thought to destroy their integrity. Hence, the maintenance of each species’ genome cohesiveness by isolating mechanisms has become the central concept of species. In contrast, the Darwinian view of speciation is about differential adaptation to different natural or sexual environments. RI is viewed as an important by product of differential adaptation and complete RI across the whole genome need not be considered as the most central criterion of speciation. The emphasis on natural and sexual selection thus makes the Darwinian view compatible with the modern genic concept of evolution. Genetic and molecular analyses of speciation in the last decade have yielded surprisingly strong support for the neo-Darwinian view of extensive genetic differentiation and epistasis during speciation. However, the extent falls short of what BSC requires in order to achieve whole-genome ‘cohesiveness’. Empirical observations suggest that the gene is the unit of species differentiation. Significantly, the genetic architecture underlying RI, the patterns of species hybridization and the molecular signature of speciation genes all appear to support the view that RI is one of the manifestations of differential adaptation, as Darwin (1859, Chap. 8) suggested. The nature of this adaptation may be as much the result of sexual selection as natural selection. In the light of studies since its early days, BSC may now need a major revision by shifting the emphasis from isolation at the level of whole genome to differential adaptation at the genic level. With this revision, BSC would in fact be close to Darwin’s original concept of speciation.
Cyclophosphamide-Induced Depression of the Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms of the Lung

Cyclophosphamide causes lung toxicity in a wide variety of animals, including humans. Recent evidence suggests that oxygen (O2) potentiates cyclophosphamide-induced pulmonary injury. We hypothesized that cyclophosphamide or one of its toxic metabolites, acrolein, may potentiate O2 toxicity by depressing lung antioxidant defense mechanisms. To test this, we gave rats cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg), acrolein (5 mg/kg), or a vehicle (control) in a single intraperitoneal injection and then killed them during a 5-day study period. Excised lungs were analyzed for reduced glutathione (GSH) content, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), glutathione reductase (GSH-R), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-P), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. In the lungs of cyclophosphamide-treated rats, GSH content was increased 48% (P less than 0.001) on day 2 but progressively decreased to 50% of control values (P less than 0.001) on day 5. Significant reductions (P less than 0.005) in G6PD, GSH-R, and GSH-P activities occurred on days 1-5, and SOD activity was significantly decreased (P less than 0.005) on days 4 and 5 by cyclophosphamide. In acrolein-treated rats, GSH content and GSH-R, GSH-P, and SOD activities were indistinguishable from those in controls. However, G6PD was increased (35-38%) on days 2 and 3 but returned to control values thereafter. To assess whether the cyclophosphamide-induced reduction in lung antioxidant defenses increased susceptibility to acute O2 toxicity, we gave a separate group of rats cyclophosphamide, acrolein, or vehicle, and 4 days later exposed them to 100% O2 or air at 1 atmosphere absolute. All cyclophosphamide-, acrolein-, and vehicle-treated rats survived 60 h air exposure, and all vehicle-treated rats exposed to 100% O2 survived. In contrast, all of the cyclophosphamide-treated rats exposed to 100% O2 died (P less than 0.05) within 40 h. Acrolein had no effect on survival in 100% O2. These results indicate that cyclophosphamide, but not acrolein, depresses lung antioxidant defense mechanisms, which may be responsible for increased mortality from O2 toxicity in cyclophosphamide-treated animals.
Erythrocyte Pathology and Mechanisms of Heinz Body-mediated Hemolysis in Cats:

Despite the frequency of both oxidant drug-induced and spontaneous Heinz body formation in cats, the cellular and biochemical mechanisms by which Heinz bodies result in red blood cell (RBC) destruction and hemolytic anemia in this species remain unknown. Feline spleens are non-sinusoidal and inefficient at removing Heinz body-containing RBC from the circulation; therefore, alternative mechanisms must be involved in accelerated RBC destruction. Propylene glycol (PG) ingestion causes dose-dependent Heinz body formation and decreased RBC survival in cats. We investigated several aspects of Heinz body-containing RBC from three cats ingesting diets that provided 8.0 g PG/kg body weight for up to 3 weeks, in order to characterize cellular lesions that are associated with the presence of Heinz bodies and that might contribute to chronic, accelerated RBC destruction, as well as to gain insight into the mechanism by which PG induces Heinz body formation. Erythrocytes with PG-induced Heinz bodies had decreased levels of reduced glutathione and adenosine triphosphate and reduced deformability. There was no change in hemoglobin isoelectric focusing or membrane lipid peroxidation. Electrophoretic patterns of Heinz body-containing RBC membranes were significantly altered, and membrane surface charge distribution was disturbed. Progressively protruding Heinz bodies suggested that extrusion of Heinz bodies may be a means of cell healing and/or destruction in the absence of splenic pitting. When compared to results obtained using RBC from cats treated with the oxidant drug phenylhydrazine, significant differences were noted in packed cell volume, turbidity index, membrane heme, and morphologic appearance of Heinz bodies. Our results indicate that multiple cellular abnormalities develop in RBC with PG-induced Heinz bodies that do not cause acute hemolysis but that may shorten RBC survival. Propylene glycol-induced Heinz bodies provide an ideal model for studying the chronic effects of Heinz bodies on RBC structure and function and may be useful in understanding the mechanisms of formation and the consequences of endogenous Heinz bodies in cats.
Hypothalamic EphA5 Facilitates Counterregulatory Responses: Possible Role for Bidirectional Signaling Leading to Bistability That Enhances Responsiveness to Hypoglycemia

The risk of hypoglycemia is one of the major obstacles in the optimum treatment in both type 1 (1,2) and type 2 (3) diabetes, as well as in patients in intensive care units (4). Furthermore, in addition to short-term risks, including death, hypoglycemia also produces long-term health consequences including a substantial risk of death from cardiovascular events (5). Thus therapies to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia could have a profound impact on public health (2). The main cause of hypoglycemia is a failure in the counterregulatory autonomic and endocrine responses that normally act to correct low blood glucose (2). Failure in counterregulatory responses is caused by antecedent hypoglycemia itself and is therefore referred to as hypoglycemia-induced autonomic failure (2). Counterregulatory responses are mediated by glucose-inhibited neurons in the ventromedial nucleus (VMN) of the hypothalamus (6,7). Specifically, inhibiting glucose metabolism in neurons in the VMN of the hypothalamus induces systemic counterregulatory responses (6), whereas inhibiting glutamate neurotransmission in Sf1 neurons (confined to the VMN) impairs counterregulatory responses (7). Szepietowska et al. (8) now report an unexpected mechanism regulating counterregulatory responses that may also contribute to counterregulatory failure: the EphA5-ephrin signaling system. Ephrins were discovered in a search for tyrosine kinase receptor homologs that might contribute to oncogenesis (9) by screening for homology to the oncogene v-fps . The resulting gene was highly overexpressed in an …
3D Surface Reconstruction From 2D Binary Images

We introduce methods for reconstruction of three dimensional surfaces. They are based on moving the light source relative to an object whose shape is to be determined. Using a camera which is placed above the object and a moving light source, the shadows cast by the object at each angle are recorded and analyzed. In one method, the light source is rotated in a horizontal plane; this method is a simple way to get segmentation between different surfaces. The second method uses a light source which is rotated in a vertical plane. For each section of the object a shadow diagram (Shadowgram) is formed and analyzed to get the third dimension. The Shadowgram has some features which make the reconstruction very simple. By looking at some curves of the Shadowgram, invisible surfaces can be partially reconstructed. The above methods can be combined to achieve simple solutions for problems in the robotics area e.g., the bin-picking problem. A set of experimental results demonstrates the robustness and usefulness of the methods.
Simulation study of power and sample size for repeated measures with multinomial outcomes: an application to sound direction identification experiments (SDIE)†

This study focuses on sample size determination in repeated measures studies with multinomial outcomes from multiple factors. In settings where multiple factors have repeated measures, a single subject could have hundreds of observations. Sample size selection may then refer to the number of subjects, the number of levels within a factor, or the number of repetitions within the level. We simulate multinomial data through a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with and without overdispersion, compute the empirical power of detecting group difference for several analytical methods and contrast their performance in group comparison studies with repeated multinomial data. We use four spatial functions to model the spatial correlation structures among observations. We evaluate the factors affecting the power under various scenarios. We also present a dataset typical in hearing studies for sound localization, in which a spatially distributed array of audio loudspeakers plays multiple sounds in order to compare two programming schemes for a hearing aid device.
Vortex-Peierls States in Optical Lattices

We show that vortices, induced in cold atom superfluids in optical lattices, may order in a novel vortex-Peierls ground state. In such a state vortices do not form a simple lattice but arrange themselves in clusters, within which the vortices are partially delocalized, tunneling between classically degenerate configurations. We demonstrate that this exotic quantum many-body state is selected by an order-from-disorder mechanism for a special combination of the vortex filling and lattice geometry that has a macroscopic number of classically degenerate ground states.
Metallothionein Expression Protects against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity, but Overexpression and Dietary Zinc Supplementation Provide No Further Protection in Metallothionein Transgenic and Knockout Mice

Metallothionein and zinc have been implicated in cellular defense against a number of cytotoxic agents. With respect to the free radical-generating hepatotoxin carbon tetrachloride, conclusions about a defensive role were reached from in vitro studies, in vivo studies using inducers of metallothionein and studies using injections of pharmacological amounts of zinc. Metallothionein knockout (null) and metallothionein transgenic mice are more direct models to examine the effects of metallothionein expression on induced cytotoxicity. Similarly, zinc presented via the diet is a more physiological model than that presented via injection. We examined whether metallothionein-overexpressing mice or metallothionein knockout mice had altered sensitivity to carbon tetrachloride and whether supplemental dietary zinc reduced sensitivity to carbon tetrachloride in these genotypes. Metallothionein knockout mice produced no metallothionein and were unable to sequester additional hepatic zinc in response to elevated dietary zinc. Hepatotoxicity, as measured by serum alanine aminotransferase activity, histological analyses and hepatic thiol levels, was greater in the knockout mice than in controls 12 h after carbon tetrachloride treatment but not at later time points (up to 48 h). In contrast, metallothionein-overexpressing mice produced more metallothionein and sequestered more liver zinc than control mice, but hepatotoxicity was similar between genotypes. Supplemental dietary zinc had no effect on hepatotoxicity with either genotype. These data suggest metallothionein null mice were more susceptible to carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity than were control mice. However, neither metallothionein overexpression nor supplemental dietary zinc provided further protection.
Hierarchic "Edge" elements for high-frequency problems

The "edge" element has become an indispensable tool in the h-version FEM for high-frequency electromagnetic problems. To investigate a p-method based on this technology, hierarchic higher-order "edge" elements are desirable. We establish such families of 3D elements by mixing the "edge" element basis and the hierarchic p-shape functions. These elements are then employed in modal analysis of electromagnetic cavities.
Viscous dissipation in capillary flow of rigid PVC and PVC degradation

The steady state, non-isothermal behavior of rigid polyvinyl chloride melt, flowing in capillaries of circular cross-section, was investigated by solving, with the aid of a digital computer, the momentum and energy balance equations. It was assumed that the polymer melt can be described by the “Power Law” constitutive equation. The shear rate, temperature and pressure dependent properties of the fluid were obtained experimentally. The effects of the thermal degradation of PVC on its viscosity, were also introduced in the equations of momentum and energy. The velocity, temperature and pressure profiles, obtained for both adiabatic flow and flow through a tube of constant wall temperature, indicate that considerable heating of the melt, due to viscous dissipation, can be achieved at moderate flow rates. Thermal degradation occurs in the capillary under certain conditions of temperature history and residence time of the fluid. The results of this work are in fair agreement with experimental results in this area.
Efficient fitting of long-tailed data sets into hyperexponential distributions

We propose a new technique for fitting long-tailed data sets into hyperexponential distributions. The approach partitions the data set in a divide and conquer fashion and uses the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm to fit the data of each partition into a hyperexponential distribution. The fitting results of all partitions are combined to generate the fitting for the entire data set. The new method is accurate and efficient and allows one to apply existing analytic tools to analyze the behavior of queueing systems that operate under workloads that exhibit long-tail behavior, such as queues in Internet-related systems.
Liquid-core optical ring-resonator sensors

We have demonstrated a novel sensor architecture based on a liquid-core optical ring-resonator (LCORR) in which a fused silica capillary is utilized to carry the aqueous sample and to act as the ring resonator. The wall thickness of the LCORR is controlled to a few micrometers to expose the whispering gallery mode to the aqueous core. Optical characterization with a water-ethanol mixture shows that the spectral sensitivity of the LCORR sensor is approximately 2.6 nm per refractive index unit. A model based on Mie theory is established to explain the experimental results. The LCORR takes advantage of the high sensitivity, small footprint, and low sample consumption with the ring resonator, as well as the efficient fluidic sample delivery with the capillary, and will open an avenue to future multiplexed sensor array development.
Contrasting Maturation and Growth of Northern Rock Sole in the Eastern Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska for the Purpose of Stock Management

Abstract The primary purpose of this study was to provide commercial fishery managers with the age- and length-at-maturity information about northern rock sole Lepidopsetta polyxystra needed for them to set a sustainable overfishing limit and evaluate the precision of the two predictors of maturity. The estimated length at which 50% of eastern Bering Sea female northern rock sole matured (L 50) was 309 mm, which was significantly smaller than that for Gulf of Alaska females. We determined that the differences in L 50 between populations were probably the result of differences in the rate of female growth. Growth was significantly faster in the Gulf of Alaska than in the eastern Bering Sea during 1996 and 1999. However, by 2007 the growth rates were similar between these areas. The variability in growth was correlated with seawater temperature. There were also differences in the age at which 50% of the females matured (A 50) between the populations in the eastern Bering Sea (9 years) and the Gulf of Alaska...
Social Class and Income Returns to Education in Sweden: A Research Note

Two measures of social class (one using the operational criteria developed by Wright; the other based upon the Swedish social group typology) are used to explore the relationships among class, income, and education in Sweden. While the class measures differ in both explanatory power and interpretation, the data show that social class has a significant effect on income in Sweden, that the impact of education on income is dependent on class position, and that some of the income differences between males and females in Sweden can be attributed to social class position. Several recent reports have demonstrated the utility of Marxist class analysis (as compared to approaches based upon measures of status, occupation, income, etc.) in the empirical investigation of inequality in advanced capitalist societies. Marxist empirical researches have stressed the discontinuous nature of social class divisions, the objective assignment of individuals to class positions and the importance of ownership and control in the labor process. This report examines the utility of two such approaches (one using the operational criteria developed by Wright; the other based upon the Swedish social group typology) in explaining the relationships among social class, income and education in Sweden. We expect to show that social class has a significant effect upon income in Sweden, that the impact of education upon income is dependent upon the social class positions which individuals occupy and that some of the income differences between males and females in Sweden can be attributed to social class position.
Prediagnosis Prostate Specific Antigen Velocity is Associated With Risk of Prostate Cancer Progression Following Brachytherapy and External Beam Radiation Therapy

Purpose: Prostate specific antigen velocity 2.0 ng/ml per year or greater in the year before prostate cancer diagnosis is associated with cancer specific survival following radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy. We evaluated the relationship between prediagnosis prostate specific antigen velocity and cancer progression following primary radiation therapy.Materials and Methods: We analyzed the records of 24,893 men from a community based prostate cancer screening study and identified 237 with clinically localized prostate cancer who elected primary radiation therapy. Our final cohort consisted of 130 men, including 83 treated with external beam radiation and 47 treated with brachytherapy. Patient specific variables at diagnosis were analyzed for their value in predicting biochemical progression using American Society for Therapeutic and Radiation Oncology criteria.Results: Mean followup ± SD was 64 ± 35 months. Prostate specific antigen at diagnosis, family history of prostate cancer and prediagnosis...
Maternal Factors Affecting the Integrity of the Late Gestation Placental Barrier to Murine Enterovirus Infection

Maternal factors that might impair the integrity of the late gestation placental barrier to enteroviruses were evaluated. Mice were inoculated with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) on day 10-13 of gestation and sacrificed on day 16-18. Placentas and fetuses from dams with advanced age, forced daily swimming, short-term clamping of uteroplacental blood vessels, restricted dietary intake, or bacterial peritonitis were compared with tissues from TMEV-infected control mice. Increased maternal age, exercise, and malnutrition were associated with reduced fetal weight, and disturbed uteroplacental blood flow and severe malnutrition were associated with abnormal placental and fetal morphology. TMEV infection was observed sporadically by culture or in situ hybridization (or both) in fetuses from dams with interrupted uteroplacental blood flow, bacterial peritonitis, and older age but not in fetuses from control infected mice. This suggests that maternal factors, such as compromised uteroplacental blood flow, concomitant infection, and advanced age, may increase the risk of transplacental fetal infection.
Effects of big data analytics and traditional marketing analytics on new product success: A knowledge fusion perspective

This study introduces the knowledge fusion taxonomy to understand the relationships among traditional marketing analytics (TMA), big data analytics (BDA), and new product success (NPS). With high volume and speed of information and knowledge from different stakeholders in the digital economy, the taxonomy aims to help firms build strategy to combine knowledge from both marketing and big data domains. The study suggests that knowledge fusion to improve NPS is not automatic and requires strategic choices to obtain its benefits.
Selectin-independent leukocyte rolling and adhesion in mice deficient in E-, P-, and L-selectin and ICAM-1

To study selectin-independent leukocyte recruitment and the role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), we generated mice lacking all three selectins and ICAM-1 (E/P/L/I−/−) by bone marrow ...
Mini-ISES identifies promising carbafructopyranose-based salens for asymmetric catalysis: Tuning ligand shape via the anomeric effect.

This study introduces new methods of screening for and tuning chiral space and in so doing identifies a promising set of chiral ligands for asymmetric synthesis. The carbafructopyranosyl-1,2-diamine(s) and salens constructed therefrom are particularly compelling. It is shown that by removing the native anomeric effect in this ligand family, one can tune chiral ligand shape and improve chiral bias. This concept is demonstrated by a combination of (i) x-ray crystallographic structure determination, (ii) assessment of catalytic performance, and (iii) consideration of the anomeric effect and its underlying dipolar basis. The title ligands were identified by a new mini version of the in situ enzymatic screening (ISES) procedure through which catalyst-ligand combinations are screened in parallel, and information on relative rate and enantioselectivity is obtained in real time, without the need to quench reactions or draw aliquots. Mini-ISES brings the technique into the nanomole regime (200 to 350 nmol catalyst/20 μl organic volume) commensurate with emerging trends in reaction development/process chemistry. The best-performing β-d-carbafructopyranosyl-1,2-diamine–derived salen ligand discovered here outperforms the best known organometallic and enzymatic catalysts for the hydrolytic kinetic resolution of 3-phenylpropylene oxide, one of several substrates examined for which the ligand is “matched.” This ligand scaffold defines a new swath of chiral space, and anomeric effect tunability defines a new concept in shaping that chiral space. Both this ligand set and the anomeric shape-tuning concept are expected to find broad application, given the value of chiral 1,2-diamines and salens constructed from these in asymmetric catalysis.
Mechanophore activation at heterointerfaces.

Silica nanoparticles grafted with poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) chains anchored by a maleimide–anthracene cycloadduct were synthesized to demonstrate mechanochemically selective activation of mechanophores at heterogeneous interfaces. By quantifying the anthracene-containing cleaved PMA polymers, which are generated via retro-[4 + 2] cycloaddition reactions, the first-order kinetic coefficient was determined. Activation characteristics of mechanophores anchored to a nanoparticle exhibit behavior similar to mechanophore-linked polymers, e.g., threshold molecular weight and linear increase in rate coefficient with molecular weight above the threshold. This model system is thus valuable as a probe to test stress activation of interfacially bonded mechanophores relevant to the design of fiber-reinforced polymer composites.
The Effect of Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal in the Breeder Ration on Hatchability in Turkeys and on the Response of Poults to Alfalfa Feeding

ABSTRACT ALFALFA meal has been shown to inhibit the growth of chicks when fed at 5 to 20 percent of the ration (Cooney et al., 1948; Lepkovsky et al., 1949; and Heywang, 1950). Peterson (1950) reported that the growth inhibitor resembles a saponin in properties, and may be counteracted by simultaneously feeding cholesterol. Heywang and Bird (1954) were able to depress the growth of chicks by feeding alfalfa saponins. German and Couch (1950) tested two samples of alfalfa leaf meal and found one to be highly inhibitory for chicks and poults while the other did not depress growth when fed at 10 percent of the ration. Wilgus and Madsen (1954) tested several samples of alfalfa meal and found great variation in chick growth inhibitory activity. There has been no work to indicate whether alfalfa meal has any adverse effect on hatchability in poultry, or upon performance of the offspring when fed . . .
Scientometric Analysis of Chinese Cyber-Denial and Deception Research

A scientometrics analysis was conducted of the People's Republic of China PRC science and technology literature, with a focus on cyber-denial and deception cyber-DD cyber-DD and networks among researchers, institutions, and topics. The scientometrics analysis revealed that Chinese researchers have published papers on the following cyber-D&D topics: computer crime, spam, honeypots, phishing, and spoofing. A number of universities are conducting cyber-D&D research. Tsinghua University and National University of Defense Technology were identified as producing the greatest number of articles related to cyber-D&D. Two of the most prolific cyber-D&D authors, J Bi and Jinbo Wu, are affiliated with Tsinghua University.
Influence of Step-Edge vs Terrace Sites on Temperature-Dependent C2H2 Hydrogenation with Ag-Doped Pt Nanoparticles

Ag-doped Pt nanoparticles (NP) were tested for continuous-flow C2H2 hydrogenation reactivity and CO adsorption–desorption from 100 to 300 °C to investigate how submonolayer levels of an insoluble metal dopant can distribute on steps and terraces of a NP surface and modify reactivity. High Ag coverage (0.5 monolayer, ML) on Pt promoted selective hydrogenation of C2H2 at T < 200 °C; at higher temperatures, both low (0.06 ML) and high (0.5 ML) Ag coverages were seen to increase selective C2H4 formation. Ag incorporation onto Pt step and terrace sites, and resultant temperature-dependent desorption behavior, were probed using in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) with CO. At low coverage, Ag appeared to occupy Pt step sites; for higher coverage, Ag occupied both step and terrace sites, which lowered the CO desorption temperature. Highly correlated reactivity and DRIFTS data show the importance of step site blocking and desorption from Pt during selective C2H2 hydrogenati...
Optimal Dynamic Allocation and Space Reservation for Electric Vehicles at Charging Stations

Abstract We propose an optimal allocation and reservation system for Electric Vehicles (EVs) at charging stations distributed in an urban environment. The system assigns and reserves an optimal space at a charging station based on the user's cost function that combines proximity to current location (or destination) and charging cost. Our approach is motivated by a similar system we have developed for “smart parking”, where resources are parking spaces rather than EV charging station spaces. We solve a Mixed Integer Linear Program (MILP) problem at each assignment decision point over time. The solution of each MILP is an optimal allocation based on current state information, and is updated at the next decision point. Formal guarantees are included that there is no resource reservation conflict and that no user is ever assigned a resource with a higher than this user's current cost function value. Simulation results are included to illustrate how our system, compared to uncontrolled processes or guidance-based approaches, reduces the average time to find a charging space and the associated user cost, while the overall charging space capacity is more efficiently utilized.
Less Really Can be More: Why Simplicity & Comparability Should be Regulatory Objectives

Regulatory complexity undermined efforts to strengthen financial stability before the crisis. Nonetheless, post-crisis reforms have greatly exacerbated regulatory complexity. Using the example of capital regulation, this paper shows how complexity has grown geometrically from the introduction of the Basel Accord on Capital Adequacy in 1988 to the introduction of Basel III and the total loss-absorbing capacity (TLAC) proposal in 2015. Analysis of the current welter of required capital ratios leads to a proposal to eliminate 75 % of them without jeopardizing the safety and soundness of the system. Quite possibly, regulators might argue that one or more of these deleted ratios does make an important incremental contribution to the safety and soundness of the system. But these important debates are not taking place in public, in part because we lack systematic measures of the costs of regulatory compliance and effective sunset laws that would require that regulations meet a rigorous cost-benefit test periodically. The concluding section poses the more speculative question of why, despite the evident advantages of a simpler, more transparent regulatory system, the authorities layer on ever more complexity.
THE POLARIZATION STRUCTURE OF REACTIONS WITH FOUR SPIN-½ PARTICLES

Publisher Summary The development of experimental techniques and the prospect of theoretical usefulness have placed great emphasis on the study of the detailed polarization structure of reactions in particle and nuclear physics. The purpose of such studies is to experimentally determine the amplitudes of the M-matrix or the parameters of the partial wave amplitudes, to check the validity of conservation laws, and to test specific dynamical theories and models. This chapter describes such a polarization structure of reactions involving four spin-½ particles. The dynamics of particle interactions does not affect the structure under discussion; therefore, the results can be used in a wide variety of reactions. A prominent example is nucleon–nucleon (N–N) elastic scattering. The results can also be applied to reactions with more than four particles provided that the extra particles have no spin. Furthermore, it also applies to N–N scattering that provides perhaps the easiest non-static test of the CPT theorem.