cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What clears burglary offenses? Estimating the influences of multiple perspectives of burglary clearance in Philadelphia

Purpose – Although many studies have examined the correlates of homicide clearance rates, few analyses have examined the factors related to the clearance of burglary offenses. The purpose of this paper is to address several gaps in the literature to determine if burglary clearance rates are due to discretionary, non-discretionary, and/or neighborhood contextual factors. Design/methodology/approach – Data are analyzed from more than 10,000 burglary incidents in Philadelphia from 2010 using multilevel models to simultaneously test for the influence of multiple perspectives of the factors of crime clearance. Findings – The results indicate that variables representing broken windows enforcement, discretionary factors, and non-discretionary factors are related to the increased likelihood that burglaries are cleared, but processes associated with social disorganization within communities is not. Research limitations/implications – The findings contribute to the literature by showing that future examinations of ...
Advertising Exposure and Message Type: Exploring the Perceived Effects of Soft-Money Television Political Ads

This experimental study examined the perceived effects of negative political advertising on self versus others and whether such perceptual differences might be moderated by message type (issue versus character) and exposure. After viewing independently sponsored political ads from the 2004 presidential election, participants were found to have significantly different perceptions of the effects of negative political advertising on self versus others. While both exposure levels and participants' candidate preferences had an impact on the observed self/other perceptual differences, ad type did not have significant effects. Furthermore, it was found that an increase in the perceived effects of negative political advertising was a significant predictor of support for campaign finance reform.
a New Method for Attitude Stabilization

This investigation deals with motion, in a circular orbit, of a satellite consisting of a rigid body which possesses an axis of rotational symmetry and carries, on this axis, two particles that perform prescribed oscillations while the axis remains nearly normal to the plane of the orbit. Differential equations governing attitude angles are derived, stability conditions are obtained by using Floquet theory to study the boundedness of the solutions of these equations., and the practical feasibility of this method of stabilization is examined by reference to a numerical example.
Will all the trees fall? Variable resistance to an introduced forest disease in a highly susceptible host

Abstract Although tanoak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus syn. Lithocarpus densiflorus) is the species most affected by the introduced pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, with demonstrable risk of extirpation, little is known about the origin, range or structuring of the tree's susceptibility. We examined variation in resistance to P. ramorum using a wound inoculation assay of detached leaves from trees at five geographically separated sites, and a non-wound inoculation assay on twigs from trees at two sites. The structure of variation in resistance was compared to the structure at nine nuclear microsatellite markers. Resistance varied quantitatively, with 23% and 12% of the variation among individuals and populations, respectively. There was a significant correlation between resistance in detached leaves and lesion size in non-wounding twig inoculations. Among-population genetic diversity at nine microsatellite loci was weakly structured but significantly non-zero, with 9.5% of variation among populations. Within-population neutral genetic diversity was a poor predictor of resistance, and estimates of phenotypic distances for resistance were no greater than neutral genetic distances. The limited phenotypic and genetic structure we found indicates that tanoaks at all study sites are susceptible, and there is no evidence of prior selection for disease resistance. We conclude that tanoak populations across the species’ range are at risk, but local disease dynamics will depend on both host genetics and environmental conditions.
Illustrating physical principles through comparative feature extraction techniques in optical and digital image processing

Facilitation of pattern recognition in machine—vision systems or Thematic Mapper imagery can be used to illustrate physical principles through comparative feature extraction techniques in optical and digital image processing. This is demonstrated utilizing coherent image processing with Fourier transforms incorporating filtering techniques such as convolution and inverse Fourier transform. A parallel digital image processing sequence is applied to the same image. Transparencies of the final product image are optically processed with cross—correlation for comparison of results where applicable.
Supported growth of sheet silicon from the melt

Abstract Sheet silicon has been grown on low-cost ceramic substrates by dip-coating from the melt. Silicon wets the substrate only where carbon is first applied. The substrates provide mechanical and thermal stability to the growth. The conditions for growth, the crystallographic texture and the solar cell properties of silicon-on-ceramic (SOC) material are quite similar to those of EFG ribbon. The meniscus height and shape during growth appear to be independent of substrate velocity. At a given growth velocity, the silicon thickness increases as the melt temperature decreases and maximum thickness occurs at a critical melt temperature. If the melt temperature is lowered below the critical point, the layers are dendritic and of nonuniform thickness. The maximum thickness for uniform growth is approximately inversely proportional to the square of the velocity, as predicted by simple thermal analysis. Silicon reacts with the carbon coating used to wet the ceramic, producing dispersed SiC particles that remain at the interface between the silicon and ceramic where they do not degrade solar cell performance. Silicon apparently reacts with noncarbon-coated regions of the ceramic to produce a glassy coating which inhibits further reaction. Slotted mullite-based substrates have been coated with silicon to provide suitable areas for electrical contact to the back side of the silicon layer. Solar cells fabricated on slotted substrates have demonstrated total-area solar energy conversion efficiencies of 10% (AM1, AR) for 4 cm2 cells.
Approaching Shannon performance by iterative decoding of linear codes with low-density generator matrix

We propose the use of linear codes with low density generator matrix to achieve a performance similar to that of turbo and standard low-density parity check codes. The use of iterative decoding techniques - message passing -over the corresponding graph achieves a performance close to the Shannon theoretical limit. As an advantage with respect to turbo and standard low-density parity check codes, the complexity of the decoding and encoding procedures is very low.
Contribution of BlaA and BlaB β-Lactamases to Antibiotic Susceptibility of Yersinia enterocolitica Biovar 1B

Highly pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica biovar 1B produces two distinct beta-lactamases, BlaA and BlaB. Mutants of a representative biovar 1B isolate were constructed and evaluated to determine the extent of limitation of susceptibility to broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics by BlaA and BlaB. The results demonstrated that BlaA, a class A enzyme, plays a significant role in limiting susceptibility to penicillins and cephalosporins. The contribution of BlaB, a class C enzyme, was less profound and was limited primarily to cephalosporin susceptibility.
A Systematic Approach to Petrophysical Characterization of Organic-Rich Shales in Barnett and Eagle Ford Formations

The Barnett and Eagle Ford shale formations are two of the most actively drilled shale plays in the U.S. The petrophysical properties of these organic-rich shales are essential to assess their potential to be developed economically. In this paper, we present a systematic laboratory methodology we have used to characterize and compare the petrophysical properties of Barnett and Eagle Ford shale formations. Preserved core samples from these two formations were used for the characterization. Petrophysical properties measured include the native water activity of the shales, the swelling induced by different fluids in directions perpendicular and parallel to bedding, Brinell hardness, and P-wave and S-wave velocities. Brinell hardness and wave velocities were compared before and after shales came into contact with water-based fluids to study the effects of shale-fluid interactions on these properties. A unique 2-D swelling indicator in our lab allowed us to measure swelling in two directions simultaneously. A pressure transient technique was used to determine the permeability of water-based fluids flowing through the shale samples. Our results showed a good correlation between changes in weight, swelling, Brinell hardness, and sonic velocity measurements. Anisotropic swelling was observed in directions parallel and perpendicular to the bedding planes. Sonic velocities were converted to dynamic elastic moduli. Our results also demonstrated the uniqueness of individual shale plays in terms of petrophysical properties. Introduction Hydrocarbon production from low permeability formations has existed in the U.S. for more than 100 years. However, it was not until a decade ago that shale gas development and production experienced a sudden expansion, thanks to the use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. These technologies enable natural gas to be produced from shale reservoirs economically. Among all the shale formations, the Barnett and Eagle Ford shales are two of the most actively drilled plays in U.S. Hydrocarbon production from the Barnett shale started in the 1980s while that from the Eagle Ford was more recent (Mullen et al., 2010). The Barnett shale’s daily gas production of 1.3 billion cubic feet (bcf) in 2007 was the highest in Texas. The growth rate has been more than 10% annually (Bowker, 2007). On the other hand, the Eagle Ford shale has been developed at a tremendous pace since early drilling and completions activities began in 2008. Over 1,000 wells were drilled between 2008 and 2011 (Centurion, 2011). Despite their different periods of development history, both the Barnett and Eagle Ford shales have served as testing grounds for some of the most innovative methods for drilling and completing wells. To efficiently produce hydrocarbons from these shales, their petrophysical properties need to be accurately evaluated. These properties are directly related to the potential for hydrocarbon production and to the design of URTeC 2013 Page 2584
The Assessment of Leaf Nitrogen in Corn from Digital Images

Environmental concerns of nitrate pollution coupled with the cost of N fertilizers have led to increased interest in assessing plant N status. Our objective was to use a digital camera and image-analysis software to assess leaf N concentration in corn (Zea mays L.) leaves from the association between leaf N and green color of chlorophyll. In greenhouse experiments conducted at Fayetteville, AR, in 2008 and 2009, digital photographs of the uppermost collared leaf of 3- to 5-leaf corn plants grown over a range of soil N treatments were processed into a dark green color index (DGCI), which combines the hue, saturation, and brightness into one composite number. Soil plant analysis development (SPAD) and DGCI values agreed closely across both years with r 2 ≥ 0.91. There was a close relationship (r 2 ranged from 0.80 to 0.89) between DGCI and leaf N concentration. Yellow and green disks of known DGCI values were successfully used as internal standards to correct for differences in color sensitivity among cameras. Similarly, DGCI standard disks were able to correct for differences in lighting conditions for corn grown in the fi eld. Determination of leaf N concentration in corn by digital image analysis offers a potential new tool for assessing corn N status.
Sensitivity of subthreshold current to profile variations in long-channel MOSFETs

The sensitivity of MOSFET behavior to small variations in doping profiles increases as the devices become smaller. This increased sensitivity raises new issues regarding the accuracy needed in manufacturing, modeling and measurement of small devices. A formalism has been developed to determine the maximum profile variations consistent with any prescribed allowable variation in gate bias /spl delta/V/sub GS//V/sub GS/. This formalism has been developed for arbitrary profiles, and has been applied to retrograde box profiles (that is, profiles with a low surface level of doping out to some box depth, followed by a more heavily doped region at greater depths). The results show that profile sensitivity can vary dramatically from one device to another in a family of devices designed to operate with similar threshold voltages. As box depth increases, sensitivity to box depth and to surface doping also increases (the allowed tolerances decrease), while sensitivity to the bulk doping value Is reduced (tolerance increases). The worst-case scenario (smallest tolerance) for variations in the box depth d occurs for depths where the depletion layer width w/sub I/ is least i.e. for cases near the onset of the condition w/sub I//spl ap/d. It is known that this condition results in devices with the best short channel immunity. It is found for a typical 1/4 /spl mu/m device with an oxide thickness of 5 nm and a threshold voltage of 355 mV, a change in the depth of a box profile by /spl ap/3 nm, or a change in the surface doping level of /spl delta/N/sub s//spl ap//spl ap/7/spl times/10/sup 16//cm/sup 3/ is sufficient to require a compensating change in gate bias of 35 mV. Consequently, any profile measurement or process model that aims to predict 1/4 /spl mu/m-MOSFET thresholds to within /spl plusmn/30 mV will have to locate dopant ions within /spl plusmn/30 mV will have to locate dopant concentrations to better than a few 10/sup 16//cm/sup 3/.
Protein-based tumor molecular imaging probes

Molecular imaging is an emerging discipline which plays critical roles in diagnosis and therapeutics. It visualizes and quantifies markers that are aberrantly expressed during the disease origin and development. Protein molecules remain to be one major class of imaging probes, and the option has been widely diversified due to the recent advances in protein engineering techniques. Antibodies are part of the immunosystem which interact with target antigens with high specificity and affinity. They have long been investigated as imaging probes and were coupled with imaging motifs such as radioisotopes for that purpose. However, the relatively large size of antibodies leads to a half-life that is too long for common imaging purposes. Besides, it may also cause a poor tissue penetration rate and thus compromise some medical applications. It is under this context that various engineered protein probes, essentially antibody fragments, protein scaffolds, and natural ligands have been developed. Compared to intact antibodies, they possess more compact size, shorter clearance time, and better tumor penetration. One major challenge of using protein probes in molecular imaging is the affected biological activity resulted from random labeling. Site-specific modification, however, allows conjugation happening in a stoichiometric fashion with little perturbation of protein activity. The present review will discuss protein-based probes with focus on their application and related site-specific conjugation strategies in tumor imaging.
BODY ORGAN CYTOCHROME OXIDASE ACTIVITY IN COLD- AND WARM-ACCLIMATED RATS.

The cytochrome oxidase activity was estimated in homogenates of the whole body and in nine body organs of cold- and warm-acclimated rats. The total body cytochrome oxidase activity expressed in ter...
Research Using Synchrotron Radiation

In a period of less than ten years, the use of synchrotron radiation in the study of the optical and electronic properties of solids, liquids, and gases has developed from a laboratory curiosity into a widely exploited technique applicable to the needs of investigators working in physics, chemistry, and biology. In this report we discuss the history, present state and future development of this phenomenon in far ultraviolet and soft x-ray research.
Sensor integrated control for manipulators

Shortcomings of commercial robot controllers are discussed from the perspective of several advanced robotic applications, in which there are specific needs for dynamic manipulator motion control based on sensor inputs. Experiences with systems using sensor-based control of process parameters, manipulator motions, and manipulator paths are described. Particular attention is given to the adaptive control of lightweight robot arms. Requirements for sensor integrated control are presented on the basis of these experiences, and features and capabilities that should be included in manipulator controllers for future applications are discussed. Some of the unexpected problems that come about due to sensor integration are examined. >
The Chlamydomonas IDA7 locus encodes a 140-kDa dynein intermediate chain required to assemble the I1 inner arm complex

To identify new loci that are involved in the assembly and targeting of dynein complexes, we have screened a collection of motility mutants that were generated by insertional mutagenesis. One such mutant, 5B10, lacks the inner arm isoform known as the I1 complex. This isoform is located proximal to the first radial spoke in each 96-nm axoneme repeat and is an important target for the regulation of flagellar motility. Complementation tests reveal that 5B10 represents a new I1 locus, IDA7. Biochemical analyses confirm that ida7 axonemes lack at least five I1 complex subunits. Southern blots probed with a clone containing the gene encoding the 140-kDa intermediate chain (IC) indicate that the ida7 mutation is the result of plasmid insertion into the IC140 gene. Transformation with a wild-type copy of the IC140 gene completely rescues the mutant defects. Surprisingly, transformation with a construct of the IC140 gene lacking the first four exons of the coding sequence also rescues the mutant phenotype. These studies indicate that IC140 is essential for assembly of the I1 complex, but unlike other dynein ICs, the N-terminal region is not critical for its activity.
Proteolysis of Complement Factors iC3b and C5 by the Serine Protease Prostate-Specific Antigen in Prostatic Fluid and Seminal Plasma

Prostate-specific Ag (PSA) is a serine protease that is expressed exclusively by normal and malignant prostate epithelial cells. The continued high-level expression of PSA by the majority of men with both high- and low-grade prostate cancer throughout the course of disease progression, even in the androgen-ablated state, suggests that PSA has a role in the pathogenesis of disease. Current experimental and clinical evidence suggests that chronic inflammation, regardless of the cause, may predispose men to prostate cancer. The responsibility of the immune system in immune surveillance and eventually tumor progression is well appreciated but not completely understood. In this study, we used a mass spectrometry–based evaluation of prostatic fluid obtained from diseased prostates after removal by radical prostatectomy to identify potential immunoregulatory proteins. This analysis revealed the presence of Igs and the complement system proteins C3, factor B, and clusterin. Verification of these findings by Western blot confirmed the high-level expression of C3 in the prostatic fluid and the presence of a previously uncharacterized C-terminal C3 cleavage product. Biochemical analysis of this C3 cleavage fragment revealed a putative PSA cleavage site after tyrosine-1348. Purified PSA was able to cleave iC3b and the related complement protein C5. These results suggest a previously uncharacterized function of PSA as an immunoregulatory protease that could help to create an environment hospitable to malignancy through proteolysis of the complement system.
TCT-702 The impact of pre and post dilatation on stent deformity after single stenting and kissing balloon technique in a large left main bifurcation model; insights from in vitro bench testing

Treating left main (LM) bifurcation with stents is complex as LM trunks have larger vessel references than others. Kissing balloon technique (KBT) and/or post stent dilatation to LM trunks are needed in order to obtain adequate stent apposition in LM trunks. The objective of this study was to
MICROSTRUCTURE STUDY OF WESTRACK MIXES FROM X-RAY TOMOGRAPHY IMAGES

Asphalt concrete is a composite comprised of aggregates, air voids (AVs), and microcracks of various sizes and shapes. The property of asphalt mixes is not only affected by volume fractions of these components such as voids in mineral aggregates (VMA, the complementary volume fraction of aggregates) and AV content but also the size and spatial distributions of these components. However, conventional and Superpave volumetric mix designs specify only bulk values of VMA and AV, which may not be able to capture all the critical factors of a mix. The unexpected WesTrack mixes' premature failure may reflect this limitation in design specifications. Results are presented of a study to evaluate statistically the spatial and size distribution of the void systems of the mixes and to find other possible parameters that might be better or complementary to the current parameters to characterize the mixture internal structure and performance. Void systems of three original WesTrack mixes were evaluated using X-ray tomo...
Selective Brain Cooling During and After Prolonged Global Ischemia Reduces Cortical Damage in Rats

Studies of the cerebroprotective effects of selective brain cooling have failed to show amelioration of ischemic injury in the cerebral cortex. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that mild-to-moderate selective brain cooling initiated after the onset of global brain ischemia in rats protects the cerebral cortex and improves neurological outcome.Global forebrain ischemia for 30 minutes in 27 fasted adult male Wistar rats was achieved by bilateral carotid occlusion and hypotension. In group 1, brain temperature, measured in the temporalis muscle, was maintained at 37-38 degrees C throughout the experiment. In group 2, brain temperature fell spontaneously during ischemia to 34.7 +/- 0.1 degrees C and rose spontaneously to 36-37 degrees C after 10 minutes of recirculation. In group 3, brain temperature was lowered with ice packs placed around the head after 15 minutes of ischemia to 24.1 +/- 0.9 degrees C by the end of ischemia, maintained at 30.0 +/- 1.0 degrees C for the first hour of recirculat...
Dynamics and control of bipedal robots

A sound understanding of the dynamic principles governing legged locomotion is an essential requirement in developing high performance all terrain vehicles, designing highly mobile legged robots, and in the diagnosis and treatment of gait problems. Synthesis and analysis of bipedal locomotion is a complex task which requires knowledge of the dynamics of multi-link mechanisms, collision theory, control theory, and nonlinear dynamical systems theory. There is a rich body of literature that concerns the design and development of bipedal robots. Investigators in the field have conducted several numerical as well as experimental analyses to design robotic mechanisms capable of generating stable gait patterns. Desired gait patterns have been commonly generated by specially tailored objective functions or simply by imposing kinematic profiles of human gait patterns on the mechanisms under investigation. Subsequently, various control strategies have been developed to realize the desired patterns. Several investigators have approached the problem from a totally different perspective. It has been shown that unactuated, very simple bipedal mechanisms were able to walk on descending surfaces. This type of gait is called “passive walking” and has been receiving growing interest in the area. This line of research offers the potential of leading to simple machines that do not require the high power actuators that are requested by the active control schemes. Such an achievement will open new possibilities in the field and eliminate the two main obstacles: complexity and requirement of high power; that has impeded the development of autonomous walking robots. In this chapter we will review the main results in the development and analysis of bipedal robots. We will identify some of the main problems and seek to provide directions for future research.
The vertical distribution of the concentration of sea salt in the marine atmosphere near Hawaii

The vertical distribution of the sea-salt concentration has been obtained in the lowest 800 m of the atmosphere over the sea windward of Oahu. Hawaii. for eight days in October and November of 1981. Although the sea-salt profiles varied from day to day, reflecting changes in wind speed, temperature structure and other parameters, a marked salt concentration gradient was nearly always observed between about 19 and 30 m. The average sea-salt concentration at 19 m, about 22 μg m -3 , ecreased to about half that value, 11 μg m -3 at 30 m. From there, the salt concentration decreased slowly to an average of about 5 ,μg m -3 at 600 m above the sea. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.1984.tb00233.x
The Sustainability of a National Reading Reform Initiative in Two States.

Although there have been any number of national reading reform efforts over the years, there is little evidence that such efforts have been sustained in schools over time. This study focused on addressing 2 questions: To what extent have Reading First schools in 2 states sustained the key elements of this reform over time? To what extent has student reading achievement continued to improve in these states over time? An online survey sent to all schools participating in Reading First in 2 states, follow-up interviews, and state reading achievement scores served as data sources. Findings indicated that most elements of Reading First were maintained 3 years after Reading First funding was terminated. Respondents were positive about the effect of Reading First in their schools. Schools in both states had shown a steady increase in the percentage of students who were proficient over the time of the initiative. In 1 state, this rate continued to improve, although the pace of the increase diminished; in the othe...
Clinical predictors of long-term survival in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Prior to availability of anti-HER2 therapies, HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) was associated with a poor prognosis. Prospective randomized trials have demonstrated survival benefit from anti-HER2 treatments. Anecdotal observations have suggested that a small but meaningful fraction of patients with HER2-positive MBC may be “exceptional responders” with long survival. We hypothesized that demographic and/or clinicopathologic characteristics can be identified to distinguish short-term from long-term survivors. A retrospective, single-institution review of 168 patients with HER2-positive MBC who received treatment with anti-HER2 therapy in the metastatic setting was performed. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to assess factors associated with long-term survival. Median overall survival from the time of breast cancer recurrence was 3.9 years (95 % CI 3.4–5.2). From the time of diagnosis of MBC, 56 (33 %) survived for 5 or more years and 12 (7 %) survived more than 10 years. Of the 66 patients diagnosed with central nervous system metastases, 9 (14 %) survived more than 5 years following that diagnosis. Younger age at diagnosis, lower stage, hormone receptor positive status, and only having one organ involved at diagnosis were associated with longer survival. Four patients discontinued anti-HER2 therapy and are without evidence of progression of disease after a median 7.4 years (0.2–12.0) since stopping therapy. In a cohort of patients with HER2-positive MBC treated primarily with trastuzumab and lapatinib, 7 % of patients were “exceptional responders.” Combining these clinical factors with molecular determinants of prolonged survival may provide insights for individualizing treatment selection.
Prosthetic mitral valve obstruction: role of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in diagnosis

Acute prosthetic valve thrombosis is a potentially serious complication with an incidence as high as 6% per patient-year for prostheses in the mitral position. Accurate diagnosis of the degree of obstruction and differentiation of pannus versus thrombus is critical in determination of the best mode of therapy. We discuss a case of a patient with multiple comorbidities who presented with mechanical mitral valve obstruction where both transthoracic and two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were limited in making an accurate diagnosis regarding the mechanism of obstruction. Real-time 3D-TEE (RT-3DTEE) was critical in identifying a partial thrombus on the mechanical valve and guided the choice of thrombolysis as the most appropriate intervention, thus avoiding high-risk surgery in this patient with significant multiple comorbidities.
Isotopic immunotherapy: radiolabelled antibody

Abstract The radiolabeled antibody studies of RTOG have introduced a new class of agents in cancer therapy and demonstrated the transport ability of a new technology using agents that cause no acute symptoms, that can be administered in some instances on an out patient basis and that remit active disease in a variety of sites. The potential for new results has been amplified by the recent accomplishment of the chelation of 111 -Indium and 90-Yttrium as both dosimetric and therapeutic isotopes linked to antibodies for systemic therapy (Table 2). These developments by a commercial corporation to produce large quantities of radiolabeled antibody agents allow a greater freedom of investigation with these new agents. Once appropriate identification of antibody and dosimetric evaluations are carried out, their additive or singular effects can be studied in a number of malignancies. The need for development of centers to carry out such studies and group-wide dissemination are potential limiting factors. A variety of new combinations of antibody and isotope, increasing specific activity in a number of ways, needs to be investigated in laboratories and in clinics by integrated teams. Radiolabeled antibody therapy has at present the potential to contribute to conventional therapies with both radiation and chemotherapy in a variety of malignancies while not increasing the need for hospitalization and yet minimizing patient discomfort.
Racial isolation and exposure to airborne particulate matter and ozone in understudied US populations: Environmental justice applications of downscaled numerical model output

Abstract Background Researchers and policymakers are increasingly focused on combined exposures to social and environmental stressors, especially given how often these stressors tend to co-locate. Such exposures are equally relevant in urban and rural areas and may accrue disproportionately to particular communities or specific subpopulations. Objectives To estimate relationships between racial isolation (RI), a measure of the extent to which minority racial/ethnic group members are exposed to only one another, and long-term particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 ) and ozone (O 3 ) levels in urban and nonurban areas of the eastern two-thirds of the US. Methods Long-term (5 year average) census tract-level PM 2.5 and O 3 concentrations were calculated using output from a downscaler model (2002–2006). The downscaler uses a linear regression with additive and multiplicative bias coefficients to relate ambient monitoring data with gridded output from the Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. A local, spatial measure of RI was calculated at the tract level, and tracts were classified by urbanicity, RI, and geographic region. We examined differences in estimated pollutant exposures by RI, urbanicity, and demographic subgroup (e.g., race/ethnicity, education, socioeconomic status, age), and used linear models to estimate associations between RI and air pollution levels in urban, suburban, and rural tracts. Results High RI tracts (≥ 80th percentile) had higher average PM 2.5 levels in each category of urbanicity compared to low RI tracts ( 3 levels by urbanicity and RI differed by region. Linear models indicated that PM 2.5 concentrations were significantly and positively associated with RI. The largest association between PM 2.5 and RI was observed in the rural Midwest, where a one quintile increase in RI was associated with a 0.90 μg/m 3 (95% confidence interval: 0.83, 0.99 μg/m 3 ) increase in PM 2.5 concentration. Associations between O 3 and RI in the Northeast, Midwest and West were positive and highest in suburban and rural tracts, even after controlling for potential confounders such as percentage in poverty. Conclusion RI is associated with higher 5 year estimated PM 2.5 concentrations in urban, suburban, and rural census tracts, adding to evidence that segregation is broadly associated with disparate air pollution exposures. Disproportionate burdens to adverse exposures such as air pollution may be a pathway to racial/ethnic disparities in health.
Paper 6: Fuel Feed Pumps and Filters for Low-Pressure Fuel Supply

The main essentials of power units and their accessories have not changed significantly over the last 40 years, and fuel feed pumps come into this category. The basic requirements are well established, but there has been a continual striving for improved performance and strenuous efforts to reduce costs in order to meet the vehicle manufacturers' demands.The author has endeavoured to indicate the trends in developments of the various types of fuel pumps, mechanical and electrical, with particular reference to application and performance for petrol and diesel equipment. The importance of correct installation is related to performance and reliability; design materials are discussed, particularly in relation to the influence of fuels and temperature and the need to meet the demands of modern high-output engines.Mention is made of the relationship of fuel feed systems to safety and evaporative emission control and the special requirements of fuel injection installations. The need for efficient fuel filtration...
Discussion on Emergency Management Capacity in Environmental Health Crisis

Actively answering and scientifically disposing environmental health crisis are importance missions in constructing a harmony society.With"5.12"Wenchuan earthquake as an example,this paper summarized the current status of our environmental health emergency management and the related system inadequacy,such as potential improvement to the system and the lack of a systematic development plan,etc,and recommendations to capacity building were proposed.
Comparative antibody response of five recombinant antigens in related to bacterial shedding levels and development of serological diagnosis based on 35 kDa antigen for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.

Eighty-five complex (85A, 85B and 85C), 35-kDa and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were cloned, expressed and purified as antigens in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to compare the serological reactivity of cows with different shedding levels of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MPT). Antibody responses to all recombinant antigens positively increased depending on shedding levels. In particular, antibody responses to the 35 kDa were higher than those to the others in all shedder groups. Also, the mean of O. D. values among Ag 85 complex, 85B showed slightly higher response than others with high sensitivity and specificity in all shedder groups. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the result of 35 kDa ELISA yielded an area under the curve value of 0.945 (95% confidence interval = 0.895 −0.996), which indicated that this 35 kDa is more accurate indicator of MPT infection than other antigens. At the cut-off point recommended by the ROC curve analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of 35 kDa ELISA were higher than those of other antigens with 93.3% and 86.4%, respectively. Finally, a commercially available ELISA kit was used to clarify 200 positive and 200 negative sera. We then re-tested these serum samples with our ELISA test using the 35-kDa antigens. 35 kDa ELISA and commercial kit showed almost similar results in ROC curve analysis even though two of positive sera in commercial kit were negative in 35 kDa ELISA. The sera, which showed difference in the comparison with commercial ELISA kit, they also did not react with 35 kDa in Western blot. These results suggest that a 35-kDa based ELISA can be useful for detecting MPT infection.
Sensor Technology for Water Quality Monitoring: Bioluminscent Microorganisms

Biological wastewater treatment plants can be adversely affected by influent toxicity. The effects can range from poor clarifier biomass settling and elevated effluent BOD and ammonia levels to total plant kills. These problems could be minimized or eliminated if an effective method existed for continuously monitoring biological wastewater treatment plant influent for toxicity to the treatment plant microorganisms. Current influent screening methods have not been proven to be adequate for adaptation to continuous screening in the field. The primary reasons include the batch-wise nature of the assays and an inadequate correlation between the assays and plant performance. The goal of the research team was to create new bioluminescent biosensors from different types of bacteria found in biological wastewater treatment plants for the development of a multi-channel continuous monitoring system. A system built from multiple biosensors would make it possible to differentiate between potential influent toxicity effects to different classes of bacteria (such as nitrifying and heterotrophic bacteria). The research team found it unexpectedly challenging to apply common microbiological transformation methods for laboratory strains to the wastewater treatment plant strains. The research team generated six new bioluminescent bioreporters from bacteria that are typical constituents of activated sludge. Of particular significance is a bioreporter developed using a Hyphomicrobium sp., which is a slow growing bacterium known to be present in significant numbers in some activated sludge plants. Of the six generated, initial bioluminescence and toxicity screening indicated that one strain (a Pseudomonad) was a particularly promising candidate due to its ease of cultivation and high light production. Further toxicity testing, however, determined that the response of the strain to 48 organic compounds and 8 metals commonly found in wastewater was similar to that of a previously created strain, Shk1 (also a Pseudomonad). Further work is therefore needed in the generation of appropriate biosensors and test conditions for populations not represented by the new heterotrophic biosensor. This title belongs to WERF Research Report Series ISBN: 9781780404196 (eBook) ISBN: 9781843397144 (Print)
Extended General Variational Inequalities and General Wiener–Hopf Equations

In this paper, we show the extended general variational inequality problems are equivalent to solving the general Wiener–Hopf equations. By using the equivalence, we establish a general iterative algorithm for finding the solution of extended general variational inequalities. We also discuss the convergence criteria for the algorithm. Our results extend and improve the corresponding results announced by many others.
Abstract A22: Using community-based participatory research to develop a culturally relevant resource for African American women affected by breast cancer

Background: Research indicates that African-American women are more likely to die from breast cancer, be diagnosed at later stages and receive worse care than their white counterparts. In 1997, Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) wrote the booklet, Getting Connected: African-Americans Living Beyond Breast Cancer to address these issues. Changes over the last decade in breast cancer treatment, research on cancer disparities, and perceptions of breast cancer among African-Americans motivated LBBC to undertake a full revision of Getting Connected. In 2010 LBBC conducted a comprehensive, consumer-driven needs assessment engaging African-American women affected by breast cancer from across the country. Methods/Approach: LBBC engaged stakeholders across the breast cancer continuum in the revision. The process included 1) Convening a national advisory committee of medical and advocacy experts to provide oversight 2) Holding five group interviews Philadelphia, Chicago and Little Rock with 44 African-American women diagnosed recently diagnosed with breast cancer 3) Interviewing eight key community informants who work closely with African-American survivors. Transcripts and notes were analyzed and salient themes were used to revise Getting Connected. The resource was redesigned using “plain language” principles and interactive elements were added. Results: In October 2011, the second edition of Getting Connected was published. This 50 page, plain language, culturally relevant resource is designed to be used by African-American breast cancer survivors, their support network and their healthcare providers. This booklet promotes informed decision-making, while providing support, encouragement, and inspiration. Getting Connected addresses how one can live positively beyond breast cancer through the use of spirituality, developing and maintaining positive connections and reaching out to others. Conclusions: Using a community-based participatory research process ensures that the resource is culturally relevant. This model can be replicated to produce resources for other populations. The personal and direct approach of Getting Connected makes this booklet a valuable resource for healthcare providers working with African-American women affected by breast cancer. Citation Format: Patricia Bradley, Arin Ahlum Hanson, Janine Caplan Guglielmino, Catherine Creme Henry. Using community-based participatory research to develop a culturally relevant resource for African American women affected by breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A22.
Two taxonomic equations relevant to the Flora of Saül, French Guiana

The taxonomic equationsMelanoxylon speciosum Benoist=Recordoxylon amazonicum (Ducke) Ducke andElephantomene eburnea Barneby & Krukoff (1974)=Cionomene javariensis Krukoff (1979) are proposed. The new combinationRecordoxylon speciosum (Benoist) Gazel is validated, and the widely discontinuous distribution of the monotypic genusElephantomene is mapped.
Possible Kinetic Consequences of Entropy Correspondence

During the last few years, Criss and Cobble (1) have developed a principle of entropy correspondence for aqueous ions which predicts ionic heat capacities over wide ranges of temperature (0 – 300°).
Adsorption of Dimethyldodecylamine Oxide and Its Mixtures with Triton X-100 at the Hydrophilic Silica/Water Interface Studied Using Total Internal Reflection Raman Spectroscopy.

Adsorption of dimethyldodecylamine oxide (DDAO) and its mixtures with Triton X-100 (TX-100) at the hydrophilic silica/water interface has been studied using total internal reflection (TIR) Raman spectroscopy and target factor analysis (TFA). The use of a linear vibrational spectroscopic technique helps obtain information on molecular behavior, adsorbed amount, and conformational order of surfactant molecules at the interface. The results obtained from polarized Raman measurements of pure DDAO show insignificant changes in the orientation and conformational order of surface molecules as a function of DDAO bulk concentrations. The adsorption isotherm of pure DDAO shows a change in the structure of the adsorbed layer at concentrations close to the critical micelle concentration (cmc). TFA reveals that, for a low concentration of DDAO (0.30 mM in this study), adsorption of both DDAO and TX-100 in the mixed surfactants was enhanced at low TX-100 concentrations. The synergistic effect is dominant at low concent...
Novelty, Pattern, and Force in Richard Powers’s Orfeo

Richard Powers’s Orfeo pits novelty against familiar pattern, and explores the destructive effects of forcing something new to fit known patterns in art, science, and politics. The protagonist’s dedication to writing truly new music wrecks his marriage and damages his personal life. His tinkering with novelty in bacterial genes will apparently get him killed by the police. Powers has argued in The Gold Bug Variations that the point of science is wonder, not control. Powers embodies this tension between novelty and known pattern by imposing the Orpheus myth on a composer for whom traditional patterns are anathema. Further, by embedding a radical political protest within a well-known myth, Powers demonstrates in his own writing the presentation of the new within recognizable older patterns, the tactic that protagonist Peter Els could have tried with his music if he had hoped to develop an audience. On the political level, Powers equates oppressive police power with forcing unusual people to fit a narrow range of behavior and belief patterns.
Optic Pathway Gliomas Secondary to Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Children with neurofibromatosis type 1 frequently manifest optic pathway gliomas—low-grade gliomas intrinsic to the visual pathway. This review describes the molecular and genetic mechanisms driving optic pathway gliomas as well as the clinical symptoms of this relatively common genetic condition. Recommendations for clinical management and descriptions of the newest imaging techniques are discussed.
Stannous Tin Levels in Commercial Stannous Pyrophosphate: Effect of Different Preparation Methods

We determined the stannous tin levels of commercial stannous pyrophosphate preparations in order to evaluate the effects of different preparation methods on the stability of stannous pyrophosphate. Preparation methods included maintaining stannous pyrophosphate at room temperature, refrigerating (2-8° C) preparations after formulation, reconstituting stannous pyrophosphate vials with nitrogen-purged saline, and introducing air into preparations after formulation. Stannous tin levels were determined from 0.5 to 48 hr after formulation using a rapid stannous spot test. Results show that stannous tin levels in all stannous pyrophosphate preparations were within 10% of the manufacturer’s stated levels up to 8 hr after formulation. The only exception was when air was introduced into the preparations; this resulted in a significant reduction in the stannous tin levels within 2 hr after formulation. High stannous tin levels in stannous pyrophosphate preparations can be maintained for up to 8 hr if careful radiopharmaceutical preparation and dispensing techniques are used.