cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conducting rubberlike copolymer–carbon fiber composites

Electrically conductive rubberlike copolymer–carbon fiber composites have been prepared by either a solution method or a concentrated emulsion method. In the former procedure, carbon fibers were introduced with stirring in a copolymer–toluene solution, and the polymer–fiber composites were precipitated by extracting the solvent with methanol. In the latter procedure, a pastelike concentrated emulsion of copolymer–toluene solution in an aqueous solution of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) was first formed, and the carbon fibers were mechanically blended with the concentrated emulsion. The polymer–carbon fiber composites were precipitated by extracting the toluene and water with methanol. Four kinds of rubberlike copolymers have been used: styrene/ethylene–butylene/styrene triblock copolymer (SES), styrene/butadiene/styrene triblock copolymer (SBS), ethylene/propene/ethylene triblock copolymer (EPE), and ethylene/vinylacetate copolymer (EVA). Short (L = 0.1 mm)- and medium (L = 5 mm)-length carbon fibers were employed. The composites were hot-pressed in a Laboratory Press to form a sheet. The effects of the two methodologies on the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the sheets were investigated by changing the type of polymer, the size of the carbon fibers, the volume fraction of the carbon fibers in the composites, and the hot-pressing temperature. Composites with electrical conductivities in the range of 5–14 S/cm, tensile strengths in the range of 10–17 MPa, and elongations at break point larger than 200% were obtained. The conductivities of the composites prepared with the short fibers were by two orders of magnitude smaller than those prepared with medium-size fibers. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A New Precision Non-Contact Laser-Based Hybrid Measurement Methodology

Precise and accurate manufacturing became an obligation in aerospace industry in last decades. Uniformity of turbine blades, nozzle geometries, gaps, diameter changes and misalignment issues in turbine assemblies have to be inspected carefully in terms of quality and exactitude. Like broadly used aluminum and titanium based materials, ceramics and special coated composites are also used in aerospace applications. A wide selection of measurement methods used is based on intensity sensing and range imaging. With the recent development in advanced laser techniques, new methods that involve non contact measurement methodologies are being investigated by many industries. In addition to their accuracy and precision, speed of measurement and compactness of such systems are also of high significance. In this paper, a hybrid approach consisting of laser based triangulation, photogrammetry and edge detection techniques has been investigated to measure inner surfaces of parts that have limited access, especially where human presence is impossible. The system is capable of detecting and measuring misalignments, gaps, inclinations as well as surface variations such as cracks and dents. The system employs the accuracy and speed of measurement of triangulation systems and combines these with the mobility and cost effectiveness of photogrammetry and edge detection techniques. In addition to gap and alignment offset inspections, the methodology and the instrument enables angle measurements, detailed surface texture examinations and other inspections needed to be done inside assemblies with narrow openings, with its compact body. Additionally, a comprehensive experimental study has been conducted to show that two different edge detection methods, namely, the “Simple Edge Tool” and “Straight Edge (Rake) Tool” can be used with great accuracy and precision for such measurement purposes. With this system, any surface, whether they have a reflectance or not, can be scrutinized.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The World of the Landscape

In his article "The World of the Landscape" Bart Verschaffel analyzes the visual logic of the landscape genre in painting, as it was developed from the sixteenth century on. He argues that the structure of a minimal foreground, a middle ground cut off from the foreground, and a background that gives way to the distant, corresponds to a meditative attitude, proper to the nature of the image as such. The landscape is essentially a calm image. Second, Verschaffel puts forward that the middle ground in landscape images is not, as in history painting, a waiting room adjacent to the action in the foreground, but is rather oriented towards the horizon and beyond: a landscape always represents the world. In the romantic landscape tradition, moreover, the vagueness resting on the horizon comes to the fore and creates an "atmosphere" that touches a lonely soul and transforms an image of the world into an intimate encounter.
The psychological and physical status of chronic psychiatric inpatients

Abstract Our concern for the chronic patients residing in state psychiatric hospitals tals has led to the development of a variety of treatment modalities for these patients in the community and in the hospital. 1–3 Yet there is debate about effectiveness of these treatments, as well as the social, economic, and political impact of community treatment versus hospitalization. 4–6 Despite the fact that treatment strategies should be based on the actual needs of patients, there have been few large surveys of the psychological and medical needs of patients in and out of psychiatric hospitals. Most surverys in this area have assessed mortality and physical illnesses and have found that death rates among psychiatric patients are higher than those among the general population. 7,8 This paper will address the needs of the living by presenting the results of a survey of a large number of patients residing in state hospitals. It will describe the frequency of mental and physical disorders, particularly those which may be life-threatening or require staff attention. In addition, it will present estimates of the amount of staff care required for the monitoring and treatment of these disorders.
Is it Time for Genomic Counseling? Retrofitting Genetic Counseling for the Era of Genomic Medicine

Over time, there has been a significant increase in clinical genetic testing technologies, including whole exome sequencing and large multi-gene panels, as well as the number of conditions for which testing is available, the settings in which testing is offered, and the utilization of a genotype-first evaluative strategy. Discussing the risks and benefits of each potentially appropriate test, including the possibility for incidental or uncertain findings, has added a level of informational complexity that did not exist when the original models of genetic counseling were developed. We review how genetic counseling paradigms have evolved over time, articulate some key differences between genetic and genomic counseling, and suggest a ‘back to basics’ approach that reprioritizes psychosocial counseling and the crafting of ‘take-home messages’ tailored to the motivation for and expectations of genetic evaluation. Additionally, we offer some practical approaches to exploring patients’ potential responses to testing outcomes.
A histochemical study of the heart and thoracic aorta of the chick from hatch to 39 days of age.

Summary The high lipid levels in the plasma of the newly-hatched chick are accompanied by a widespread deposition of lipids in the cardiovascular system, namely, in the coronary vessels, myocardium, and thoracic aorta. None of the lipids in these tissues was cholesterol. The lipid deposits completely disappeared from these cardiovascular tissues by the time the bird had attained an age of 39 days.
Endometrial cancer after endometrial ablation vs medical management of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Abstract Study Objective To investigate whether endometrial ablation is associated with increased risk or delayed diagnosis of endometrial cancer compared with medical management of abnormal uterine bleeding. Design Multi-centered retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting The study was performed using data from The Health Improvement Network, a representative population-based cohort of patients in 495 outpatient general practitioner practices in the United Kingdom. Patients Women aged >25 years with abnormal uterine bleeding diagnosed between June 1994 and September 2010. Interventions Endometrial ablation, medical management, or both. Measurements and Main Results A total of 234 721 women met study inclusion and exclusion criteria, 4776 of whom underwent endometrial ablation and the remaining 229 945 received medical management. Cox models compared endometrial cancer rates between ablation and medical management groups using hazard ratios. To investigate a possible diagnostic delay, the median time from bleeding diagnosis to endometrial cancer diagnosis in women in whom endometrial cancer developed was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. All statistical tests were 2-tailed, with α = .05. During a median observation period of 4.07 years (interquartile range [IQR], 1.88–7.17), endometrial cancer developed in 3 women in the ablation group and 601 women in the medical management group (ablation hazard ratio, 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.15–1.40; p = .17). Median time to diagnosis was 237 in the ablation group, and 299 days in the medical management group (ablation IQR, 155–1350; medical management IQR, 144–1133.5; p = .99). Adjusted and sensitivity analyses did not change the results. Conclusions No difference was observed in endometrial cancer rates, and there was no delay in diagnosis when comparing endometrial ablation vs medical management. Further studies are needed to investigate the effect of previous ablation exposure on histology or cancer stage at manifestation of endometrial cancer.
Early Thoughts on the Superfluidity of Helium-3

The history of the people and circumstances surrounding three papers will be presented. The first is the L.N. Cooper, R.L. Mills and A.M. Sessler, “Possible Superfluidity of a System of Strongly Interacting Fermions”, in which the possibility of He-3 being a superfluid was suggested (although, it seemed not to be the case as only S-states were considered). The second is V.J. Emery and A.M. Sessler, “Possible Phase Transition in Liquid He-3”, in which a definite prediction of superfluidity was proposed (in contrast with the conclusion of the earlier paper since here D-states were considered). And the third is A.E. Glassgold and A.M. Sessler, “Flow Properties of Superfluid System of Fermions”, in which the flow properties of superfluid He-3 were examined. Although the emphasis will be on the physicists, their background, educational experiences, and surroundings, some attention will be given to the physics in each of these papers for it was—after all—the physics that stimulated, along with the work of others, further theoretical work and, most importantly, the exceptional, and ultimately successful, experimental efforts of the following decade.
X-ray absorption studies of unoccupied d-band states in gold and nickel metallic compounds

Abstract Au L 2,3 edge XANES of Au 2 Ag, AuAl 2 , and AuGa 2 and Ni L 2,3 edge XANES of NiAl and NiSb have been analyzed. Emphasis was placed on the derivation of unoccupied d-state population from the integrated absorption coefficient coefficient (area) under the white line. The results correlate very well with those obtained previously from Mossbauer and X-ray photoelectron measurements, hence confirming the validity of the d-non-d charge compensation model. The Ni results show that the d-non-d interplay is less dramatic in Ni metallic compounds.
Receptor-mediated delivery of photoprotective agents by low-density lipoprotein

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) has been used to deliver toxic molecules to cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis. In these studies, the cholesteryl ester core of LDL was replaced with a lipophilic, toxic molecule. We now report that photoprotective azo dyes can be stably incorporated into LDL, and that this reconstituted LDL protects cells from the photosensitizing action of pyrene methanol (PM) in a receptor-dependent process. The photoprotective action of the azo dye is due to its ability to scavenge singlet oxygen that is produced by the photosensitive agent in response to UV light.
PHLPP: A Phosphatase that Directly Dephosphorylates Akt, Promotes Apoptosis, and Suppresses Tumor Growth

Akt/protein kinase B critically regulates the balance between cell survival and apoptosis. Phosphorylation of Akt at two key sites, the activation loop and the hydrophobic motif, activates the kinase and promotes cell survival. The mechanism of dephosphorylation and signal termination is unknown. Here, we identify a protein phosphatase, PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP), that specifically dephosphorylates the hydrophobic motif of Akt (Ser473 in Akt1), triggering apoptosis and suppressing tumor growth. The effects of PHLPP on apoptosis are prevented in cells expressing an S473D construct of Akt, revealing that the hydrophobic motif is the primary cellular target of PHLPP. PHLPP levels are markedly reduced in several colon cancer and glioblastoma cell lines that have elevated Akt phosphorylation. Reintroduction of PHLPP into a glioblastoma cell line causes a dramatic suppression of tumor growth. These data are consistent with PHLPP terminating Akt signaling by directly dephosphorylating and inactivating Akt.
Reporting and interpretation in genome-wide association studies

Background In the context of genome-wide association studies we critique a number of methods that have been suggested for flagging associations for further investigation. Methods The P-value is by far the most commonly used measure, but requires careful calibration when the a priori probability of an association is small, and discards information by not considering the power associated with each test. The q-value is a frequentist method by which the false discovery rate (FDR) may be controlled. Results We advocate the use of the Bayes factor as a summary of the information in the data with respect to the comparison of the null and alternative hypotheses, and describe a recently-proposed approach to the calculation of the Bayes factor that is easily implemented. The combination of data across studies is straightforward using the Bayes factor approach, as are power calculations. Conclusions The Bayes factor and the q-value provide complementary information and when used in addition to the P-value may be used to reduce the number of reported findings that are subsequently not reproduced.
Intracellular Localization of Phospholipase D in Leaves and Seedling Tissues of Castor Bean

The intracellular distribution of phospholipase D (PLD; EC 3.1.4.4) in castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) tissues was investigated by subcellular fractionation and by immuno-electron microscopy. Centrifugal fractionation revealed that most PLD in young leaves was soluble, whereas in mature leaves a majority of PLD was associated with microsomal membranes. Further separation of microsomal membranes by a two-phase partitioning system indicated that PLD was associated with both plasma and intracellular membranes. Sucrose gradient separation of intracellular membranes showed PLD present in the endoplasmic reticulum, a submicrosomal band, and in soluble fractions but not in mitochondria and glyoxysomes of postgermination endosperm. Immunocytochemical studies found high gold labeling in vacuoles in young leaves, suggesting that the high level of soluble PLD in young leaves is due to release of PLD from vacuoles during tissue disruption. In addition to the labeling in vacuoles, gold particles were also found in the cytoplasmic matrices and plasma membrane in leaves and in 2-d postgermination seedlings. Collectively, these results show that PLD in castor bean leaf and seedling tissues is localized in the vacuole and is associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane and that the relative distribution between the soluble and membrane compartments changes during castor bean leaf development.
Uncertain Lambert Problem

This analysis addresses the problem of constructing uncertainties in initial and final satellite orbital state vectors that are dynamically consistent in Lambert’s boundary-value problem, given uncertainties in the initial and final position vectors. The structure of the general nonlinear problem is discussed in terms of transformations of the probability density functions of the given positions. For the linear (first-order) variational version of the problem, the covariance matrices of the state variations are presented in explicit terms of the covariance matrix of the given position variations and partitions of the state transition matrix of the nominal orbit. Equivalence is demonstrated between the linear variational results, which involve no iteration, and a weighted batch least-squares differential-correction solution of the orbit determination problem. To illustrate the utility of the working formulas in the linear variational problem, two approaches are taken: 1) an analytic approach to solve direc...
Indigenous Land Rights and Development in the Peruvian Amazon: Communalism versus Capitalism

Peruvian jungle regions have remained relatively untouched by development projects, but recent sell-offs of more than 70% by President Alan Garcia’s government have caused controversy and violent protests that threaten to divide the developing nation. A look at Inca and colonial land rights can help us understand the communal land rights model that is currently preventing development projects. There are many obvious upsides to opening the native-owned lands to development like growth of the Peruvian economy and employment opportunities; however, the indigenous culture would also be under threat by national and multinational companies that have little regard for any native culture that stands in the way of profit. Some argue that improving indigenous land rights are the key to getting the communities organized and able to benefit from the imminent development. Others believe that these type of land rights will lead to “divide and conquer” tactics historically employed by big business. This paper seeks to understand the context of the controversy in order to determine a middle ground solution between both arguments that can deliver economic growth to Peru while simultaneously preserving indigenous culture, respecting human rights, and conserving the environment.
Illuminating Cancer Systems with Genetically Engineered Mouse Models and Coupled Luciferase Reporters In Vivo

Bioluminescent imaging (BLI) is a powerful noninvasive tool that has dramatically accelerated the in vivo interrogation of cancer systems and longitudinal analysis of mouse models of cancer over the past decade. Various luciferase enzymes have been genetically engineered into mouse models (GEMM) of cancer, which permit investigation of cellular and molecular events associated with oncogenic transcription, posttranslational processing, protein-protein interactions, transformation, and oncogene addiction in live cells and animals. Luciferase-coupled GEMMs ultimately serve as a noninvasive, repetitive, longitudinal, and physiologic means by which cancer systems and therapeutic responses can be investigated accurately within the autochthonous context of a living animal.
A graduate-level course on CBS design tool development

A graduate-level course addressing the design and development of modeling tools for computer-based systems (CBS) is described. A model integrated computing (MIC) approach to the design of CBS is taught wherein domain applications are automatically generated and/or configured from domain-specific models. Students are taught to recognize and comprehend the tenets of CBS design and implementation in various engineering environments. Both instructor- and student-led lectures are used to develop an understanding of systems engineering processes, modeling tools, techniques and methodologies and their place in the development of CBS. Homework assignments are used to enhance the student's ability to apply MIC to CBS development and design. To complete the course, students are required to design and develop a CBS modeling tool for use in a real-world engineering domain. Students demonstrate their comprehension of MIC and CBS concepts through homework, quizzes, and in-class presentation of their proposed project and a final project presentation including a demonstration. Students leave the course with a strong foundation in both CBS tool design and MIC.
Single-nucleotide polymorphism discovery by high-throughput sequencing in sorghum

Eight diverse sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) accessions were subjected to short-read genome sequencing to characterize the distribution of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Two strategies were used for DNA library preparation. Missing SNP genotype data were imputed by local haplotype comparison. The effect of library type and genomic diversity on SNP discovery and imputation are evaluated.
The Emory mouse cataract: Changes in the β and γ-crystallins during aging and cataractogenesis as revealed by isoelectric focusing of the native soluble proteins

Isoelectric focusing on ultra-thin polyacryl amide gels was employed to study alterations in the distribution patterns of soluble β and γ-crystallins during the development of cataract in the Emory (EM) mouse. These alterations were compared with corresponding changes occurring in clear control lenses of the same age from the cataract-resistant (CR) strain.At two months of age both strains gave similar patterns. At four and fourteen months the EM lens showed depressed β peaks compared to the CR lens. At fourteen months the EM lens had reduced γ2 and γ5 compared with the CR lens. At twenty-four months the EM lens had all γ's markedly reduced, especially γ5, with the complete disappearance of γ4 which was however still present in the CR lens at twenty-six months. At twenty-four months the EM lens had a relatively large amount of β5 but no β5a or β5b; the latter two were present in the CR Tens surrounding β5 which was less prominent than in the EM lens. The decrease in γ's in the twenty-four months EM lens w...
“Life Begins When They Steal Your Bicycle”: Cross-Cultural Practices of Personhood at the Beginnings and Ends of Life:

A friend once told me I was wasting my time writing about cross-cultural perspectives on the beginnings of life. “Your work is interesting for its curiosity value,” he said, “but fundamentally worthless. What happens in other cultures is totally irrelevant to what is happening here.” Those were discouraging words, but as I followed the American debates about the beginnings and ends of life, it seemed he was right. Anthropologists have written a great deal about birth and death rites in other societies and about non-western notions of personhood, but to date our findings have had little impact on American policy, ethics, or law. The recognized experts on contentious topics such as abortion and euthanasia tend to come from the fields of philosophy, bioethics, theology, law, and biology, but rarely from the social sciences. I was a bit surprised, therefore, to be invited to address the Thomas A. Pitts Memorial Lectureship on “Defining the Beginning and the End of Human Life.”
A Landweber algorithm for 3D confocal microscopy restoration

A new Landweber algorithm for 3D microscopy deconvolution is introduced in this paper. The algorithm is formulated from the Fredholm equation of the first kind. Artificial 3D images are used to test this algorithm and the restored results are compared with a nonlinear iterative deconvolution algorithm (IDA). The experimental results show that the Landweber algorithm can effectively suppress background noise and remove asymmetric point spread function (PSF) degradation. Finally, a typical real 3D confocal image is restored by the Landweber algorithm and the results are compared with IDA.
Functionalized gold nanoparticle supported sensory mechanisms applied in detection of chemical and biological threat agents: A review

There is a great necessity for development of novel sensory concepts supportive of smart sensing capabilities in defense and homeland security applications for detection of chemical and biological threat agents. A smart sensor is a detection device that can exhibit important features such as speed, sensitivity, selectivity, portability, and more importantly, simplicity in identifying a target analyte. Emerging nanomaterial based sensors, particularly those developed by utilizing functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as a sensing component potentially offer many desirable features needed for threat agent detection. The sensitiveness of physical properties expressed by GNPs, e.g. color, surface plasmon resonance, electrical conductivity and binding affinity are significantly enhanced when they are subjected to functionalization with an appropriate metal, organic or biomolecular functional groups. This sensitive nature of functionalized GNPs can be potentially exploited in the design of threat agent detection devices with smart sensing capabilities. In the presence of a target analyte (i.e., a chemical or biological threat agent) a change proportional to concentration of the analyte is observed, which can be measured either by colorimetric, fluorimetric, electrochemical or spectroscopic means. This article provides a review of how functionally modified gold colloids are applied in the detection of a broad range of threat agents, including radioactive substances, explosive compounds, chemical warfare agents, biotoxins, and biothreat pathogens through any of the four sensory means mentioned previously.
The “lag effect” in dichoptic viewing

Abstract Ten subjects were asked to report both of two different consonant-vowels (CVs) presented to the same foveal area, but in different eyes (“dichoptically”). Stimuli were presented at stimulus-onset asynchronies (SOAs) ranging from 0 to 150 msec in 25-msec steps. Correct identifications were significantly depressed for the eye receiving the leading stimulus at SOAs of 25 to 75 msec. Monoptic data from three subjects indicated no significant reductions in correct identification as a function of SOA. The dichoptic results can be understood in terms of current theories of visual backward masking and are similar to the “lag effect” observed with dichotic listening to speech stimuli. Similarity of results for the two modalities suggests a similar “two-process” explanation may underlie both phenomena.
Analysis, development and testing of a fixed tilt solar collector employing reversible vee-trough reflectors and vacuum tube receivers

The Vee-Trough/Vacuum Tube Collector (VTVTC) aimed to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of collectors assembled from evacuated tube receivers. The VTVTC was analyzed rigorously and a mathematical model was developed to calculate the optical performance of the vee-trough concentrator and the thermal performance of the evacuated tube receiver. A test bed was constructed to verify the mathematical analyses and compare reflectors made out of glass, Alzak and aluminized GEB Teflon. Tests were run at temperatures ranging from 95 to 180 C during the months of April, May, June, July and August 1977. Vee-trough collector efficiencies of 35-40 per cent were observed at an operating temperature of about 175 C. Test results compared well with the calculated values. Test data covering a complete day are presented for selected dates throughout the test season. Predicted daily useful heat collection and efficiency values are presented for a year's duration at operation temperatures ranging from 65 to 230 C. Estimated collector costs and resulting thermal energy costs are presented. Analytical and experimental results are discussed along with an economic evaluation.
Genome-Wide Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Map for Candida albicans

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are essential tools for studying a variety of organismal properties and processes, such as recombination, chromosomal dynamics, and genome rearrangement. This paper describes the development of a genome-wide SNP map for Candida albicans to study mitotic recombination and chromosome loss. C. albicans is a diploid yeast which propagates primarily by clonal mitotic division. It is the leading fungal pathogen that causes infections in humans, ranging from mild superficial lesions in healthy individuals to severe, life-threatening diseases in patients with suppressed immune systems. The SNP map contains 150 marker sequences comprising 561 SNPs and 9 insertions-deletions. Of the 561 SNPs, 437 were transition events while 126 were transversion events, yielding a transition-to-transversion ratio of 3:1, as expected for a neutral accumulation of mutations. The average SNP frequency for our data set was 1 SNP per 83 bp. The map has one marker placed every 111 kb, on average, across the 16-Mb genome. For marker sequences located partially or completely within coding regions, most contained one or more nonsynonymous substitutions. Using the SNP markers, we identified a loss of heterozygosity over large chromosomal fragments in strains of C. albicans that are frequently used for gene manipulation experiments. The SNP map will be useful for understanding the role of heterozygosity and genome rearrangement in the response of C. albicans to host environments.
Error control and mesh optimization for high-order finite element approximation of incompressible viscous flow

Abstract We discuss the use of a posteriori error estimates for high-order finite element methods during simulation of the flow of incompressible viscous fluids. The correlation between the error estimator and actual error is used as a criterion for the error analysis efficiency. We show how to use the error estimator for mesh optimization which improves computational efficiency for both steady-state and unsteady flows. The method is applied to two-dimensional problems with known analytical solutions (Jeffrey-Hamel flow) and more complex flows around a body, both in a channel and in an open domain.
Evolution of Parameters for an Autonomous Canine Control Algorithm

This paper demonstrates an evolutionary algorithm for the optimization of an autonomous control algorithm for a trained canine. Autonomous guidance is relevant because use of canines, though beneficial in many applications, is limited by the necessity of close human supervision. A rules-based expert system using GPS data was initially developed for this purpose. This rules-based system is not without limitations. Primarily, it takes a significant investment of trainer and developer time to derive appropriate values to use for control of the canine. A multi-objective fitness metric was developed to optimize for important parts of the control algorithm, and parameters of the algorithm were optimized using evolutionary computation. In simulations the evolved parameters fit the data better than the hand-tuned parameters, and preliminary field trials showed a 67% mission success rate, which shows the feasibility of evolving parameters for the control algorithm.
Mercury in a municipal solid waste landfill

Mercury (Hg) is deposited in landfills via household batteries and a variety of other Hg-containing devices and lamps. Although Hg ranks as number three on the US Environmental Protection Agency’s toxic substances list, behind lead and arsenic, it has not been the focus of significant research in landfills. This study investigated the levels of Hg present in a municipal solid waste landfill and a municipal compost material. Mercury concentrations in 106 composite samples obtained from the Alachua County, Florida landfill (USA) ranged from 32.8 to 16 800 μg kg−1, with a geometric mean of 178 μg kg−1 and a 95% confidence interval for the mean of 144 to 221 μg kg−1. The distribution was highly skewed, with over half the samples having con-centrations less than 150 μgkg−1; only seven had concen-trations exceeding 1000 μgkg−1. Mercury concentrations in compost samples from Palm Beach County, Florida, con-sisting of a 1:1 mixture of biosolids and yard waste, ranged from 368 to 5320 μgkg−1 with a geometric mean of 924 μgkg−1 and a 95% confidence interval for the mean of 686 to 1244 μgkg−1. Mercury concentrations in the landfill and compost samples were generally above the background levels reported for surface soils in Florida, but were two to three orders of magnitude lower than the clean-up goals currently recommended by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and US federal regulations governing the land application of sewage sludge. Some municipalities have begun excavating old landfills and using the compostable material as landfill cover. If the Alachua County landfill were reclaimed, the compostable solid waste residue should meet Hg guidelines that are stricter than those currently employed for sewage sludge.
Survey of DSCS-III B-7 differential surface charging

An analysis of differential charging between dielectric surface materials and the frame of a DSCS-III geosynchronous spacecraft is presented. Charging levels measured by surface potential monitors (SPMs) covered with samples of Kapton and Astroquartz have been recorded for one half of a solar cycle. Both seasonal and solar cycle effects are seen in the daily peak levels of the SPM voltages, with local maxima occurring near the equinoxes and a general trend increasing as solar max is approached. Charge neutralization by an onboard Xe plasma contactor was demonstrated to be effective throughout the mission, with a mean voltage reduction of 86% for Astroquartz and 74% for Kapton. Though a statistical analysis shows a general correlation between the fluence of charging electrons with SPM voltages, the event-specific correlation contains enough variance to cast doubt on the usefulness of an electron sensor as a differential charging alarm. We have found that a Kapton-covered SPM may be better suited than an electron sensor as a differential charging alarm.
Collective Action and Social Capital of Wildlife Management Associations

In areas with dense landownership patterns, management of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) depends upon collective decision making of landowners and hunters. To resolve conflicts associated with this commons dilemma, wildlife management associations (WMAs) have become a popular mechanism for coordinating wildlife management decisions in private land states, especially in Texas, USA. Social capital, represented by metrics such as trust, reciprocity, and community involvement, has been identified as an important determinant of the success of collaborative institutional arrangements. To determine the influence of social capital on the effectiveness of WMAs, we address 2 research questions: 1) do WMAs exhibit elements of social capital, and 2) what landowner characteristics affect elements of social capital within WMAs? We used a mail survey questionnaire to determine the effect of various factors on the activities and management practices in 4 WMAs in 2 regions in Texas: the Lower Post Oak Savannah (LPOS) and the Central Post Oak Savannah (CPOS). The LPOS landowners were members of larger associations, had generally acquired their land more recently, held more frequent meetings, and tended to have longer association membership than CPOS landowners, yet they exhibited lower social capital. The CPOS landowners owned significantly larger properties, and were predominantly absentee wealthy males that considered relaxation and hunting more important land uses than property ownership for a place to live. The smaller group size of the CPOS associations may be the most important factor in building and maintaining social capital. Intra-association trust, a primary measure of social capital, was positively influenced by the longevity of property ownership, the number of association meetings, the percentage of males in the association, and other factors. Conversely, negative influences on trust included absentee ownership and the proportion of woodland habitat present in each WMA. We suggest that deer are a common-pool resource whose populations are dependent upon collective action by stakeholders. Social capital building within landowner associations could facilitate the sustainable harvest of quality deer and possibly lead to cooperative management of other common-pool natural resources.
Perceived Efficacy, Indications, and Information Sources for Medically Indigent Patients and Their Healthcare Providers Regarding Dietary Supplements

Background:Evidence exists that medically indigent and minority patients use dietary supplements at rates as high or higher than that of the general population. Safety concerns regarding the use of dietary supplements are further exacerbated by a suboptimal level of patient disclosure and provider inquiry.Objective:To determine dietary supplement use, indications, perceived efficacy, and information sources of patients and providers using a pilot study in a clinic for the medically indigent.Methods:Five hundred self-administered patient surveys and 50 healthcare provider surveys were made available to any patient at a free health clinic in Kansas City, MO. Surveys were collected and descriptive analyses were performed.Results:Three hundred eleven patient surveys were returned. Of the 37.3% (116/311) of respondents who had used dietary supplements, 13.8% (n = 16) had 10 comorbid conditions. Ninety-six dietary supplements were used for 8 medical condition categories. The 9 agents most frequently reported us...
Pustular lesions on the hand of a 5-year-old female

From Fund Conf Corre Sy Yo J Am 0190 a 20 doi:1 A 5-year-old female develops, over the course of 3 days, tender pustules on the left index and third finger. Similar lesions had appeared at the same location during the neonatal period, which were clinically thought to be impetigo. No other skin lesions are noted, and the patient is taking no medications. The physical examination reveals small confluent vesicles and pustules on an erythematous base, with some scalloping of the edges (Figs 1 and 2). Lymphadenopathy is not detected.
Analysis of streaming social networks and graphs on multicore architectures

Analyzing static snapshots of massive, graph-structured data cannot keep pace with the growth of social networks, financial transactions, and other valuable data sources. We introduce a framework, STING (Spatio-Temporal Interaction Networks and Graphs), and evaluate its performance on multicore, multisocket Intel®-based platforms. STING achieves rates of around 100 000 edge updates per second on large, dynamic graphs with a single, general data structure. We achieve speedups of up to 1000× over parallel static computation, improve monitoring a dynamic graph's connected components, and show an exact algorithm for maintaining local clustering coefficients performs better on Intel-based platforms than our earlier approximate algorithm.
Guidelines for the Use of Pavement Marking Symbols at Freeway Interchanges

Pavement marking technology has advanced sufficiently to allow large multicolor symbols to be marked on the pavement. These symbols provide drivers with another source of information to help them make good navigation decisions. The objective of this research was to identify appropriate in-lane pavement marking characteristics for use near freeway interchanges. Two laptop-based surveys were conducted to evaluate driver comprehension, recognition time, and preference for different designs and applications. From the information obtained in these surveys, researchers developed the following recommendations for in-lane pavement markings near an interchange: (a) arrow and shield markings should be used in combination; (b) in simple single-lane exits (particularly traditional lane drop right exits), pavement marking symbols only need to be placed in the exit lane; (c) if in-lane pavement markings are used at complex interchanges (e.g., optional lanes, multilane exits), the markings should be applied to all lanes; (d) optional lane pavement markings should provide the same basic information as other lanes at that interchange (i.e., show both highway shields and an option arrow); (e) lane markings should not be staggered; (f) when all symbols are the same, they should be installed in a single line; and (g) the use of cardinal directions should be limited.
Two-bit restricted signed-digit quaternary full adder

A multibit quaternary full adder is designed using a restricted set of modified signed-digit quaternary number system; Such adders could be stacked in parallel and they can add two n-bit numbers in a constant time irrespective of the operand size. An optical nonholographic content addressable memory is proposed for implementing the adder. >
Does process fairness affect job performance? It only matters if they plan to stay

Summary Incorporating a social exchange perspective, we examined the joint impact of process fairness and turnover intentions on job performance. Results from two independent samples suggest that employee turnover intentions moderate relations between process fairness perceptions and employee job performance. Specifically, the positive effects of the two types of process fairness on performance were stronger for employees who planned to stay with the organization than for those who intended to leave. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
KNOWS: Cognitive Radio Networks Over White Spaces

FCC has proposed to allow unlicensed operations in the TV broadcast bands. This portion of the spectrum has several desirable properties for more robust data communication as compared to the ISM bands. However, there are a number of challenges in efficiently using the TV bands. For example, the available spectrum is fragmented, and its availability may vary over time. In this paper, we present a cognitive radio system, called KNOWS, to address these challenges. We present the design of our prototype, which includes a new hardware platform and a spectrum-aware Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol. We have implemented the MAC protocol in QualNet, and our results show that in most scenarios KNOWS increases the throughput by more than 200% when compared to an IEEE 802.11 based system.
Chitosan Hydrogels for Regenerative Engineering

Research in the field of hydrogels has been actively growing for the past couple of decades. Hydrogels are crosslinked polymers with high water content. They can be prepared from natural, synthetic, and composite polymers using different chemical and physical crosslinking methods. Hydrogels have been widely explored for the delivery of bioactive molecules, drugs, and for other therapeutic applications. Chitosan-based hydrogels have unique advantages owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, antimicrobial activity, mucoadhesivity, and low toxicity. This chapter reviews the different methods used for preparing chitosan-based hydrogels and their applications as cell, protein, and drug delivery vehicles to support tissue regeneration.
‘Big Five’ of sports medicine: preparation, teamwork, passion, mentorship and collaboration

As BJSM Senior Associate Editor for Sports Cardiology since 2008, I have witnessed our discipline of sports medicine come of age. BJSM 's goal of helping to unite our field is coming into sight, and the world of sports medicine has never felt closer. As I write this, 23 BJSM affiliated societies from 16 countries are celebrated on a prominent international stage. Collaboration among countries has become both the norm and the foundation of new learning, strategic partnerships and key initiatives for athlete safety and health promotion. The power of international collaboration was on prominent display at the recent South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA) conference where Congress Convenor Dr Jon Patricios and SASMA President-elect Dr Phatho Zondi combined gracious South African hospitality with a premier scientific programme to inspire sports medicine professionals at every level. I was honoured to participate in the SASMA congress and am grateful for my entire experience; undoubtedly a professional highlight and …
More Complicated than We Think: A Response to Rethinking Legal Education in Hard Times: The Recession, Practical Legal Education and the New Job Market

This article is part of an upcoming set of essays in the Journal of Legal Education, addressing the implications of the recent economic downturn, the market for law graduates' employment, and implications for legal educators. The article disagrees with the premises of a student author who contends that legal education should increase reliance on adjunct faculty and reduce emphasis on faculty scholarship in order to reduce student costs. The article assesses such proposals and contends, instead, that the most fruitful response to the current economic downturn would be to bifurcate the bar examination (in order to keep law schools honest, allow law students to know where the stand and address deficiencies, and allow those unsure of their commitment to legal education to take time out and work before returning to complete law school). The author is a legal educator who was involved in the Carnegie Foundation's recent study of legal education (Educating Lawyers).
Energy geotechnics: Advances in subsurface energy recovery, storage, exchange, and waste management

Abstract Energy geotechnics involves the use of geotechnical principles to understand and engineer the coupled thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical processes encountered in collecting, exchanging, storing, and protecting energy resources in the subsurface. In addition to research on these fundamental coupled processes and characterization of relevant material properties, applied research is being performed to develop analytical tools for the design and analysis of different geo-energy applications. The aims of this paper are to discuss the fundamental physics and constitutive models that are common to these different applications, and to summarize recent advances in the development of relevant analytical tools.
Abstract 542: TGF-β inhibitors enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy via abrogation of autocrine and paracrine signaling in a triple negative breast cancer model

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 15-20% of total invasive breast cancers. This subtype of cancer is often correlated with poor prognosis, visceral metastases and relapse. Molecular characterization reveals that these tumors are negative for hormone receptors and they often develop chemo resistance. Tumor microenvironment, among other factors, has emerged as a definite player in the progression of breast cancer and may also confer chemo resistance. In the current study, we demonstrate that MDA-MB-231 cells show greater resistance to paclitaxel in heterotypic culture with RMF/EG-hTERT (reduction mammary fibroblast with enhanced GFP) as compared to homotypic culture. Further, we show that RMF/EG-hTERT cells can enhance the motility of MDA-MB-231 cells in trans well migration assays, which could be attenuated by the TGF-β inhibitor sRIII (soluble receptor type III). TGF-β signaling was shown to activate pro-survival pathways like PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways in mammary fibroblasts suggesting that they may mediate the paracrine tumor-promoting activity of TGF-β. Autocrine TGF-β signaling has been shown to promote EMT and cancer stem cell-like features in TNBC cells and appears to be a potential therapeutic target. We show that paclitaxel in combination with sRIII was more effective in inhibiting the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells than either agent alone. The combination of a TGF-β inhibitor with paclitaxel was also more effective in inhibiting tumor sphere formation than either agent alone. Our future research will be focused on the mechanisms of autocrine and paracrine TGF-β signaling in mediating chemo resistance and the tumor-promoting activity of mammary stromal cells. Our research will reveal the potential use of TGF-β inhibitors as novel therapeutics in combination with chemotherapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 542. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-542