cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning for Carotid Plaque Segmentation using a Dilated U-Net Architecture:

Carotid plaque segmentation in ultrasound longitudinal B-mode images using deep learning is presented in this work. We report on 101 severely stenotic carotid plaque patients. A standard U-Net is c...
Origins of Informality: Examining the Historical and Spatial Roots of Informal Day-Labor Hiring Sites

Informal day-labor hiring sites, public and semi-spaces where (mostly) men wait to be hired for short-term work, are found in cities throughout the United States. The daily-appropriation of space for labor-seeking is not a new phenomenon, however media and academic accounts of day-labor hiring sites almost exclusively focus on the contingent nature of laborers’ employment to suggest that this use of space is socially unsustainable. Despite the fact that day-labor is a spatial means of employment-seeking, the process by which particular spaces are selected for day-labor hiring sites remains almost entirely unexamined. Drawing on more than five years of mixed-methods research in the San Diego Metropolitan Area, I examine the places where hiring sites operate to demonstrate the linkages between neighborhood characteristics and the establishment of day-labor hiring sites. Ethnographic data further supports an argument that hiring sites exhibit a high-degree of locational “stickiness,” due to the historical, economic, and emotional content embedded in each site through the production of space. The paper concludes by examining the specific ways that laborers and other stakeholders interact to ensure that access to space is maintained and in so doing, foster relationships that produce socially-sustainable outcomes for day-laborers and their neighbors.
Seismic analysis and retrofitting countermeasure for 1315 kV capacitor with multi-column posts

A number of power substations and converter stations are inevitably built in high earthquake intensity regions. There are many types of electrical equipment with multi-column posts in power substations and converter stations. The PLC/RI capacitor with high seismic vulnerability is a typical electrical equipment with multi-column posts. A 1315 kV PLC/RI capacitor was modeled and analyzed using finite element technique. The modal analysis results show that the primary frequency of the capacitor is close to the earthquake dominant frequency. Additionally, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th order frequencies are within the range of the flat segment of the seismic response spectrum. After performing seismic analysis, the most fragile location was identified, that is the porcelain insulator at the bottom of the capacitor. The stress safety factor of the porcelain insulator is 0.71, which indicates the capacitor does not meet the seismic requirement for peak ground acceleration (PGA) = 0.3 g. To improve the seismic performance of capacitor with multi-column posts, enhancing connection stiffness of the structure is proposed. Based on this countermeasure, the thickness of the connecting plate between the upper hollow composite insulators and the porcelain insulators at the bottom of capacitor was increased from 20 mm to 50 mm. After the optimization, the 1315kV PLC/RI capacitor satisfies the seismic requirement for PGA value of 0.3 g.
Mis-spending on information security measures: Theory and experimental evidence

Abstract Information resources are becoming increasingly important to individuals and organizations, and ensuring their security is a major concern. While research in information security has adopted primarily a quantitative method to determine how and how much to invest in security, most decision makers rely on non-quantitative methods for this purpose, thereby introducing a considerable amount of as yet unexplained subjective judgment to the problem. We use a behavioral decision making approach to investigate factors causing possible inefficiencies of security spending decisions. Decision makers in our experiment performed a series of economic games featuring the key characteristics of a typical security problem. We found several biases in investment decisions. For budgeting their investment between major classes of security measures, decision makers demonstrated a strong bias toward investing in preventive measures rather than in detection and response measures, even though the task was designed to yield the same return on investment for both classes of measures. We term this phenomenon the “Prevention Bias.” Decision makers also reacted to security threats when the risk was so small that no investment was economically justified. For higher levels of risk that warranted some security investment, decision makers showed a strong tendency to overinvest. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Dual isotope NMR gyro

We present a discussion of our new type of dual-species NMR gyro, based on synchronous spin-exchange optical pumping. We present data comparing single-species and dual-species NMR gyros, showing the cancellation of magnetic noise in dual-species NMR gyros.
The RD2 pathogenicity island modifies the disease potential of the group A Streptococcus.

Serotype M28 isolates of the group A Streptococcus (GAS; Streptococcus pyogenes) are non-randomly associated with cases of puerperal sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection that can occur in women following childbirth. Previously, we discovered that the 36.3 kb RD2 pathogenicity island, which is present in serotype M28 isolates but lacking from most other isolates, promotes the ability of M28 GAS to colonize the female reproductive tract. Here, we performed a gain-of-function study in which we introduced RD2 into representative serotype M1, M49, and M59 isolates and assessed the phenotypic consequences of RD2 acquisition. All RD2-containing derivatives colonized a higher percentage of mice, and at higher colony-forming-unit levels, than did the parental isolates in a mouse vaginal colonization model. However, for two additional phenotypes, survival in heparinized whole human blood and adherence to two human vaginal epithelial cell lines, there were serotype-specific differences to RD2-acquisition. Using transcriptomic comparisons, we identified that such differences may be a consequence of RD2 altering the abundance of transcripts from select core genome genes along serotype-specific lines. Our study is the first that interrogates RD2 function in GAS serotypes other than M28 isolates, shedding light on variability in the phenotypic consequences of RD2 acquisition, and informing on why this mobile genetic element is not ubiquitous in the GAS population.
Establishment of a Fast-Track Gastrectomy Pathway for Patients with Gastric Adenocarcinoma at a U.S. Academic Cancer Center.

Abstract Introduction Implementation of fast-track perioperative care pathways for gastric cancer patients in the U.S. has been challenging due to low disease incidence and limited safety and efficacy data. Our institution recently implemented such a pathway for gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy, and we sought to study its effects. Methods We analyzed data from consecutive patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma from January 2014 to August 2020. Patients who had surgery for recurrence, urgent surgery for obstruction, bleeding, or perforation, or an intrathoracic anastomosis were excluded. The primary predictor was whether the patient had surgery before or after implementation of a perioperative fast-track gastrectomy pathway in July 2018, and the primary outcome was length of stay. Results One hundred sixty patients were identified, 109 pre-pathway implementation and 51 post-pathway implementation. Following pathway implementation, length of stay was significantly shorter (median 6 days versus 9 days, p Conclusions Fast-track gastrectomy care pathways are safe and feasible for U.S. gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy and are associated with decreased length of stay.
Sam68 governs T cell activation and proliferation by programming selective NF-κB transcription (IRM10P.751)

The alpha chain of the interleukin-2 receptor (IL2Rα) is expressed in activated T cells and plays a significant role in adaptive immune response; however, the molecular mechanisms that ensure robust and accurate transcription of IL2RA remain poorly understood. We identified the Src-associated substrate during mitosis of 68kDa (Sam68) as a novel component in the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) complex that specifically confers IL2RA transcription. We also demonstrated that Sam68 plays an essential role in the induction and maintenance of IL2Rα in human T cells derived from both healthy donors and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma patients. T cell receptor (TCR) engagement triggered translocation of the inhibitor of NF-κB kinase alpha from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, where it phosphorylates Sam68, causing complex formation with NF-κB. Moreover, TCR engagement-induced activation and proliferation was significantly attenuated in T cells derived from Sam68 deficiency mice, compared to Sam68 proficient controls. Our results reveal an important role of Sam68 in T cell activation and proliferation, and the potential role of Sam68 in T cell-mediated autoimmune disease model will be further discussed.
Immunochemical studies of bacteriophage deoxyribonucleic acid. II. Characterization of the active antigen.

Abstract Antiserum to ruptured T4 bacteriophage contains antibodies to coat proteins, internal protein, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The reaction between DNA and antibodies to it was characterized immunochemically. Thermally denatured DNA proved to be the effective antigen as shown by enzymatic and physicochemical criteria. Complete recovery of thermally denatured DNA was obtained in a washed specific precipitate formed in the region of excess antibody.
Lex Informatica: Foundations of Law on the Internet

The Internet2 is in the process of transforming from a small academic exchange network into a massive interactive and global communications complex. It will have an unprecedented ability to bring people and information together from all over the world in a global marketplace of ideas, goods, and services. E-cash purchasing,3 information exchange, value-added services, electronic banking,4 mail-order services, gambling casinos,5 and securities markets6 are already online or are just around the corner. Moreover, the capacity now exists to add even more applications, some of which will be completely unprecedented. This expansion of Internet capabilities will certainly entail powerful social, political, and legal implications.
Aspect Oriented Approach for Capturing and Verifying Distributed Properties

Given an initial decomposition of a distributed program into processes we are faced with two classes of properties that are tightly bounded. One is the class of intra- process properties; these are relationships and requirements over a local state of a process. The second class is inter- processes properties; these are relationships and requirements over different processes local states that depict the consistencies and cooperation among a collection of cooperative processes that might be tightly bounded to achieve a certain collective goal. Both classes of system properties are crucial for system development and verification. The intra-process properties are relatively easier to define and carry on through system development life cycle. This paper concentrates on the challenges of expressing and imposing inter-processes properties during a distributed execution. The approach taken here is based on two completely independent areas of research The first is the CCL - Communication Closed Layers; a formal system for developing, maintaining, and verifying distributed programs [EF82] and the second is the aspect oriented software development [AOSD, CACM] that enables simplification and automation of CCL implementations. Aspect-oriented approach provides a natural framework to address inter-processes cooperation. The essence of aspect oriented software developments is the localization of crosscutting concerns. Under CCL constrains cooperative global properties can be considered as a special case of crosscutting concerns. (Note that this is not true in general; layers closeness, as defined in the following, is a necessary condition for the validity of cooperative global virtual assertions). Both CCL and AOSD are software development methodologies; their synergy for distributed systems development and runtime verification of system virtual global assertions is a promising match to handle the complexities of global system cooperation and consistencies. Both are centered on the notion of crosscutting concerns; CCL captures the semantics whereas AOSD provides the expressive tools. Together, it enables a design-by-contract discipline [M93] to be applicable to a wider range of distributed programs. There is still ongoing research to use the WEAVR , an aspect oriented model driven engineering [tool developed by Motorola, to automate code generation from precise behavioral models to express layers and global assertions. [CE1, CE2, CVE1, CVE2, CVE3].
National Monetary Policy by Regional Design: The Evolving Role of the Federal Reserve Banks in Federal Reserve System Policy

The Governing Council of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) has been charged with determining and implementing the monetary policy of the European Community. The Council will include the six members of the European Central Bank’s Executive Committee and the central bank governors of the European Community’s eleven member states. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the U.S. Federal Reserve System has similar duties and structure. Like the ESCB’s Governing Council, the FOMC is the principal monetary policymaking committee of the Federal Reserve System. It consists of the seven members of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the presidents of the twelve regional Federal Reserve Banks (though only five presidents may vote on policy at any one time).
CTCF mediates methylation-sensitive enhancer-blocking activity at the H19/Igf2 locus

The Insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) and H19 genes are imprinted, resulting in silencing of the maternal and paternal alleles, respectively. This event is dependent upon an imprinted-control region two kilobases upstream of H19 (refs 1, 2). On the paternal chromosome this element is methylated and required for the silencing of H19 (refs 2-4). On the maternal chromosome the region is unmethylated and required for silencing of the Igf2 gene 90 kilobases upstream. We have proposed that the unmethylated imprinted-control region acts as a chromatin boundary that blocks the interaction of Igf2 with enhancers that lie 3' of H19 (refs 5, 6). This enhancer-blocking activity would then be lost when the region was methylated, thereby allowing expression of Igf2 paternally. Here we show, using transgenic mice and tissue culture, that the unmethylated imprinted-control regions from mouse and human H19 exhibit enhancer-blocking activity. Furthermore, we show that CTCF, a zinc finger protein implicated in vertebrate boundary function, binds to several sites in the unmethylated imprinted-control region that are essential for enhancer blocking. Consistent with our model, CTCF binding is abolished by DNA methylation. This is the first example, to our knowledge, of a regulated chromatin boundary in vertebrates.
Post-stroke management concerns and outcomes.

Abstract In the United States alone, there are 1.7 million stroke survivors at any given time, 75% between the age of 55 and 84 years, thereby posing a formidable rehabilitation task. In order to reduce short-term mortality from strokes, management should focus on improved pre-stroke status of high-risk patients and on improved recognition and therapy of medical complications of stroke during the first 3 weeks. Long-term recovery from stroke can be facilitated by skilled rehabilitation and augmented by treatment of depression and other emotional problems. Newer experimental therapies instituted during the first hours after stroke may also prove to accelerate recovery over the first 3 months after stroke.
How Do Bacteria Avoid High Oxygen Concentrations

Bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Azospirillum brasilense, avoid microenvironments with elevated oxygen concentrations, not by sensing reactive oxygen derivatives, but by sensing a metabolic down-shift that results from elevated oxygen levels. A novel protein, Aer, and the chemotaxis serine receptor, Tsr, have recently been identified as transducers for aerotaxis which monitor internal energy levels in the bacteria.
The load dump (automobiles)

Load dump is a condition observed in automobiles when the battery is disconnected from the rest of the power supply circuit while the alternator is generating. Recently the load-dump transient condition has been receiving more attention. The authors discuss testing and design issues associated with manufacturing semiconductor devices which are required to withstand various load dump specifications. >
Gender-Specific Expression of β1 Integrin of VLA-4 in Myelin Basic Protein-Primed T Cells: Implications for Gender Bias in Multiple Sclerosis

Susceptibility to multiple sclerosis is higher in females than males. However, the underlying mechanism behind this gender difference is poorly understood. Because the presence of neuroantigen-primed T cells in the CNS is necessary to initiate the neuroinflammatory cascade of multiple sclerosis, we first investigated how these T cells interacted with astroglia, major resident glial cells of the CNS. Interestingly, we found that myelin basic protein (MBP)-primed T cells from female and castrated male mice, but not from male mice, produced proinflammatory molecules, such as NO, IL-1beta, and IL-6 in astroglia, and these responses were purely via contact between T cells and astroglia. Because T cell:glia contact requires several integrin molecules, we examined the involvement of integrins in this process. Both alpha4 and beta1, subunits of VLA-4 integrin, were found to be necessary for T cell contact-induced generation of proinflammatory molecules in astroglia. Interestingly, the expression of beta1, but not alpha4, was absent in male MBP-primed T cells. In contrast, female and castrated male MBP-primed T cells expressed both alpha4 and beta1. Similarly, we also detected beta1 in spleen of normal young female, but not male, mice. Furthermore, we show that male sex hormones (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone), but not female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone), were able to suppress the mRNA expression of beta1 in female MBP-primed T cells. These studies suggest that beta1, but not alpha4, integrin of VLA-4 is the sex-specific molecule on T cell surface, and that the presence or absence of beta1 determines gender-specific T cell contact-mediated glial activation.
Nanofluid convective heat transfer in a parallel-disk system

Abstract Inherently low thermal conductivities of basic fluids form a primary limitation in high-performance cooling which is an essential requirement for numerous thermal systems and micro-devices. Nanofluids, i.e., dilute suspensions of, say, metal-oxide nanoparticles in a liquid, are a new type of coolants with better heat transfer performances than their pure base fluids alone. Using a new, experimentally validated model for the thermal conductivity of nanofluids, numerical simulations have been executed for alumina-water nanofluid flow with heat transfer between parallel disks. The results indicate that, indeed, nanofluids are promising new coolants when compared to pure water. Specifically, smoother mixture flow fields and temperature distributions can be achieved. More importantly, given a realistic thermal load, the Nusselt number increases with higher nanoparticle volume fraction, smaller nanoparticle diameter, reduced disk-spacing, and, of course, larger inlet Reynolds number, expressed in a novel form as Nu = Nu(Re and Br). Fully-developed flow can be assumed after a critical radial distance, expressed in a correlation Rcrit = fct(Re), has been reached and hence analytic solutions provide good approximations. Nanofluids reduce the system’s total entropy generation rate while hardly increasing the required pumping power for any given Rein. Specifically, minimization of total entropy generation allows for operational and geometric system-optimization in terms of Sgen = fct (Re and δ).
Reaching consensus on child neglect: African American mothers and child welfare workers

Abstract This study explores the working definitions of neglect used by a group of public child welfare workers and African American mothers. Each group was asked to judge the potential harm t a 6-year-old child from a series of statements reflective of some specific components of neglect. The findings report the African American mothers overall judgements of all categories as more serious than the workers. Implications for policy in framing useable definitions are discussed.
Out-of-hospital quantitative monitoring of end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure during CPR

Study objective: To assess the feasibility and potential usefulness of quantitative measurement of end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (P ET CO 2 ) during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Design: Emergency medical technician-paramedics (EMT-Ps) were instructed in the operation of a portable battery-powered capnograph, the sensor for which was attached to the endotracheal tube following intubation. This was a preliminary pilot study limited to defining feasibility and potential utility in a small group of patients. Setting: City with population of 70,745 served by an advanced life support emergency medical services system. Participants: Initial group of four patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and who were treated by EMT-Ps trained in operation of the capnograph. Interventions: As soon as possible following endotracheal intubation a mainstream sensor was connected to the endotracheal tube and digital and capnographic waveform data obtained for the remainder of the resuscitation. Data were stored in memory and subsequently retrieved for the entire event, with digital readings at eight-second intervals. Results: Capnographic measurements were obtained immediately after endotracheal intubation in all four patients. The capnograph was operated without difficulty throughout the resuscitations. Changes in performance of chest compression or changes in cardiac rhythm were reflected immediately in changes in (P ET CO 2 ). Persistent excretion of carbon dioxide during pulselessness was observed in two patients, consistent with "pseudo-electromechanical dissociation". Conclusion: These preliminary pilot observations confirm the feasibility of quantitative capnography during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and indicate that early institution of this noninvasive procedure may provide insight into pathophysiologic mechanisms such as pseudo-electromechanical dissociation and may also track changes in pulmonary blood flow during chest compressions or during spontaneous circulation.
Genistein decreases androgen biosynthesis in rat Leydig cells by interference with luteinizing hormone-dependent signaling

Testicular Leydig cells express estrogen receptors and are the predominant source of the male sex steroid hormone testosterone (T). Previous studies demonstrated that genistein acts through estrogen receptors in Leydig cells. In the present study, pre-treatment of Leydig cells isolated from 35 day-old male Long Evans rats with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase inhibitor AG 1478 abrogated genistein inhibition of T biosynthesis. Also, incubation of Leydig cells in culture medium containing epidermal growth factor (EGF) decreased T secretion (control: 255+/-16; EGF: 190+/-17ng/10(6) cells, 24h) (P 0.05). Furthermore, post-treatment incubation with cholera toxin, an activator of G proteins, caused genistein-treated Leydig cells to produce similar T amounts as untreated control (control: 55+/-5 versus 52+/-2 and 47+/-4; ng/10(6) cells, 3h) (P>0.05). These observations imply that genistein action interferes with coupling of transmembrane luteinizing hormone receptors (LHR) with G proteins. Uncoupling of LHR from G proteins adversely affects adenylate cyclase function and impacts LH-dependent stimulation of Leydig cells. These findings have implications for testicular steroidogenesis in individuals exposed to genistein and soy-based products.
Scattering Approximation for Long-Range Forces

A scattering approximation is formulated in terms of the individual physical two-body scattering amplitudes. The method appears valid for all particle energies and momentum transfers and requires at least one of the interactions to be long range, making it useful in treating a wide variety of elastic and inelastic scattering problems. The theoretical arguments are shown to give good agreement with experiments for two different inelastic nuclear processes: the neutron transfer reaction in low-energy ion-ion scattering (N/sup 14/ + N/sup 14/ yields N/sup 13/ + N/sup 15/) and the high-energy (p, d) pickup process (p + C/sup 12/ yields d + C/sup 11/). (H.D.R.)
NA-COUPLED BICARBONATE TRANSPORTERS OF THE SOLUTE CARRIER 4 FAMILY IN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM: FUNCTION, LOCALIZATION, AND RELEVANCE TO NEUROLOGIC FUNCTION

Many cellular processes including neuronal activity are sensitive to changes in intracellular and/or extracellular pH-both of which are regulated by acid-base transporter activity. HCO(3)(-)-dependent transporters are particularly potent regulators of intracellular pH in neurons and astrocytes, and also contribute to the composition of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The molecular physiology of HCO(3)(-) transporters has advanced considerably over the past ∼14 years as investigators have cloned and characterized the function and localization of many Na-Coupled Bicarbonate Transporters of the solute carrier 4 (Slc4) family (NCBTs). In this review, we provide an updated overview of the function and localization of NCBTs in the nervous system. Multiple NCBTs are expressed in neurons and astrocytes in various brain regions, as well as in epithelial cells of the choroid plexus. Characteristics of human patients with SLC4 gene mutations/deletions and results from recent studies on mice with Slc4 gene disruptions highlight the functional importance of NCBTs in neuronal activity, somatosensory function, and CSF production. Furthermore, energy-deficient states (e.g., hypoxia and ischemia) lead to altered expression and activity of NCBTs. Thus, recent studies expand our understanding of the role of NCBTs in regulating the pH and ionic composition of the nervous system that can modulate neuronal activity.
Nuclear waste glass interfaces after one year burial in STRIPA, Part 4: Comparative surface profiles

Abstract In this paper the techniques of Fourier transform IR reflection spectroscopy (FTIRRS) are combined with precision mechanical polishing and weighing, and high resolution mechanical profilometry to determine surface spectroscopy profiles. Although this mechanical profiling technique has been previously suggested, it has not been successfully used due to the necessity of measuring with a very accurate profilometer, the amount of material removed by polishing. With the use of such an device, an accuracy of ±0.1 μm is possible.
Penetration performance of disk shaped penetrators

Summary A combined computational, analytical and experimental investigation has discovered that there is a limit to the penetration efficiency of kinetic energy penetrators as the length-to-diameter ratio ( LID ) is decreased. Impacts of penetrators with an LID ranging from 1 to 1/32 into rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) at 2km/s were modelled with the Lagrangian code SMASH, the Eulerian code CTH, and elementary wave mechanics. Results were verified with experiments performed using a 50mm high pressure powder gun and a push-launch sabot. The modelling exhibited good agreement with experimental data and provided significant insight into the transient behavior of low LID penetrator impacts.
The PAPS transporter PST-1 is required for heparan sulfation and is essential for viability and neural development in C. elegans

Sulfations of sugars, such as heparan sulfates (HS), or tyrosines require the universal sulfate donor 3'-phospho-adenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) to be transported from the cytosol into the Golgi. Metazoan genomes encode two putative PAPS transporters (PAPST1 and PAPST2), which have been shown in vitro to preferentially transport PAPS across membranes. We have identified the C. elegans orthologs of PAPST1 and PAPST2 and named them pst-1 and pst-2, respectively. We show that pst-1 is essential for viability in C. elegans, functions non-redundantly with pst-2, and can act non-autonomously to mediate essential functions. Additionally, pst-1 is required for specific aspects of nervous system development rather than for formation of the major neuronal ganglia or fascicles. Neuronal defects correlate with reduced complexity of HS modification patterns, as measured by direct biochemical analysis. Our results suggest that pst-1 functions in metazoans to establish the complex HS modification patterns that are required for the development of neuronal connectivity.
A thermodynamic analysis of tubular solid oxide fuel cell based hybrid systems

The goals of a research program recently completed at the University of California, Irvine were to develop analysis strategy for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) based systems, to apply the analysis strategy to tubular SOFC hybrid systems and to identify promising hybrid configurations. A pressurized tubular SOFC combined with an intercooled-reheat gas turbine (SureCell™ cycle) is chosen as the base cycle over which improvements are sought. The humid air turbine (HAT) cycle features are incorporated to the base cycle resulting in the SOFC-HAT hybrid cycle which shows an efficiency of 69.05 percent while the base cycle has an efficiency of 66.23 percent. Exergy analysis identified the superior efficiency performance of the SOFC component. Therefore, an additional cycle variation added a second SOFC component followed by a low pressure combustor in place of the reheat combustor of the gas turbine of the SOFC-HAT hybrid. The resulting dual SOFC-HAT hybrid has a thermal efficiency of 75.98 percent. The single SOFC-HAT hybrid gives the lowest cost of electricity (3.54¢/kW-hr) while the dual SOFC-HAT hybrid has the highest cost of electricity (4.02¢ /kW-hr) among the three cycles with natural gas priced at $3/GJ. The dual SOFC-HAT hybrid plant cost is calculated to be significantly higher because the fraction of power produced by the SOFC(s) is significantly higher than that in the other cases on the basis of $1100/kw initial cost for the SOFC. The dual SOFC-HAT hybrid can only be justified in favor of the single SOFC-HAT hybrid when the price of natural gas is greater than $14/GJ or if a severe carbon tax on the order of $180/ton of CO2 is imposed while natural gas price remains at $3/GJ. Copyright © 2003 by ASME.
Heats of Formation of C6H5•, C6H5+, and C6H5NO by Threshold Photoelectron Photoion Coincidence and Active Thermochemical Tables Analysis

Threshold photoelectron photoion coincidence has been used to prepare selected internal energy distributions of nitrosobenzene ions [C6H5NO+]. Dissociation to C6H5+ + NO products was measured over a range of internal energies and rate constants from 103 to 107 s−1 and fitted with the statistical theory of unimolecular decay. A 0 K dissociative photoionization onset energy of 10.607 ± 0.020 eV was derived by using the simplified statistical adiabatic channel model. The thermochemical network of Active Thermochemical Tables (ATcT) was expanded to include phenyl and phenylium, as well as nitrosobenzene. The current ATcT heats of formation of these three species at 0 K (298.15 K) are 350.6 (337.3) ± 0.6, 1148.7 (1136.8) ± 1.0, and 215.6 (198.6) ± 1.5 kJ mol−1, respectively. The resulting adiabatic ionization energy of phenyl is 8.272 ± 0.010 eV. The new ATcT thermochemistry for phenyl entails a 0 K (298.15 K) C−H bond dissociation enthalpy of benzene of 465.9 (472.1) ± 0.6 kJ mol−1. Several related thermochem...
Speed-accuracy tradeoff during response preparation.

Abstract The speed-accuracy operating curve was investigated in a movement precuing two- or four-choice reaction time task. Four levels of response preferences were manipulated with subject instructions and postresponse information: (a) accuracy, (b) reaction time latency, (c) accuracy and reaction time latency, and (d) no preference. Eighty subjects completed 480 discrete keypressing responses with the index and middle fingers of both hands. The mixed design mean reaction time analysis indicated faster performances for the reaction time latency and the accuracy and reaction time latency groups than the no preference group. Additionally, the percent correct analysis revealed two significant interactions: (a) Trial Block x Precue x Response Preference, and (b) Delay x Precue x Hand Position. Overall, the present findings provide partial support for the speed-accuracy operating curve predictions. Caution is advised when drawing chronometric inferences based only on reaction time data or when response accura...
Coupling the Level-Set Method with Molecular Mechanics for Variational Implicit Solvation of Nonpolar Molecules

We construct a variational explicit-solute implicit-solvent model for the solvation of molecules. Central in this model is an effective solvation free-energy functional that depends solely on the position of solute−solvent interface and solute atoms. The total free energy couples altogether the volume and interface energies of solutes, the solute−solvent van der Waals interactions, and the solute−solute mechanical interactions. A curvature dependent surface tension is incorporated through the so-called Tolman length which serves as the only fitting parameter in the model. Our approach extends the original variational implicit-solvent model of Dzubiella, Swanson, and McCammon [Phys. Rev. Lett. 2006, 96, 087802 and J. Chem. Phys. 2006, 124, 084905] to include the solute molecular mechanics. We also develop a novel computational method that combines the level-set technique with optimization algorithms to determine numerically the equilibrium conformation of nonpolar molecules. Numerical results demonstrate t...
The active immunization of the cyclic ewe against an estrone protein conjugate.

Abstract Four mature, cyclic ewes were given injections (I.M.) of a conjugate of 1,3,5 (10)-estratrien-3-ol-6,17-dione, 6 carboxyoxime bovine serum albumin (immunized ewes) on day 3 after estrus, and at days 10, 20, 40, 58, 91 and 134 after this initial treatment. Six control ewes treated with carrier emulsion alone continued to cycle normally. Three of the immunized ewes failed to exhibit estrus, an associated preovulatory surge of LH and ovulation. One ewe showed 1 abnormally short estrous period and then became anestrus. Injection of an estrone-protein-conjugate at days 3 and 13 after estrus did not appear to interfere with the rate of structural luteolysis of the corpus luteum present, but plasma concentrations of progesterone reached abnormally high luteal phase levels and in 2 ewes failed, subsequently to decline to normal follicular phase levels. Estrone binding capacity rose as early as day 9 after first treatment, and concentrations of LH rose as early as day 14. Subsequently, plasma levels of LH, estrone and progesterone and antisera titer rose; the only significant cross reaction of the antisera was with estradiol 17β (11.32 ± 2.80%).
Impact of flight systems integration on future aircraft design

Integrations trends in aircraft are discussed with an eye to manifestations in future aircraft designs through interdisciplinary technology integration. Current practices use software changes or small hardware fixes to solve problems late in the design process, e.g., low static stability to upgrade fuel efficiency. A total energy control system has been devised to integrate autopilot and autothrottle functions, thereby eliminating hardware, reducing the software, pilot workload, and cost, and improving flight efficiency and performance. Integrated active controls offer reduced weight and larger payloads for transport aircraft. The introduction of vectored thrust may eliminate horizontal and vertical stabilizers, and location of the thrust at the vehicle center of gravity can provide vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. It is suggested that further efforts will open a new discipline, aeroservoelasticity, and tests will become multidisciplinary, involving controls, aerodynamics, propulsion and structures.
Morphology of the pubis and preauricular area in relation to parity and age at death in Macaca mulatta.

Some adult human females show bone resorption (pitting) at the dorsal aspect of the pubis and preauricular area of the ilium. The etiology of pelvic bone resorption is attributed alternatively to reproduction and to pelvic anatomy. While most researchers infer that pelvic pitting is related to reproduction, only a few studies are based on women of known parity. Degree of pubic resorption is directly associated with both parity (Suchey et al.: Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 51:517–539, 1979; Bergfelder and Hermann: J. Hum. Evol. 9:611–613, 1980) and age (Suchey et al.: Am. J Phys. Anthropol. 51:517–539, 1979). The relationship between parity and degree of resorption of the preauricular area is equivocal, found to be significant by Dunlap (A Study of the Preauricular Sulcus in a Cadaver Population. Ph.D. dissertation, East Lansing, Michigan State University, 1981) but not by Spring et al. (Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 79:247–252, 1989); both studies report that age is not associated with resorption of the preauricular area. Other mammals evidence pubic resorption, but the morphology of the preauricular area is less well known. This study addresses the issue on the etiology of pelvic bone resorption using a sample of Macaca mulatta (the free-ranging population from Cayo Santiago) for which parity and age at death are known for all specimens. The following results are reported. Resorption of the pubis is common among females but infrequent among males. Contrary to Rawlins (Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 42:477–488, 1975), the degree of pubic resorption in female macaques is significantly related to both parity and age at death. Importantly, not one female or male shows resorption of the preauricular area. The results suggest that there may be different etiologies for resorption of the pubis and preauricular are in humans. The proposed explanation for resorption of the pubis in macaques is that resorption inhibits synostosis of the symphysis pubis and allows for increased pelvic joint mobility during parturition; elevated levels of estrogen during pregnancy promote resorption of the pubis.
Queer Activism in India: A Story in the Anthropology of Ethics

Naisargi N. Dave's Queer Activism in India is a compelling account of how activists and nonactivists alike transformed lesbianism in India from being covert and publicly impossible into a nationall...
The Excavation of American Indian Burial Sites: A Problem in Law and Professional Responsibility

The excavation of Indian burial sites poses serious ethical problems. Many American Indians regard the excavation of such sites as an affront to their actual and spiritual ancestors, while many archaeologists believe that scientific investigation should take absolute priority. This paper explores the judicial and legislative aspects of this practice in the United States and discusses attempts by professional associations to resolve the conflict. The paper suggests specific guidelines that could be followed by courts and legislators depending on whether the burial site is on reservation or nonreservation property, or whether the physical remains are recent or ancient. [archaeology, applied anthropology, ethics, anthropology and law, anthropology and public policy]
Accelerated Salt Transport Method for Managing Ground Water Quality

This paper briefly reviews the problem of ground water degradation from irrigation and present approaches to controlling ground water quality. As an alternative to these approaches, a management scheme called the Accelerated Salt TRANsport (ASTRAN) method is proposed as being a feasible solution to the problem of salt build-up in irrigated areas. A management algorithm for implementing the ASTRAN method is described. Results from modeling studies indicate that the ASTRAN method is cost-effective and encourages conjunctive use of ground water and surface water.
Circuit for Impulse Testing of Gas-Tube Lightning Arresters

Telephone lines may be protected from lightning-induced surges by gas-tube lightning arresters. Typical arresters break down at 250-400 V dc. Breakdown voltage increases with the rate of rise of the applied voltage and may be two or three times the dc value at a rate of rise of 10 kV/μs. Lightning surges on telephone lines approach this rate of rise. The circuit described in this paper generates and measures ramps with linear rates of rise from 0.5 to 10 kV/μs chopped at 500-1500 V. In order to achieve ramp linearity and to minimize oscillations after the chop, stray capacitances and inductances must be made as small as possible. Construction and layout required to achieve this are described in some detail and typical test oscillograms at 0.5 and 10 kV/μs are presented in corroboration. Measurement accuracy is analyzed and maximum errors are estimated to be, for breakdown voltage, 3 and 10 percent at 0.5 and 10 kV/μs, respectively; and for rate of rise, 5 percent for all ramps. If greater accuracy is required, it can be obtained by correction for divider time constant errors and by further study of carbon resistor voltage coefficients.
EVALUATING THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF ALTERNATIVE AIRPORT PRICING APPROACHES ON SOCIAL WELFARE

One of the key issues air transportation policy-makers face is whether it is preferable from a regulatory perspective for airports to adopt a single-till or dual-till pricing approach. This study analyzes the potential loss of social welfare as a result of adopting a single-till or dual-till approach in three airport pricing scenarios. Findings show that the single-till approach is preferable where excess capacity of aeronautical services exists, while the dual-till approach is preferable where capacity is fully utilized or already over-utilized. A single-till approach induces airports to bear financial losses from aeronautical services and subsequently a cross-subsidy by profits raised from non-aeronautical activities is required. The dual till-approach enables congested airports to break even on aeronautical service and pursue profits from non-aeronautical activities.
Gram-negative infections of arterial substitutes

Abstract Enteric contamination at the site of a vascular injury creates a difficult management problem. In order to more intelligently approach this problem we have compared the efficacy of arterial autografts, autogenous vein graft, and polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) grafts in wounds contaminated with enteric organisms. Thirty mongrel dogs were divided into three groups. Group I had both femoral arteries replaced with autografts, Group II underwent bypass grafting with 4-mm PTFE grafts, and Group III had femoral arteries replaced with autogenous vein grafts. The right groin was closed aseptically and served as a control while the left groin was contaminated with a standard aliquot of stool and then closed. The groups were observed for loss of blood flow, death due to hemorrhage, or complete healing. Termination of the study was determined by the first of these to occur in each animal. In the animals with arterial autografts, seven demonstrated healing and the average time to termination of the study was 20.2 days. Only one of the PTFE grafts healed and the average survival was 8.9 days. In the group with vein grafts, five healed. The time to termination was 14.7 days. These data demonstrated that arterial autografts are superior to PTFE grafts in an infected wound due to their ability to heal without disruption. This study suggests that autogenous tissue grafts are the prostheses of choice for replacement of small vessels injured in the presence of significant contamination.
The Sensitivity of the Tropical Hydrological Cycle to ENSO

Abstract Satellite observations of temperature, water vapor, precipitation and longwave radiation are used to characterize the variation of the tropical hydrologic and energy budgets associated with the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). As the tropical oceans warm during an El Nino event, the precipitation intensity, water vapor mass, and temperature of the tropical atmosphere are observed to increase, reflecting a more vigorous hydrologic cycle. The enhanced latent heat release and resultant atmospheric warming lead to an increase in the emission of longwave radiation. Atmospheric global climate models, forced with observed sea surface temperatures (SSTs), accurately reproduce the observed tropospheric temperature, water vapor, and outgoing longwave radiation changes. However, the predicted variations in tropical-mean precipitation rate and surface longwave radiation are substantially smaller than observed. The comparison suggests that either (i) the sensitivity of the tropical hydrological cycle to E...
Astrophysics: The final plunge

A gas cloud has been spotted approaching the Milky Way's central black hole. Observations of its closest approach, expected to occur in mid-2013, may offer insight into the black hole's immediate surroundings. See Letter p.51 The radio source Sgr A* in Sagittarius is thought to be the site of a supermassive black hole lying at the centre of the Milky Way. A study of stellar orbits has identified an object moving towards Sgr A* at a speed of 1,700 kilometres per second. Its low temperature and spectral properties suggest that it is a dusty cloud of ionized gas, three times the mass of Earth, in the process of falling into the black hole. Models predict that as the cloud gets closer to the black hole, X-ray emissions will become much brighter, and a giant radiation flare may be emitted in a few years if the cloud breaks up and feeds gas into the black hole.
Coupled cupric and ferric ions in cytochrome oxidase

Oxidized cytochrome oxidase probably has half its copper and iron as an antiferromagnetically coupled pair. The magnetic properties to be expected from such a pair are described.
Hydrogen peroxide neurotoxicity in childhood: case report with unique magnetic resonance imaging features.

Concentrated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) intoxication is relatively rare in children. Serious irreversible neurotoxicity generally results. The case of an 11-year-old boy who inadvertently drank a concentrated (35%) H2O2 solution is described. He exhibited signs of an acute encephalopathy with cortical visual impairment. Extensive cerebrocortical diffusion restriction with apparent gyral edema was evident at 3 days following ingestion, particularly in the parieto-occipital regions bilaterally. Spontaneous neurologic improvement quickly followed, and nearly full clinical resolution was evident 1 month later. The pattern of imaging abnormalities closely resembles that of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy. Concentrated H2O2 neurotoxicity in children can exhibit unique patterns (a reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy) and a better than expected outcome. (J Child Neurol 2003;18:805—808).