cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current Status Data: Review, Recent Developments and Open Problems

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews present advances in the understanding of nonparametric estimation based on various forms of present status data. Throughout, a key assumption has been independence between the monitoring time variable C and the survival random variable, T , or counting process, X , of interest. An important future area of study with present status data concerns the relaxation of this assumption. A reasonable alternative to choosing monitoring times completely at random is to increase the “hazard” of monitoring shortly after an animal begins to lose weight as reflected in measurements of L ; this is likely to improve efficiency in estimation if the monitoring time is thereby closer to the time of tumor onset (i.e., T ). This monitoring scheme introduces dependence between C and T , and estimators are discussed in the chapter. As the present status data correspond with taking a single cross-sectional observation on individual survival processes, it is natural to consider similar questions where multiple cross-sectional observations are available at differing monitoring times for each individual. Data of this kind are often referred to as “panel data.”
FleXilicon: a reconfigurable architecture for multimedia and wireless communications

This paper proposes a new reconfigurable architecture for multimedia and wireless communications. The proposed architecture addresses three critical design issues with the loop level parallelism, wide memory bandwidth, reconfigurable controller, and the support of flexible word-length. Several major functions of multimedia and wireless communication applications were implemented in SystemC to estimate the performance of the proposed architecture. Simulation results indicate that the proposed architecture performs far better than conventional processors.
Flag Football Adapted

(1969). Flag Football Adapted. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 40, No. 9, pp. 56-60.
Crowdsourcing and language studies: the new generation of linguistic data

We present a compendium of recent and current projects that utilize crowdsourcing technologies for language studies, finding that the quality is comparable to controlled laboratory experiments, and in some cases superior. While crowdsourcing has primarily been used for annotation in recent language studies, the results here demonstrate that far richer data may be generated in a range of linguistic disciplines from semantics to psycholinguistics. For these, we report a number of successful methods for evaluating data quality in the absence of a 'correct' response for any given data point.
Investigating environmental burdens and benefits of biologically inspired self-cleaning surfaces

Abstract Biologically inspired sustainable engineering seeks to abstract ideas from nature and apply them in engineering to improve environmental performance. “Self-cleaning” surfaces, which repel water and aid in contaminant removal, stand as one example. While statements touting their benefits appear in the literature, limited scientific data exists. This article contains a life cycle inventory that quantifies the potential environmental benefits and burdens associated with using these surfaces. While use phase benefits are apparent, production burdens can outweigh them when compared with other cleaning methods. This outcome suggests the need for a more thoughtful and deliberate use of bio-inspiration in sustainable engineering.
Obesity, inflammation, and asthma severity in childhood: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004

Background The prevalences of asthma and obesity in children have increased significantly during the past 2 decades. The basis for the relationship between pediatric asthma and obesity is not well established. Objectives To explore the association between obesity and asthma severity in children and adolescents and to test whether obesity-induced inflammation, as characterized by serum C-reactive protein (CRP), is associated with increased severity of asthma. Methods Retrospective cohort analysis of interview, physical examination, and laboratory test data from participants younger than 20 years in 2 rounds of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2002 and 2003-2004). We also performed generalized ordered logistic regression to evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) z score and CRP level on asthma severity, controlling for the impact of age, sex, race, income, insurance, and tobacco smoke exposure. Results Of the 77 million individuals younger than 20 years represented by this weighted sample, 19% met the study-defined criteria for asthma; most cases were defined as mild (11%) or moderate (6%); 2% had severe asthma. In multivariable models, elevated BMI z scores (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.21) were associated with worse asthma severity. Elevated CRP level was associated with obesity ( P Conclusions Higher BMI z scores and elevated serum CRP levels are associated with increased asthma severity. These findings highlight the importance of controlling for inflammation when considering the role of obesity and provide support for the hypothesis that obesity-induced inflammation may contribute to greater asthma severity.
Circadian Periodicity of Blood Amino-acids in Normal and Adrenalectomized Mice

THE total amino-acid concentration of healthy young men varies considerably with the time of day1,2. The periodicity of eighteen amino-acids in healthy adult males has been reported and the factors affecting their periodicity discussed3. Investigation of the regulation of plasma amino-acid rhythm through the corticoid rhythm was thought to be imperative4. We report a circadian periodicity for blood amino-acids in mice as well as the effect of adrenalectomy on the observed rhythmicity.
Positive-pion production in inelastic π-p interactions between 500 and 1300 MeV

The momentum distributions of the π+ in the reaction π-p→π+π-n were measured at several π+ angles for incident π- beam energies of 516, 550, 599, 667, and 715 MeV; π-n mass spectra were calculated from the π+ momentum distributions. Partial data were also obtained at higher energies. The π- beam was obtained from the Berkeley Bevatron. The momenta of the π+ were measured with a magnetic spectrometer consisting of a C magnet and thin-walled aluminum spark chambers to display the trajectory of the particle entering and leaving the magnet. An array of scintillation counters was used to detect the occurrence of an event. An electronic time-of-flight system was used to distinguish positive pions from protons that passed through the spectrometer. The measured spectra can not be adequately explained by any of the several models with which we tried to fit our spectra, including an isobar model, although production of the (3,3) isobar is prominent.
Insights into the high temperature superconducting cuprates from resonant inelastic X-ray scattering

Abstract Recent improvements in instrumentation have established resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) as a valuable new probe of the magnetic excitations in the cuprates. This paper introduces RIXS, focusing on the Cu L 3 resonance, and reviews recent experiments using this technique. These are discussed in light of other experimental probes such as inelastic neutron scattering and Raman scattering. The success of these studies has motivated the development of several new RIXS spectrometers at synchrotrons around the world that promise, among other improvements, 5–10 times better energy resolution. We finish by outlining several key areas which hold promise for further important discoveries in this emerging field.
Caution cutting the canthus: thoughts on microphthalmic expansion.

The congenital microphthalmic socket presents many challenges to the treating ophthalmologist: initially, emotional concerns of the family must be managed, and the visual potential of the eye must be assessed. With vision usually poor or absent in these rudimentary eyes, the surgeon’s primary goal shifts toward adequately treating the socket and orbit. Rehabilitation of the microphthalmic socket is time sensitive, as orbital and facial growth proceeds rapidly, with 90% of the growth occurring by age 5 years. 1 Thus the earlier socket rehabilitation is introduced, the better the long-term outcome. In the severely microphthalmic socket, standard conformers are difficult to fit, 2 especially in the lateral cul-de-sac. In this issue of the Journal of AAPOS, Christiansen et al 2 present a unique and original approach to treating this challenging problem. While I acknowledge the nice result at age 3 years in their patient, in my opinion, this early surgery is unnecessary and potentially counterproductive. It can interfere with the ocularist’s ability to fit a prosthesis, and it can limit the eventual aesthetic outcome. Even with the wing attached to the conformer, it is hard to imagine that the final outcome will not lead to a rounded canthus, a shortened lateral cul-de-sac, scar tissue, and certainly an area with no lashes on the lateral eyelid. While the innovative wing on the conformer will prevent the lids from scarring together, it will not prevent scarring altogether, especially in the critical area of the lateral canthus. Continuous force against the medial and lateral canthus will stimulate horizontal growth. However, with a canthotomy, the surgeon significantly limits the ability to apply continued pressure over time. The canthotomy also alters an area that is critical to future retention of a prosthesis. Incising tissue directly under expansion usually leads to wound distortion and poor healing. This is why most tissue expanders are tunneled into position from a distant incision. In a microphthalmic socket, the rehabilitative plan is geared toward several issues: horizontal and vertical eyelid lengthening, conjunctival cul-de-sac socket expansion, and orbital growth. Even in the most severe cases, these goals can be met without incisional surgery. 3 The eyelids are
Stretchable and transparent silicone/zinc oxide nanocomposite for advanced LED packaging

For current light-emitting diode (LED) packaging technology, one of the key challenges is light extraction, due to the difference in index of refraction between LED chip and air. Silicone nanocomposites have been widely researched for applications in LED encapsulant to reduce the difference in refractive index. Silicone is desirable for LED encapsulant because of its optical transparency and photothermal resistance. However, less attention has been paid to the elastic properties of silicone which would enable a stretchable LED encapsulant. Hence the objective of this study is to examine the stretch ability of silicone/zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites for LED packaging. Wurtzite ZnO nanoparticles were prepared in colloids and subjected to silane treatment. Effects of both ex situ and in situ silane treatment on the final mechanical and optical properties of the silicone/ZnO nanocomposites were examined. Silicone/ZnO nanocomposites exhibit significantly more compliant stress-strain behavior than silicone control; silicone/silane-treated ZnO nanocomposites, in particular, exhibit more serrated stress-strain curves. Silicone/silane-treated ZnO nanocomposites exhibit higher transmittance than silicone/unmodified ZnO nanocomposites, indicating improved dispersion of the nanoparticles. The silicone/5% silane-treated ZnO nanocomposite using in situ method is able to deform over a range of up to 160%; its film (~40 microns thick) exhibits transmittance >70% throughout the visible range.
Circulating irisin, omentin-1, and lipoprotein subparticles in adults at higher cardiovascular risk

Abstract Objective Muscle and fat are now recognized as metabolism-regulating endocrine organs. However, muscle and adipocyte-derived novel cytokines such as irisin and omentin-1 remain understudied in relation to metabolic biomarkers that are associated with cardiovascular risk. Subjects and methods Thirty-nine subjects with mean (± SD) BMI of 29.2 ± 5.4 kg/m 2 and either diabetes or two other cardiovascular risk factors were enrolled in a 6-month randomized trial of low-dose ethanol. We examined cross-sectional data at baseline, 3-month, and 6-month visits to assess (1) within-person stability of novel cytokines (irisin, omentin-1, visfatin, resistin, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor II) and (2) their associations with metabolic parameters, particularly lipoprotein subparticle profile. Results Repeated measures of irisin and omentin-1 were highly correlated, with intra-class correlations of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.74, 0.91; P ) and 0.81 (0.70, 0.89; P ), respectively. Irisin was negatively correlated with omentin-1 (7.4% irisin decrease per a 1-SD increment in omentin-1; 95% CI: 0.5%, 13.9%; P = 0.04 ). In models adjusted for age, sex, and race, irisin was negatively associated with HDL cholesterol (7.3% decrease per a 10 mg/dL increment; 1.0%, 13.3%; P = 0.02 ) and large HDL particles (15.5% decrease per a 1-SD or 3.5-μmol/L increment; 5.2%, 24.7%; P = 0.005 ). Omentin-1 was positively associated with mean VLDL size (3.8% increase per a 1-SD increment; 0.06%, 7.8%; P = 0.05 ). Adjustment for alcohol intervention, BMI, and other cytokines did not materially affect these associations. Conclusions Irisin and omentin-1 are stable within-person, inversely associated with each other, and closely related to lipoprotein profile. These molecules may be promising markers for cardiovascular risk.
Retrospective review of adverse incidents involving passengers seated in wheeled mobility devices while traveling in large accessible transit vehicles

Abstract Objective Characterize wheeled mobility device (WhMD) adverse incidents on large accessible transit vehicles (LATVs) based on vehicle motion, WhMD activity during incident, incident scenario and injury. Design Retrospective records review. Subjects/patients WhMD passengers traveling on LATVs while remaining seated in their. Methods Adverse incidents characterized based on vehicle motion, WhMD activity during incident, and incident scenario. Injury characterized based on outcome, medical attention sought, vehicle activity, WhMD activity and incident scenario. Results 115 WhMD-related incident reports for years 2000–2005 were analyzed. Most incidents occurred when the LATV was stopped (73.9%), during ingress/egress (42.6%), and at the securement station (33.9%) when the LATV was moving. The combination of WhMD tipping and passenger falling (43.4%) occurred most frequently, and was 1.8 times more likely to occur during ingress/egress than at the securement station. One-third (33.6%) of all incidents resulted in injury, and injuries were equally distributed between ingress/egress (43.6%) and at the securement station (43.6%). Conclusions WhMD users have a greater chance of incurring injury during ingress/egress than during transit. Research is needed to objectively assess real world transportation experiences of WhMD passengers, and to assess the adequacy of existing federal legislation/guidelines for accessible ramps used in public transportation.
SEQUESTRATION OF IRON AS FERRITIN IN MACROPHAGES IN SKELETAL MUSCLE OF VITAMIN E-DEFICIENT RABBITS

Vitamin E deficiency causes iron-deficient erythropoiesis, severe myopathy and abnormal sequestration of iron in skeletal muscle. In the present study we found that both total nonheme iron (5.0±1.2 vs 8.4±3.3μg/g wet biceps femoris muscle) and soluble nonheme iron (2.1±0.4 vs 4.3±1.4) were increased in vitamin E-deficient rabbits. By radioimmunoassay using an antibody to rabbit liver ferritin, muscle ferritin increased from 0.47±0.18 for controls to 6.34±1.70μg/g wet weight in vitamin E-deficient animals. Parenteral iron caused large increases in total and soluble nonheme iron in non-injected muscles of vitamin E-deficient rabbits and exaggerated the difference between the two groups. Uptake of intravenously injected transferrin-bound iron by muscles of vitamin E-deficient rabbits was not increased in a short-term experiment (6 hours), but radioiron accumulated in a long-term experiment (6 days). There was no evidence of erythrocyte sequestration in skeletal muscle. An immunohistological staining method designed to detect ferritin in tissue sections failed to stain muscle from normal rabbits but intensely stained macrophages in the muscle of vitamin E-deficient rabbits. We conclude that macrophages in skeletal muscle of vitamin E-deficient rabbits take up iron from transferrin and incorporate it into ferritin, in which form it is relatively unavailable for erythropoiesis because of slow release.
Murray Edelman on symbols and ideology in democratic politics

Abstract For Murray Edelman, political realities are largely inaccessible to the public, save by the mediation of symbols generated by elites. Such symbols often create the illusion of political solutions to complex problems—solutions devised by experts, implemented by effective leaders, and undemonstrably successful in their results.
Argon plasma coagulation: Clinical experience in pediatric patients

Background: Argon plasma coagulation has potential advantages in pediatric endoscopy. Methods: Argon plasma coagulation was applied in 13 children (age 0.05-17 years; median 3 years) with significant comorbid conditions including immunosuppression, chemotherapy, acute or chronic organ failure, and coagulopathy. Twelve had bleeding lesions; esophageal granulomatous tissue was coagulated in one. The bleeding lesion was located in the stomach in 9 of 12, the duodenum in 2 of 12 (both with granulomatous tissue), and at an enterocolonic anastomosis in 1 of 12. Observations: In total, 23 procedures were performed, 22 for bleeding (range 1-5 per patient). Hemostasis was achieved in 8 of 12 with one session. Blood loss and transfusion requirement were reduced in 3 of the other 4 patients. Blood loss was not affected in 1. Bleeding recurred in 3 of 12, and additional procedures were performed in 7 of 12. Granulomatous tissue was completely eradicated in 2 of 3; in one, granulomatous tissue associated with surgical staples was only partially removed. Complications occurred in 2 of 13 patients and included submucosal argon gas and scar formation. Conclusion: Endoscopic argon plasma coagulation is efficacious for hemostasis and tissue ablation in pediatric patients. Minor complications occurred in 17% (2/13) of cases in this series.
Numerical explorations of the rectilinear problem of three bodies

We present some results of a numerical exploration of the rectilinear problem of three bodies, with the two outer masses equal. The equations of motion are first given in relative coordinates and in regularized variables, removing both binary collision singularities in a single coordinate transformation. Among our most important results are seven periodic solutions and three symmetric triple collision solutions. Two of these periodic solutions have been continued into families, the outer massm 3 being the family parameter. One of these families exists for all masses while the second family is a branch of the first at a second-kind critical orbit. This last family ends in a triple collision orbit.
Calcium channel activation: a different type of drug action

Abstract Depolarization of NG108-15 (neuroblastoma-glioma) cells causes an increase in 45Ca2+ influx. This effect is blocked by low concentrations of dihydropyridines such as nitrendipine and by other blockers of voltage-sensitive calcium channels such as D-600, diltiazem, and Cd2+. Two other dihydropyridines, BAY K8644 and CGP 28392, have the opposite effect. Low concentrations of these compounds enhance depolarization-induced 45Ca2+ influxes. BAY K8644 is more effective than CGP 28392. Both agents have no effect on fluxes measured under nondepolarizing conditions. The effects of BAY K8644 and CGP 28392 can be inhibited by nitrendipine, D-600, diltiazem, or Cd2+. Whereas the interaction between nitrendipine and BAY K8644 is shown to be competitive in nature, that between BAY K8644 and D-600 is shown to be noncompetitive. These results indicate that dihydropyridines show a variety of effects on calcium channels, ranging from agonistic through partially agonistic to antagonistic. Moreover, the results also indicate that dihydropyridines and D-600 exert their effects on calcium channels at different sites.
On Physical Properties of Tetraether Lipid Membranes: Effects of Cyclopentane Rings

This paper reviews the recent findings related to the physical properties of tetraether lipid membranes, with special attention to the effects of the number, position, and configuration of cyclopentane rings on membrane properties. We discuss the findings obtained from liposomes and monolayers, composed of naturally occurring archaeal tetraether lipids and synthetic tetraethers as well as the results from computer simulations. It appears that the number, position, and stereochemistry of cyclopentane rings in the dibiphytanyl chains of tetraether lipids have significant influence on packing tightness, lipid conformation, membrane thickness and organization, and headgroup hydration/orientation.
Rôle of syringomycin in holcus spot of maize and systemic necrosis of cowpea caused by Pseudomonas syringae

Syringomycin (SR) is a phytotoxin produced by isolates of Pseudomonas syringae which cause holcus spot of maize. When purified to homogeneity and administered to maize leaves or cowpea seedlings. SR induced disease lesions typical of those produced by P. syringae. However, SR was not recovered from either diseased maize leaves or cowpea seedlings infected with P. syringae or in significant amounts from plants treated with SR. Treatment of excised maize leaves with a preparation of [14C]SR (sp. act. 475 ct/min or 20 units/μg) suggested that SR was metabolized to several substances during development of disease lesions. Growth of P. syringae in host tissue corresponded to bacterial populations in vitro which produced concentrations of SR (1600 to 3200 units/ml) many times the threshold concentration necessary to cause disease lesions on maize (approx. 50 units SR/ml). These results indicate that SR may be a primary determinant of disease caused by host-specific strains of P. syringae.
Thrasymachus' Definition of Justice in Plato's Republic

T HE PROBLEM of interpreting Thrasymachus' theory of justice (tb 8LxoLov) in Republic i, 338c-347e, is well known and can be stated simply. He makes two assertions about the nature of just or right action, each of which appears at first glance as a "real" definition: i. Justice is serving the interest of the stronger.' 2. Just action is obedience to the laws of one's state. But, as Socrates quickly points out (3 39b-e), these two assertions cannot both be true as definitions, because their two predicates conflict in certain instances; for obedience to the laws by the subjects is occasionally not in the interest of the rulers. Thus the only way in which Thrasymachus' position can be maintained without inconsistency is if one of his assertions is not seriously meant by him as a "real" definition. Assuming, then, as a working hypothesis that he has a consistent position, we must look in the text for answers to the questions, which assertion does he mean seriously as a "real" definition? and what is the logical character of the other assertion? We shall then be able to see the relation of the two assertions to each other in his argument. The obvious answer to the first question, and the one that generally remains in our memory of Thrasymachus, is that he defines "justice" (a loose word for "just action") as doing what is in the interest of the stronger. This answer also seems to be supported by Thrasymachus' own deliberate choice in face of the contradiction shown by Socrates, for he then says that justice is the real interest of the stronger, not what they think to be their interest as shown in the laws they make (34oc34ia). Nevertheless I believe there are good reasons for the other view, that Thrasymachus' intended definition of justice is obedience to law (conventionalism or legalism). This view is not new it has been held by Grote, Gomperz, Lindsay, Bosanquet, Winspear and others but it needs to be justified by a closer examination of the text than has yet been made for this purpose. The present article attempts to do this, and to answer objections raised by Professor G. B. Kerferd in an article publish-
On the validity of the isolobal principle: Pentaborane(9) and its ferraborane derivatives

Abstract We have completed Fenske-Hall LCAO-MO-SCF calculations on B 5 H 9 , 1-Fe(CO) 3 B 4 H 8 , 2-Fe(CO) 3 B 4 H 8 , and 1,2-[Fe(CO) 3 ] 2 B 3 H 7 . Comparison of orbital contour diagrams of the a 1 and e cluster MO's for B 5 H 9 and 1-Fe(CO) 3 B 4 H 8 demonstrates the validity of the isolobal principle. In addition it is found that the apical and basal BH units of B 5 H 9 have practically identical Mulliken overlap populations for framework cluster-type interactions. Further, in all the ferraboranes the 1-Fe(CO) 3 (apical) units have a larger cluster-type Mulliken overlap population than do the 2-Fe(CO) 3 (basal) units. The Fe(CO) 3 units have less electronic charge than do the BH units. The cluster-type Mulliken overlap population for an Fe(CO) 3 group is much less than that of the isolobal BH unit, but this may result from an artifact of the Mulliken overlap population analysis.
Identification and purification of young macronuclear anlagen from conjugating cells of Tetrahymena thermophila.

Populations of total nuclei collected from growing, starved, and conjugating cells of Tetrahymena thermophila have been analyzed by flow microfluorometry. In these analyses, two parameters, size (light scatter) and DNA content (fluorescence after staining with ethidium bromide), are evaluated on individual nuclei. With this technique, we have identified macro- and micronuclei from both growing and starved cells and shown that these nuclei have DNA contents consistent with previously published reports. When total nuclei are analyzed from conjugating cells in early stages of macronuclear anlagen formation (9–10 hr after mixing opposite mating types), one major new population of nuclei is observed which was not seen previously in growing or starved cells. These nuclei have a size in between that of macro- and micronuclei and a DNA content very similar to that of 4C micronuclei. We have also shown that this class of nuclei becomes evident precisely as mating cells enter macronuclear anlagen stage. In later stages of conjugation (16 hr), members of this 4C class disappear and a population of nuclei with a DNA content corresponding to 8C are observed. We suggest that these large 4 and 8C nuclei represent young macronuclear anlagen in the process of transformation from micro-into macronuclei. We have also exploited the unique size and density properties of macronuclear anlagen to purify these nuclei from conjugating cells. Following sedimentation at unit gravity, anlagen behave as nuclei intermediate in size between macro- and micronuclei. This is consistent with the fact that anterior micronuclei swell considerably in size following the second postzygotic division and approach that of macronuclei. After density contrifugation, anlagen behave as nuclei less dense than both macro- and micronuclei. This is not surprising since young anlagen have a DNA content similar to that of micronuclei (2–4C), but are considerably larger. Microscopically, anlagen are relatively unstained with methyl green and are darker using phase contrast than either macro- or micronuclei. The purity and “developmental age” of our anlagen preparations have been monitored by flow microfluorometry. Routinely, fractions containing 80–90% of 2–4C anlagen (3–4 × 107) can be obtained by either 1g sedimentation or density centrifugation. As by-products of these two procedures, purified populations of macro- and micronuclei are also obtained. These procedures will allow biochemical characterizations to be made of how a condensed, transcriptionally inactive, germinal nucleus is converted into an extended, transcriptionally active, somatic nucleus.
Distributed fault detection of nonlinear large-scale dynamic systems

This paper deals with the problem of designing a distributed fault detection algorithm for nonlinear large-scale systems. In the proposed algorithm, instead of a central detection node, several interconnected local detectors (LD) are employed. Each LD has a limited observation of the system's state and communicates with its neighbors to exchange processed information. The outlet of the detection nodes is the collective probability of failure associated with the system's fault mode. Simulation results illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approach and prove that the stronger communication amongst the LDs will lead to more reliable and faster results.
Experimental Investigation of Reactor Cavity Cooling System (RCCS) for a Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR)

The reactor cavity cooling system (RCCS) for a very high temperature reactor (VHTR) represents a very important safety feature for achieving the defense in depth of the plant. An experimental facility was built for testing the heat transfer capability and phenomenology of this last heat sink designed for ensuring the cooling down of structural material of the vessel and of the concrete walls of the vessel cavity. This small scale facility was built using some of the scaling laws in order to resemble the main heat transport features in RCCS configuration. The natural convection phenomena and radiative heat transfer inside the cavity were represented. The experimental facility represents half of the vessel and of the reactor cavity with five stand pipes for cavity cooling using water as cooling fluid. Measurements were performed heating up the vessel surface temperature to an average temperature of 300 °C that is the average value in accident scenarios. Temperature measurements of the vessel surface temperature, the outer pipes surface temperature profile and inlet and outlet temperature of the cooling water were performed. Axial and radial temperature profiles of the air in the cavity were measured using a movable rack of 24 thermocouples. The results demonstrated the natural circulation phenomena. In addition Velocity measurement of the air inside the cavity were performed using particle tracking velocimetry techniques (PTV) determining the flow regime characteristics and the coupling with the temperature profile. The experimental test matrix of various flow rates in the cooling pipes were carried out.© 2010 ASME
XPS spectroscopic study of potentiostatic and galvanostatic oxidation of Pt electrodes in H2SO4 and HClO4

Abstract The surface oxides produced from potentiostatic and galvanostatic oxidation of Pt electrodes in HClO4 and H2SO4 are examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The oxide I species produced as the initial oxidation product by successively more anodic potentiostatic oxidation in 0.2 M HClO4 is found to have a Pt2+ oxidation state, a binding energy characteristic of neither PtO, Pt(OH)2 or PtO2, and a limiting thickness of 8 A. Galvanostatic oxidation in HClO4 and H2SO4 is found to produce PtO2·H2O as an unlimiting growth oxide or a limiting growth oxide layer depending on the concentration of the acid electrolyte. The incorporation of the acid electrolyte anion in the surface layer is shown to have an effect on which type of oxide layer is produced. X-ray decomposition and chemical modification by Ar+ stripping are shown to produce chemical artifacts complicating any interpretation of a Pt oxide surface layer.
Interactions between cytochrome c2 and the photosynthetic reaction center from Rhodobacter sphaeroides: the cation-pi interaction.

The cation−π interaction between positively charged and aromatic groups is a common feature of many proteins and protein complexes. The structure of the complex between cytochrome c2 (cyt c2) and the photosynthetic reaction center (RC) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides exhibits a cation−π complex formed between Arg-C32 on cyt c2 and Tyr-M295 on the RC [Axelrod, H. L., et al. (2002) J. Mol. Biol. 319, 501−515]. The importance of the cation−π interaction for binding and electron transfer was studied by mutating Tyr-M295 and Arg-C32. The first- and second-order rates for electron transfer were not affected by mutating Tyr-M295 to Ala, indicating that the cation−π complex does not greatly affect the association process or structure of the state active in electron transfer. The dissociation constant KD showed a greater increase when Try-M295 was replaced with nonaromatic Ala (3-fold) as opposed to aromatic Phe (1.2-fold), which is characteristic of a cation−π interaction. Replacement of Arg-C32 with Ala increased K...
On power, psychopolitical validity, and play†

In this commentary, the author discusses power as a useful concept for community psychology. Although Prilleltensky's analysis of power (this issue, pp. 116–136) has the potential to shift the ideological foundation of the field, the author notes that he focuses primarily on the ability to coerce and/or resist coercion. The author argues that other conceptions of power should be considered to promote wellness, resist oppression, and move toward liberation. The author discusses ways in which power is manifested and may be exposed. Specifically, the author offers a Foucauldian perspective on power relations and challenge individuals to examine the multiple ways that power is manifested in our own lives. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of intraventricular injections of norepinephrine on brain-pituitary-ovarian function in the rabbit.

Abstract In estrous estrogen-primed female rabbits with electrodes chronically implanted in various subcortical regions of the brain, the intraventricular injection of an ovulation-inducing dose of norepinephrine (NE) stimulated a prolonged episode of high amplitude 40–60 cps electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in the olfactory bulb (OB) and its projections. This activity, which started usually between 30 and 60 min after NE injection and was maintained continously for periods up to an hour there-after, was regularly absent in the same rabbits when they were pseudopregnant and non-ovulatory to NE. Similar OB-EEG activity and ovulation had been observed earlier in response to intraventricular histamine under ligh pentobarbital anesthesia. The ovulatory response to histamine was eliminated by massive midbrain lesions or removal of the olfactory bulb, but intraventricular NE still induced ovulation after such losses. The ovulatory effectiveness of NE was blocked, however, by low doses of pentobarbital or high doses of atropine, neither of which inhibitied the obulatory response to intraventricular epinephine. Atropine and α-adrenergic blocking agents also prevented the ovulatory response to intraventricular histamine. It is suggested that histamine activates pituitary-ovarian function by stimulating central noradrenergic elements and that NE has more of the physiological-pharmacological characteristics of a natural central nervous activator of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone than has epinephrine.
TU-C-202-03: QA/QC of Ultrasound-Guided Radiotherapy

Ultrasound(US)imaging is used in radiotherapy for soft tissue target localization. Its primary application is for prostate localization, but has an evolving role for breast and other treatment sites. Guidance regarding quality assurance of these systems is presented in the pending TG 154 report. USimaging possesses characteristics that differentiate it from other radiotherapyimage‐guided localization techniques, including good soft tissue contrast, the absence of additional radiation risk and cost‐effectiveness. Image interpretation can be challenging due to limited penetration depth and imagenoise. The AAPM charged Task Group 154 to devise quality assurance recommendations for radiotherapyUS localization systems. Guidance regarding periodic quality assurance is provided in the report and will be presented. Emphasis is placed on spatial, mechanical and imagingquality assurance techniques. Participants in the workshop will be able to practice spatial calibration assessment and periodic quality assurance procedures. Interpretation of image quality parameters will be demonstrated. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the recommended periodic quality assurance procedures for US‐guided external beam radiotherapy technologies. 2. Be able to asses compliance with recommended system tolerances. 3. Understand potential corrective actions for performance components that exceed acceptable limits.
Effects of Fuel Injection Timing in the Combustion of Biofuels in a Diesel Engine at Partial Loads

Methyl and ethyl esters of vegetable oils have become an important source of renewable energy with convenient applications in compression-ignition (CI) engines. While the use of biofuels results in a reduction of CO, particulate matter, and unburned hydrocarbons in the emissions, the main disadvantage is the increase of nitrogen oxides (NOx ) emissions. The increase in NOx emissions is attributed to differences in chemical composition and physical properties of the biofuel, which in turn affect engine operational parameters such as injection delay and ignition characteristics. The effects of fuel injection timing, which can compensate for these changes, on the performance and emissions in a single cylinder air-cooled diesel engine at partial loads using canola methyl ester and its blends with diesel are presented in this study. The engine is a single cylinder, four stroke, naturally aspirated, CI engine with a displacement volume of 280 cm3 rated at 5 HP at 3600 rpm under a dynamometer load. It was equipped with a pressure sensor in the combustion chamber, a needle lift sensor in the fuel injector, and a crank angle sensor attached to the crankshaft. Additionally, the temperature of the exhaust gases was monitored using a thermocouple inside the exhaust pipe. Pollutant emissions were measured using an automotive exhaust gas analyzer. Advanced, manufacturer-specified standard, and delayed injection settings were applied by placing shims of different thicknesses under the injection pump, thus, altering the time at which the high-pressure fuel reached the combustion chamber. The start of injection was found to be insensitive to the use of biofuels in the engine. The late injection timing of the engine provided advantages in the CO and NO emissions with a small penalty in fuel consumption and thermal efficiency.
Analysis of public perception of debris flow hazard

Landslides are common occurrences in the US West. Some of these events cause injury and even death to visitors to these landscapes. Investigates changes in visitor perceptions of the likelihood and location of landslide events in Glacier National Park, Montana, in the wake of a series of hazardous debris flow occurrences. The initial surveying was completed at the Logan Pass Visitor Center on 17 July 1998 using a specially created survey. On 28 July 1998, a series of debris flows crossed Going‐to‐the‐Sun Road and trapped several cars between flow deposits. The road was blocked for more than 24 hours as debris was cleared. In an attempt to examine perception differences after the slide event visitors were resurveyed at the same location on 30 July 1998. Results from statistical analyses and maps created from the survey revealed no significant changes in public perception of danger to self from landslides, nor in the perceived locations of where landslides may occur.
Purification of glycogen debranching enzyme from rabbit muscle using ω-aminoalkyl agarose chromatography

Abstract Rabbit muscle glycogen debranching enzyme binds to all of a homologous series of ω-aminoalkyl agaroses. The debrancher can be eluted from ω-aminoethyl and ω-aminobutyl agarose with 0.5 m NaCl, and it desorbs more readily and elutes sooner from ω-aminoethyl agarose than from ω-aminobutyl agarose. No activity is eluted from ω-aminohexyl, octyl, or decyl agaroses. An improved purification procedure has been developed which includes chromatography on ω-aminoethyl agarose. This procedure enables the isolation of over 90% yield of the debranching enzyme from muscle within 3 days.
A combination of assays reveals biomass differences in biofilms formed by Escherichia coli mutants

Aims: The aim of this study was to develop an assay system that can quantify the amount of biomass in biofilms formed by different isogenic mutants of an Escherichia coli K-12 strain. Methods and Results: The reported assay, which is based on the BacTiter-Glo™ assay from Promega, uses bioluminescence to detect the intracellular concentration of ATP, which correlates with viable bacterial cell numbers. The quantitative data obtained with this ATP assay were compared to those obtained with the conventional crystal violet assay. As a qualitative control, scanning electron microscopy was performed. Conclusions: The ATP assay, the crystal violet assay and scanning electron microscopy yielded similar results for six of the eight strains tested. For the remaining two strains, the images from the scanning electron microscopy confirmed the results from the ATP assay. Significance and Impact of the Study: The ATP assay, in combination with other quantitative and qualitative assays, will allow us to perform genetic studies on the regulatory network that underlies the early steps in E. coli biofilm formation.
Mapping Allele-Specific DNA Methylation: A New Tool for Maximizing Information from GWAS

In this issue of The Journal, an article by Schalkwyk et al.1 shows the landscape of allele-specific DNA methylation (ASM) in the human genome. ASM has long been studied as a hallmark of imprinted genes, and a chromosome-wide version of this phenomenon occurs, in a random fashion, during X chromosome inactivation in female cells. But the type of ASM motivating the study by Schalkwyk et al. is different. They used a high-resolution, methylation-sensitive SNP array (MSNP) method for genome-wide profiling of ASM in total peripheral-blood leukocytes (PBL) and buccal cells from a series of monozygotic twin pairs. Their data bring a new level of detail to our knowledge of a newly recognized phenomenon—nonimprinted, sequence-dependent ASM. They document the widespread occurrence of this phenomenon among human genes and discuss its basic implications for gene regulation and genetic-epigenetic interactions. But this paper and recent work from other laboratories2,3 raises the possibility of a more immediate and practical application for ASM mapping, namely to help extract maximum information from genome-wide association studies.
Autism, Alzheimer disease, and fragile X: APP, FMRP, and mGluR5 are molecular links

The present review highlights an association between autism, Alzheimer disease (AD), and fragile X syndrome (FXS). We propose a conceptual framework involving the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), Aβ precursor protein (APP), and fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) based on experimental evidence. The anabolic (growth-promoting) effect of the secreted α form of the amyloid-β precursor protein (sAPPα) may contribute to the state of brain overgrowth implicated in autism and FXS. Our previous report demonstrated that higher plasma sAPPα levels associate with more severe symptoms of autism, including aggression. This molecular effect could contribute to intellectual disability due to repression of cell–cell adhesion, promotion of dense, long, thin dendritic spines, and the potential for disorganized brain structure as a result of disrupted neurogenesis and migration. At the molecular level, APP and FMRP are linked via the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5). Specifically, mGluR5 activation releases FMRP repression of APP mRNA translation and stimulates sAPP secretion. The relatively lower sAPPα level in AD may contribute to AD symptoms that significantly contrast with those of FXS and autism. Low sAPPα and production of insoluble Aβ would favor a degenerative process, with the brain atrophy seen in AD. Treatment with mGluR antagonists may help repress APP mRNA translation and reduce secretion of sAPP in FXS and perhaps autism.
A framework for intelligent test data generation

Test data generation using traditional software testing methods generally requires considerable manual effort and generates only a limited number of test cases before the amount of time expanded becomes unacceptably large. A rule-based framework that will automatically generate test data to achieve maximal branch coverage is presented. The design and discovery of rules used to generate meaningful test cases are also described. The rule-based approach allows this framework to be extended to include additional testing requirements and test case generation knowledge.
Transparent heavy metal fluoride glass-ceramic

Abstract A CdF 2 LiFAlF 3 PbF 2 (CLAP) glass was doped with ZrF 4 and crystallized using a controlled heat treatment. The heat treatment resulted in the formation of a glass-ceramic which is > 95% crystalline and transparent (> 80%) from the visible (∼ 400 nm) to the mid-IR (> 7 μm).
Design and Testing of a High Pressure and High Temperature, Optically Accessible, Entrained Flow Coal Gasifier

Improved understanding of coal gasification chemical kinetics is needed to increase thermodynamic efficiency and to reduce undesirable CO2 emissions. This work describes an optically-accessible entrained-flow coal gasifier designed and built to allow measurements of the major species at various stages of the chemical reactions. The 2-meter tall gasifier consists of five subsystems: the optical diagnostics, steam generator, coal feeder, external heaters, and gas sampling and analysis. A stoichiometric H2 -O2 flame generates superheated steam, the gasifying agent, which reacts with pulverized coal fed from a variable feed-rate pressurized powder feeder. To sustain the endothermic coal gasification reaction, radiant heaters provide 15 kW of external heating. Diagnostics to determine the major species concentrations consist of tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) measurements within the reactor vessel assembly and analysis of dry product gases using a gas chromatograph.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Offspring mortality and maternal lung pathology in female rats fed hexachlorobenzene

Female Sprague-Dawley CD rats were fed 0, 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 ppm hexachlorobenzene (HCB) continuously in the diet and 2 successive litters raised. These doses were selected to range from approximately the no observable effect level to lethality in suckling offspring of treated dams. In the F1a generation, the 21-day mortality was 9.2, 19.8, 30.0, 45.4, 93.1 and 92.6% in offspring of dms fed 0, 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 ppm HCB, respectively. In the F1b generation, a similar mortality of 18.5, 21.5, 19.5, 45, 100, and 94.1% was observed at these 5 dose levels, respectively. The neonatal lethality observed was related to both maternal dose of HCB and the cumulative lactational exposure. Clinical signs of maternal toxicity were not observed and fertility and fecundity were unaffected. In the lungs of HCB treated dams, increased numbers f intraalveolar foamy histiocytes and hypertrophy and proliferation of the lining endothelial cells of pulmonary venules were observed. These microscopic findings of pulmonary effects of HCB confirmed findings of this laboratory.
Supply curves for using powder river basin coal to reduce sulfur emissions.

Abstract Supply curves were prepared for coal-fired power plants in the contiguous United States switching to Wyoming's Powder River Basin (PRB) low-sulfur coal. Up to 625 plants, representing ∼44% of the nameplate capacity of all coal-fired plants, could switch. If all switched, more than $8.8 billion additional capital would be required and the cost of electricity would increase by up to $5.9 billion per year, depending on levels of plant derating. Coal switching would result in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions reduction of 4.5 million t/yr. Increase in cost of electricity would be in the range of 0.31-0.73 cents per kilowatt-hour. Average cost of S emissions reduction could be as high as $1298 per t of SO2. Up to 367 plants, or 59% of selected plants with 32% of 44% nameplate capacity, could have marginal cost in excess of $1000 per t of SO2. Up to 73 plants would appear to benefit from both a lowering of the annual cost and a lowering of SO2 emissions by switching to the PRB coal.