cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Update on Extended Operation of Stirling Convertors in Thermal Vacuum at NASA Glenn Research Center

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Lockheed Martin Space Systems (LMSS), Infinia Corporation, and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) have been developing a Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG) for use as a power system on space science missions. This generator would make use of Stirling cycle energy conversion to achieve higher efficiency than currently used alternatives. A test has been initiated at GRC to demonstrate functionality of Stirling conversion in a thermal vacuum environment over an extended period of time. The test article resembles the configuration of the SRG, but was designed without the requirement of low mass. Throughout the 8700 cumulative hours of operation, modifications to the supporting hardware were required to attain the desired operating conditions. These modifications, the status of testing, and the data recorded will be discussed in this paper.
Social regularities in outdoor recreation

The social norms approach has been a popular theoretical and methodological model for studying behavioral problems in outdoor recreation. Recently, researchers have questioned the applicability of the model, whether ‘'norms'’ have been measured or not, and whether important components of the norm model, such as sanctions, have been given adequate consideration. In response to these concerns, this paper reviews the theoretical basis of norms in social science, and the application of norms, primarily through Jackson's (1966) Return Potential Model (RPM), to problems in outdoor recreation. A problem with the RPM, as applied by outdoor recreation researchers, concerns the normative content of the measures derived from the Jackson model. That is, unambiguous normative terms (e.g., should, ought, must) have not been used to measure norms. A second problem concerns the power of norms to affect behavior through sanctions. Sanctions have not been measured in outdoor recreation applications of the social norms appr...
Multipole moments for stationary, non-asymptotically-flat systems in general relativity

A formulation of multipole moments generalizing that of Thorne is proposed for the stationary, vacuum region of spacetime surrounding a source of gravity, without assuming asymptotic flatness. In this formalism, such a region of spacetime is characterized by four sets of moments, the internal mass and current moments (those of the internal source) and the external mass and current moments (those of the external universe), which are read out from a de Donder coordinate expansion of the metric density. These moments uniquely determine the vacuum region of spacetime. The interactions between a gravitating body and an external gravitational field can be described in terms of these moments, in close analogy with Newtonian theory. A derivation, using the vacuum Einstein equation alone, is given of the laws of force and torque for an isolated body acted on by an external field. These laws generalize the results of Thorne and Hartle and of Zhang.
The appropriateness of use and the clinical impact of micturating cystourethrography in paediatric practice

Study objective: To determine the appropriateness of use and the clinical impact of micturating cystourethrography (MCU) in paediatric practice. Design: Retrospective medical record review. Setting: A major teaching children's hospital in the Trent region. Patients: Consecutive sample of 120 children undergoing MCU during 1991–1992, identified from the radiology records. Main outcome measures: The referring clinician's reasons for requesting an MCU; the clinical management plan pursued before and after the MCU, and the change in management initiated by the result of the examination; the appropriateness of use of the test, as determined by the presence or absence of a valid indication for MCU in the specific clinical situation. Results: The change in patient management attributable to the MCU result could be categorized as: no change (19%); decision to end the imaging investigation of the patient (33%); decision to end all investigations, and prophylactic or therapeutic interventions (16%); decision to discontinue chemophrophylaxis (2%); decision to end the imaging investigation and introduce chemoprophylaxis and follow-up for bacteriuria (6%); decision to continue the imaging investigation and introduce chemoprophylaxis and follow-up for bacteriuria (13%); and decision to operate or help in planning the surgical treatment required (11%). Inappropriate use of the test was observed in 20% of the cases. Conclusions: This study provides a basis for understanding the use of MCU in paediatric practice. The findings that 19% of the cystourethrograms had no appreciable effect, and that 20% of the examinations were used inappropriately show the need for increased effort to minimize overuse of the test.
Effects of Prepuberal Hypophysectomy and Ovariectomy on Hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase Activity in the Female Rat

The effects of prepuberal hypophysectomy and ovariectomy on hydroxyindole- O-methyltransferase (HIOMT) activity were investigated in the female rat. Hypophysectomy performed at 28 days was found to result in lower pineal wt and HIOMT activity at 53 days of age. Ovariectomy performed at 28 days did not significantly affect pineal wt but resulted in increased HIOMT activity at 53 days of age. Injection of 50 μg estradiol benzoate at 50 and 52 days of age reversed the effect of ovariectomy on HIOMT activity at 53 days of age. These results suggest that HIOMT activity in the prepuberal rat is stimulated in some unknown manner by the pituitary and inhibited by the ovary, possibly by estrogen. (Endocrinology 86: 1166, 1970)
Better by Design: How Empathy Can Lead to More Successful Technologies and Services for the Poor (Discussion of Design Case Narratives: Rickshaw Bank, Solar-Powered Tuki, FGN Pump)

imagine a dentist who finds it impossible to concentrate on an opera because the singer has bad teeth. The writer Annie Dillard imagined that the happiest people are constantly surrounded by opportunities to apply their expertise—for example, those who study rocks or clouds. Designers are a pretty happy bunch because opportunities to improve the human condition through design are everywhere. It becomes an obsession. For example, after 10,000 years of post-Ice Age development as a tool-using species, I find it amazing that human beings are still creating uncomfortable chairs (such as the succession of airplane seats where I wrote this article). My goal in this article is to discuss the accompanying case studies: the Rickshaw Bank of Pradip Sarmah, the Solar Tuki of Anil Chitrakar and Babu Raj Shrestha, and the FGN pump of Gustavo Gennuso. I look at them in the context of design for developing countries, and from my perspective as the founder of Design that Matters (DtM), a nonprofit design consultancy for social enterprise. “Design” is a term used so broadly as to be almost meaningless. In this article, I will
Comparison of model monomeric and polymeric alkyl stationary phases on silica using sum-frequency spectroscopy.

Abstract Model monomeric and polymeric stationary phases were examined using sum-frequency spectroscopy and contact angle measurements in order to determine structural differences between the two stationary phases. Octadecyldimethylchlorosiloxane (ODMS) monolayers and ODMS/methyl siloxane (MS) mixed monolayers in contact with water and acetonitrile solvent were examined. The results showed that the alkyl chains in the ODMS and the ODMS/TMS monolayer are highly disordered and are weakly sensitive to the change in solvent environment. In order to determine whether the observed disorder in ODMS is due to steric effects of the silicon bonded methyl groups or the lack of crosslinking, “surface-bonded” ODS and “highly crosslinked” ODS were studied and compared with ODMS. Calculations using contact angle data on ODMS monolayers showed that water interacts 70% with methyl groups and 30% with methylene groups.
Halogen impurity modes and secondary features in the Raman spectra of CdBr2 and CdCl2

Abstract The 10 and 300 K Raman spectra of CdBr2 and CdCl2 have been investigated at high sensitivity. While some of the new lines are of second-order origin, others are associated with local modes of halogen impurities. Lines at 107 and 107 cm−1 in CdBr2 are assigned to the Eu(TO) and A2u(TO) lattice modes respectively. The corresponding IR-active modes are not evident in the CdCl2 spectrum; it is suggested that they appear for CdBr2 as a result of disorder.
Turbulent Plane Wakes Subjected to Successive Strains

Six direct numerical simulations of turbulent time-evolving strained plane wakes have been examined to investigate the response of a wake to successive irrotational plane strains of opposite sign. The orientation of the applied strain field has been selected so that the flow is the time-developing analogue of a spatially developing wake evolving in the presence of either a favourable or an adverse streamwise pressure gradient. The magnitude of the applied strain rate a is constant in time t until the total strain e(sup at) reaches about four. At this point, a new simulation is begun with the sign of the applied strain being reversed (the original simulation is continued as well). When the total strain is reduced back to its original value of one, yet another simulation is begun with the sign of the strain being reversed again back to its original sign. This process is done for both initially "favourable" and initially "adverse" strains, providing simulations for each of these strain types from three different initial conditions. The evolution of the wake mean velocity deficit and width is found to be very similar for all the adversely strained cases, with both measures rapidly achieving exponential growth at the rate associated with the cross-stream expansive strain e(sup at). In the "favourably" strained cases, the wake widths approach a constant and the velocity deficits ultimately decay rapidly as e(sup -2at). Although all three of these cases do exhibit the same asymptotic exponential behaviour, the time required to achieve this is longer for the cases that have been previously adversely strained (by at approx. equals 1). These simulations confirm the generality of the conclusions drawn in Rogers (2002) regarding the response of plane wakes to strain. The evolution of strained wakes is not consistent with the predictions of classical self-similar analysis; a more general equilibrium similarity solution is required to describe the results. At least for the cases considered here, the wake Reynolds number and the ratio of the turbulent kinetic energy to the square of the wake mean velocity deficit are determined nearly entirely by the total strain. For these measures the order in which the strains are applied does not matter and the changes brought about by the strain are nearly reversible. The wake mean velocity deficit and width, on the other hand, differ by about a factor of three when the total strain returns to one, depending on whether the wake was first "favourably" or "adversely" strained. The strain history is important for predicting the evolution of these quantities.
Shifting attention into and out of objects: evaluating the processes underlying the object advantage.

Visual cuing studies have been widely used to demonstrate and explore contributions from both object- and location-based attention systems. A common finding has been a response advantage for shifts of attention occurring within an object, relative to shifts of an equal distance between objects. The present study examined this advantage for within-object shifts in terms of engage and disengage operations within the object- and location-based attention systems. The rationale was that shifts of attention between objects require object-based attention to disengage from one object before shifting to another, something that is not required for shifts of attention within an object or away from a location. One- and two-object displays were used to assess object-based contributions related to disengaging and engaging attention within, between, into, and out of objects. The results suggest that the “object advantage” commonly found in visual cuing experiments in which shifts of attention are required is primarily due to disengage operations associated with object-based attention.
Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and tetrachlorodibenzofurans in Atlantic coast striped bass and in selected Hudson River fish, waterfowl and sediments

In striped bass samples from the lower Hudson River and its estuary 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) was found at concentrations from 16 to 120 pg/g (ppt). Striped bass from two other locations (Rhode Island coastal waters and Chesapeake Bay, Maryland) had <5 ppt, 2,3,7,8-TCDD. The contaminant, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,7,8-TCDF), was found in striped bass from all three locations with concentrations varying from 6 ppt in Chesapeake Bay to 78 ppt in the Hudson River. Results from a limited number of non-migratory fish (carp and goldfish) and sediments suggest that the upper Hudson River is not a source for 2,3,7,8-TCDD/2,3,7,8-TCDF contamination of striped bass.
Comparison of obstetric outcomes in twin pregnancies after in vitro fertilization, ovarian stimulation and spontaneous conception

Objective: To compare the outcomes of liveborn twin gestations conceived after in vitro fertilization (IVF) or ovarian stimulation with spontaneously conceived twin pregnancies. Methods: A review of all twin gestations delivered at Winthrop-University Hospital from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2000. Women who underwent fetal reduction or had a demise of one twin were excluded. Maternal demographics, antepartum complications, mode of delivery and perinatal outcome were compared. Results: Sixty pregnancies were conceived after IVF, 34 were conceived by ovarian stimulation and 101 were spontaneously conceived. Women in the IVF group were older (p < 0.001), were more often 35 years or older (p < 0.001) and primiparous (p = 0.005). More women in the ovarian stimulation group had a poor obstetric history (p = 0.04). Spontaneous gestations had a higher incidence of monochorionic placentations (p = 0.002). There were no differences in gestational age at delivery, antepartum complications, or mode of delivery. Th...
Capacity planning in networks of queues with manufacturing applications

This paper addresses capacity planning in systems that can be modeled as a network of queues. More specifically, we present an optimization model and solution methods for the minimum cost selection of capacity at each node in the network such that a set of system performance constraints is satisfied. Capacity is controlled through the mean service rate at each node. To illustrate the approach and how queueing theory can be used to measure system performance, we discuss a manufacturing model that includes upper limits on product throughput times and work-in-process in the system. Methods for solving capacity planning problems with continuous and discrete capacity options are discussed. We focus primarily on the discrete case with a concave cost function, allowing fixed charges and costs exhibiting economies of scale with respect to capacity to be handled.
Dynamics of many-body localization

Following the field theoretic approach of Basko et al. [Ann. Phys. 321, 1126 (2006)], we study in detail the real-time dynamics of a system expected to exhibit many-body localization. In particular, for time scales inaccessible to exact methods, we demonstrate that within the second-Born approximation the temporal decay of the density-density correlation function is consistent with a finite value for $t\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$, as expected in a nonergodic state. This behavior persists over a wide range of disorder and interaction strengths and suggests that the nonergodic phase is surprisingly robust compared to the prediction of Basko et al. We argue that this discrepancy may be resolved by the presence of a nonergodic, but metallic, phase.
Genomic Activity and Translocation in Lymphocytes

Analyses of chromosomal aberrations associated with specific cancers are providing insight into fundamental issues of cellular development and differentiation as well as oncogenesis. We have previously reported our findings in support of the concept that chromosomal aberrations often reflect the particular differentiated state of the cells and cell types in which they occur (Kirsch 1985). This concept developed not just from data dealing with the involvement of immunoglobulin genes in the chromosomal aberrations seen in Burkitt’s and other B cell tumors, but also from observations we reported on the involvement of the globin encoding regions in translocations seen in erythroleukemias. It was with this as a foundation that we speculated that chromosomal aberrations associated with T cell disorders might involve chromosomal regions to which T cell specific functions would be localized. This prediction has now been fulfilled as we (Caccia 1985) and others (Croce 1985, Isobe 1985, LeBeau 1985, Morton 1985, Murre 1985) have localized the alpha, beta, and gamma chains of the T cell antigen receptor to three of the four most common and consistent hotspots of chromosomal breakage in malignant and non-malignant (or pre-mal ignant) T cells (Kaiser-McCaw 1975, Aurias 1980, Scheres 1980, Wake 1982, Taylor 1982, Williams 1984, Zech 1984, Smith 1986)
Boosting with Noisy Data: Some Views from Statistical Theory

This letter is a comprehensive account of some recent findings about AdaBoost in the presence of noisy data when approached from the perspective of statistical theory. We start from the basic assumption of weak hypotheses used in AdaBoost and study its validity and implications on generalization error. We recommend studying the generalization error and comparing it to the optimal Bayes error when data are noisy. Analytic examples are provided to show that running the unmodified AdaBoost forever will lead to overfit. On the other hand, there exist regularized versions of AdaBoost that are consistent, in the sense that the resulting prediction will approximately attain the optimal performance in the limit of large training samples.
Mono- versus polydrug abuse patterns among publicly funded clients.

To examine patterns of mono- versus polydrug abuse, data were obtained from intake records of 69,891 admissions to publicly funded treatment programs in Tennessee between 1998 and 2004. While descriptive statistics were employed to report frequency and patterns of mono- and polydrug abuse by demographic variables and by study years, bivariate logistic regression was applied to assess the probability of being a mono- or polydrug abuser for a number of demographic variables. The researchers found that during the study period 51.3% of admissions reported monodrug abuse and 48.7% reported polydrug abuse. Alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana were the most commonly abused substances, both alone and in combination. Odds ratio favored polydrug abuse for all but one drug category–other drugs. Gender did not affect drug abuse patterns; however, admissions for African Americans and those living in urban areas exhibited higher probabilities of polydrug abuse. Age group also appeared to affect drug abuse patterns, with higher odds of monodrug abuse among minors and adults over 45 years old. The discernable prevalence of polydrug abuse suggests a need for developing effective prevention strategies and treatment plans specific to polydrug abuse.
System design using abstract Petri nets

A macro Petri net definition formed from a set of Petri net primitive mechanisms is discussed. A basic introduction to Petri nets and a definition of the Petri net primitives employed in the construction of macro net definitions are given. The macro nets presented are intended to increase the designer's ability to quickly comprehend a system on an operational level. The macro nets presented are intended to increase the designer's ability to quickly comprehend a systems on an operational level. Basic concepts of system abstraction are considered, and rules for recognizing potentially abstract subnets are examined. An example is given in which a typical computer system is shown with macro nets used to replace frequency recurring subnets. >
A comparison of the existence of 'cross terms' in the Wigner distribution and the squared magnitude of the wavelet transform and the short-time Fourier transform

It is shown that cross terms comparable to those found in the Wigner distribution (WD) exist for the energy distributions of the wavelet transform (WT) and the short-time Fourier transform (STFT). The geometry of the cross terms is described by deriving mathematical expressions for the energy distributions of the STFT and the WT of a multicomponent signal. From those mathematical expressions it is inferred that the STFT and the WT cross terms: (1) occur at the intersection of the respective transforms of the two signals under consideration, whereas the WD cross terms occur at mid-time-frequency of the two signals; (2) are oscillatory in nature, as are the WD cross terms, and are modulated by a cosine whose argument is a function of the difference in center times and center frequencies of the signals under consideration; and (3) can have a maximum amplitude as large as twice the product of the magnitude of the transforms of the two signals in question, like WD cross terms. It is shown that the presence of these cross terms could lead to problems in analyzing a multicomponent signal. The consequences of this effect with respect to speech applications are discussed. >
Establishing use of asphalt binder cracking tests for prevention of pavement cracking

Premature loss of serviceability due to cracking remains one of the most prominent distress modes afflicting asphalt pavements today. Although there has been significant progress in developing binder fracture tests, concerns exist about a number of the assumptions used in current analysis methods. In particular are three related main issues: (1) sorting the total failure energy into time-dependent flow and fracture energy; (2) defining the role of binder fracture in pavement cracking; and (3) selecting relevant loading rates such as to correspond to binder thermal strain during pavement cooling. This study aims to investigate and address all three of the aforementioned issues to establish the use of binder crack resistance tests as an effective tool for preventing pavement cracking. Pseudo-strain analysis showed that separation of viscous dissipation and time-independent fracture energy is unnecessary to relate binder failure energy to mixture fracture. Finite element analysis showed that even in the pres...
Measurement of Nonuniform Temperature Distributions Using Line-of-Sight Absorption Spectroscopy

A laboratory demonstration is reported for two measurement strategies to determine nonuniform temperature distributions in combustion gases using line-of-sight absorption spectroscopy. These strategies rely on measurements of multiple absorption transitions of a single species, each with unique temperature dependence. The first strategy, called profile fitting, mathematically fits the observed absorption measurements constrained with a postulated temperature distribution. The second strategy, called temperature binning, determines the temperature probability density function along the line of sight using prescribed temperature bins. The wavelength-multiplexed sensor concepts and the mathematical representations are first explored in detail. The measurements of a "two-zone" temperature/mole-fraction (T/X H2O ) distribution with a wavelength-multiplexed scheme for near-infrared transitions of water vapor are then presented to illustrate the fundamental concepts and investigate the sensor performance. The measured two-zone T/X H2O distribution is composed of a 25.4 cm hot-flame zone (T≈ 1500 K, X H2O ≈ 10%) and a cold-room-air zone (T ≈ 300 K,X H2O ≈ 2%) of about the same length. The experimental results demonstrate that a nonuniform temperature distribution can be characterized with either strategy. The measurement accuracy will increase with the number of transitions, and also with the use of optimally chosen transitions. The experimental results also confirm that use of known physical constraints to reduce the number of degrees of freedom improves the interpretation of the measurement results and thus the sensor performance.
Single port sleeve gastrectomy: strategic use of technology to re-establish fundamental tenets of multiport laparoscopy.

Abstract Background Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is commonly performed using multiple ports. The quest to minimize surgical trauma has led to the development of single port laparoscopy, which has been shown to be a safe, less-invasive method of performing a variety of abdominal surgeries. We describe the feasibility and safety of single port sleeve gastrectomy (SPSG) for morbid obesity at an academic affiliate of a university hospital. Methods A total of 25 patients undergoing elective SPSG were compared with a demographically similar contemporaneous cohort of 9 patients who underwent standard multiple port laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The data collected included the operative time, narcotic consumption, duration of patient controlled analgesia use, subjective pain scores, and length of stay. Results The patients undergoing SPSG experienced significantly less pain at 1 hour postoperatively ( P = .039). No statistically significant difference was found in pain between the 2 groups at 12 and 24 hours ( P = .519 and P = .403, respectively). The quantity of narcotic use ( P = .538), duration of patient controlled analgesia use ( P = .820), and length of stay ( P = .571) were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The operative time for SPSG was 118 minutes versus 101 minutes for multiple port surgery ( P = .160). Conclusions SPSG is safe and feasible for selected patients. The patients undergoing SPSG reported significantly less pain at the first postoperative hour. No significant differences between the 2 groups were seen in any of the other postoperative parameters.
Dimerization of Diruthenium Coordination Compounds via Olefin Metathesis

Diruthenium compounds containing an ω-alkene-α-carboxylate ligand, Ru2Cl[D(3,5-Cl2Ph) F]3[O2C(CH2)nCH=CH2] [n = 1 (1a) and 2 (1b)], were prepared from the reactions between Ru2Cl[D(3,5-Cl2Ph)F]3(O2CCH3) [D(3,5-Cl2Ph)F = N,N′-bis(3,5-dicholorophenyl)formamidinate] and ω-alkene-α-carboxylic acids. Both compounds 1a and 1b undergo olefin cross-metathesis reactions catalyzed by (Cy3P)2Cl2Ru(=CHPh) to afford the dimerized compounds [Ru2Cl{D(3,5-Cl2Ph)F}3]2[μ-O2C(CH2)nCH=CH(CH2)nCO2] [n = 1 (2a) and 2 (2b)]. Molecular structures of compounds 1a/1b and 2a/2b were established by X-ray diffraction studies, which revealed the formation of trans product only in the case of shorter tether (2a) and a mixture of cis-/trans isomers in the case of longer tether (2b). (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
A World without Genocide: Prevention, Reconciliation, and the Creation of Peaceful Societies

This article reviews influences leading to extreme violence between groups. It then describes principles and practices of prevention, especially early prevention, and reconciliation: addressing difficult life conditions in ways that include everyone in society; diplomacy that addresses crises and prevents conflicts from becoming intractable; developing constructive visions and groups which make destructive ideological movements less likely; generating positive orientation to previously devalued others; moderating respect for authority in part by encouraging individual judgment; fostering healing by groups from past victimization and psychological woundedness. The socialization of children for inclusive caring and moral courage, developing societal values of cooperation and community, and active bystandership by citizens, leaders, and the media to resist influences leading to violence and create positive institutions that help fulfill basic psychological needs are all important for a world without genocide. The article also describes interventions promoting reconciliation in Rwanda and neighboring countries and research evaluating their effects.
Whole-Genome Analysis of the Methyl tert-Butyl Ether-Degrading Beta-Proteobacterium Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1

Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1 is a methylotroph distinguished by its ability to completely metabolize the fuel oxygenate methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). Strain PM1 also degrades aromatic (benzene, toluene, and xylene) and straight-chain (C(5) to C(12)) hydrocarbons present in petroleum products. Whole-genome analysis of PM1 revealed an approximately 4-Mb circular chromosome and an approximately 600-kb megaplasmid, containing 3,831 and 646 genes, respectively. Aromatic hydrocarbon and alkane degradation, metal resistance, and methylotrophy are encoded on the chromosome. The megaplasmid contains an unusual t-RNA island, numerous insertion sequences, and large repeated elements, including a 40-kb region also present on the chromosome and a 29-kb tandem repeat encoding phosphonate transport and cobalamin biosynthesis. The megaplasmid also codes for alkane degradation and was shown to play an essential role in MTBE degradation through plasmid-curing experiments. Discrepancies between the insertion sequence element distribution patterns, the distributions of best BLASTP hits among major phylogenetic groups, and the G+C contents of the chromosome (69.2%) and plasmid (66%), together with comparative genome hybridization experiments, suggest that the plasmid was recently acquired and apparently carries the genetic information responsible for PM1's ability to degrade MTBE. Comparative genomic hybridization analysis with two PM1-like MTBE-degrading environmental isolates (approximately 99% identical 16S rRNA gene sequences) showed that the plasmid was highly conserved (ca. 99% identical), whereas the chromosomes were too diverse to conduct resequencing analysis. PM1's genome sequence provides a foundation for investigating MTBE biodegradation and exploring the genetic regulation of multiple biodegradation pathways in M. petroleiphilum and other MTBE-degrading beta-proteobacteria.
Fully ion implanted MESFETs in bulk semi-insulating 4HSiC

Abstract MESFETs ( n -channel) were fabricated in semi-insulating bulk 4HSiC by ion implantation of both the source/drain and the channel regions, using an aluminum Schottky gate metal and nickel ohmic contacts. Nitrogen ion implantation was performed at room temperature to a depth of 300 nm at a volumetric concentration of 6×10 17 cm −3 for the channel region and 2×10 19 cm −3 for the source/drain. The implants were activated by annealing at 1450 °C for 15 min using an AlN encapsulant. The bulk mobility of the channel implant was found to be 240 cm 2 /V s, while the effective channel mobility of the devices was measured to be less than 58 cm 2 /V s. For a typical device with a 2-μm gate length, the pinch-off voltage was 18 V, and the drain saturation current was approximately 40 mA. Devices exhibited only a small change in their DC characteristics over the temperature range 25–350 °C.
Energy Harvesting by Pyroelectric Effect Using PZT

This paper considers energy harvesting using pyroelectric materials such as PZT-5A and thin-films. A simple model is used to predict the power generated based on the measured temperature of the material as a function of time. The measured and predicted results are presented and compared. In particular, the measured peak power density for a PZT-5A sample was 0.23 µWcm −2 for a maximum temperature rate of approximately 15 ◦ Cs −1 . The predicted peak power density under the same boundary conditions for thin-film lead scandium tantalate was over125 µWcm −2 . The power density is shown to be highly dependent upon the surface area and the pyroelectric coefficient, underlining the importance of maximizing these parameters.
Decreased cerebrospinal-fluid/serum leptin ratio in obesity: a possible mechanism for leptin resistance

Summary Background A receptor for leptin has been cloned from the choroid plexus, the site of cerebrospinal-fluid (CSF) production and the location of the blood/cerebrospinal-fluid barrier. Thus, this receptor might serve as a transporter for leptin. We have studied leptin concentrations in serum and (CSF). Methods and findings We demonstrated by radio-immunoassay and western blot the presence of leptin in human CSF. We then measured leptin in CSF and serum in 31 individuals with a wide range of bodyweight. Mean serum leptin was 318% higher in 8 obese (40.2 [SE 8.6] ng/mL) than in 23 lean individuals (9.6 [1.5] ng/mL, p Interpretation Our data suggest that leptin enters the brain by a saturable transport system. The capacity of leptin transport is lower in obese individuals, and may provide a mechanism for leptin resistance.
Perturbation of transition functions and a Feynman-Kac formula for the incorporation of mortality

Markov transition kernels are perturbed by output kernels with a special emphasis on building mortality into structured population models. A Feynman-Kac formula is derived which illustrates the interplay of mortality with a Markov process associated with the unperturbed kernel.
The age-length-onset problem in research on second language acquisition among immigrants

Studies investigating the possible effects of age at immigration (a proxy for age at onset of second language learning) on second language acquisition among immigrants often explicitly take the effect of length of residence in the destination country (a measure of exposure to opportunities to learn the second language) into account. A third variable, age at testing, recently has caught the attention of some scholars. However, the three variables “age at immigration,” “length of residence,” and “age at testing” are linearly dependent. The easiest and most common response to this problem is to ignore one or two of the variables. In this article I show that this strategy can result in potentially misleading conclusions and then suggest some strategies for dealing with the problem. Because of the strong interest in the possibility of critical periods in language learning, numerous studies have investigated the possible effects of age at immigration (a proxy for age at onset of second language [L2] learning) on second language acquisition (SLA) among immigrants. Because language learning takes at
Improving the control of water treatment plant with remote sensing-based water quality forecasting model

When Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in the source water is in contact with disinfectants in a drinking water treatment process, it oftentimes causes the formation of disinfection byproducts such as Trihalomethanes which have harmful effects on human health. As a result of the potential health risk of Trihalomethanes for drinking water, proper monitoring and forecasting of high TOC episodes in the source water body can be helpful for the operators who are in charge of the decisions when they have to start the removal procedures for TOC in surface water treatment plants. This issue is of great importance in Lake Mead in the United States which provides drinking water for 25 million people, while it is considered as an important recreational area and wildlife habitat as well. In this study, artificial neural network, extreme learning machine, and genetic programming are examined using the long-term observations of TOC concentration throughout the lake. Among these models, the model with the best performance was applied in the development of a forecasting model to predict TOC values on a daily basis. The forecasting process is aided by an iterative scheme via updating the daily satellite imagery in concert with retrieving the long-term memory of the past states with nonlinear autoregressive neural network with external input (NARXNET) on a rolling basis onwards. The best input scenario of NARXNET was selected with respect to several statistical indices. Numerical outputs of the forecasting process confirm the fidelity of the iterative scheme in predicting water quality status one day ahead of the time.
The Politics of Crime: Aggression and Control in a Colonial Context

Political resistance to colonial rule poses particular problems of control and political socialization during the initial period of occupation. The strategy of early British intervention in Uganda reveals the recurrent use of legislative and judicial reform rather than direct police action to repress local unrest. In this paper, the history of administrative action with regard to two imputed offenses, arson and witchcraft, is examined as well as the factors which underlay the failure or success of such measures.
Concrete Moisture Content Measurement Using Interdigitated Near-Field Sensors

The efficacy of a meander and a circular interdigitated sensor in detecting and measuring the moisture present in wet concrete samples is demonstrated. Analytical, simulation, and measurement results of interelectrode capacitance for samples with different moisture contents show good agreement. As moisture content increases from 0% to 6%, the interelectrode capacitance that predicts the moisture content increases by 126.4% for the meander sensor and 187% for the circular sensor. Regression analysis of the measured data demonstrates that for moisture content less than 6% the relationship between the measured capacitance and the percent moisture content is predominantly linear.
Successful initiation of expert systems projects

The author suggests project management concepts and techniques that can facilitate a successful initiation of new expert systems projects. The principle of communication, cooperation, and coordination is emphasized. The standard responsibility chart is presented as a mechanism for coordinating the efforts of the project personnel. The roles of domain experts, knowledge engineers, and programmers are discussed in the context of initiating and managing an expert systems projects. Specific recommendations to the practitioners for getting started are presented. The guidelines can be easily adapted for a customized procedure for any specific project situation. >
Performance of Muscadine Grape Cultivars in Southern Mississippi

A study was conducted at the Mississippi State University Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) McNeil Unit in southern Mississippi to identify promising muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia) germplasm for use as parents in the breeding and genetics research program and to develop information on performance for use by growers in the region for cultivar selection decisions. The vineyard was first established in 1992 and was expanded in 1994. Cultivars were evaluated in 2001, 2002, and 2006 for their performance and were found to differ in vigor, resistance to diseases, yield, and fruit quality. Cultivars suitable for winemaking that performed well included Carlos, Doreen, Magnolia, Noble, Regale, Sterling, and Welder. Cultivars intended for the fresh market that produced high yields and high-quality fruit included Alachua, Black Beauty, Darlene, Fry, Ison, Janebell, Nesbit, Polyanna, Sweet Jenny, Summit, and Tara. 'Dixie', a multipurpose cultivar, 'Eudora', a newly released fresh-market cultivar, and 'Southern Home', a multipurpose cultivar with enhanced ornamental value, also performed well at this location.
Comparison of statistical model calculations for stable isotope neutron capture

It is a well-observed result that different nuclear input models sensitively affect Hauser-Feshbach (HF) cross-section calculations. Less well-known, however, are the effects on calculations originating from nonmodel aspects, such as experimental data truncation and transmission function energy binning, as well as code-dependent aspects, such as the definition of level-density matching energy and the inclusion of shell correction terms in the level-density parameter. To investigate these aspects, Maxwellian-averaged neutron capture cross sections (MACS) at 30 keV have been calculated using the well-established statistical Hauser-Feshbach model codes talys and non-smoker for approximately 340 nuclei. For the same nuclei, MACS predictions have also been obtained using two new HF codes, cigar and sapphire. Details of these two codes, which have been developed to contain an overlapping set of identically implemented nuclear physics input models, are presented. It is generally accepted that HF calculations are valid to within a factor of 3. It was found that this factor is dependent on both model and nonmodel details, such as the coarseness of the transmission function energy binning and data truncation, as well as variances in details regarding the implementation of level-density parameter, backshift, matching energy, and giant dipole strength function parameters.
Conversation analysis and interpretive quantitative research on psychotherapy process and problematic interpersonal behavior

In this article, I examine conversation analysis, a fruitful area of qualitative research, in order to extend my prior explorations of the idea that quantitative methods can and should be part of t...
Effects of commonly used inotropes on myocardial function and oxygen consumption under constant ventricular loading conditions.

This work provides a direct comparison of commonly used positive inotropic medications, comparing contractility, heart rate, diastolic function, and myocardial oxygen consumption using a rodent iso...
Evaluating Biomedical Research

Your IRB conducts ethical review of biomedical investigations. To evaluate a study you must have a reasonable understanding of the science, since the ethics of a protocol flow from its particularities; those details will lead you to approve, modify, or reject it.
Muscular Dystrophies Affecting the Heart

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is a rare X-linked recessive disease manifested by early contracture, progressive muscle wasting, and cardiomyopathy with cardiac arrhythmias. Males are primarily affected. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an autosomal dominant inherited disease caused mostly by mutations in sarcomeric proteins, notably the heavy chain of myosin, a tropomyosin, and cardiac troponin T. Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy is an X-linked recessive myopathy of childhood caused by mutation of the dystrophia gene. Weakness beginning within the first 5 years of life progresses to the loss of ability to walk independently by early in the second decade and often death by the third decade. Serum creatine kinase (CK) levels are markedly elevated early in life. Cardiac involvement leads to congestive heart failure (CHF), and patients also have restrictive pulmonary disease. Myotonic dystrophy is the most common adult-onset myopathy and is inherited as autosomal dominant and is characterized by progressive muscle weakness, cardiomyopathy, delayed muscle relaxation, cataracts, frontal balding, diabetes mellitus, and male infertility.
Economic restructuring: transforming main sectors, economic recovery, growth, and weaknesses

The most important positive consequences of the economic transformation of Central and Eastern Europe were the modernization of the economy, the progress in technological adjustment, and the improvement of long-neglected infrastructure and services. State socialist economic policy had focused on industrialization and the development of strategic heavy industrial branches. The structural policy applied by the Soviet Union from the late 1920s onward became a mandatory “socialist economic policy” for Central and Eastern Europe after World War II, in a period of technological revolution and of a new orientation in the world economy. Obsolete economic structures dominated by old-fashioned, outdated industries and the neglect of services comprised the legacy of state socialism. Deregulation, marketization, privatization, and the inflow of foreign direct investment marked a turning point, and a crucial restructuring took place in the region. Restructuring the economy: infrastructure and services, the most dynamic sectors Building up a modern infrastructure and service sector was one of the most urgent tasks in the transformation, and certainly resulted in one of its most positive economic outcomes. After World War II, a transportation revolution created a new transportation infrastructure in modern economies. Road transportation for both freight and passengers became dominant, requiring extensive construction of roads and fuel and service networks for cars and trucks. The transportation system changed with the development of air transportation as well as with the modernization of the nineteenth-century railroads through electrification, dieselization, and development of new, fast-running trains.
Contributing factors to slip, trip, and fall fatalities at surface coal and metal/nonmetal mines

Previous work has been done in the mining industry to identify contributing factors for injuries based on MSHA reports of fatalities and non-fatal injuries. Although slips, trips, and falls account...
Joint Mode Selection and Interference Management in Device-to-Device Communications Underlaid MIMO Cellular Networks

This paper considers a device-to-device (D2D) communications underlaid multiple-input multiple-output cellular network and studies D2D mode selection from a previously unexamined perspective. Since D2D mode selection affects the network interference profile and vice versa, a joint D2D mode selection and interference management is desired but challenging. In this paper, we propose a holistic approach to this problem with interference-free considerations. We adopt the degrees-of-freedom (DoFs) as the mode-selection criterion and exploit the linear interference alignment technique for interference management. We analyze the achievable sum DoF of the potential D2D users according to their mode selections, and derive the probabilistic sum-rate relations between the proposed DoF-based mode selection scheme and the common received-signal-strength-index-based mode selection scheme in Poisson point process networks. Simulation illustrates the theoretical insights and shows the advantages of the proposed DoF-based mode selection scheme over conventional mode selection schemes from various perspectives. The proposed scheme presents a promising proposal for D2D mode selection in 5G communications.