cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis and Failure Prevention of Nozzle Check Valves Used for Protection of Rotating Equipment Due to Wear and Tear in the Oil and Gas Industry

This paper reviews the most common type of check valves: swing, dual plate and nozzle. The pros and cons of each choice will be explained in this review, which can be used as a basis for making the most suitable check valve selection for installation after rotating equipment such as pumps and compressors. Dual plate check valves are compared to nozzle check valves in terms of pressure drop and water hammering. The process and valve information in two case studies are based on two recent Norwegian offshore projects. Dual plate check valves show more than twice the pressure drop and more than three times the water hammering effect in the form of applied pressure to the piping system compared to nozzle check valves. Thus, nozzle check valves are proposed as the best choice for use after pumps and compressors. The most important risk that causes nozzle check valve failure during operation is chattering; this occurs when the fluid can not keep the valve in fully open position and causes wear and tear inside the valve. The second case study of a nozzle check valve in a recent Norwegian project is reviewed in which the minimum flow in the piping system can not fully open the valve. Different solutions such as reducing the size of the valve, reducing the spring torque behind the valve seat and increasing the minimum flow are proposed in this paper. In addition, high fluid velocity is considered as another operational problem that leads to wear and tear of the valve as well as valve failure. Adjusting the narrow area inside the nozzle check valves can reduce the velocity inside the valve to an acceptable limit.
Oomycetes associated with Prunus serotina persist in soil after tree harvest

Abstract Soil-borne pathogens can shape forest communities by lowering seedling survivorship. Many soil pathogens can persist long-term as survival spores, but how long pathogens outlive tree hosts in gap soils and whether they continue to affect seedling survival is uncertain. We studied the presence of oomycetes and evaluated seedling performance in soils near live Prunus serotina trees, and 0.5 and 1.5-y-old stumps. We isolated five species of oomycetes from soils, two of which were pathogenic (Pythium intermedium and Pythium irregulare) to Prunus serotina. There was a non-significant ~10.5% increase in conspecific seedling survival in stumps versus live trees, and pathogens were present in soils of all stump ages. The continued presence of pathogens of Prunus serotina in gap soils demonstrates the potential for impacts on conspecific regeneration after tree death, though the slight improvement in survival suggests that these effects may weaken with time.
Virtual Interviews in the Era of COVID-19: Expectations and Perceptions of Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Candidates and Program Directors

Orthopaedic surgery residency program directors (PDs) and candidates consider interviews to be central to the application process. In-person interviews are typical, but virtual interviews present a potentially appealing alternative. Candidate and PD expectations and perceptions of virtual interviews during the 2020/2021 orthopaedic surgery application cycle were assessed. Methods Candidates and PDs were surveyed electronically. Questions covered pre-virtual-interview and post-virtual-interview expectations and perceptions, and past in-person experiences (PDs and reapplicants) on the relative importance of application components, ability to assess fit, interview costs, and preferred interview mode. Identical questions allowed between-group comparisons. Results Responses included n = 29 PDs and n = 99 candidates. PDs reported diminished ability to assess candidate fit; social, clinical, and surgical skills; and genuine interest in the virtual context (each p ≤ 0.01). They placed greater importance on research and less on the interview in the virtual vs. in-person context (each p = 0.02). Most candidates (78%) reported fair/good ability to demonstrate potential and were better able to assess research opportunities than expected (p < 0.01). Candidates expected virtual interviews to increase the importance of research, transcripts, and recommendations (for each, p ≤ 0.02) and decrease the importance of the interview itself (p < 0.01). Compared with PDs, candidates overvalued research, United States Medical Licensing Examination scores, transcripts, and recommendations (each p ≤ 0.02) and may have slightly undervalued the virtual interview (p = 0.08). Most candidates (81%) and PDs (79%) preferred in-person interviews, despite both groups reporting monetary savings. Conclusions Despite cost savings associated with virtual interviews, orthopaedic surgery residency PDs and candidates identified reduced abilities to assess candidate or program fit and displayed a preference for in-person interviews.
Understanding students' reasons and gender differences in adding faculty as Facebook friends

Personal reasons were the main motivating forces to be a friend of a professor.The least important reasons for being a Facebook friend with a professor were procedural reasons.Male students are more likely to be friends with their professors for clarification and efficiency reasons. Social network sites could be used to promote learning inside and outside of the classroom. The current study examines students' reasons and gender differences in adding faculty as Facebook friends. Participants were undergraduate students who completed a survey consisting of closed-ended and open-ended questions. Correlation analysis revealed that students intend to add their professors as Facebook friends in order to get to know them better on a personal level. Despite previous research showing that men find student-teacher interactions on Facebook more appropriate than women, the results of this study found no such difference. Male students, however, were significantly more likely to be friends with their professors for clarification and efficiency reasons. Traditional gender role and social exchange theory could explain some of the findings.
Hydrodynamic modeling of semi-planing hulls with air cavities

ABSTRACT: High-speed heavy loaded monohull ships can benefit from application of drag-reducing air cavities under stepped hull bottoms. The subject of this paper is the steady hydrodynamic modeling of semi-planing air-cavity hulls. The current method is based on a linearized potential-flow theory for surface flows. The mathematical model description and parametric calculation results for a selected configuration with pressurized and open air cavities are presented.
Game-Structured Analysis as a Framework for Defense Planning

The debate about NATO’S defense options has changed little in more than twenty years, with even less convergence of views. This nonconvergence has its principal origins in politics, economics, and the sociology of democracies, but the problem has been exacerbated by the absence of a coherent analytic framework within which to force issues toward resolution. Indeed, specialists in NATO defense issues fall into several disjoint groups with little intergroup communication--and few serious efforts to resolve differences, coalesce on recommendations, and advocate actions with the weight of consensus. It is then not surprising that it has been difficult to formulate, agree on, and maintain continuity in NATO’s improvement programs. It is also not surprising that proposed initiatives all too often lack coherence and balance.
Nodo unitatis et caritatis : The Structure and Argument of Augustine's De doctrina Christiana

L'auteur explique que le De doctrina christiana est structure selon les 7 etapes qu' une personne doit gravir afin d'atteindre la sagesse, tels que decrits au livre II de cette œuvre. Il s'attarde plutot aux etapes 3 a 5 (connaissance des ecritures, le courage et le conseil de la pitie) qui, selon lui, represente les livres I a III
New Views of Asteroids

NASA's Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous mission will enter orbit around an asteroid in 1999, thus enabling detailed study of these peculiar objects. In his Perspective, Asphaug describes the current state of understanding of asteroids, and in particular discusses results published in the same issue by [ Veverka et al. ][1] and [ Yeomans et al. ][2] reporting on a flyby encounter between NEAR and the main-belt asteroid Mathilde. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/278/5346/2109 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/278/5346/2106
Titan's organic chemistry

Voyager discovered nine simple organic molecules in the atmosphere of Titan. Complex organic solids, called tholins, produced by irradiation of simulated Titanian atmosphere are consistent with measured properties of Titan from ultraviolet to microwave frequencies, and are the likely main constituents of the observed red aerosols. The tholins contain many of the otganic building blocks central to life on Earth. At least 100 m and possibly kms thickness of complex organics have been produced on Titan during the age of the solar system, and may exist today as submarine deposits beneath an extensive ocean of simple hydrocarbons.
Abstract 12222: Use of a Reminder Statement on Echocardiography Reports Increases Appropriate Referral for Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators for Primary Prevention

Background: Numerous trials have shown the benefit of ICDs for primary prevention in patients with low EF and history of CHF, and guidelines recommend their use. Still, underutilization is well-documented. Hypothesis: Placing a reminder statement into echocardiogram reports for appropriate patients will increase adherence to guidelines. Methods: From January to June 2013, a brief statement reminding clinicians of the ICD guidelines was automatically inserted into the body of echocardiogram reports for patients with an EF ≤ 35% at a single center (intervention group). Charts were reviewed to determine if these patients were 1) referred to EP and 2) received an ICD, within six months. We reviewed medical records of all patients with the same criteria between March and August 2012 to establish a historical control group. Patients were considered inappropriate for EP referral if they had an ICD, repeat echo within 6 months of index echocardiogram with an EF>35%, expired within 6 months, end stage disease, dementia, refused an ICD in the past, had a DNR order, or had class IV heart failure with a QRS Results: There was a significant increase in appropriate EP referrals in the intervention group compared with the control, 76.1% versus 58.9% (p = 0.03). Among patients appropriate for ICD, 57.9% of patients in the intervention group received an ICD versus 44.2% of controls (p = 0.13). Referral of inappropriate patients to EP did not increase (see Table). Conclusions: A simple reminder statement on echocardiography reports led to a significant increase in appropriate EP referrals and a trend towards increased ICD implantation in appropriate patients. This essentially free quality improvement intervention improves adherence to ICD guidelines.
What the App is That? Deception and Countermeasures in the Android User Interface

Mobile applications are part of the everyday lives of billions of people, who often trust them with sensitive information. These users identify the currently focused app solely by its visual appearance, since the GUIs of the most popular mobile OSes do not show any trusted indication of the app origin. In this paper, we analyze in detail the many ways in which Android users can be confused into misidentifying an app, thus, for instance, being deceived into giving sensitive information to a malicious app. Our analysis of the Android platform APIs, assisted by an automated state-exploration tool, led us to identify and categorize a variety of attack vectors (some previously known, others novel, such as a non-escapable full screen overlay) that allow a malicious app to surreptitiously replace or mimic the GUI of other apps and mount phishing and click-jacking attacks. Limitations in the system GUI make these attacks significantly harder to notice than on a desktop machine, leaving users completely defenseless against them. To mitigate GUI attacks, we have developed a two-layer defense. To detect malicious apps at the market level, we developed a tool that uses static analysis to identify code that could launch GUI confusion attacks. We show how this tool detects apps that might launch GUI attacks, such as ransom ware programs. Since these attacks are meant to confuse humans, we have also designed and implemented an on-device defense that addresses the underlying issue of the lack of a security indicator in the Android GUI. We add such an indicator to the system navigation bar, this indicator securely informs users about the origin of the app with which they are interacting (e.g., The Pay Pal app is backed by "Pay Pal, Inc."). We demonstrate the effectiveness of our attacks and the proposed on-device defense with a user study involving 308 human subjects, whose ability to detect the attacks increased significantly when using a system equipped with our defense.
Why people obey the law

People obey the law if they believe it's legitimate, not because they fear punishment--this is the startling conclusion of Tom Tyler's classic study. Tyler suggests that lawmakers and law enforcers would do much better to make legal systems worthy of respect than to try to instill fear of punishment. He finds that people obey law primarily because they believe in respecting legitimate authority. In his fascinating new afterword, Tyler brings his book up to date by reporting on new research into the relative importance of legal legitimacy and deterrence, and reflects on changes in his own thinking since his book was first published.
Structure-activity studies of normal and retro pig cecropin-melittin hybrids

Chimeric analogs of cecropin P1 and melittin with normal and retro sequences were synthesized to explore the effect of sequence, amide bond direction (helical dipole), charge, amphipathicity and hydrophobicity on their antibacterial activity and channel-forming ability. When viewed from the opposite end by rotation in the plane 180 degrees retro analogs have the same sequence as the parent with reversed amide bond and helical dipole directions. The expected activities were related to the important structural features and a series of assumptions were made. Retro analogs are expected to be inactive if both sequence and amide bond direction make critical contributions to the activity. CP1(1-10)M(2-9) amide, (SWLSKTAKKLIGAVLKVL), showed a broad antibacterial spectrum with high activity against the two Gram-negative and three Gram-positive bacteria tested. Retro-CP1(1-10)M(2-9) was less active compared to its normal peptide. CP1(1-9)M(1-8) and CP1(1-9)M(2-8) amides were found to be active against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and also Gram-positive Streptococcus pyogenes, but inactive against the other test organisms. The corresponding retro analogs were inactive against all the five bacteria tested. These results suggest that both sequence and amide bond direction (helix dipole) are important structural requirements for the activity of CP1-M hybrids. Acetylation of the N-terminal amine in both normal and retro analogs lowered their activity, indicating the contribution of free amine to the activity. These analogs form ion-conducting channels in lipid bilayers. The action of the peptides may be explained by self-aggregation and formation of ion-conducting pores across bacterial membranes. Conformational analysis obtained from CD measurements showed that all analogs form amphipathic alpha-helices in presence of 12-20% hexafluoro isopropanol. The retro CP1(1-10)M(2-9) amide showed higher helicity and is more potent compared to other retro analogs synthesized. These studies show the effect of small sequence modifications on the biological activity of the peptides and on their alpha-helical conformation in HFIP, the structure-inducing organic solvent.
PWAS-based wireless acoustic emission sensor

This paper studies the development of a PWAS-based wireless AE sensor that consumes around 2 mW. Low power charge amplifiers were designed and implemented to match the high impedance of the PWAS transducer to the low impedance of the passive wireless transponder. Two different designs of the charge amplifier were evaluated using an ultrasound pitch-catch system and pencil lead break experiments. Wireless acquisition of the AE signal was demonstrated. The low-power consumptions of the amplifiers indicate that a battery-less wireless AE sensor can be achieved using energy harvesting devices.
Comparing tumour staging and grading systems: a case study and a review of the issues, using thymoma as a model

We consider the problem of comparing alternative cancer staging and grading systems. Statistical comparisons are on the basis of the ability to predict survival, but more qualitative criteria, such as parsimony, and distinctive prognostic separability of the categories are relevant also. Furthermore, some staging systems are clearly ordinal, while others are not. Three candidate statistical measures are studied and compared: explained variation; area under the ROC curve; and the probability of concordance of stage and survival. Each of these has individual strengths and weaknesses. A data set involving the staging of thymoma is analysed in detail to motivate the problem and illustrate the results.
An unusual case of intra-articular dislocation of the patella

An unusual case of intra-articular patellar dislocation is described in which the patella rotated simultaneously in both the horizontal and vertical axes. The dislocation was sustained without apparent trauma. Reduction could not be accomplished in the emergency department. Closed reduction was accomplished successfully under general anesthesia in the operating room.
Confusion and complex learning during interactions with computer learning environments

Abstract Folk wisdom holds that being confused is detrimental to learning. However, research on emotions and learning suggest a somewhat more complex relationship between confusion and learning outcomes. In fact, it has been proposed that impasses that trigger states of cognitive disequilibrium and confusion can create opportunities for deep learning of conceptually difficult content. This paper discusses four computer learning environments that either naturally or artificially induce confusion in learners in order to create learning opportunities. First, an Intelligent Tutoring System called AutoTutor that engenders confusion through challenging problems and vague hints is described. The remaining three environments were specifically designed to induce confusion through a number of different interventions. These interventions include device breakdowns, contradictory information, and false feedback. The success and limitations of confusion induction and the impact of confusion resolution on learning are discussed. Potential methods to help learners productively manage their confusion instead of being hopelessly confused are also discussed.
Selling Yellowstone: Capitalism and the Construction of Nature . By Mark Daniel Barringer. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 2002. Pp. viii, 238. $29.95.

In this well written book, Mark Barringer provides an interesting and detailed history of commercial enterprises in Yellowstone National Park. The book has great value to scholars concerned with the management of public lands, the roles that interest groups (park employees, concessioners, tourists, and environmentalists) have played in the history of Yellowstone, and the difficulties in designing contracts for the private provision of goods and services on public lands.
Histocompatibility typing and the counseling of families with ankylosing spondylitis

White individuals who are HLA B27-positive have an increased risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis or related diseases. HLA typing can be used in counseling relatives of persons with spondylitis, if the limitations of presently available data are recognized.
Exchange interactions in magnets

Abstract We present results of a general approach for the calculation of different magnetic interaction parameters for arbitrary systems of magnetic moments. The method is implemented within the density functional approach and some illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the flexibility and usefulness of the proposed method.
Hypothetical data bases as views

In this paper we show that hypothetical data bases can be effectively supported by slight extensions to conventional view support mechanisms. Moreover, we argue that the resulting structure may well be quite efficient and that there are advantages to making hypothetical data bases central to the operation of a DBMS.
Consumer Attitudes and Acceptability of Soy-fortified Yogurts

: The objective of this study was to determine consumer knowledge of soy and dairy foods and consumer acceptance of yogurts fortified with 2.5% soy protein concentrate (SPC). Consumers were polled from a university campus location (n= 388) and from a local grocery store (n= 159). Consumers filled out a questionnaire requesting demographics information as well as knowledge and attitudes on dairy and soy foods. Consumption of dairy foods was more frequent than consumption of soy foods. Yogurts without SPC received higher acceptance scores than yogurts containing SPC (p < 0.05). Acceptability scores for yogurts increased with frequency of dairy yogurt consumption (p < 0.05). Knowledge of the health claim increased acceptability scores for yogurts (P < 0.05).
An Algorithmic Method for Regression Analysis of Conflict Probe Accuracy

A conflict probe is one of the most important elements in a safe and efficient air traffic control system. It supports the human air traffic controllers by alerting to potential situations where aircraft may violate separation standards sometime in the future. As the conflict probe is upgraded, whether in the development stage or after deployment, the developers must be sure that its performance does not degrade. In order to test this, a conflict probe is analyzed by comparing it either to another conflict probe or to a previous version of itself. This paper presents a software program developed by FAA analysts for algorithmically comparing two conflict probes, using many of the methods an analyst would use in a manual comparison. The algorithm is presented and verified mathematically. Finally, a comprehensive example is presented that illustrates how the software program can be utilized in the development and maintenance of a conflict probe.
The essence of genuine reference

L'A. s'interroge sur le moteur du changement de perspective en semantique introduit par l'ouvrage «Demonstratives» de Kaplan. Il en analyse la nouveaute par une comparaison avec les theories de la reference de Frege et de Mill
Improving robustness of DNS to software vulnerabilities

The ability to forward packets on the Internet is highly intertwined with the availability and robustness of the Domain Name System (DNS) infrastructure. Unfortunately, the DNS suffers from a wide variety of problems arising from implementation errors, including vulnerabilities, bogus queries, and proneness to attack. In this work, we present a preliminary design and early prototype implementation of a system that leverages diversified replication to increase tolerance of DNS to implementation errors. Our design leverages software diversity by running multiple redundant copies of software in parallel, and leverages data diversity by sending redundant requests to multiple servers. Using traces of DNS queries, we demonstrate our design can keep up with the loads of a large university's DNS traffic, while improving resilience of DNS.
The effect of estrogens and antiestrogens in rat models of hot flush

Rat models of hot flush provide important preclinical tools for evaluating the effect of estrogens and the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM), including tamoxifen, raloxifene, and tibolone, some of which have received renewed attention as agents to treat neurodegenerative diseases. The first rat model of hot flush is the ovariectomized morphine-dependent model. When morphine is withdrawn with the opioid antagonist naloxone, temperature of the tail is increased by 4–6°C (“hot flush”). Estrogens reduce the elevation of tail skin temperature significantly. Tamoxifen functions as a partial agonist, whereas raloxifene functions as anti-estrogen in this animal model. However, when co-administered with estrogen, both tamoxifen and raloxifene antagonize estrogen's action. The second model is based on the diurnal change in tail skin temperature of intact rats, which is 6°C lower during the active phase (lights off) than in the passive phase (lights on) of the day. Ovariectomy affects tail skin temperature of the rats' active but not their passive phase, and skin temperature drops only 1°C instead of the 6°C measured in intact, cycling rats. Estrogen and tibolone restore the changes in tail skin temperature to that present in intact rats; however, raloxifene functions as anti-estrogen in this model. Although neither of the two models exactly recapitulates the hot flush occurring in humans, the heat-dissipating mechanisms are probably similar. Thus, both models can be used to evaluate the estrogenic versus anti-estrogenic nature of estrogen receptor ligands, and both models, therefore, provide valuable preclinical tools for drug discovery aimed at identifying compounds to alleviate hot flushes in humans. Drug Dev. Res. 66:182–188, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thin films of glass and their application to biomedical sensors.

Thin films of glass are attractive as a means for protecting integrated circuits for use in biological systems and are especially suitable for use with biomedical sensors. They offer advantages over polymer films since they can be deposited in thin, uniform layers and can be photoengraved using conventional techniques. This paper first reviews the requirements for film quality in using thin glassy films in these applications and then reviews the techniques available for film deposition. One technique which has been found especially suitable for biomedical work is described in detail, and the characterization of the resulting films is discussed.
Phenothiazine vs 5HT3 antagonist prophylactic regimens to prevent Post-Anesthesia Care Unit rescue antiemetic: an observational study.

Purpose: Our practitioners are asked to consider a patient’s postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) risk profile when developing their prophylactic antiemetic strategy. There is wide variation in employed strategies, and we have yet to determine the most effective PONV prophylactic regimen. The objective of this study is to compare prophylactic antiemetic regimens containing: phenothiazines to 5HT3 antagonists for effectiveness at reducing the incidence of Post‐Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) rescue antiemetic administration. Methods: This is an observational study of 4392 nonsmoking, women who underwent general anesthesia for breast surgery from 1/1/2009 through 6/30/2012. Previous history of PONV or motion sickness (HxPONV/MS) and the use of PACU opioids were recorded. Prophylactic antiemetic therapy was left to the discretion of the anesthesia care team. We compared phenothiazines and 5HT3 antagonists alone and with a glucocorticoid to determine the most effective treatment regimen in our practice for the prevention of the administration of PACU rescue antiemetics. Results: Patients who received a phenothiazine regimen compared to a 5HT3 antagonist regimen were less likely to have an antiemetic administered in the PACU (p = 0.0100) and this significant difference in rates holds in a logistic regression model adjusted for HxPONV/MS and PACU Opioid use (p = 0.0103). Conclusions: Based on our findings our clinicians are encouraged to administer a combination of a phenothiazine and a glucocorticoid in female, nonsmoking surgical breast patients for the prevention of PACU rescue antiemetic administration.
Relationships between the morphology and function of gastric and intestinal distention-sensitive neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus.

The activity of vagal motor neurons is influenced by sensory information transmitted to the brainstem. In particular, there is evidence that distention of the stomach increases activity of motor neurons in the dorsal vagal motor nucleus, whereas distention of the duodenum, small intestine, and colon reduces neuron firing. In this study, we determined 1) the response of vagal motor neurons to distention of the stomach and duodenum and 2) whether the response properties were associated with specific morphological features. Using the single-cell recording and iontophoretic injection technique, we identified four groups of vagal motor neurons affected by gastric and/or duodenal distention. Group 1 neurons responded to either gastric or duodenal stimulation. Neurons in groups 2, 3, and 4 were affected by both gastric and duodenal distention. Group 2 neurons were excited by duodenal distention and were inhibited by gastric distention. Group 3 neurons were inhibited by duodenal distention and were excited by gastric distention. Most neurons belonged to group 4. Neurons in this group were inhibited by both gastric and duodenal distention. Our analyses revealed that the neurons affected by both stimuli had distinctive structural features. Neurons in group 2 had the largest somata, the most dendritic branches, and the greatest cell surface area. Neurons in group 3 were the smallest and had the shortest dendritic length. In addition, we were able to demonstrate that the neurons in group 4 had a smaller total dendritic length and a smaller cell volume than neurons in group 2 and had more dendritic branch segments than neurons in group 3. These results suggest that morphological features are associated with specific response properties of vagal motor neurons. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Communication: The description of strong correlation within self-consistent Green's function second-order perturbation theory

We report an implementation of self-consistent Green's function many-body theory within a second-order approximation (GF2) for application with molecular systems. This is done by iterative solution of the Dyson equation expressed in matrix form in an atomic orbital basis, where the Green's function and self-energy are built on the imaginary frequency and imaginary time domain, respectively, and fast Fourier transform is used to efficiently transform these quantities as needed. We apply this method to several archetypical examples of strong correlation, such as a H32 finite lattice that displays a highly multireference electronic ground state even at equilibrium lattice spacing. In all cases, GF2 gives a physically meaningful description of the metal to insulator transition in these systems, without resorting to spin-symmetry breaking. Our results show that self-consistent Green's function many-body theory offers a viable route to describing strong correlations while remaining within a computationally tractable single-particle formalism.
Thermal Properties of Yttrium Aluminum Garnett From Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG, Y3 Al5 O12 ) and its varieties have applications in thermographic phosphors, lasing mediums, and thermal barriers. In this work, thermal properties of crystalline YAG where aluminum atoms are substituted with gallium atoms (Y3 (Al1−x Gax )5 O12 ) are explored with molecular dynamics simulations. For YAG at 300K, the simulations gave values close to experimental values for constant-pressure specific heat, thermal expansion, and bulk thermal conductivity. For various values of x, the simulations predicted no change in thermal expansion, an increase in specific heat, and a decrease in thermal conductivity for x = 50%. Furthermore, the simulations predicted a decrease in thermal conductivity with decreasing system size.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Neurospora crassa ro‐10 and ro‐11 genes encode novel proteins required for nuclear distribution

Movement and distribution of nuclei in fungi have been shown to be dependent on cytoplasmic microtubules and the microtubule-associated motor cytoplasmic dynein. We have isolated hundreds of Neurospora crassa mutants, known as ropy, that are defective in nuclear distribution. Three of the ro genes, ro-1, ro-3 and ro-4, have been shown to encode subunits of either cytoplasmic dynein or the dynein activator complex, dynactin. In this report, we describe the isolation and initial characterization of two additional ro genes, ro-10 and ro-11. ro-10 and ro-11 are non-essential genes that encode novel 24 kDa and 75 kDa proteins respectively. Both ro-10 and ro-11 mutants retain the ability to generate long cytoplasmic microtubule tracks, suggesting that the nuclear distribution defect is not caused by a gross defect in the microtubule cytoskeleton. RO10, as well as RO4 (actin-related protein ARP1, the most abundant subunit of dynactin), appears to be required for the stability of RO3 (p150Glued), the largest subunit of dynactin. We propose that ro-10 mutants lack proper nuclear distribution, because RO10 is either a subunit of dynactin and required for dynactin activity or essential for assembly of the dynactin complex. ro-11 mutations have no effect on RO1 or RO3 levels and have only a very slight effect on the localization pattern of cytoplasmic dynein and dynactin. The role of RO11 in the movement and distribution of nuclei in N. crassa hyphae remains unknown.
Correcting for distortions due to ionization in the STAR TPC

Physics goals of the STAR Experiment at RHIC in recent (and future) years drive the need to operate the STAR TPC at ever higher luminosities, leading to increased ionization levels in the TPC gas. The resulting ionic space charge introduces field distortions in the detector which impact tracking performance. Further complications arise from ionic charge leakage into the main TPC volume from the high gain anode region. STAR has implemented corrections for these distortions based on measures of luminosity, which we present here. Additionally, we highlight a novel approach to applying the corrections on an event-by-event basis applicable in conditions of rapidly varying ionization sources.
The effects of calcium ionophore A23187 on interstitial cell steroidogenesis.

Abstract The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of calcium ioniphore A23187 on adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and testosterone production in rat interstitial cells. Interstitial cells were incubated in Krebs-Ringer solution with varying amounts of luteinizing hormone, pregnenolone, or A23187. Cyclic AMP and testosterone were measured in the incubation medium after 4 h incubation. A23187 (0.01–10 μg/ml) caused progressive increases of cyclic AMP formation (from 0.18±0.02 (S.E.) pmol/10 6 cells for the control to 0.42±0.02 pmol/10 6 cells, P −6 M) was added to the cells, testosterone formation increase from 1.50±0.22 to 8.45±1.62 ng/10 6 cells. A23187 (1 μg/ml) had no discernable effect on the conversion of pregnenolone to testosterone. The main effect of increased cytosol calcium on steroidogenesis seems to be at the steps beyond adenylate cyclase-cyclic AMP. These results suggest that calcium is important for the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone, while the steps beyond pregnenolone are relatively independent of Ca 2+ .
Recent Changes in Lake Ontario 1981–1987: Microfossil Evidence of Phosphorus Reduction

Abstract Quantitative analysis of siliceous microfossils in a finely sectioned (0.5 cm) core of near-surface sediments from Lake Ontario indicates the lake is responding to reductions in phosphorus loading. The magnitude of response, however, is very small. Increased diatom accumulation and modified species composition indicates some relaxation of silica limitation, particularly in early spring. Abundance of some diatom species associated with grossly polluted areas of the Great Lakes has been reduced, but most recently deposited assemblages are composed of species tolerant of eutrophic conditions. No reappearance of species assemblages abundant in Lake Ontario prior to 1935 and presently associated with oligotrophic conditions in the upper Great Lakes were noted. Changes in species composition are consistent with observed recent changes in N:P ratio.
Effect of iron content on the electrical conductivity of Perovskite and Magnesiowüstite assemblages at lower mantle conditions

The electrical conductivity of (Mg/0.76/Fe/0.24/)SiO3 perovskite and of an assemblage of (Mg/0.89/Fe/0.11/)SiO3 perovskite + (Mg/0.70/Fe/0.30/)O magnesiowiestite was measured at pressures of 45-80 GPa and temperatures from 295 to 3600 K. The apparent activation energy for electrical conduction is 0.24 (+ or - 0.10) eV for the perovskite and 0.20 (+ or - 0.08) eV for the perovskite + magnesiowuestite assemblage. Comparing present results with those derived previously for Fe-poor samples, it is found that the electrical conductivities of both the silicate perovskite and the perovskite + magnesiowuestite assemblage depend strongly on iron content. Thus, the electrical conductivity distribution inside the earth could provide an important constraint in modeling the composition of the lower mantle.
Using supervised training signals of observable state dynamics to speed-up and improve reinforcement learning

A common complaint about reinforcement learning (RL) is that it is too slow to learn a value function which gives good performance. This issue is exacerbated in continuous state spaces. This paper presents a straight-forward approach to speeding-up and even improving RL solutions by reusing features learned during a pre-training phase prior to Q-learning. During pre-training, the agent is taught to predict state change given a state/action pair. The effect of pre-training is examined using the model-free Q-learning approach but could readily be applied to a number of RL approaches including model-based RL. The analysis of the results provides ample evidence that the features learned during pre-training is the reason behind the improved RL performance.
Anti-cowpox virus activities of certain adenosine analogs, arabinofuranosyl nucleosides, and 2'-fluoro-arabinofuranosyl nucleosides.

Nucleoside analogs were investigated for their potential to inhibit cowpox virus (a surrogate for variola and monkeypox viruses) in cell culture and in lethal respiratory infections in mice. Cell culture antiviral activity was determined by plaque reduction assays, with cytotoxicity determined by cell proliferation assays. Selectivity indices (SI's, 50% cytotoxic concentration divided by 50% virus‐inhibitory concentration) were determined for 15 compounds. Three arabinofuranosyl (Ara) nucleosides showed activity in mouse mammary tumor (C127I) cells: guanine (Ara‐G), thymine (Ara‐T), and adenine (Ara‐A) with SI's of 113, 61, and 95, respectively. The 2′‐fluoro‐Ara nucleosides of 5‐F‐cytosine (FIAC), 5‐methyluracil (FMAU), and 5‐iodouracil (FIAU) exhibited SI's of 148, 77, and 29, respectively. Other potent compounds included cidofovir (a positive control) and 3′‐O‐methyladenosine, with SI values of 164 and 56, respectively. In general, assays performed in African green monkey kidney (Vero) cells produced l...
Insulin potentiating factor and chromium content of selected foods and spices

An unidentified factor that potentiates the action of insulin in glucose metabolism was investigated in selected foods and spices. Chromium content of these foods and spices was also determined. Foods and spices were extracted with 0.1N NH4OH (1:20, w/v) and the supernatants assayed for insulin potentiation activity in the rat epididymal fat cell assay. Among the selected foods, tuna fish, peanut butter, and vanilla ice cream had some insulin potentiating activity. Among the spices, apple pie spice, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, and turmeric potentiated insulin activity more than three-fold. Chromium concentration of foods ranged from 1 to 145 ng/g, and spices ranged from 4 to 1818 ng/g. Insulin potentiating activity of foods and spices did not correlate with total chromium. Spices are generally used for flavor and taste in food preparations, but cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, and turmeric may have an additional role in glucose metabolism.
Ultrahigh Vacuum Scanning Tunneling Microscope-Based Nanolithography and Selective Chemistry on Silicon Surfaces

Nanofabrication on silicon surfaces has been achieved in a manner similar to e-beam/resist technology, in which hydrogen serves as a monolayer resist for exposure by the electron beam from an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) scanning tunneling microscope (STM). In this scheme, hydrogen is selectively desorbed from Si(100)2×1:H surfaces that have been prepared by atomic hydrogen dosing under UHV background conditions. To remove hydrogen, the tip bias is raised, under feedback control, and then the desired pattern is drawn. Two regimes of hydrogen desorption are observed: at higher energies, above ∼6.0 V, direct electron-stimulated desorption occurs, whereas at lower biases, desorption occurs via a multiple excitation vibrational heating mechanism and exhibits a strong current dependence. Patterning linewidth down to a single dimer row has been achieved in the vibrational heating regime. The selective removal of hydrogen suggests many possibilities for subsequent chemical treatments in which the hydrogen-terminated silicon remains inert. We have performed experiments which demonstrate selective oxidation of, and nitrogen incorporation into, the STM-patterned regions.
Personal narratives and young men in prison: Labeling the outside inside

Young men in prison constitute a unique population living with a dichotomous identity. Inside the prison, and from a dominant cultural perspective, the young men are criminals. In their communities, they are the “homeboys.” This essay explores the complications of identity in the context of a communication education course in performing personal narratives. The naming of the criminal, the criminal body as a site of punishment, urban mythology, and language are issues addressed. The analysis is based in principles of labeling, class struggle, and corporal punishment. The essay argues for the construction of personal narratives that are based in the identity of the story teller as a homeboy rather than a criminal.
Peacemaking in Southern Africa: The Luanda‐Pretoria tug‐of‐war

(1989). Peacemaking in Southern Africa: The Luanda‐Pretoria tug‐of‐war. Third World Quarterly: Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 15-30.
Late Pleistocene channel-levee development on Monterey submarine fan, central California

Much of the modern upper (proximal) Monterey fan is a channel–levee complex, the Upper Turbidite Sequence (UTS), that was deeply eroded after the channel breached a volcanic ridge to reach a deeper base level. Ages of sediment samples collected with the ALVIN submersible from the deepest outcrop within the channel–levee system, 390 m below the adjacent western levee crest, indicate that the UTS deposits accumulated at ≥1 m ka−1 during the last 500 ka. Neogene and Early Pleistocene sediment accumulation on the fan prior to the UTS was much slower (<0.03 m ka−1), and underlying turbidite systems(?) had substantially different morphologic expression(s).
Preparing the lumbar intervertebral disk space for interbody procedures: a comparison between the traditional method and a new automated method.

Study Design:Cadaveric laboratory study.Objective:To quantify and compare automated disk-space preparation with traditional methods.Summary of Background Data:Removal of nucleus pulposus to prepare a disk space for interbody fusion is performed with various techniques. Our aim was to determine the s
Preliminary validation of a fabric smoothness assessment system

A fabric's tendency to wrinkle is vitally important to the textile industry as it impacts the visual appeal of apparel. Current methods of grading this characteristic, called fabric smoothness, are very subjective and inadequate. As such, a quantitative method for assessing fabric smoothness is of the utmost importance to the textile community. To that end, we propose a laser-based surface-profiling system that utilizes a smart camera to sense the 3-D topography of fabric specimens. The system incorporates methods based on anisotropic diffusion and the facet model for characterizing edge information that ultimately relate to a specimen's degree of wrinkling. We detail the initial steps in a large-scale validation of this system. Using histograms of the extracted features, we compare the output of the system between two studies that total more than 200 fabric specimens. The results show that with the features used so far, this system is at least as good as the current American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) smoothness grading system.
Use of optical tweezers for colloid science.

A space-borne optical tweezer apparatus for use with colloidal crystallization experiments has been characterized. The trapping force has been measured as a function of index mismatch between colloidal microspheres and the surrounding fluid and as a function of particle size. This work also presents a method to determine the refractive index of a colloidal microsphere, which is then used to calculate the applied trapping force for the case of an arbitrary background fluid. This is useful for work with dense colloidal suspensions when the usual (e.g., Stokes flow) trap force measurement methods do not apply, as well as microrheological studies of complex soft matter.
Radar and Lidar Measurement of Terrestrial Processes

Earth's land surface is constantly changing and interacting with its interior and its atmosphere. In response to the interior, plate tectonics deform the surface, causing earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain building, and erosion—including landslides. These events can be violent and damaging. Forests, growing on the land surface, store carbon, which can be released into the atmosphere through logging and burning. Our ice sheets, sea ice, and glaciers are key indicators of our climate, and they have been undergoing dramatic changes. These land surface processes can be characterized and monitored from space using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and light detection and ranging (lidar).
p21-activated Kinase-1 Signaling Regulates Transcription of Tissue Factor and Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor

Tissue factor (TF) is a cell-surface glycoprotein responsible for initiating the coagulation cascade. Besides its role in homeostasis, studies have shown the implication of TF in embryonic development, cancer-related events, and inflammation via coagulation-dependent and -independent (signaling) mechanisms. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) plays an important role in regulating TF-initiated blood coagulation. Therefore, transcriptional regulation of TF expression and its physiological inhibitor TFPI would allow us to understand the critical step that controls many different processes. From a gene profiling study aimed at identifying differentially regulated genes between wild-type (WT) and p21-activated kinase 1-null (PAK1-KO) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), we found TF and TFPI are differentially expressed in the PAK1-KO MEFs in comparison with wild-type MEFs. Based on these findings, we further investigated in this study the transcriptional regulation of TF and TFPI by PAK1, a serine/threonine kinase. We found that the PAK1·c-Jun complex stimulates the transcription of TF and consequently its procoagulant activity. Moreover, PAK1 negatively regulates the expression of TFPI and additionally contributes to increased TF activity. For the first time, this study implicates PAK1 in coagulation processes, through its dual transcriptional regulation of TF and its inhibitor.