cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stresses and Movements in Oroville Dam

OROVILLE DAM, PRESENTLY THE WORLD'S HIGHEST EMBANKMENT DAM, WAS WELL-INSTRUMENTED WITH SEVERAL TYPES OF INSTRUMENTATION TO MONITOR ITS CONSTRUCTION BEHAVIOR. THE RESULTS OBTAINED FROM THE INSTRUMENTATION CLEARLY INDICATED THAT THE EMBANKMENT PERFORMED VERY WELL WITH ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS OF MOVEMENT. HOWEVER, THE EMBANKMENT CORE BLOCK DID NOT PERFORM SATISFACTORILY AND CRACKED DURING CONSTRUCTION. THE RESULTS OF A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS, MODELING THE CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE AND THE NONLINEAR, STRESS-DEPENDENT MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF THE EMBANKMENT SOILS, ARE PRESENTED AND COMPARED WITH THE INSTRUMENTATION RESULTS. THE RESULTS OF THIS ANALYSIS AGREED WELL WITH THE INSTRUMENTATION RESULTS AND SHOWED THAT: (1) THE SMALL MOVEMENTS ARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE EXCELLENT STRESS-STRAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EMBANKMENT SOILS; (2) SIGNIFICANT LOAD TRANSFER OCCURRED FROM THE CORE TO THE ADJACENT COARSE ZONES; AND (3) THE CORE BLOCK CRACKING COULD HAVE BEEN ANTICIPATED IF THESE RESULTS HAD BEEN AVILABLE DURING THE EARLY DESIGN STAGES. /ASCE/
Capital Flows, Exchange Rates, and the New International Financial Architecture: Six Financial Crises in Search of a Generic Explanation

Exchange-rate history can be divided into two periods: the Bretton Woods period and the period of floating exchange rates since the early 1970s. In this second period, financial crises and the roles played by institutions, rules, and commitments in international finance have been of central importance. Many proposals for changing the international financial architecture have been presented to reduce the likelihood of crises, but the source of the problem is in variable capital flows and the floating exchange-rate system. Based on six major financial crises of the last 25 years, the wide range in movements in the exchange rate, which might also be inferred from differences in national inflation rates, reflects changes in the ex-ante cross-border capital flows. As long as currencies are floating, economic conditions among countries are likely to be more variable and diverse: the greater variability in economic conditions suggests greater variability in capital flows.
Chapter 61 Logit Equilibrium Models of Anomalous Behavior: What to do when the Nash Equilibrium Says One Thing and the Data Say Something Else

Publisher Summary Every experimentalist will sooner or later come across a situation in which results from initial “baseline” treatments conform nicely to the Nash equilibrium, but subsequent changes in parameters push the data in ways not predicted by Nash. This may happen when one begins by giving theory its “best shot,” reserving stress tests for later. Such tests often involve changing a parameter that, on the basis of intuition, is likely to alter behavior, but which has no effect on the Nash equilibrium. The dilemma is based on a situation in which two vacationers have purchased identical objects, which are then lost on the ﬂight home. The airline tells them to fill out claim forms independently, with the promise that both claims will be paid if they match. Otherwise, both travelers are only reimbursed at the lower of the claims, with a small penalty for the high claimant and an equally small reward for the low claimant. Even with a very low penalty and reward, each person has an incentive to “undercut” any anticipated common claim amount, and so the only Nash equilibrium (in pure or mixed strategies) is at the lowest possible claim.
Meta‐normative Realism, Evolution, and Our Reasons to Survive

In this article, I articulate and respond to an epistemological challenge to meta-normative realism. The challenge has it that, if realism about the normative is correct, and if evolutionary forces have significantly influenced our normative judgments, then it would be a remarkable coincidence if the content of the normative facts and our normative judgments were aligned. I criticize David Enoch's recent attempt to meet this challenge, but provide an alternative response that is structurally similar. I argue that if realism is correct, then it would be remarkable if the content of our normative judgments and the normative facts were not significantly aligned.
Procedure's Ambiguity

In 2007 and in 2009, the Supreme Court decided two cases that have proven immensely controversial: Bell Atlantic v. Twombly and Ashcroft v. Iqbal, which interpret the scope of federal pleading standards. Critics claim the decisions drastically alter those standards in a way that denies civil litigants easy access to federal court. But it is far from clear that’s right: In fact, both decisions are so opaquely written that it’s proving hard for lower courts and litigants to figure out what, exactly, they mean. Read one way, Iqbal and Twombly may not change federal pleadings standards much, if at all, in the vast run of cases. To date, scholars have focused on trying to figure out what the decisions mean. This article takes a completely different tack: It takes their ambiguity as a given and explains why these decisions might have some value precisely because they are ambiguous. Clear procedural standards aren’t always the best procedural standards. Indeed, the article shows, sometimes many groups with a stake in the way courts interpret important procedural rules might rationally prefer that courts leave the meaning of those rules undecided−and unsettled.
Immunologic and medical considerations in tuberculin-sensitized pregnant patients

Abstract One hundred and seventy-two pregnant patients were identified as tuberculin sensitive in the first trimester. These patients were followed throughout pregnancy for any signs or symptoms of active tuberculosis which were discovered only in the index case. Post partum, patients were again re-evaluated for tuberculosis and prophylactically treated with isoniazid if they met established criteria. The tuberculous host also represented a model for the study of cell-mediated immunity, which presumably is altered in pregnancy. This investigation revealed a progressive depression of lymphocyte function to a specific antigen, purified protein derivative, obtaining significance at 36 weeks' gestation and continuing through delivery (p
The Training Difference: How Formal Training on the Internet Impacts New Users

This paper will address a question that is relevant to stakeholders in the public and private sectors: Have investments in programs to encourage broadband adoption paid off? After five years of attention to the issue (dating to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s investments in the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program and the release of the National Broadband Plan), the question remains relevant in light of ongoing gaps in home broadband adoption in the United States.The paper will address this question in two ways:1) A review of research and "best practice" that has arisen in the past several years that has sought to explore broadband adoption programs.2) Through analysis of a unique longitudinal dataset that interviews new Internet users first within three months of getting home Internet service and a second time eight months later after they have acquired some experience with home Internet service. The data: For analysis, the paper uses data gathered in a telephone survey of customers of an entry-level broadband Internet service of a major national Internet service provider (ISP). More than 700 respondents were interviewed eight months apart (January 2014 and September 2014). The survey asked respondents’ a number of questions about online activities (e.g., whether they have looked for a job online) and attitudes about Internet use (e.g., its impact on social ties, educational opportunities, etc.). The survey also asked respondents to assess their levels of comfort with computers and the Internet, as well as whether they had formal training on how to use the Internet (through, for example, a local library or a community center). Analysis: The longitudinal design allows statistical analysis to be conducted that compares results for respondents between Time 1 and Time 2, while controlling for baseline levels of digital skills and other demographic factors. Questions the paper will explore include:• Are changes in self-reported digital skills attributable to whether the respondent had formal training on the Internet?• Does the incidence of doing online job searches vary with having had Internet training, controlling for baseline levels of digital skills and/or changes in digital skills over time?• How large are any impacts from formal Internet training on behavior and attitudes?The unique contribution of this paper is its use of longitudinal data. To the author’s knowledge, prior research has not interviewed the same set of broadband users comparing behavior early on in their adoption curve with responses at a second time. The ability to assess the impacts of formal Internet training is also unique. Given investments in the public and private sectors to close broadband adoption gaps, the research speaks to stakeholders’ interest in understanding programs aimed at encouraging home broadband adoption. With the Federal Communications Commission beginning the process of adapting the Lifeline program (currently supporting telephone service) to broadband, the research results should be timely for that proceeding.
Vision-based vehicle guidance

The book Vision-based Vehicle Guidance (Springer-Verlag), edited by the author, is outlined. The book consists of 15 papers, each of which represents a different research project in the field of vision-based vehicle guidance. The author describes some examples of vision algorithms, such as focus of attention, stereo vision, and neural-network-based visual processing. High-speed vision processors, including function-oriented custom chips, are also discussed. Temporal-spatial modeling and fuzzy logic are described as examples of control algorithms. Examples of applications include road following and traffic sign recognition. >
Changes in the Distribution of Calcium‐Sequestering Membranes during the First Cell Cycle of the Sea Urchin, Lytechinus variegatus

Chlortetracycline (CTC) has been used to study sequential changes in the distribution of calcium-sequestering membranes during the first cell cycle of fertilized sea urchin eggs CTC staining patterns first appear as a diffuse ring around the centered zygote nucleus at the time of syngamy. As development proceeds, the ring becomes brighter and then elongates concurrently with the formation of the streak apparatus. Fluorescence subsequently accumulates in the centrospheres of the developing mitotic apparatus and is present in mitotic asters throughout mitosis. When the mitotic apparatus disappears, the fluorescence associated with each aster condenses into a bright ring surrounding each daughter nucleus. Ultrastructural studies show that CTC-fluorescent areas are rich in membranes while experiments with rhodamine 123, a mitochondrion-specific laser dye, indicate that mitochondria are excluded from areas in which membranes accumulate. Microtubule inhibitors prevent the initial accumulation of fluorescence around the zygote nucleus and arrest the development of existing fluorescence patterns when applied at later stages. In contrast, changes in fluorescence patterns are unaffected by the microfilament inhibitor cytochalasin D. These observations show that calcium-sequestering membranes are associated consecutively with the sperm aster, streak, and mitotic apparatus and that the continual reorganization of these membranes during the first cell cycle depends on the assembly and disassembly of microtubules.
SU-E-T-29: Workflow and Data Architecture Paradigm for Building a Large Scale Dose-Volume Registry

Purpose: In support of a robust outcome registry initiative, we present a workflow and architecture design for an efficient dose‐volume registry module. Methods: The UCLA Radiation Oncology registry management system is composed of two separate database modules; a SQL‐based patient attribute module and a dose‐volume module that is defined based upon two data structures; data_tech and data_dose. The data_tech object defines site‐specific, technical treatment details referenced to a patient identifier. The data_dose object connects with the data_tech object using the patient identifier as a primary key. Each contour in the data_dose object is defined based upon standard dose‐volume endpoints and assigned a structure index referenced to an anatomydictionary. The patient index key connecting the data_tech and data_dose objects provides for aggregate dose‐volumeanalysis as a function of treatment details and anatomical index. Results: Upon physician approval of a particular treatment plan, the planning dosimetrist or physicist exports the dose‐volume data for long term storage and updates the data_tech object with the relevant planning and treatment delivery parameters. A MATLAB interface was developed and tested with the Eclipse planning system to read all applicable dvh export files and create the two‐dimensional data_dose object. A second MATLAB module processes the data_tech and data_dose objects to perform aggregate processing and statistical analysis of the data. We have tested the module design using a subset of prostate, H&N and breast treatment plans. The integer indexing scheme allows for efficient queries across a mixed group of dose‐volume structures and site‐specific treatment parameters Conclusions: The indexing architecture associated with the data_tech and data_dose registry modules provides an efficient method for extracting subset parameters from the complete data set. Future work will connect the dose‐volume registry with the SQL‐based patient outcome module to allow for outcome analysis as a function of treatment and dose‐volume details.
Large-scale laboratory experiment on erosion of sand beds by moving circular vertical jets

Abstract This study investigates the topographic deformation due to the erosion of a sand bed impinged by a moving submerged turbulent round jet in a large-scale laboratory. The test conditions represent the case of discharges beneath a vessel while operating in water with a limited clearance such as a shallow navigation channel. The jet moves horizontally and discharges water vertically downward towards the bed. The distance between the jet nozzle and the bed equals six times the jet diameter so the jet flow is in the potential core region. The speed of the jet horizontal motion was varied to examine its effect on the scour profile. The characteristic lengths of the scour profile in the asymptotic state were determined by modifying the empirical formulas in Aderibigbe and Rajaratnam [1996. Erosion of loose beds by submerged circular impinging vertical turbulent jets. Journal of Hydraulic Research 34(1), 19–33]. The maximum scour depth, the scour hole radius, and the ridge height were found to be a function of the ratio of the jet exit to jet translation velocities and were modeled using a hyperbolic function. Empirical equations describing the scour profile were developed and the scour profile was found to be self-similar when normalized by appropriate length scales.
Time series and dependent variables

We present a new method for analyzing time series which is designed to extract inherent deterministic dependencies in the series. The method is particularly suited to series with broad-band spectra such as chaotic series with or without noise. We derive quantities, ~j(e), based on conditional probabilities, whose magnitude, roughly speaking, is an indicator of the extent to which the kth element in the series is a deterministic function of the (k -j)th element to within a measurement uncertainty, e. We apply our method to a number of deterministic time series generated by chaotic processes such as the tent, logistic and H~non maps, as well as to sequences of quasi-random numbers. In all cases the 6j correctly indicate the expected dependencies. We also show that the ~j are robust to the addition of substantial noise in a deterministic process. In addition, we derive a predictability index which is a measure of the extent to which a time series is predictable given some tolerance, e. Finally, we discuss the behavior of the 6i as e approaches zero.
Test of the J-curve for the DR-CAFTA countries and policy implications

Abstract There is evidence of a J-curve for the Dominican Republic and lack of support for a J-curve for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The trade balance responds to real depreciation positively for Costa Rica and El Salvador, negatively in the short run and positively in the long run for the Dominican Republic, negatively for Guatemala, and positively in the short run and negatively in the long run for Honduras. In response to real depreciation, the trade balance between the Dominican Republic and the U.S. adjusts from a negative to positive value very slowly.
Simulation and analysis of polarimetric radar signatures of human gaits

Radar observations of human activities have a variety of applications in security, defense, and rescue operations. Range-Doppler signatures of human motions are a useful tool for retrieving information on observed activities but require an understanding of the scattering processes involved to enable interpretation. This paper presents a study of human Doppler signatures using simulations, in particular focusing on the impact of the polarization to enable an understanding of any advantages in the use of polarimetric radar. The simulation model utilized is based on an approximate scattering approach combined with a 12-cylinder description of the human body. A comparison with single polarization co-pol measurements is used to show that the model provides reasonable first-order predictions of human signatures. Further simulations for polarimetric signatures illustrate the differing contributions of individual body parts to micro-Doppler returns and suggest that multi-polarization measurements can be useful in future micro-Doppler radar systems for human observation.
New therapeutic strategies in HCV: second-generation protease inhibitors

Telaprevir and boceprevir are the first direct-acting antiviral agents approved for use in HCV treatment and represent a significant advance in HCV therapy. However, these first-generation drugs also have significant limitations related to thrice-daily dosing, clinically challenging side-effect profiles, low barriers to resistance and a lack of pan-genotype activity. A second wave of protease inhibitors are in phase II and III trials and promise to provide a drug regimen with a better dosing schedule and improved tolerance. These second-wave protease inhibitors will probably be approved in combination with PEG-IFN and Ribavirin (RBV), as well as future all-oral regimens. The true second-generation protease inhibitors are in earlier stages of development and efficacy data are anxiously awaited as they may provide pan-genotypic antiviral activity and a high genetic barrier to resistance.
The influence of gonadal hormones on conditioned fear extinction in healthy humans

Recent rodent studies suggest that gonadal hormones influence extinction of conditioned fear. Here we investigated sex differences in, and the influence of estradiol and progesterone on, fear extinction in healthy humans. Men and women underwent a two-day paradigm in which fear conditioning and extinction learning took place on day 1 and extinction recall was tested on day 2. Visual cues were used as the conditioned stimuli and a mild electric shock was used as the unconditioned stimulus. Skin conductance was recorded throughout the experiment and used to measure conditioned responses (CRs). Blood samples were obtained from all women to measure estradiol and progesterone levels. We found that higher estradiol during extinction learning enhanced subsequent extinction recall but had no effects on fear acquisition or extinction learning itself. Sex differences were only observed during acquisition, with men exhibiting significantly higher CRs. After dividing women into low- and high-estradiol groups, men showed comparable extinction recall to high-estradiol women, and both of these groups showed higher extinction recall than low-estradiol women. Therefore, sex differences in extinction memory emerged only after taking into account women's estradiol levels. Lower estradiol may impair extinction consolidation in women. These findings could have practical applications in the treatment of anxiety disorders through cognitive and behavioral therapies.
The Detroit Future City: How Pervasive Neoliberal Urbanism Exacerbates Racialized Spatial Injustice

This article critiques the Detroit Future City (DFC) strategic framework concerning municipal service provision and land use over the next few decades. Relying on policy and media documents, we show that the DFC exhibits narrow, market-oriented logics characteristic of the pervasive hegemony of neoliberal urbanism in American city governance. We address the corporate orientation of the Detroit Works Project, the public–private partnership behind DFC, and argue that the plan may exacerbate the racialized spatial injustices produced in Detroit by 20th-century exclusionary metropolitan growth, ineffective governance, and decades-long flawed approaches to economic development. Furthermore, DFC not only advances previous planned-shrinkage attempts but also seeks to repurpose major areas of the city for global investment, reversing their zoning for agriculture and green space. Our analysis of census data shows that Detroit’s most disadvantaged residents disproportionately reside in areas designated as future “i...
Distinguishing between human and animal sources of fecal pollution in waters: a review.

This review paper discusses some of the earlier and current methods used to identify the human and non-human sources of fecal pollution in water. It is mainly focused on chemical approaches, i.e., fecal sterol and bile acid biomarkers, to identify the sources of fecal pollution. Findings of our study are in agreement with earlier investigations, that it is unlikely for any single determinant to be useful in all situations but a multiple biomarker approach or statistical analysis of microbial and chemical determinants offer the possibility of identifying and apportioning human and animal fecal inputs to natural waters.
Bnip3 mediates mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death through Bax and Bak

Bnip3 is a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family that is down-regulated in pancreatic cancers, which correlates with resistance to chemotherapy and a worsened prognosis. In contrast, Bnip3 is up-regulated in heart failure and contributes to loss of myocardial cells during I/R (ischaemia/reperfusion). Bnip3 exerts its action at the mitochondria, but the mechanism by which Bnip3 mediates mitochondrial dysfunction is not clear. In the present study, we have identified Bax and Bak as downstream effectors of Bnip3-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. Bnip3 plays a role in hypoxia-mediated cell death, but MEFs (mouse embryonic fibroblasts) derived from mice deficient in Bax and Bak were completely resistant to hypoxia even with substantial up-regulation of Bnip3. These cells were also resistant to Bnip3 overexpression, but re-expression of Bax or Bak restored susceptibility to Bnip3, suggesting that Bnip3 can act via either Bax or Bak. In contrast, Bnip3 overexpression in wild-type MEFs induced mitochondrial dysfunction with loss of membrane potential and release of cytochrome c. Cell death by Bnip3 was reduced in the presence of mPTP (mitochondrial permeability transition pore) inhibitors, but did not prevent Bnip3-mediated activation of Bax or Bak. Moreover, overexpression of Bnip3DeltaTM, a dominant-negative form of Bnip3, reduced translocation of GFP (green fluorescent protein)-Bax to mitochondria during sI/R (simulated I/R) in HL-1 myocytes. Similarly, down-regulation of Bnip3 using RNA interference decreased activation of Bax in response to sI/R in HL-1 myocytes. These results suggest that Bnip3 mediates mitochondrial dysfunction through activation of Bax or Bak which is independent of mPTP opening.
Clinical features relevant to possible resuscitation in death after acute myocardial infarction

Abstract The clinical course of 138 patients who died after an acute myocardial infarction have been reviewed, with the aim toward elucidating those features which might influence the possibility of resuscitation. The majority of the deaths occurred unexpectedly, presumably as the result of an acute arrhythmia. Failure of the heart to function adequately as a pump was noted in 44 per cent—three fifths of these patients died from congestive heart failure, and two fifths from circulatory collapse. Seventy-four per cent of the deaths occurred within a 5-day period of hospitalization. The sex, age, and presence of previous cardiac disease showed no association with the manner of dying. Patients over 70 years of age did not die more frequently in shock, but did die from congestive heart failure slightly more often than expected. Even when the past history was positive for previous heart failure or infarction, the likelihood of death occurring in heart failure was not increased. The physical findings on admission revealed that 40 patients were in shock and 59 had some degree of congestive heart failure. These abnormalities had a striking effect on the mode of death, in that shock remained a prominent feature of the illness in the former group, whereas in the latter group the incidence of failure deaths was much greater than expected. The finding of ventricular irritability was associated with a rhythm death in 79 per cent of the cases. Electrocardiograms revealed no evidence of myocardial irritability in 63 patients, and no conduction abnormalities in 86. Nevertheless, over one half of these patients also died from an arrhythmia.
Why is longwave cloud feedback positive

[1] Longwave cloud feedback is systematically positive and nearly the same magnitude across all global climate models used in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). Here it is shown that this robust positive longwave cloud feedback is caused in large part by the tendency for tropical high clouds to rise in such a way as to remain at nearly the same temperature as the climate warms. Furthermore, it is shown that such a cloud response to a warming climate is consistent with well-known physics, specifically the requirement that, in equilibrium, tropospheric heating by convection can only be large in the altitude range where radiative cooling is efficient, following the fixed anvil temperature hypothesis of Hartmann and Larson (2002). Longwave cloud feedback computed assuming that high-cloud temperature follows upper tropospheric convergence-weighted temperature, which we refer to as proportionately higher anvil temperature, gives an excellent prediction of the longwave cloud feedback in the AR4 models. The ensemble-mean feedback of 0.5 W m−2 K−1 is much larger than that calculated assuming clouds remain at fixed pressure, highlighting the large contribution from rising cloud tops to the robustly positive feedback. An important result of this study is that the convergence profile computed from clear-sky energy and mass balance warms slightly as the climate warms, in proportion to the increase in stability, which results in a longwave cloud feedback that is slightly smaller than that calculated assuming clouds remain at fixed temperature.
Survey of the variation in alar and malar thorns in skates: Phylogenetic implications (Chondrichthyes: Rajoidei).

A total of 62 species, representing 24 of the 28 supraspecific taxa of skates, was surveyed for the presence, distribution, and structure of alar and malar thorns. The survey revealed that alar thorns are almost universally present in mature male skates, and that malar thorns are of two types that may have separate origins. The location and orientation of alar thorns differed in two major clades of skates (groups I and II). They were either exposed on the disc with the crown oriented obliquely to the long axis of the base or imbedded in slits in the integument and oriented parallel to the long axis of the base. Group I possessed the former type of thorns and, with several exceptions, group II possessed the latter type. Group I either lacked malar thorns or possessed malar thorns that were most likely derived from generalized placoid scales. Group II possessed, with several exceptions, malar thorns derived from enlarged placoid scales. Within group I the supraspecific taxa Atlantoraja and Rioraja possessed unique alar thorns that were reclined laterally and associated with lateral grooves in the integument. Within group II the supraspecific taxa Anacanthobatis, Cruriraja, Dipturus, Okamejei, Raja, the North Pacific Assemblage, and the Amphi-American Assemblage had a large barb on the distal section of the crown of the alar thorn that suggests that these taxa form a clade. The crown of the alar thorns of the latter five supraspecific taxa was undulatory, thus supporting their monophyletic status. Another assemblage within group II had ridges that ran most of the length of the crown of the alar thorns corroborating their monophyletic status. The survey also suggested that variation of integumentary grooves associated with the alar thorns in Bathyraja, and presence or absence of malar thorns in Psammobatis, may be phylogenetically informative. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Three-dimensional self-consistent simulation of interface and dopant disorders in delta-doped grid-gate quantum-dot devices

We study the influence of interface roughness and dopant disorder on the electronic and charging properties of a δ-doped Al1−xGaxAs/GaAs quantum-dot grid-gate device by computer simulation. The analysis is performed for a device unit cell at T=4.2 K by self-consistent adiabatic one-dimensional (1D) Schrodinger and 3D Poisson’s simulation, within the local density approximation. Random boundary conditions that accounts for cell-to-cell influence of disorder is considered as well. The random effect of interface roughness produces very short-ranged potential distortions over distances of the order of a monolayer, resulting in a maximum deviation of 20% in the charging energy. Sensitivity analysis of the device to both random fluctuations in the number and positioning of the dopant ions shows that dopant number variations from device to device can result in fluctuations in the charging energy of as much as 50% per dopant. Isolated acceptor point charges in the quantum well change the modes of electron confine...
The calculation of displacement rates in stainless steel under neutron and electron irradiations

Abstract The calculation of displacement rates in neutron and electron irradiations is reviewed. Comparisons are made of neutron displacement cross sections calculated using several secondary displacement models. Included are comparisons of some spectrum-averaged cross sections for EBR-II and FFTF spectra. The status of electron displacement cross sections is reviewed. An exercise is performed to deduce neutron and electron displacement cross sections consistent with an assumed direction dependent damage energy threshold. It is suggested that neutron-electron damage correlations should be based on free defect cross sections rather than displacement cross sections.
Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis Nuclear-Polyhedrosis Virus Mixtures on Trichoplusia ni Larvae

Effects of exposure to Bacillus thuringiensis and a nuclear-polyhedrosis virus (NPV) on larvae of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni , were determined in laboratory experiments. Mortality curves Were established for each pathogen and served as the basis for the tests. Third-instar larvae averaging 15 mg body weight were inoculated by being on a diet containing desired concentrations of the pathogens. The ELD 50 for B. thuringiensis was 300 IU/ml of diet and for NPV, 2.27 × 10 3 polyhedral inclusion bodies/ml of diet. Mortality data from larvae exposed to both pathogens simultaneously at generally low dosages indicated that the effects of the pathogens in combination were additive. Results from experiments in which larvae were stressed by exposure to NPV for 24-96 hr prior to exposure to B. thuringiensis showed that increased mortality was an additive effect of the two pathogens. Pupae from larvae exposed to B. thuringiensis were significantly smaller than those from larvae exposed to NPV alone or to no pathogen.
THE INDUCTION OF GRAFT VERSUS HOST DISEASE IN MICE TREATED WITH CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE

In these studies adult mice treated with cyclophosphamide and foreign immunologically competent cells developed a graft versus host disease which outwardly resembled that encountered in other experimental systems. Progressively larger doses of cyclophosphamide produced an increasingly severe disease whereas comparable doses of mechlorethamine were ineffective. Increasingly larger cell inocula from parental, allogeneic, and xenogeneic donors resulted in a correspondingly more severe disease. Nucleated cells obtained from the peripheral blood were found to be the most potent inducers of this syndrome, while cells from the spleen, bone marrow, and thymus displayed lesser degrees of reactivity in that order. No such graft versus host disease occurred in mice given saline, lysed, or heat-killed cells in place of viable foreign cells. Neither did the disorder develop when comparable inocula of isogeneic cells were used.
Fate of copper in copper-complexed dyes during biological waste treatment III

Equations describing the equilibria of copper-complexed dyes during activated sludge wastewater treatment are examined in light of recent sorption measurements. Specifically, factors influencing the removal of copper from reactive and direct azo dyes are considered. The results of these calculations are consistent with experimental results which show that: (1) dissolved copper concentrations depend primarily on sorption to biosolids; and (2) sorption does not strongly affect copper removal from dissolved dye. The same equations have been used to show that employing a strong sequestrant (EDTA) in wet processing can greatly increase total dissolved copper concentrations in effluents due to competitive formation of poorly sorbed complexes. The importance of competing reactions and solids concentration is demonstrated both experimentally and mathematically. The derived equations can be used to estimate copper removal efficiency in various wastewater treatment scenarios as a function of solids concentrations and properties of dyes or complexing agents.
Scanning tunneling microscopy study of metals: Spectroscopy and topography

Abstract We will describe experiments on metal surfaces using the scanning tunneling microscope. Our scanning tunneling microscope was designed to operate in ultra-high vacuum together with sample cleaning and characterization. The major component for vibration damping is an external isolation table. The tip positioning mechanism is a quartz lever arm combined with coarse and fine adjusting screws. The STM and feedback control system are designed to obtain both topographic and spectroscopic information. Topographic images of Au(111) have been obtained which show very smooth planes containing only single atomic steps. Other surfaces show monatomic step structure in the form of an ordered array whose period corresponds to a previously studied reconstruction on Au(111). Further, on the same surface we find steeper sloped regions with multiple steps of equal height with wide facets. Spectroscopic data for Au and Pd show the presence of surface and bulk electronic states with good signal to noise. The energy values of these states are compared directly with the results of other experimental methods.
Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes Models Compared to Direct Numerical Simulations in an Adverse Pressure Gradient Boundary Layer Over a Flat Plate

In Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) models simplifying assumptions breakdown in near wall regions. Wall functions/treatments become inaccurate and the homogeneity and isotropy models may not hold. To see the effect that these assumptions have on the validity of boundary layer results in a commercially available RANS code, key boundary layer parameters are compared from laminar, transitional, and fully turbulent RANS results to an existing direct numerical simulation (DNS) simulation for flow over a flat plate with an adverse pressure gradient (APG). Parameters compared include velocity profiles in the free stream, boundary layer thicknesses, skin friction coefficient and the pressure gradient parameter. Results show comparable momentum thickness and pressure gradient parameters between the transition RANS model and the DNS simulation. Differences in the onset of transition between the RANS transition model and DNS are compared as well. These simulations help evaluate the models used in the RANS code. Of most interest is the transition model, a transition shear-stress transport (SST) k–omega model. The RANS code is being used in conjunction with an APG boundary layer experiment being undertaken at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL).Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Sleep Habits and Patterns of College Students: An Expanded Study.

This study represents an expansion of previous research investigating the prevalence of sleep difficulties in college students. Sleep quality and sleep habits were assessed via self-report questionnaires. Poor sleep quality was reported by 22.6% of participants, whereas 65.9% replied that they experienced occasional sleep problems. More than half of the respondents noted feeling tired in the morning. Implications for counselors and their institutions are discussed.
Research on "violent erotica": A reply.

(1988). Research on “violent erotica”: A reply. The Journal of Sex Research: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 340-348.
The Power of a Single Mother: The Influence of Black Women on Their Sons' Academic Performance.

This study examines the ways single Black mothers contribute to the educational success of their 11th-grade sons, despite the fact that their sons are enrolled in “failing schools.” Data from five interviews and one focus group reveal common characteristics of how single-Black mothers help their sons beat the odds.
An Illustrated Methodology for Analysis of Error Tolerance

Noise, defects, and process variations are likely to cause very unpredictable circuit performance in future billion-transistor dies, hence decreasing raw yield. Error tolerance is one of several techniques that can increase effective yield. This article presents a methodology for analyzing the suitability of error tolerance for a particular application and implementation. The methodology, illustrated here by a digital telephone-answering device, is applicable to a broad class of systems.
Porcine vena cava as an alternative to bovine pericardium in bioprosthetic percutaneous heart valves

Percutaneous heart valves are revolutionizing valve replacement surgery by offering a less invasive treatment option for high-risk patient populations who have previously been denied the traditional open chest procedure. Percutaneous valves need to be crimped to accommodate a small-diameter catheter during deployment, and they must then open to the size of heart valve. Thus the material used must be strong and possess elastic recoil for this application. Most percutaneous valves utilize bovine pericardium as a material of choice. One possible method to reduce the device delivery diameter is to utilize a thin, highly elastic tissue. Here we investigated porcine vena cava as an alternative to bovine pericardium for percutaneous valve application. We compared the structural, mechanical, and in vivo properties of porcine vena cava to those of bovine pericardium. While the extracellular matrix fibers of pericardium are randomly oriented, the vena cava contains highly aligned collagen and elastin fibers that impart strength to the vessel in the circumferential direction and elasticity in the longitudinal direction. Moreover, the vena cava contains a greater proportion of elastin, whereas the pericardium matrix is mainly composed of collagen. Due to its high elastin content, the vena cava is significantly less stiff than the pericardium, even after crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. Furthermore, the vena cava's mechanical compliance is preserved after compression under forces similar to those exerted by a stent, whereas pericardium is significantly stiffened by this process. Bovine pericardium also showed surface cracks observed by scanning electron microscopy after crimping that were not seen in vena cava tissue. Additionally, the vena cava exhibited reduced calcification (46.64 ± 8.15 μg Ca/mg tissue) as compared to the pericardium (86.79 ± 10.34 μg/mg). These results suggest that the vena cava may provide enhanced leaflet flexibility, tissue resilience, and tissue integrity in percutaneous heart valves, ultimately reducing the device profile while improving the durability of these valves.
Measurement of Coronary Artery Wall Strain In Situ Using IVUS

Atherosclerotic plaque rupture is the leading cause of mortality in cardiovascular diseases. Studying biomechanics of plaque provides important insights into its vulnerability, since a plaque behaves consistently with its underlying contents. Arterial wall strain in response to luminal pressure change is such a measurable quantity. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging is a wildly available clinical technique providing real time cross-sectional images of the vessel wall and plaque morphometry. IVUS elastography has been used to measure the radial strain through correlation analysis of the IVUS radiofrequency (RF) signals. We have developed a strain estimation method based on IVUS image registration. Our method has the ability to overcome nonlinear tissue deformation and measure 2D strain.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
SEX AND GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES IN SENIOR APPERCEPTION TECHNIQUE PROJECTIONS

A major purpose of this study was to compare the projections of 50 young and 50 elderly subjects to the Seniors Apperception Technique. Specifically, the emotional contents of stories told to the t...
Absolute configurations of chiral herbicides determined from vibrational circular dichroism

Enantiopure herbicides (+)-2-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy) propanoic acid, (+)-1 and (+)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) propanoic acid, (+)-2 were investigated using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD). Experimental absorption and VCD spectra of (+)-1 and (+)-2 in CDCl3 solution in the 2000–900 cm−1 region were compared with the ab initio predictions of absorption and VCD spectra obtained with density functional theory using the B3LYP/6-31G* basis set for different conformers of (R)-1 and (R)-2. Due to the intermolecular hydrogen bonding, this comparison did not provide unambiguous conclusions. To eliminate intermolecular hydrogen bonding influence, the two acids 1 and 2 were converted to the corresponding methyl esters, namely, (+)-methyl 2-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy) propanoate, (+)-3 and (+)-methyl 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) propanoate, (+)-4. The experimental VCD spectra were measured for these esters and ab initio calculations for different conformers of (R)-3 and (R)-4 were carried out. The experimental VCD spectra and corresponding population-weighted theoretical VCD spectra were found to be in excellent agreement, which allowed unambiguous determination of absolute configuration of 3 and 4 as (+)-(R). Since esterification does not invert the configuration, the absolute configuration of the parent acids 1 and 2 is the same as that of corresponding methyl esters. Chirality 17:S1–S8, 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Insertions of Tn5 near genes that govern stimulatable cell motility in Myxococcus.

Insertions of transposon Tn5 were used to examine the genetics of motility mutants in Myxococcus . Fifteen independent insertions of Tn5 were isolated that were linked to seven different loci that govern motility. Among the motility mutants that can be stimulated to move transiently by contanct with other cells, a one-to-one correspondence was confirmed between specificity of stimulation and genetic locus. There are six different specificities and six corresponding loci, as if each locus governs a different protein required for gliding motility.
New ideas in neutrino detection

What is new in the field of neutrino detection? In addition to new projects probing both the low and high ends of the neutrino energy scale, an inexpensive, effective technique is being developed to allow tagging of antineutrinos in water Cherenkov (WC) detectors via the addition to water of a solute with a large neutron cross-section and energetic γ daughters. Gadolinium is an excellent candidate since in recent years it has become very inexpensive, now less than $8 per kilogram in the form of commercially available gadolinium trichloride. This non-toxic, non-reactive substance is highly soluble in water. Neutron capture on gadolinium yields an 8.0 MeV gamma cascade easily seen in detectors like Super-Kamiokande. The uses of GdCl3 as a possible upgrade for the Super-Kamiokande detector — with a view toward improving its performance as an antineutrino detector for supernova neutrinos and reactor neutrinos — are discussed, as are the ongoing R&D efforts which aim to make this dream a reality within the next two years.
Measuring environmental emissions from tobacco combustion: Sidestream cigarette smoke literature review☆

Abstract The tobacco-derived environmental emission of most common concern is the smoke issuing from cigarettes between puffs. A literature review of smoke formation mechanisms, sampling methods and selected emission factors suggests that sidestream deliveries are actually much less variable than is commonly thought. Examples of devices used to generate and collect sidestream smoke for analysis are described and their advantages and disadvantages discussed. Emissions computed as is common practice from sidestream/mainstream ratios are compared to those determined directly. The ratio method can yield misleading results because of the sensitivity of mainstream deliveries to cigarette and burn characteristics.
Enlargement of the hypofluorescent post photodynamic therapy treatment spot after a combination of photodynamic therapy with an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab for retinal angiomatous proliferation

Background To report a case of enlargement of the post photodynamic therapy treatment (PDT) spot in a patient with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) that was treated with PDT combined with an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab.
Ab Initio XAFS Debye-Waller Factors

An efficient, finite temperature, equation of motion method is introduced for calculations of the mean-square relative displacements σ 2 in XAFS Debye-Waller factors. Instead of calculating projected densities of modes, the calculations are based on the displacement-displacement correlation function and done in real time, over a few vibration cycles. Results for the Debye-Waller factors are found to be accurate to within about 15% percent at all temperatures. We also discuss how force constants used in the calculations can be obtained from ab initio Car-Parrinello/molecular dynamics calculations. Tests of the method are presented based on the Wiggs-Jonsson plane-wave pseudopotential code [Comp. Phys. Comm. 87, 319 (1995)]. Application to XAFS Debye-Waller factors in biological molecules is discussed.
Small payloads for the Shuttle

The Goddard Space Flight Center, Special Payloads Division (sounding rockets) experience in applying rocket mechanical experience and technology to the Shuttle is presented. While the mechanical design loads are similar, new considerations for thermal extremes, material control and attachment structures must be included. These additional requirements have been successfully introduced in the free flyer class of payloads, Shuttle Pointed Automonous Research Tool for Astronomy (SPARTAN), and a motorized door for the Get Away Special (GAS) payloads.
We need to do better for patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome who are managed without revascularization.

Patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) who are managed without revascularization represent a heterogenous and understudied population. Several studies have highlighted the higher morbidity and mortality in such patients, and data show a relative 50% increase in