cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chlorophenol dehalogenation in a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed reactor

Aromatic halocarbons are often present in contaminated aquifers, surface waters, wastewater streams, soils, and hazardous wastes. The dehalogenation of p-chlorophenol as a model compound in both the aqueous phase and in slurries of contaminated solids using a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed (MSFB) reactor is discussed. Composite palladium-iron (Pd/Fe) media are employed as both catalyst and sacrificial reactant for the reductive dechlorination of p-chlorophenol. Calcium alginate beads impregnated with Pd/Fe granules are fluidized in a recirculating aqueous stream containing either dissolved p-chlorophenol or a slurry of soil contaminated with this chlorocarbon. Magnetic stabilization of the fluidized bed allows substantially higher rates of mass transfer than would otherwise be achievable, and allows circulation of contaminated solids while fluidization media are retained. Anoxic conditions are sustained under a nitrogen purge and the solution pH of 5.8 is maintained by active control to minimize surface fouling by hydroxides, and to minimize mass-transfer resistances resulting from the surface accumulation of hydrogen bubbles. A model of this process is described and the resulting predictions are compared to the experimentally derived data. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Controlling Acquiescence Response Bias by Item Reversals: The Effect on Questionnaire Validity:

The prevailing conventional wisdom is that it is advisable to mix positively and negatively worded items in psychological measures to counteract acquiescence response bias. However, there has been virtually no unambiguous empirical evidence to support this recommendation. Thus, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the ability of subjects to respond accurately to both positive and reversed (negative) items on a questionnaire. Items from the LBDQ—XII Initiating Structure and Consideration subscales were used to create a written description of a fictitious manager. One hundred-fifty subjects, all upper-division business undergraduates, were given the written managerial description and then asked to complete a questionnaire containing the twenty Initiating Structure and Consideration items. The managerial descriptions were in two forms (to portray high and low Initiating Structure), and the questionnaires contained items in three forms (all positively worded, all negatively worded, and mixed). The data wer...
Design and modeling of Faraday cages for substrate noise isolation

A Faraday cage structure using through-substrate vias is an effective strategy to suppress substrate crosstalk, particularly at high frequencies. Faraday cages can reduce substrate noise by 32 dB at 10 GHz, and 26 dB at 50 GHz. We have developed lumped-element, equivalent circuit models of the Faraday cages and test structures to better understand the performance of the Faraday cages. These models compare well to measured results and show that the vias of the Faraday cage act as an RLC shunt to ground that draws substrate current. Designing a Faraday cage to achieve optimum isolation requires low via impedance and mitigation of via sidewall capacitance. The Faraday cage inductance is correlated to the number of vias and via spacing of the cage and can be optimized for the frequency of operation.
Stochastic Forcing of Small-Amplitude Oscillations in the Stratosphere.

Abstract A quasi-geostrophic β-plane channel model is used to study the response of the stratosphere to planetary waves forced at the ground. The forcing consists of a standing field of eddy vertical velocity whose amplitude fluctuates randomly about a time-average value. Cross-spectrum analysis of model results reveals the presence of westward traveling waves and, among these, of normal modes in the model solution. The superposition of the traveling waves and a stationary wave maintained by the time-average forcing gives rise to oscillating eddy heat fluxes. The relationship of these fluxes to changes in the zonal-mean temperature gradient is investigated by means of the squared coherence statistic. We examine how the occurrence of high levels of coherence depends on the existence of the external normal mode and on the presence of noise introduced into the model output.
New Developments in the BEASY Boundary Element Analysis System

Since its first release onto the market in 1981, the BEASY analysis package has become firmly established as the major boundary element analysis system available. The advanced mathematics involved in boundary methods of analysis are exploited by BEASY to of fer exciting advantages over conventional finite element programs. BEASY of fers engineers simple and easily learnt data preparation, significant reductions in mesh generation time and improved accuracy of results.
Survey and Mapping the Geomorphological and Geological Context

Until very recently archaeological geology had at its core the methods of geomorphology and sedimentology. Geomorphology is a discipline more often found in the larger field of physical geography, at least in the United States and Great Britain, while sedimentology is a specialty area of geology. While some in archaeology may wonder at a partition in what is basically earth science, the location of geomorphology within geography has had some unexpected benefits, most notably the recognition and use of the burgeoning techniques of geographic information systems better known as GIS. Likewise, geographers were quick to incorporate their traditional interest in remote sensing into GIS studies as well. Digitally based, these large-scale spatial analysis systems have proven to be a boon to geoarchaeological researchers. By integrating their questions into GIS frameworks it has been possible to converge many different lines of data into synthetic map [projections] that can be manipulated and compared so as to yield new insights into the nature of archaeological sites and their locations. Had geomorphology been housed exclusively within geology departments it is unlikely that GIS methodology would have entered the arsenal of archaeological geology as quickly as it has. Sedimentology and its close relationship to paleoenvironmental study, particularly in quaternary research, has continued to be a major component of archaeological geology. Likewise, the mapping of the surface and subsurface of an archaeological locale provides crucial information as to the why of a site’s specific location and function.
Recovery Efficiency, False Negative Rate, and Limit of Detection Performance of a Validated Macrofoam-Swab Sampling Method with Low Surface Concentrations of Two Bacillus anthracis Surrogates

The performance of a macrofoam-swab sampling method was evaluated using Bacillus anthracis Sterne (BAS) and Bacillus atrophaeus Nakamura (BG) spores applied at nine low target amounts (2-500 spores) to positive-control plates and test coupons (2 in. × 2 in.) of four surface materials (glass, stainless steel, vinyl tile, and plastic). Test results from cultured samples were used to evaluate the effects of surrogate, surface concentration, and surface material on recovery efficiency (RE), false negative rate (FNR), and limit of detection. For RE, surrogate and surface material had statistically significant effects, but concentration did not. Mean REs were the lowest for vinyl tile (50.8% with BAS, 40.2% with BG) and the highest for glass (92.8% with BAS, 71.4% with BG). FNR values ranged from 0 to 0.833 for BAS and 0 to 0.806 for BG, with values increasing as concentration decreased in the range tested (0.078 to 19.375 CFU/cm2, where CFU denotes ‘colony forming units’). Surface material also had a statistically significant effect. A FNR-concentration curve was fit for each combination of surrogate and surface material. For both surrogates, the FNR curves tended to be the lowest for glass and highest for vinyl title. The FNR curves for BG tended tomore » be higher than for BAS at lower concentrations, especially for glass. Results using a modified Rapid Viability-Polymerase Chain Reaction (mRV-PCR) analysis method were also obtained. The mRV-PCR results and comparisons to the culture results will be discussed in a subsequent report.« less
Bacillus thuringiensis: Against Lepidopterous Pests of Wine Grapes in Missouri

Thuricide HPWP® ( Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner) successfully controlled the grape berry moth, Paralobesia viteana (Clemens), on wine grapes and also was effective against the grape leaffolder, Desmia funeralis (Hubner) and had no adverse effect on insect predator populations in the vineyard. Although 3 generations of the grape berry moth occurred during the season, the first was of very low density; therefore, control efforts were directed towards the latter 2 damaging generations. Accurate monitoring of developing pest populations and timely applications of Thuricide were essential in attaining effective insect management.
Fate of Plasmid DNA Encoding Infectious Bursal Disease Virus VP2 Capsid Protein Gene After Injection into the Pectoralis Muscle of the Chicken

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine whether recombinant plasmid DNA injected intramuscularly into chickens expressed the gene of interest in vivo and could be subsequently detected in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The VP2 capsid protein gene of the standard challenge strain (STC) of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) was cloned into a eukaryotic plasmid, and purified DNA was prepared. Fourteen 2-wk-old chickens were injected in the pectoral musculature with 500 μg of plasmid DNA dissolved in sterile PBS. Seven chickens were similarly injected with PBS alone. Pectoral muscle, thymus, spleen, bursa of Fabricius, and cecal tonsils were collected at 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, and 168 h postinjection for detection of protein expression (in muscle) and to extract total DNA for PCR amplification of the VP2 capsid gene. Expression of VP2 was demonstrated in muscle tissue at 12 and 24 h postinjection by using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. PCR amplification with primers specific for the VP2 gene showed that the DNA was present in the thymus, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius but not in cecal tonsils. These results demonstrate that plasmid DNA injected directly into the pectoral muscle of chickens is transcribed and translated at the injection site and promptly distributed to primary and secondary lymphoid tissues.
Treatment of Internal Hemorrhoids with XIAOZHILING Injection

消痔霊は,中華人民共和国にて開発された硬化剤で,水溶性局所用注射剤である.明礬およびタンニン酸を主成分とし,内痔核・直腸脱等に適応がある.これまではGoligher III・IV度の内痔核に対しては手術療法が優先されたが,それらの内痔核に対しても十分な効果が認められた.注射方法は,四歩注射法といい,痔核本体の最も上端・痔核の底面・表面そして下端の4箇所に適切な量を注射する.注射量は痔核の大きさによるが,全体で30～60ml程度を使用する.注射部位が不適切であったり,注射量の過不足があると痔核の残存・合併症を引き起こす可能性があり,注射手技の充分な習得を要する.1991年7月より2001年6月までに,計483回施行したが,重大な合併症もなく,痔核の残存・再発に対しては,追加投与を行い有効であった.進行した内痔核に対する非手術的治療法として,第一選択としてよい治療法である.
Cardiovascular Cascade Genetic Testing: Exploring the Role of Direct Contact and Technology

There is much attention and excitement in the current health care environment on the potential of precision medicine based on a patient’s genomic data. Today, what arguably remains as one of the most valuable and informative genetic tests is that of predictive testing for a known familial pathogenic variant. Predictive genetic testing determines whether the pathogenic variant previously identified in an affected family member(s) is present or not in relatives at risk. Previous research has documented that affected individuals undergoing genetic testing cite obtaining genetic information for others as being the most important, if not the only, motivation for undergoing genetic testing (2). Predictive, cascade testing is able to separate at-risk relatives who require vigilant serial screening from those who do not. For those with the predisposition, clinical screening allows for early identification of the family’s phenotype, which when present, may require lifelong medical therapy, implantation of devices, and/or other types of medical management. Relatives who test negative for the familial variant can typically be released from lifelong screening. In addition, it is also then known that their children are not at increased risk for the family’s disease. This approach can save the health care system, and the family itself, thousands of dollars. Cascade screening is imperative with “high-stakes” cardiovascular conditions, such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), long QT syndrome (LQTS), and other inherited arrhythmias, as well as other heritable cardiovascular phenotypes, including cardiomyopathies and aneurysms, where there is an increased risk for sudden cardiac death and severe morbidities such as heart failure. The value of cascade screening for highly penetrant cardiovascular (and cancer) phenotypes has been acknowledged by public health officials. The United States Centers for Disease Control Office of Public Health Genomics classifies cascade screening of at-risk relatives for certain conditions, FH being one, as a Tier 1 genomic application, meaning it meets the criteria for analytic and clinical validity and utility and therefore has evidence supporting its implementation into practice (3). Cascade screening may include targeted genetic testing as well as clinical screening (e.g., lipid panel) of at-risk relatives. This opinion provides a brief summary of research in this area and poses questions to facilitate future discussion regarding the potential for direct contact of at-risk relatives. As a practicing genetic counselor in clinical genetic medicine for 14 years who has provided genetic counseling and testing to thousands of families with heritable cardiovascular and cancer conditions, it is my opinion that more could be done to provide assistance to probands for at-risk relative notification and that genetic counselors are in the ideal position to facilitate cascade testing and lead forward-thinking research in this area (4).
An In Vitro Model for Oral Mixed Biofilms of Candida albicans and Streptococcus gordonii in Synthetic Saliva.

As a member of the normal human oral microbiota, the fungus C. albicans is often found in association with Streptococcus gordonii, a member of dental plaque forming bacteria. Evidence suggests that S. gordonii serves as a facilitator of C. albicans adherence to dental tissues, which represents a clinically relevant problem, particularly for immunocompromised individuals that could subsequently develop fungal infections. In this study we describe the development of a relatively simple and economical in vitro model that allows for the growth of mixed bacterial/fungal biofilms in 96-well microtiter plates. We have applied this method to test and compare the growth characteristics of single and dual species biofilms in traditional microbiological media versus a synthetic saliva medium (basal medium mucin, BMM) that more closely resembles physiological conditions within the oral cavity. Results indicated a synergistic effect for the formation of biofilms when both microorganisms were seeded together under all conditions tested. The structural and architectural features of the resulting biofilms were further characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). We also performed drug susceptibility assays against single and mixed species biofilms using commonly used antifungals and antibacterial antibiotics, both in monotherapy and in combination therapy, for a direct comparison of resistance against antimicrobial treatment. As expected, mixed species biofilms displayed higher levels of resistance to antimicrobial treatment at every dose tested in both traditional media and BMM synthetic saliva, as compared to single-species biofilms.
Review of Researches on Chinese College Students' Subjective Sense of Happiness in Recent Years

With the development of social economy,subjective sense of sappiness has become a public concern. As a special group in the society,college students' subjective sense of sappiness is also concerned. In recent years,scholars in China use foreign scales or revised foreign scales to measure students' subjective sense of happiness. The result shows that quite a number of factors affect students' sense of happiness,including personality characteristics,self-efficacy,attribution style,life events,social support,sports intervention and self-esteem,ect. However,there are still lack of mature and operational methods and strategies in cultivating college students' subjective sense of happiness.
Displacement mode of ultralow interfacial tension system in heterogeneous low permeability oil layers

Based on the system of new ultralow interfacial tension active agent(BS13 oxyneurine)and artificial three vertical heterogeneous low-permeability cores(the permeability variation coefficient is 0.72),we have carried out the research of ultralow interfacial tension displacement system in laboratory and searched the macroscopic displacement mode of ultralow interfacial tension system of heterogeneous low permeability oil layer.The result indicated that in the vertical heterogeneous low permeability oil layers,the permeability variation coefficient of is 0.72,and the combined effect of the high diversity of permeability and the ultralow interfacial tension active water increased mobility ratio of the displacing phase and the non-displacing phase,and made ultralow interfacial tension active water and sequent displacing water advanced along the resulting channel easily,only injecting the ultralow interfacial tension active water can't enhance recovery efficiency effectively.Injecting two-component system slug of the ultralow interfacial tension active agent compounded with the polymer of low molecular mass can manipulate viscous fingering of active water and enhance recovery efficiency.If the total of the influent chemicals are equal,the two ranges of improving recovery efficiency by means of injecting the group slug of polymer and active water and injecting the compound slug are correspondent.
Dutch New York, between East and West: The World of Margrieta van Varick

Commemorating the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage and the lasting legacy of Dutch culture in New York, this book explores the life and times of a fascinating woman, her family, and her things. Margrieta was born in the Netherlands but lived at the extremes of the Dutch colonial world, in Malacca on the Malay Peninsula and in Flatbush, Brooklyn. When she came to New York in 1686 with her husband and set up a shop, she brought an astonishing array of Eastern goods, many of which were documented in an inventory made after her death in 1695. Extensive archival research has enabled a collaborative team to reconstruct her story and establish the depth of her connection to Dutch trading establishments in Asia. This is a groundbreaking contribution to the histories of New York City, the Dutch overseas empire, women, and material culture.
Skyline Shelter and Devils Triangular Dart Points : Evidence for a New Component of the Lower Pecos Early Archaic Sequence, Southwest Texas

Discussion d'une serie de pointes de projectile de l'abri de Skyline, date de l'Archaique ancien qui, d'un point de vue technologique, differe des autres styles definis dans la region
Depression and Pain in Asian and White Americans With Knee Osteoarthritis.

Abstract Few studies have examined the underlying psychosocial mechanisms of pain in Asian Americans. Using the biopsychosocial model, we sought to determine whether variations in depression contribute to racial group differences in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis pain between Asian Americans and non-Hispanic white Americans. The sample consisted of 100 participants, including 50 Asian Americans (28 Korean Americans, 9 Chinese Americans, 7 Japanese Americans, 5 Filipino Americans, and 1 Indian American) and 50 age- and sex-matched non-Hispanic white Americans with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis pain. The Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to assess symptoms of depression, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and the Graded Chronic Pain Scale were used to measure clinical pain. In addition, quantitative sensory testing was used to measure experimental sensitivity to heat- and mechanically-induced pain. The results indicated that higher levels of depression in Asian Americans may contribute to greater clinical pain and experimental pain sensitivity. These findings add to the growing literature regarding ethnic and racial differences in pain and its associated psychological conditions, and additional research is warranted to strengthen these findings. Perspective This article shows the contribution of depression to clinical pain and experimental pain sensitivity in Asian Americans with knee osteoarthritis. Our results suggest that Asian Americans have higher levels of depressive symptoms and that depression plays a relevant role in greater clinical pain and experimental pain sensitivity in Asian Americans.
Size Matters – Special Considerations in the Pediatric IBD Patient

IBD in the pediatric and adult populations shows important distinctions in epidemiology, presenting signs and symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and therapeutic goals. Since roughly 25% of IBD patients are diagnosed while under the care of pediatricians, it is incumbent on all IBD providers to be familiar with the differences that exist across the age span. These age-dependent contrasts emphasize the conceptualization of IBD as representing a group of phenotypically similar diseases rather than two or three distinct entities. This chapter will highlight those areas within the pediatric population that require specific attention by the healthcare team.
A New Modeling Technique to Analyze Safeguards Measurements in Large Systems

AbstractSafeGuards Analysis (SGA) is a computational toolbox able to simulate different safeguards scenarios across a number of different fuel cycles and at many different scales within the MATLAB Simulink framework. SGA functions by simulating Material Balance Areas (MBAs) under safeguards materials control and accountability and allows the user to define the uncertainty parameters of the associated flow and inventory measurements. The simulated safeguard system uses the uncertain measurement estimates to calculate a mass-balance across the MBA. This mass balance is then evaluated by one of a number of different statistical tests to determine if a significant amount of material has been removed from the MBA. This paper describes the design of SGA, the results of testing each element of the toolbox, and a number of single MBA example scenarios. In all of the test cases, SGA performed as expected and produced acceptable results from the single MBA scenario.
Imported fire ant envenomation: A clinicopathologic study of a recognizable form of arthropod assault reaction.

Background Skin reactions to the sting of the imported fire ant have characteristic clinicopathological features. Methods One case of experimental envenomation was prospectively followed during 48 hours, with biopsies. In addition, six cases from our laboratory were retrospectively evaluated histopathologically for the following features: spongiosis, exocytosis (and type of cells), pustule formation, erosion/ulceration, epidermal necrosis, scale/crust, papillary dermal edema, inflammatory dermal infiltrate (cell type, density, depth, distribution, shape), red blood cell extravasation, vasculopathy, vasculitis. Results The typical lesion follows a very distinctive clinical and histopathologic evolution over 48 hours, with the formation of a subepidermal pustule overlying a wedge shaped area of dermal collagen basophilic degeneration with scattered neutrophils. In the six cases retrieved from our files, the main features were a superficial and deep dermal, perivascular, periadnexal and interstitial infiltrate consisting of neutrophils, with basophilic degeneration of the collagen. A subepidermal pustule was noted in half of the cases. Conclusions In biopsies taken in a clinical setting, even in the absence of the characteristic subepidermal pustule, the diagnosis of imported fire ant sting can be suspected if there is a superficial and deep perivascular, periadnexal and interstitial infiltrate composed of neutrophils, with some basophilic denaturation of collagen.
Tumor Dose Response in Yttrium-90 Resin Microsphere Embolization for Neuroendocrine Liver Metastases: A Tumor-Specific Analysis with Dose Estimation Using SPECT-CT

Abstract Purpose To evaluate dose-response relationship in yttrium-90 ( 90 Y) resin microsphere radioembolization for neuroendocrine tumor (NET) liver metastases using a tumor-specific dose estimation based on technetium-99m–labeled macroaggregated albumin ( 99m Tc MAA) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)-CT. Materials and Methods Fifty-five tumors (mean size 3.9 cm) in 15 patients (10 women; mean age 57 y) were evaluated. Tumor-specific absorbed dose was estimated using a partition model. Initial (median 2.3 months) follow-up data were available for all tumors; last (median 7.6 months) follow-up data were available for 45 tumors. Tumor response was evaluated using Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) on follow-up CT. Tumors with complete or partial response were considered responders. Mean tumor absorbed dose was 231.4 Gy ± 184.3, and mean nontumor liver absorbed dose was 39.0 Gy ± 18.0. Results Thirty-six (65.5%) and 30 (66.7%) tumors showed response at initial and last follow-up, respectively. Mean absorbed doses in responders and nonresponders at initial and last follow-up were 285.8 Gy ± 191.1 and 128.1 Gy ± 117.1 ( P = .0004) and 314.3 Gy ± 195.8 and 115.7 Gy ± 117.4 ( P = .0001). Cutoff value of ≥ 191.3 Gy for tumor-specific absorbed dose predicted tumor response with 93% specificity, whereas P = .007). Conclusions Tumor-specific absorbed dose, estimated with a partition model, was significantly associated with tumor response in NET liver metastases. An estimated dose ≥ 191.3 Gy predicted treatment response with high sensitivity and specificity.
Pregnancy after a melanoma diagnosis in women in the United States.

Abstract Background Melanoma is the third most common cancer in women aged 18-39 years. Medical literature recommends that women wait for at least 2 years before becoming pregnant, yet few studies have examined pregnancy after melanoma. Our aims were to investigate the pregnancy rate after a melanoma diagnosis and the relationship between melanoma treatment and subsequent pregnancy. Methods We studied women with a melanoma diagnosis in the Truven Health MarketScan database. Women with a melanoma diagnosis were matched 1:1 to women with no melanoma diagnosis to compare pregnancy rates between groups. For women with melanoma, Cox models were fitted for rates of pregnancy overall, pregnancy if postsurgical treatment was received, and for treatment after pregnancy. Results The sample included 11,801 women aged 18-40 years with melanoma, who were not pregnant on the index date. These women had a higher rate of pregnancy within 2 years compared to matched controls (15.8% versus 13.6%, P Conclusions Our study is the largest review of postmelanoma pregnancy in the United States. After a melanoma diagnosis, women had a slightly higher rate of pregnancy than matched controls, indicating that women are not delaying pregnancy. However, women who received advanced treatment for melanoma had a lower rate of pregnancy than untreated women. Women who became pregnant after a melanoma diagnosis did not have an increased risk of requiring subsequent treatment for melanoma.
Reanalysis of the [12.3]2Σ − X2Π3/2, [12.3]2Σ − X2Π1/2, and [12.3]2Σ − B2Σ+ electronic transitions of nickel monochloride, NiCl

Abstract The experimental data associated with the [12.3]2Σ− − X2Π3/2, [12.3]2Σ− − X2Π1/2, and [12.3]2Σ− − B2Σ+ transitions of NiCl have been reanalyzed. New molecular parameters for the states involved in these transitions are reported and compared with previous values.
A Two-Tiered Approach to Analyzing Self-Regulated Learning Data to Inform the Design of Hypermedia Learning Environments

The research shows that the lack of instructional scaffolding and high degree of user control inherent to most HLEs make them difficult learning environments for learners who lack the ability to appropriately self-regulate their learning. Therefore, developers of HLEs must construct these environments in ways that not only promote knowledge acquisition, but also foster and scaffold SRL skills. This chapter introduces a two-tiered (i.e., the micro- and macro- level) approach to analyzing SRL data derived from think aloud protocols, which can be informative in terms of the domain-, task-specific self-regulatory processes that should be scaffolded in particular HLEs. The two-tiered approach provides a bridge between the SRL data and theory by showing how the micro-level learning processes (e.g., judgments of learning) can be used to indicate the degree to which individuals engage in the macro-level categories of self-regulation discussed in SRL models. Findings from a number of our research studies illustrate how analyzing data at both tiers results in a comprehensive understanding of how learners self-regulate in HLEs, and how the nature and quality of that self-regulation interacts with internal and external conditions.
Heart Failure Morbidity, Mortality, and Its Relationship to Hypertension

Heart failure (HF) remains a significant cardiovascular problem, with increasing incidence and prevalence rates: Adult Americans over 40 years of age have a 20 % lifetime risk of developing heart failure. Approximately five million people in the USA have HF, and over 650,000 new cases of HF are diagnosed each year. HF incidence increases with age: from 20 per 1,000 among individuals 65–69 years of age to greater than 80 per 1,000 for individuals who are over 85 years of age.
Effect of Thiophenes on High-Temperature Corrosion by Sulfidation and Naphthenic Acids

Owing to the depletion of light sweet crude, high-temperature corrosion by sulfidation and naphthenic acids in the oil phase has become one of major challenges for crude oil refineries. The corrosi...
Genetic and Agronomic Analysis of Tobacco Genotypes Exhibiting Reduced Nicotine Accumulation Due to Induced Mutations in Berberine Bridge Like ( BBL) Genes

Genetic methodologies for reducing nicotine accumulation in the tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum L.) are of interest because of potential future regulations that could mandate lowering of this alkaloid in conventional cigarettes. Inactivation of tobacco genes such as the Berberine Bridge Like (BBL) gene family believed to encode for enzymes involved in one of the latter steps of nicotine biosynthesis could be a viable strategy for producing new tobacco cultivars with ultra-low leaf nicotine accumulation. We introduced deleterious mutations generated via ethyl methanesulfonate treatment of seed or gene editing into six known members of the BBL gene family and assembled them in different combinations to assess their relative contribution to nicotine accumulation. Significant reductions (up to 17-fold) in percent leaf nicotine were observed in genotypes homozygous for combined mutations in BBL-a, BBL-b, and BBL-c. The addition of mutations in BBL-d1, BBL-d2, and BBL-e had no additional significant effect on lowering of nicotine levels in the genetic background studied. Reduced nicotine levels were associated with reductions in cured leaf yields (up to 29%) and cured leaf quality (up to 15%), evidence of physiological complexities within the tobacco plant related to the nicotine biosynthetic pathway. Further nicotine reductions were observed for a BBL mutant line cultivated under a modified production regime in which apical inflorescences were not removed, but at the expense of further yield reductions. Plants in which BBL mutations were combined with naturally occurring recessive alleles at the Nic1 and Nic2 loci exhibited further reductions in percent nicotine, but no plant produced immeasurable levels of this alkaloid. Findings may suggest the existence of a minor, alternative pathway for nicotine biosynthesis in N. tabacum. The described genetic materials may be of value for the manufacture of cigarettes with reduced nicotine levels and for future studies to better understand the molecular biology of alkaloid accumulation in tobacco.
Analyzing volatility of rice price in Indonesia using ARCH/GARCH model

This research aims to to analyze and to study the implication of the volatility of deflated retail price of rice in out of Java which are represented by three markets in Indonesia, namely Medan, Makassar, and Banjarmasin. The period of observation is from January 1984 to August 2011. The better model in this study is Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH). The result of the study shows that the change of rice price in all three markets was caused mainly by seasons and yearly routine cycles. In addition, at the reformation era and at economic crisis, the rice prices were more volatile.
Contextualizing Well-Being for Entrepreneurship:

Entrepreneurship is important in economic growth and development. This study explores the likelihood that societal-level well-being and country-level self-expression values positively influence ind...
Dimension- and context-specific expression of preschoolers' disruptive behaviors associated with prenatal tobacco exposure.

Abstract Objective Precise phenotypic characterization of prenatal tobacco exposure (PTE)–related disruptive behavior (DB) that integrates nuanced measures of both exposures and outcomes is optimal for elucidating underlying mechanisms. Using this approach, our goals were to identify dimensions of DB most sensitive to PTE prior to school entry and assess contextual variation in these dimensions. Methods A community obstetric sample of N = 369 women (79.2% lifetime smokers; 70.2% pregnancy smokers) from two Midwestern cities were assessed for PTE using cotinine-calibrated interview-based reports at 16, 28, and 40 weeks of gestation. A subset of n = 244 who completed observational assessments with their 5-year-old children in a subsequent preschool follow-up study constitute the analytic sample. Using two developmentally-meaningful dimensions previously associated with emergent clinical risk for DB—irritability and noncompliance—we assessed children with 2 parent-report scales: the Multidimensional Assessment Profile of Disruptive Behavior (MAP-DB) and the Early Childhood Inventory (ECI). We also assessed children by direct observation across 3 interactional contexts with the Disruptive Behavior Diagnostic Observation Schedule (DB-DOS). We used generalized linear models to examine between-child variability across behavioral dimensions, and mixed effects models to examine directly observed within-child variability by interactional context. Results Increasing PTE predicted increasing impairment in preschoolers' modulation of negative affect (irritability), but not negative behavior (noncompliance) across reported (MAP-DB) and observed (DB-DOS) dimensional measures. Moreover, children's PTE-related irritability was more pronounced when observed with parents than with the examiner. The ECI did not detect PTE-related irritability nor noncompliance. Conclusions Nuanced, dimension- and context-specific characterization of PTE-related DB described can optimize early identification of at-risk children.
Uniqueness of shrinking gradient K\"ahler-Ricci solitons on non-compact toric manifolds

We show that, up to biholomorphism, there is at most one complete $T^n$-invariant shrinking gradient Kahler-Ricci soliton on a non-compact toric manifold $M$. We also establish uniqueness without assuming $T^n$-invariance if the Ricci curvature is bounded and if the soliton vector field lies in the Lie algebra $\mathfrak{t}$ of $T^n$. As an application, we show that, up to isometry, the unique complete shrinking gradient Kahler-Ricci soliton with bounded scalar curvature on $\mathbb{CP}^{1} \times \mathbb{C}$ is the standard product metric associated to the Fubini-Study metric on $\mathbb{CP}^{1}$ and the Euclidean metric on $\mathbb{C}$.
What is the Re in a Whale's Aorta?

This teaching tip provides a biological example of the whale aorta to use in calculating Re and is compared to the Re in the human aorta. This example can be used in a fluid mechanics course or any course that discusses Re as a way to highlight biological examples with traditional chemical engineering concepts.
Conditionals, Conditional Probabilities, and Conditionalization

Philosophers investigating the interpretation and use of conditional sentences have long been intrigued by the intuitive correspondence between the probability of a conditional ‘if A, then C’ and the conditional probability of C, given A. Attempts to account for this intuition within a general probabilistic theory of belief, meaning and use have been plagued by a danger of trivialization, which has proven to be remarkably recalcitrant and absorbed much of the creative effort in the area. But there is a strategy for avoiding triviality that has been known for almost as long as the triviality results themselves. What is lacking is a straightforward integration of this approach in a larger framework of belief representation and dynamics. This paper discusses some of the issues involved and proposes an account of belief update by conditionalization.
ÕTransient Performance Evaluation of Assembly Systems with Bernoulli MachinesÕ

Abstract Assembly systems are widely used in large volume manufacturing processes, where the final product requires several components. However, investigations of assembly systems have been relatively limited. Moreover, among existing results on assembly systems, most are focused on steady state performance, while transient behavior of such systems remains largely unexplored. In this paper, we study the problem of performance evaluation of assembly systems during transients. Specifically, we assume all machines in the system follow the Bernoulli reliability model and the buffers are of finite capacities. Then, an effective and computationally efficient algorithm for transient performance evaluation in Bernoulli assembly systems is developed and formulas for estimating the real-time production rate, consumption rates, work-in-process, and probabilities of machine starvation and blockage, during transients, are derived. The accuracy of the algorithm is demonstrated using numerical experiments. Finally, the method is extended to complex assembly system structures.
Psychopathy and the DSM.

Psychopathy is one of the more well-established personality disorders. However, its relationship with the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has been controversial. The purpose of this article is to trace and discuss the history of this relationship from the very first edition of the DSM to the current fifth edition. Emphasized in particular is the problematic relationship of DSM antisocial personality disorder with the diagnosis of psychopathy by Cleckley (1941, 1976) and the Psychopathy Checklist- Revised (Hare, 2003), as well as with the more recently developed models of psychopathy by Lilienfeld and Widows (2005), Lynam et al. (2011), and Patrick, Fowles, and Krueger (2009).
Study the DPF Regeneration at Transient Operating Conditions Using Integrated System-Level Model

System level models containing engine model, emission models, and aftertreatment device models have been developed. All the sub-models have been developed separately and come from a variety of different sources. A new phenomenological CO model recently has been coupled into the previous integrated model. The emission models, including PM (particulate matter), NOx, and CO are also calibrated from experimental data. Some modification has been added to improve the integrated model and accept different aftertreatment device models for future work. The objective of this work is to study the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) regeneration during transient operating conditions using the integrated model. The integrated system-level model is used to studying the dynamic performance between engine and aftertreatment system. In this study, the calibrated emission models are validated at transient operating conditions. Passive and active DPF regenerations are also conducted for load and speed transients to study the transient effects on regeneration. The effects of exhaust mass flow rate, and temperature on pressure drop across the DPF during regeneration are investigated.
Elastic Fuzzy Logic: A Better Fit to Neurocontrol and True Intelligence

Since 1990 or so Werbos, 1992, there has been great interest in using adaptive methods taken from neural network theory to adapt fuzzy-logic networks or other fuzzy systems. The basic idea is to use fuzzy logic as a kind of translation technology, to go back and forth between the words of a human expert and the equations of a controller, classifier, or other useful system. One can then use neural network methods to adapt that system to improve performance. Designs of this sort already have proved useful. However, the existing designs do not live up to the full potential of this approach, and they do not achieve anything like brainstyle “intelligence.” This article will propose a two-fold approach to achieving the full potential of such hybrid systems: 1 the use of elastic fuzzy logic ELF, a new extension of fuzzy logic that makes it possible to combine the best of fuzzy logic and neural networks; and 2 the use of advanced learning techniques-using some ELF components-that make it possible to perform true planning or optimization over time on an adaptive basis White and Sofge, 1992. Pseudocode examples will be given to help in application. The article will also discuss symbolic reasoning, and links to the Real-time Control System RCS of Albus 1990, which represents the state of the art in classical AI for control.
The Role of Acidocalcisomes in the Stress Response of Trypanosoma cruzi

Acidocalcisomes of Trypanosoma cruzi are acidic calcium-containing organelles rich in phosphorus in the form of pyrophosphate (PP(i)) and polyphosphate (poly P). Acidification of the organelles is driven by vacuolar proton pumps, one of which, the vacuolar-type proton pyrophosphatase, is absent in mammalian cells. A calcium ATPase is involved in calcium uptake, and an aquaporin is important for water transport. Enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of PPi and poly P are present within the organelle. Acidocalcisomes function as storage sites for cations and phosphorus, participate in PP(i) and poly P metabolism and volume regulation and are essential for virulence. A signalling pathway involving cyclic AMP generation is important for fusion of acidocalcisomes to the contractile vacuole complex, transference of aquaporin and volume regulation. This pathway is an excellent target for chemotherapy as shown by the effects of phosphodiesterase C inhibitors on parasite survival.
Community Colleges and Local Economic Development

Community colleges are an important and growing segment of the U.S. higher education market. However, few ex post studies of their local economic development impacts are available. This paper presents a quasi-experimental control group analysis of a group of twenty-one counties where community colleges were established during the 1970s and 1980s. It shows that community college counties have a stimulating effect on the state and local government employment sector. However, it does not confirm the existence of more widespread earning and employment impacts.
Bacillus subtilis ilvB operon: an intersection of global regulons

The genes of the major Bacillus subtilis operon (ilvB) for biosynthesis of branched-chain amino acids are subject to multiple mechanisms of regulation. The global regulatory proteins CodY and TnrA bind upstream of the transcription start site and are likely to control transcription initiation, leucine-specific tRNA regulates transcriptional elongation, and unknown factors differentially cleave the full-length mRNA. Another global regulator, CcpA, known to be required for ilvB transcription, was shown here to act directly at the ilvB promoter by a novel mechanism. Although CcpA was able to bind to the ilvB promoter region, it stimulated transcription significantly only when CodY was present, suggesting that CcpA acts primarily by interfering with repression by CodY. Additionally, CcpA was shown to control indirectly the expression of other CodY-regulated target genes, apparently by altering the intracellular level of branched-chain amino acids.
The antibody (hemagglutinin) response as a tool foretiologic diagnosis of diarrheal disease

Summary An outbreak of acute diarrheal disease developed in a household of nine members and affected four children and one adult. A nonlactose-fermenting coliform strain, Escherichia coli 075, was isolated from four patients. These patients either developed or had a high titer of antibodies in their serum against this microorganism, as demonstrated by the enterobacterial hemagglutination test. No parallel rises or similar levels in the titer of antibodies to heterologous enteric bacteria were found. The data suggest that the strain was etiologically related, in part at least, to the illness. It is suggested that study of the antibody response of patients may aid in the elucidation of the problem of the pathogenicity of suspect pathogens.
Quantitative trait locus analysis.

Alcoholism is a quantitative disorder that is caused by the combined influences of numerous genes (i.e., quantitative trait loci [QTLs]) and environmental factors. To identify QTLs for alcoholism, researchers compare subject groups (e.g., inbred mouse strains) that differ in both their genetic makeup (i.e., genotype) and alcohol-related trait (e.g., sensitivity to certain alcohol effects). Using statistical tests one can then determine whether a specific gene or DNA region contributes to the trait of interest. This strategy requires that the relevant gene exists in several variants (i.e., is polymorphic). To conduct such QTL analyses, researchers study either a large population of mice that all differ in their genotypes or compare several strains, each of which has a fixed genotype. However, QTL analyses still have several limitations. Nevertheless, such studies already have identified several DNA regions and genes that may affect the response to alcohol and thus may contribute to the risk for alcoholism.
Evidence for azimuthal asymmetry in be star winds

Extensive IUE observations from 1987–96 have provided compelling evidence for azimuthal asymmetry in the winds of Be stars. Two identified types of wind/FUV flux behavior are briefly discussed. Interpretations based upon both nonradial pulsations and rotation of one or more active regions appear plausible.
Solar Chemical Peculiarities

Several investigations of FGK stars in the solar neighborhood have suggested that thin-disk stars with an iron abundance similar to the Sun appear to show higher abundances of other elements, such as silicon, titanium, or nickel. Offsets could arise if the samples contain stars with ages, mean galactocentric distances, or kinematics, that differ on average from the solar values. They could also arise due to systematic errors in the abundance determinations, if the samples contain stars that are different from the Sun regarding their atmospheric parameters. We re-examine this issue by studying a sample of 80 nearby stars with solar-like colors and luminosities. Among these solar "analogs", the objects with solar iron abundances exhibit solar abundances of carbon, silicon, calcium, titanium and nickel.