cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of freshwater-seawater mixing zone development in dual-domain formations.

[1] Dynamic responses of freshwater-seawater mixing zones to seasonal freshwater-level fluctuations and the presence of kinetic mass transfer between mobile and immobile domains have been analyzed using numerical models. Mixing enhancement is mainly controlled by the unsynchronized behavior of concentration distributions in the mobile and immobile domain. Such effect is maximized at the aquifer bottom when the retention timescale (the reciprocal of mass transfer rate) in the immobile domain is comparable to the period of freshwater-level fluctuations. Kinetic mass transfer may alter the time lag between periodic freshwater-level fluctuations and the movement of the mixing zone, causing the expansion and contraction of the mixing zone. Mixing enhancement by kinetic mass transfer is nonuniform in the mixing zone, and the mixing zone thickness may vary significantly within a period. By contrast, large dispersion coefficients may create thicker mixing zones but may not cause such unsynchronized behavior and alter the time lags of different concentration contour lines; that is, the mixing enhancement is rather uniform in the mixing zone. The dynamics of mixing zone development is sensitive to the flow velocity, which is influenced by the hydraulic conductivity, amplitude of the freshwater-level fluctuations, and the capacity ratio of kinetic mass transfer.
Technology S-Curve

This article encompasses the technology S-curve that describes the phenomenon of technological evolution and suggests that technologies evolve through an initial period of slow growth, followed by one of fast growth culminating in a plateau. The field does not enjoy a single, strong, and unified theory of technological evolution. However, an emerging, and probably the most compelling explanation, revolves around the dynamics of firms and researchers as the technology evolves through the three major stages of the S-curve of technological evolution: introduction, growth, and maturity. Recent empirical findings suggest there is sparse support for the theory. In contrast to the dominant view in the literature, the path of technological evolution does not resemble an S-curve. On the contrary, the path of technological evolution follow a series of irregular step functions better approximated with multiple S-curves than with a single S-curve. Keywords: technological evolution; S-curves; radical innovation; self-fulfilling prophecy; innovation
Abstract 14868: Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Based Detection of Chronic Iron Deposition within Non-Reperfused Myocardial Infarctions

Introduction: Chronic iron deposition is known to occur in reperfused hemorrhagic myocardial infarctions (MIs), and could potentially mediate prolonged inflammatory activity and electrical anomalies in the heart. Hypothesis: We investigated whether stagnant blood in permanently ligated vasculature of non-reperfused MIs could also potentially lead to chronic iron deposition within infarcted territories. Methods: Canines (n=19) underwent permanent ligation of LAD. CMR exams were performed at 7 days and 4 months post-MI at 3T, and T2* maps and Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE) images were acquired. Infarcted territories were detected on LGE images using Mean + 5 Standard Deviations criterion relative to a reference region-of-interest placed in the remote myocardium. Presence of iron within MI territories was detected on T2*-weighted images using Mean - 2 Standard Deviations criterion relative to a reference region-of-interest placed in the remote myocardium. Following the month 4 CMR study, animals were euthanized and ex-vivo histology was performed. Results: Significant T2* losses were observed within the MI territories in 13 of the 19 canines at 7 days post-MI, and in all canines at 4 months post-MI. Relative to remote myocardium, mean T2* value of the hypointense cores within MI territories was 42.6±10.5% lower on day 7 post-MI (16.7±3.4ms vs. 28.8±3.0ms, p Conclusions: Chronic iron depositions can occur within non-reperfused MIs. The long-term effect of such iron depositions remain to be investigated.
Comparison of existing skinfold equations for estimating body fat in African American and white women.

The purpose of this study was to compare seven skinfold equations with underwater weighing (UWW) for estimating body fat in 39 African American [age: 22.8 +/- 3.6 y (x +/- SD); weight: 59.6 +/- 8.3 kg) and 39 white (age: 22.1 +/- 2.9 y; weight: 61.7 +/- 7.3 kg) women. The hypothesis examined was that the equations would produce more accurate body fat estimates in white women, but would be appropriate for use in African American women. Body fat estimated from two quadratic, three linear, and two logarithmic skinfold equations was compared with body fat estimated from UWW; the same procedures were used to evaluate the results in both African Americans and whites. The data were analyzed by using t tests, analysis of variance, Scheffe's honestly significant difference tests, correlations, error assessments, and agreement. The results showed that total error, SEE, and SD values were larger in the African American women than in the white women and were not within acceptable limits listed in the literature. The correlation coefficients were lower in the African American women than in the white women. Agreement between the skinfold equations and UWW, based on deviations from mean differences, was better in the white women. In conclusion, the skinfold prediction equations evaluated in this study were more variable and produced more error when used in African American women. Therefore, population-specific equations for African American women should be used to estimate body fat because they will probably yield more accurate estimates.
Resection of a Large Innominate Vein Aneurysm in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Background Venous aneurysms are exceedingly rare manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). There are only a handful of cases reported, and no prior cases describing treatment of mediastinal venous aneurysms in this patient population exist. Case Report A 58-year-old woman with NF1 presented with a right neck mass. The mass had recently doubled in size and was associated with cough, hoarseness of voice, and pain. Her pertinent medical history included untreated obstructive sleep apnea, severe pulmonary hypertension, and a recent hospital admission for pneumonia. On physical examination, numerous cutaneous neurofibromas were noted. The mass encompassed her right neck and supraclavicular area with marked respiratory variation. Computed tomography showed a complex 7-cm venous aneurysm including her right innominate, internal jugular, and subclavian veins. Surgical approach involved median sternotomy with right cervical extension and a right infraclavicular counter incision. Extracorporeal circulation was established through the left groin. Ligation of the right internal jugular vein was required. The aneurysm was completely excised, and venous reconstruction consisted of cryopreserved femoral vein anastomosed to right innominate and infraclavicular subclavian veins. Intraoperatively, her preexisting pulmonary hypertension resulted in acute right heart failure requiring placement of a right ventricular assist device (RVAD). She subsequently returned to the operating room for RVAD weaning and sternal closure. Her postoperative course was lengthy; however, many of her aneurysm-related symptoms resolved. Conclusions This case represents management of the only innominate vein aneurysm in the setting of NF1 described in the literature. Vascular reconstruction is possible, however difficult. Careful preoperative planning and use of extracorporeal circulation was necessary in this case.
Organometallic chemistry at the edge of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract Zirconocene and bisphosphine nickel chemistry developed in our labs and directed towards the derivatization and synthesis of polycyclic aromatic carbon compounds is reviewed. Complexes with the formula Cp2ZrMe(η1-PAC) (PAC=anionic polycyclic aromatic carbon ligand) eliminate methane to produce zirconacycles and yne complexes. Treatment of the zirconacycles with L2NiX2 (L=phosphine, X=Cl, Br) in the presence of alkynes results in metallacycle transfer to nickel and cycloaddition of the alkyne. The resulting polycyclic aromatic carbon compounds contain an additional ring. The nickelacycles may also be accessed by oxidative addition of Ni(0) to polycyclic aromatic dihalides followed by reduction. The application of this chemistry to the step-growth synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes is proposed.
The angular distributions of neutrons scattered from various nuclei

Abstract The angular distributions of neutrons scattered from Li6(96%), Li(normal), Be, C, Si, Ca, Cu, Sn, Pb, and U238 have been measured for incident energies in the range from 50 kev to 2300 kev. In these measurements the energy spread of the incident neutron beam was sufficiently large to average out most of the pronounced fluctuations due to individual scattering resonances. In addition, a series of angular distributions of neutrons scattered at resonances were measured for the zero-spin nuclei C12, O16, Si, and S32 as well as for the isotopes Li6 and Li7. The results are presented in terms of the least-square values of the coefficients in a Legendre-polynomial expansion of the differential scattering cross section relative to the laboratory system of coordinates. The various corrections which have been made in order that these data represent a microscopic cross section are discussed.
Theory of the upper critical field in layered superconductors

The upper critical field ${H}_{c2}$ in layered superconductors is calculated from a microscopic theory in which the electrons are assumed to propagate freely within the individual layers subject to scattering off impurities and to propagate via tunneling between the layers. For the magnetic field parallel to the layers, there is a temperature ${T}^{*}l{T}_{c}$ below which the normal cores of the vortices fit between the metallic layers, removing the orbital effects as a mechanism for the quenching of superconductivity in the individual layers. In this temperature regime, ${H}_{c2\ensuremath{\parallel}}$ is thus determined by the combined effects of Pauli paramagnetism and spin-orbit scattering, and for sufficiently strong spin-orbit scattering rates, ${H}_{c2\ensuremath{\parallel}}(T=0)$ can greatly exceed the Chandrasekhar-Clogston Pauli limiting field ${H}_{P}$. This unusual behavior is found to be most pronounced in the dirty limit for the electron propagation within the layers and when the electrons scatter many times in a given layer before tunneling to an adjacent layer. Our results are also discussed in light of the available experimental data.
Test of scotopic suppression of the photopic process.

Abstract : The possible inhibition of cone function by rods in the dark adapted eye was investigated with the use of spectrally selective light adaptation. Yellow and blue adapting lights of equal photopic luminance were equivalent in their adapting effect on the photopic process. Recovery of the scotopic process was significantly delayed following adaptation to blue light, however. A dark adaptation function based on an acuity criterion which required the function of cones showed no influence of scotopic recovery, whether such recovery occurred relatively early after yellow adaptation or relatively late after blue adaptation. (Author)
Viscous relaxation of a compressible spherical shell

Analytical solutions for analyzing viscous relaxation of a compressible mantle to surface loading are developed. Two different models are considered: one in which the density step of the core-mantle boundary is held fixed and the other in which the mass of the earth remains invariant with respect to variations of equation of state parameters. For thermodynamic parameters characteristic of the mantle, relaxation times of the fundamental and first overtone modes change by no more than about 30 percent for degree less than four. For a given initial depression, the ratio between the velocity in the lower mantle and that at the surface is bigger for incompressible models than for compressible models. Eigenfunctions between the two models also differ in appearance throughout the mantle, with the incompressible ones being larger for the second model. These results would suggest that the resolution of mantle viscosity may be impaired by the smaller excitation in the lower mantle due to effects of mantle compressibility.
Recognition of isolated words: The dynamics of cohort reduction

In the experiment reported here, subjects heard the beginnings of spoken words, followed by increasingly larger segments of word-onset information until the words could be correctly identified. The likelihood of word identification at any given point was found to be an inverse power function of the number of words in a dictionary count that began with the same sounds as the stimulus. Subjects' prerecognition responses consisted of words drawn from a wide range of word frequencies. The variance in frequency decreased with increasing amounts of word-onset information. Results are discussed in terms of word-initial phonology as a trigger for response activation.
Effect of size and sex on buoyancy in the oyster toadfish

In 1991 we examined the developmental consequences of swimbladder growth and sexual dimorphism on specific gravity (SG) and percent buoyancy (%B) in the oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau Linnaeus collected in the York River, Virginia) and tested the hypothesis that large ovaries compensate for the buoyancy conferred by a smaller swimbladder in females. Weight in water (Ww) increased as a linear function of weight in air (Wa) for both sexes, and there were no sexual differences between regressions. SG and %B did not change with Wa, indicating proportional growth of body and swimbladder. SG averaged 1.049±0.002 and %B 3.183±0.160. Removal of the gonads had no significant effect on Ww, SG or %B, indicating that the larger ovaries did not compensate for buoyancy associated with a smaller swimbladder. In fact testis and ovary SG did not differ significantly from values for intact fish. However, gonad composition changed with development: testis SG and % fat decreased with gonosomatic index, whereas overy SG and % fat increased, but % water decreased. Removal of the swimbladder significantly increased SG to 1.083 and %B to 6. Swimbladder volume increased linearly with Wa and was significantly larger in males; adjusted means were 11.40±0.83 and 8.94±0.83 ml for males and females, respectively. Variability in bladder volumes contributed to the absence of sexual differences in SG and may be permissible because negative buoyancy imparts minimal selective advantage for precise volume and buoyancy control. The absence of a relationship between fish buoyancy and sexual dimorphism in bladder size supports evidence that sexual dimorphism in the swim-bladder relates to its function in sound production.
HL-20 concept - Design rationale and approach

Design approaches for new space transportation systems strive to lower the cost per flight at affordable lifecycle costs in the 2000 plus era. Achieving efficiency in all operational activities is a major goal for all future systems. The key design drivers are adequate margins, the use of airline/aircraft approaches to certification, and ease of maintenance via subsystem accessibility. These goals have driven the design of the Rockwell HL-20 personnel launch system (PLS) concept. The entire system, both the spacecraft and support systems, has been designed for maintainability and producibility in order to minimize life-cycle costs. In these studies, the aircraft/ airline approach to aircraft certification and flightworthiness was used. The vehicle and vehicle subsystems are certified one time, and regular maintenance is scheduled to ensure that flightworthiness is maintained throughout the life of the system. The resulting system-design concept described here reflects these goals through design features that facilitate operations, manufacturing, maintenance, and inspection and overhaul.
Invariants of finite cyclic groups acting on generic matrices

A classical theorem of E. Noether asserts that if R is a commutative ring, finitely generated over a field k, and G is any finite group of k- automorphisms of R, then the fixed ring (or ring of invariants) R” is also finitely generated. The question naturally arises as to what extent Noether’s theorem can be generalized to the noncommutative case. If R is also Noetherian and IG/ ~ ’ E k, all is well: RG is finitely generated, a result of Montgomery and Smail [6]. However, it is false in general, even for Pf rings [6]. Moreover, a recent result in Dicks and Formanek [l] (and, somewhat later, Kharchenko [4]), shows that almost the opposite of Noether’s theorem holds in the free aIgebra. That is, they prove that if G acts linearly on the free algebra F= k(xj,..., x,>, then P is finitely generated if and only if G acts by scalar matrices. In the present paper we consider the analogous problem for an algebra of generic matrices. That is, let U = k(X i,..., X,f be the generic matrix algebra generated over a field k by the m x m (m 2 2) generic matrices X1,..., X, (da 2). Let G act linearly on U; that is, for each gE G, Xp = c, cliiXi, for uij E k. Thus g corresponds to the dxd matrix A = (a,). If G consists of scalar matrices and \G/ -’ E k, then UC is always finitely generated. For, consider the free algebra F= k(x, ,..., xd> with the same action; since I/= ir’, a homomorphic image of F, it follows that v =
Cadmium Exposure and Liver Disease among US Adults

Background Effects of chronic cadmium exposure on liver disease and liver-related mortality are unknown. We evaluated the association of creatinine-corrected urinary cadmium levels with hepatic necroinflammation, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver-related mortality, and liver cancer mortality in the US general population.
Secondary peak in the optical absorption spectra: A possible criterion for Bose condensation of excitons

Abstract By solving the BCS and Bethe–Salpeter equations, we confirm the result by Chu and Chang that a secondary peak appears in the optical absorption spectrum immediately after the 1S-exciton peak in the presence of a condensed phase. The observation of the secondary peak indicates the presence of exciton condensate.
An internet-based intervention to improve psychosocial outcomes in heart transplant recipients and family caregivers: development and evaluation.

Abstract Background Although quality of life (QOL) is generally improved by heart transplantation, medical non-compliance and mental health and QOL limitations often emerge and persist. Transplant teams' ability to address these issues is hampered because many patients reside long distances from the transplant program. We therefore conducted the first empirical evaluation of an internet-based psychosocial intervention for heart recipients and their families. Methods Based on focus group work and previous research, a multifaceted web-based intervention was developed with stress and medical regimen management workshops; monitored discussion groups; access to electronic communication with the transplant team; and information on transplant-related health issues. Intervention effectiveness was evaluated with 20 patients and family caregivers who used the website for 4 months (plus usual clinical care). Pre- and post-intervention assessments of mental health, QOL and medical compliance were performed. Comparison groups of 40 patients and their caregivers who received only usual care were similarly assessed. Results Relative to the comparison groups, intervention patients' depressive and anxiety symptoms, and caregivers' anxiety and hostility symptoms declined significantly ( p Conclusions These preliminary findings suggest that a web-based intervention could have a vital role in follow-up care and in patients' and families' adjustment to heart transplantation.
White Matter Hyperintensity Volume Correlates with Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background White matter hyperintensity (WMH), a common radiographic finding associated with stroke risk and outcome, has been linked to matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and increased levels of oxidative stress in nonstroke populations. We sought to determine whether WMH severity is associated with plasma levels of MMPs and oxidative stress (F2-isoprostane) in subjects with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods We measured plasma biomarker levels at baseline and 48 hours in consecutive AIS subjects. White matter hyperintensity volume (WMHv) was quantified on admission magnetic resonance imaging using a validated semiautomated protocol, and Spearman correlation coefficients were derived for all measured biomarkers. Results We enrolled 405 AIS subjects (mean age 70 ± 15 years; 58% male; median WMHv 3.4 cm 3 , interquartile range 1.4-9.5). WMHv and age were strongly correlated (ρ = .57, P P P = .002). In multivariate analysis, 48-hour MMP-2 levels were independently associated with WMHv (β = .12, P = .04). MMP-9 and F2-isioprostane levels did not correlate with WMHv. Conclusions In AIS patients, MMP-2 levels are associated with the pre-existing burden of WMH. If validated, these findings may further elucidate the role of MMP-2 in pathophysiology of chronic cerebrovascular injury, such as WMH, and in brain susceptibility to acute ischemia.
Energy transfer between quantum dots of different sizes for quantum dot solar cells

Exciton recombination and slow charge carrier transport, major limitations of advanced photovoltaic cells, may be mitigated by designing cells with strong electric fields in the active regions. This may be done by combining quantum dots (QDs) of different Fermi levels in close proximity. While previous reports of quantum dot solar cells utilizing QDs of different sizes indicate that electrons and holes are transferred together from large bandgap QDs to small bandgap quantum dots, lowering the efficiency of the solar cell, we report a mechanism that may be able to use different bandgap QDs to split excitons and drive charge carrier transport, increasing the efficiency of solar cells. Quantum simulations of band structures of QDs show indications of this behavior, and experiments on solar cells with quantum dots of different sizes separated by thin insulating layers show improved photocurrent compared to solar cells with QDs of the same size.
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition and its impact on cardiovascular disease.

This article is not a pharmacologic review of angiotensin inhibitors but rather a brief historical overview of the subject as seen from the personal perspective of an investigator involved in the earliest stages of its evolution. This overview follows the steps leading from early observations to controlled studies that unraveled the role of this system in hypertension and its cardiovascular complications; it also speculates on the potential future impact of this work on the incidence of cardiovascular mortality in the hypertensive population
Modern Automotive Power Systems: Advancements into the Future

The recent trend in the automotive industry is to create a new fleet of advanced vehicular technologies. The most popularly targeted automotive technology is the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powered by the existing internal combustion engine (ICE) technology as well as a suitable electric traction motor system. In addition, the auto industry has shown an increased interest in fuel cell vehicles (FCV) as well as battery electric vehicles (BEV), which probably might become the solutions to the inevitable oil shortage scenario that will face the world in about 50 years' time. This paper aims at providing a detailed technological overview of proposed HEV, FCV, and BEV automotive technologies. Furthermore, this paper will present a brief comparative analysis of the above-mentioned advanced vehicular systems from the point of view of the overall cost, fuel economy, and well-to-wheels (WTW) efficiency. A brief summary of commercially available HEVs and developed FCV prototypes will be presented as well.
The United States Endocrinology Workforce: A Supply-Demand Mismatch

The shortage of clinical endocrinologists in the United States has become apparent to patients seeking appointments, hospital administrators, and private practices seeking to hire endocrinologists; physicians referring to endocrinologists; and the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare insurers, and physician recruiters. The difficulty in accessing diabetes care has appeared recently in the front pages of the New York Times and Philadelphia Inquirer (1, 2). The endocrinologist shortage has impaired access to care by patients with diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, lipid disorders, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, osteoporosis, pituitary disease, adrenal disease, menopausal symptoms, and reproductive disorders. It is standard to encounter waits of 3–9 months, and many endocrinology practices are closed to new patients. In this brief commentary, I provide an overview of the supply and demand issues surrounding the clinical practice of endocrinology.
On implementation of a test for Kronecker product covariance structure for multivariate repeated measures data

Abstract Under the assumption of multivariate normality the likelihood ratio test is derived to test a hypothesis for Kronecker product structure on a covariance matrix in the context of multivariate repeated measures data. Although the proposed hypothesis testing can be computationally performed by indirect use of Proc Mixed of SAS, the Proc Mixed algorithm often fails to converge. We provide an alternative algorithm. The algorithm is illustrated with two real data sets. A simulation study is also conducted for the purpose of sample size consideration.
PROPAGATION AND IN VITRO STUDIES OF PREVIOUSLY NON-CULTIVABLE ENTERAL ADENOVIRUSES IN 293 CELLS

Enteral adenovirus (EAd) isolates which characteristically fail to propagate in several human cell lines grow readily in 293 cells, an adenovirus type 5 transformed line. EAd infection of 293 cells is associated with high levels of 31S DNA and late viral protein synthesis, the appearance of a progressive adenovirus-like cytopathic effect, and the efficient assembly of progeny virions. The DNA of an EAd strain grown in 293 cells possesses restriction endonuclease profiles similar to those reported for EADs recovered directly from stools. In their ability to replicate efficiently in 293 cells but not in other human cell lines. EAds appear to behave like adenovirus host range mutants.
The Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger NCKX4 governs termination and adaptation of the mammalian olfactory response.

Here the authors identify NCKX4, a potassium-dependent Na+/Ca2+ exchanger as being necessary for rapid response termination and proper adaptation of vertebrate olfactory sensory neurons. They also report that Nckx4−/− mice have a reduced ability to locate an odorous source and have lower body weights.
Soils as extended composite phenotypes

Several recent theories and conceptual frameworks in pedology, ecology, geomorphology, and evolutionary biology, taken together, suggest the notion that earth's soils are not just strongly influenced by biota, but represent selective pressures. These ideas point in the direction of many aspects of soils as expressions of the effects of genes through the effects of organisms (i.e., extended phenotypes). The cumulative, interacting, overlapping effects of these extended phenotypes as manifested in the soil represent an extended composite phenotype. If this is the case, then we should expect major changes in biological evolution to be reflected in major changes in the types of soils. A brief review of paleopedology literature supports the notion of coevolution of soils and biota, not just in the sense of both responding to the same environmental forcings, but also with respect to explicit pedological expressions of biological change. The extended composite phenotype notion also suggests that significant biological changes should be reflected in significant qualitative pedological changes (i.e., fundamental changes in soil morphology beyond quantitative changes in specific short-lived soil properties). This is demonstrated via recent research in the Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas, where changes in selective pressures on trees associated with fire frequency are linked to changes in soil morphology. The concept of soils as extended composite phenotypes has repercussions for pedology, evolutionary biology, and interpretations of soils in other earth and environmental sciences. The notion of genetic signatures in soil morphology also has implications for the search for extraterrestrial life, and extends the notion of Earth as a set of tightly-coupled, densely interwoven systems.
Impact parameter study of high energy elastic scattering

The imaginary part of the proton-proton elastic scattering amplitude, as measured at the ISR, is examined in impact parameter. The transformed amplitude has two important properties. First, it is very accurately Gaussian in the impact parameter from the center to two fm with very little flattening near the center. Flattening would be expected from eikonal- ization. Secondly, there is a tail beyong two fm with a much flatter slope. This tail in impact parameter is equivalent to the break of do/d t at t = - 0.15 GeV. We discuss the. physical origin of the tail. It cannot reasonably be diffraction dissociation, since diffraction should be large where absorption is large. We suggest that the tail is due to dissociation which must be distinguished from its diffractive part, and make a physical model which gives the tail and describes do/dt very well. This model predicts the Deck model part of the diffraction inelastic cross section. We discuss the interpretation of elastic scattering in terms of s-channel unitarity rather than a t-channel exchange or the structure of a single hadron.
Adiabatic couplers in SOI waveguides

Adiabatic 3-dB couplers based on highly confined silicon waveguides are studied and experimentally demonstrated. The couplers are inherently broadband and insensitive to fabrication imperfections, which enables reliable photonic circuits.
Keepin and Kats — a comment

Abstract We consider the arguments of Keepin and Kats that nuclear power and conservation are mutually exclusive methods of reducing CO2 emissions from coal-fired electric power generation. In contrast to their approach, we suggest that a combination of nuclear power and conservation can reduce CO2. Nuclear power is appropriate and economic in some regions. The gradual introduction of equipment and techniques for improving the efficiency of electricity consumption will continue to be made and they will eventually reduce growth in electricity demand. Introducing about 600 GW of nuclear power in 35 years and efficiency improvements that reduce growth in world electricity demand by two-thirds (to an average of 1.5% per year) would hold CO2 emissions from electric power production to levels similar to today's.
Biochemical and genetic methods for characterization of [PIN+] prions in yeast.

Abstract The glutamine- and asparagine-rich Rnq1p protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae can exist in the cell as a soluble monomer or in one of several aggregated, infectious, prion forms called [ PIN + ]. Interest in [ PIN + ] is heightened by its ability to promote the conversion of other proteins into a prion or an aggregated amyloid state. However, little is known about the function of Rnq1p, which makes it difficult to assay the phenotypes associated with its normal vs. prion forms. In this chapter, we describe methods used to detect [ PIN + ] and distinguish between different variations of the prion. Genetic methods are based on the ability of the [ PIN + ] prion to facilitate the appearance of another yeast prion, [ PSI + ], which has an easily detectable phenotype. Biochemical methods exploit the fact that the [ PIN + ] prion exists in the yeast cytosol in the form of large aggregates, composed of SDS-stable subparticles. Sucrose gradient centrifugation, agarose SDS electrophoresis and GFP fusions are used to distinguish between aggregates and subparticles from different [ PIN + ] variants.
Agglutination of blood cardioplegia by cold-reacting autoantibodies

Cold-reacting autoantibodies occasionally occur in patients requiring cardiac operations. This report describes the clinical course of 1 patient with cold-reacting autoantibodies and intracoronary agglutination of the blood cardioplegia solution. Observations made in vivo and in vitro are considered in discussing recommendations for the management of extracorporeal circulation and cardioplegic arrest in patients with clinically silent cold-reacting autoantibodies.
Example of Second-Law Efficiency of Solar-Thermal Cavity Receivers

Properly quantified performance of a solar-thermal cavity receiver must not only account for the energy gains and losses as dictated by the First Law of thermodynamics, but it must also account for the quality of the energy. Energy quality can only be determined from the Second Law. In this paper, an equation developed for the Second-Law efficiency of a cavity receiver is presented as an evolution from the definition of available energy or availability (occasionally called exergy). The variables required are all either known or readily determined. The importance of considering the Second-Law is emphasized by a comparison of the First- and Second-Law efficiencies around an example of data collected from two receivers that were designed for different purposes, where the attempt was made to demonstrate that a Second-Law approach to quantifying the performance of a solar-thermal cavity receiver lends more complete insight than does the conventional solely applied First-Law approach.
Comparison of steady-state and second-sound measurements of the Kapitza resistance

The Kapitza thermal boundary resistance R k has been measured using both the steady-state (dc) and the second-sound (ac) techniques on the same copper sample during the same low-temperature run. The two techniques give the same values for R k; R k is therefore a constant for measuring frequencies ranging from dc to 600 Hz. We could not reproduce the strong temperature dependence of R k observed in earlier ac measurements unless both second-sound resonators were thermally coupled to the superfluid helium bath.
An overview of transpersonal psychology

Abstract An overview of transpersonal psychology is provided with specific focus on a number of its central themes (nonduality, intrinsic health, self‐transcendence, and inclusivity) and practices (meditation, ritual, and inquiry). The relationship of transpersonal psychology to both mainstream psychology and spiritual wisdom traditions is discussed. The field's implications for diversity issues, research, and service applications are also considered.
Preliminary 3-D site-scale studies of radioactive colloid transport in the unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain, Nevada.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is actively investigating the technical feasibility of permanent disposal of high-level nuclear waste in a repository to be situated in the unsaturated zone (UZ) at Yucca Mountain (YM), Nevada. In this study we investigate, by means of numerical simulation, the transport of radioactive colloids under ambient conditions from the potential repository horizon to the water table. The site hydrology and the effects of the spatial distribution of hydraulic and transport properties in the Yucca Mountain subsurface are considered. The study of migration and retardation of colloids accounts for the complex processes in the unsaturated zone of Yucca Mountain, and includes advection, diffusion, hydrodynamic dispersion, kinetic colloid filtration, colloid straining, and radioactive decay. The results of the study indicate that the most important factors affecting colloid transport are the subsurface geology and site hydrology, i.e., the presence of faults (they dominate and control transport), fractures (the main migration pathways), and the relative distribution of zeolitic and vitric tuffs. The transport of colloids is strongly influenced by their size (as it affects diffusion into the matrix, straining at hydrogeologic unit interfaces, and transport velocity) and by the parameters of the kinetic-filtration model used for the simulations. Arrival times at the water table decrease with an increasing colloid size because of smaller diffusion, increased straining, and higher transport velocities. The importance of diffusion as a retardation mechanism increases with a decreasing colloid size, but appears to be minimal in large colloids.
Successful prehospital airway management by EMT-Ds using the Combitube

Objective. To evaluate the ability to train emergency medical technicians-defibrillation (EMT-Ds) to effectively use the Combitube for intubations in the prehospital environment. Methods. This was an 18-month prospective field study in which EMT-Ds were trained how and in what situations to use the Combitube. Data were then obtained for all patients in whom Combitube insertion was attempted. Indications for use of the Combitube included: unconsciousness without a purposeful response, absence of the gag reflex, apnea or respiratory rate less than 6 breaths/min, age more than 16 years, and height at least 5 feet tall. Contraindications were: obvious signs of death, intact gag reflex, inability to advance the device due to resistance, or known esophageal pathology. Data were entered prospectively from the San Diego County EMS QANet database for prehospital providers. Results. Twenty-two EMT-D provider agencies, involving approximately 500 EMT-Ds, were included as study participants. Combitube insertions were...
Cyanylated Cysteine Used To Map Membrane Binding and Inter-Peptide Contacts in a Model Antimicrobial Peptide

Using single-cysteine mutants of the potent antimicrobial peptide CM15 as a model system for binding at the membrane surface, we are developing an infrared probe to characterize site-specific side chain solvent exposure and the ps-time scale dynamics of both membrane-peptide interactions and peptide-peptide contacts. The selective cyanylation of a mutated cysteine residue covalently attaches a nitrile vibrational probe at the chosen site. The frequency and lineshape of the CN stretching vibration are sensitive to both solvent exposure and peptide aggregation. These sensitivities are applied at multiple label sites to reveal information about the structural aspects of CM15's perturbation of E. coli lipid bilayers.
The generation of axial vorticity in solid-propellant rocket-motor flows

We examine small deviations from axial symmetry in a solid-propellant rocket motor, and describe a ‘bath-tub-vortex’ effect, in which substantial axial vorticity is generated in a neighbourhood of the chamber centreline. The unperturbed flow field is essentially inviscid at modest Reynolds numbers, even at the chamber walls, as has long been known, but the inviscid perturbed flow is singular at the centreline, and viscous terms are required to regularize it. We examine perturbations sufficiently small that a linear analysis is valid everywhere (eRe small, where e is a measure of the perturbation amplitude and Re is a Reynolds number), and larger perturbations in which a nonlinear patch is created near the centreline of radius O(√e). Our results provide an explanation of swirl experimentally observed by others, and a cautionary note for those concerned with numerical simulations of these flows, whether laminar or turbulent.
Denoising scheme for realistic digital photos from unknown sources

This paper targets denoising of digital photos taken by cameras with unknown sensor parameters and image processing pipeline. Common noise characteristics in such images originate from camera-internal processing, such as demosaicing, tone mapping, and JPEG compression. Three of the noise characteristics that are not adequately addressed by existing denoising algorithms are spatially correlated low-frequency noise, strong signal dependency of the noise level and high levels of the chrominance noise relative to the luminance noise. We propose a generic scheme that extends existing denoisers such as the bilateral filter to account for all the problems above. Our solution combines a novel progressive pyramidal filtering scheme to address the correlated noise, filter adaptation via local noise level estimation and luminance-guided chrominance filtering to address the low-SNR of the chrominance channels. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution for challenging realistic noisy photos.
The Impact of Extratropical Atmospheric Variability on ENSO: Testing the Seasonal Footprinting Mechanism Using Coupled Model Experiments

Abstract Previous studies suggest that extratropical atmospheric variability influences the tropics via the seasonal footprinting mechanism (SFM), in which fluctuations in the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) impact the ocean via surface heat fluxes during winter and the resulting springtime subtropical SST anomalies alter the atmosphere–ocean system over the tropics in the following summer, fall, and winter. Here, the authors test the SFM hypothesis by imposing NPO-related surface heat flux forcing in an atmospheric GCM coupled to a reduced gravity ocean model in the tropics and a slab ocean in the extratropics. The forcing is only imposed through the first winter, and then the model is free to evolve through the following winter. The evolution of the coupled model response to the forcing is consistent with the SFM hypothesis: the NPO-driven surface fluxes cause positive SST anomalies to form in the central and eastern subtropics during winter; these anomalies propagate toward the equator along with weste...
U.S. Military Intervention in Crisis, 1945-1994 An Empirical Inquiry Of Just War Theory

One compelling aspect of U.S. foreign policy during the cold war was the propensity of policy makers to seek harmony between the pursuit of security objectives and a stated American belief in enduring values of peace and justice. One need look no further than campaign monikers such as "Operation Just Cause" and "Operation Restore Hope" or declarations of the existence of an "axis of evil" for more recent anecdotal evidence of the moral justifications for U.S. military actions. The question of whether this "rhetoric of justice," which has been pressed into service as a public rationale for U.S. military intervention, might consist of more than mere rhetoric is addressed. The historically grounded, yet timely, theory of the "just war" is applied to a set of U.S. military intervention decisions to assess conditions in which considerations of justice may have driven U.S. decisions to employ military force in international crisis.
Fabrication and characterization of As 2 S 3 /Y 3 Fe 5 O 12 and Y 3 Fe 5 O 12 /SOI strip-loaded waveguides for integrated optical isolator applications

We report two novel strategies to integrate magneto-optical oxides on oxidized silicon and SOI platforms based on strip-loaded waveguide structures. By using conventional waveguide fabrication and thin film deposition techniques, strip-loaded waveguides for magneto-optical non-reciprocal phase shift (NRPS) applications can be integrated on a silicon platform. As a demonstration, two structures, i.e. As2S3/Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) and YIG/SOI waveguides are fabricated. Using pulsed-laser deposition followed by rapid thermal annealing, yttrium iron oxide films in which more than 95 vol.% had crystallized into the YIG phase were achieved on both substrates. The optical loss of the As2S3/Y3Fe5O12 waveguide was characterized by a cut-back method to be ~10 dB/cm at 1550 nm, while the optical loss of a 450nm wide YIG/SOI waveguide was determined to be 41 dB/cm at 1550 nm by measuring the quality factor Q of a pulley-type ring resonator consisting of such waveguides. The propagation loss of polycrystalline YIG on a SiO2/Si substrate was around 50 dB/cm at 1550 nm wavelength. The NRPS and figure of merit of both waveguides were simulated. It is suggested that a Bi:YIG or Ce:YIG layer may be integrated in these waveguide structures to achieve a higher NRPS and figure of merit for optical isolator applications. These waveguide fabrication techniques offer a compact, low cost and etch-free route for integrating magneto-optical materials on a silicon platform, which may be useful for making future integrated optical isolators and other magneto-optical components.
Intestinal and hepatic expression of BNIP3 in necrotizing enterocolitis: regulation by nitric oxide and peroxynitrite

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is characterized by the upregulation of proinflammatory proteins, nitrosative stress, and increased enterocyte apoptosis. We examined the expression and regulation o...
This Time Europe Really is on the Brink

Because they have failed to address the fundamental economic imbalances within Europe obscured by the single currency, each effort by European leaders so far to resolve the euro crisis has only deepened it. Without a decisive move toward fiscal and political union, accompanied by policies that push productivity and competitiveness toward convergence while closing the democratic deficit, the Eurozone will disintegrate. To discuss the way forward, the Nicolas Berggruen Institute's Council on the Future of Europe met in Rome on May 28 with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti. In this section we publish the contributions from that meeting by the former European leaders, scholars and Nobel laureates who are members of the Council.
Novel HDAC inhibitors with radiosensitizing properties.

Abstract Jung, M., Velena, A., Chen, B., Petukhov, P. A., Kozikowski, A. P. and Dritschilo, A. Novel HDAC Inhibitors with Radiosensitizing Properties. Radiat. Res. 163, 488–493 (2005). The members of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) family play important roles in various cellular processes, including transcriptional regulation, cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Inhibitors of histone deacetylases are emerging as an important new class of chemotherapeutic agents. As such, identifying stable and potent chemical HDAC inhibitory compounds is an important focus for translational research. Here we report the results of a rational drug design of novel HDAC inhibitors with potential for sensitizing cancer cells to radiation therapy. Over 60 HDAC inhibitor analogues incorporating a urea backbone and the hydroxamic acid end moiety were designed and screened. Six were found to confer 50% inhibition of HDAC enzyme activity at nanomolar concentrations. These candidate HDAC inhibitors inhibited cell proli...