cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
System States Analysis and Flow Graph Diagrams in Reliability

A method is described which permits rapid evaluation of reliability functions and some probabilistic parameters related to the operation of systems. The method is based on the concept of system states and on the observation that, in terms of such states, the probabilistic behavior of systems is well described by the Markov process in infinitesimal dt, whenever subsystems behave independently of each other and randomly in time. Out of many methods useful to determine the probability that a system is in state Sj at time t, i. e., to solve the set of system state differential equations, the algorithm of the signal flow diagram has been emphasized here. Actually, such an algorithm gives us a Laplace transform of the reliability function rapidly and easily, from which one can evaluate some probabilistic parameters related to the reliability of systems (as the well-known mean time between failures) without passing through time-domain. Several applications have been examined, some of which can be resolved with intuitive methods, while some others cannot.
OPTIMAL CONTROL OF CHAOTIC SYSTEMS

A conventional optimal control approach to controlling chaotic systems by minimum parameter perturbation sequences, in the sense of “total control energy,” is suggested in this short letter.
Intracellular digestion and symbiosis in Paramecium bursaria

Abstract Electron microscopic cytochemical methods reveal that acid phosphatase activity appears exclusively in vacuoles containing recently ingested bacteria or inert particles such as carmine, Celkate or latex spheres, and not in the vacuoles surrounding established symbionts. Although newly ingested symbiotic algae are digested in large numbers, some remain to reestablish the symbiosis. Since symbiotic algae are able to delay the digestion of heat-killed algae when they coexist in a phagosome, we propose that symbiotic Chlorella actively interfere with an early event in the host digestive process.
A Spatial Modeling Approach to Identify Potential Butternut Restoration Sites in Mammoth Cave National Park

Incorporation of disease resistance is nearly complete for several important North American hardwood species threatened by exotic fungal diseases. The next important step toward species restoration would be to develop reliable tools to delineate ideal restoration sites on a landscape scale. We integrated spatial modeling and remote sensing techniques to delineate potential restoration sites for Butternut (Juglans cinerea L.) trees, a hardwood species being decimated by an exotic fungus, in Mammoth Cave National Park (MCNP), Kentucky. We first developed a multivariate habitat model to determine optimum Butternut habitats within MCNP. Habitat characteristics of 54 known Butternut locations were used in combination with eight topographic and land use data layers to calculate an index of habitat suitability based on Mahalanobis distance (D2). We used a bootstrapping technique to test the reliability of model predictions. Based on a threshold value for the D2 statistic, 75.9% of the Butternut locations were correctly classified, indicating that the habitat model performed well. Because Butternut seedlings require extensive amounts of sunlight to become established, we used canopy cover data to refine our delineation of favorable areas for Butternut restoration. Areas with the most favorable conditions to establish Butternut seedlings were limited to 291.6 ha. Our study provides a useful reference on the amount and location of favorable Butternut habitat in MCNP and can be used to identify priority areas for future Butternut restoration. Given the availability of relevant habitat layers and accurate location records, our approach can be applied to other tree species and areas.
Solid Phase Immobilization of Optically Responsive Liposomes in Sol-Gel Materials for Chemical and Biological Sensing

Liposomes enhanced with surface recognition groups have previously been found to have high affinity for heavy metal ions and virus particles with unique fluorescent and colorimetric responses, respectively. These lipid aggregate systems have now been successfully immobilized in a silica matrix via the sol-gel method, affording sensor materials that are robust, are easily handled, and offer optical clarity. The mild processing conditions allow quantitative entrapment of preformed liposomes without modification of the aggregate structure. Lipid extraction studies of immobilized nonpolymerized liposomes showed no lipid leakage in aqueous solution over a period of 3 months. Heavy metal fluorescent sensor materials prepared with 5% N-[8-[1-octadecyl-2-(9-(1-pyrenyl)nonyl)-rac-glyceroyl]-3,6-dioxaoctyl]iminodiacetic acid/distearylphosphatidylcholine liposomes exhibited a 4−50-fold enhancement in sensitivity to various metal ions compared to that of the liposomes in free solution. Through ionic attraction the an...
Clinical significance of denuded urothelium in bladder biopsy.

Purpose: Although to our knowledge the significance of denuded urothelium in bladder biopsies has not been studied previously, it is thought to be a problem because benign urothelial cells are cohesive and not expected to shed into the urine. We correlated the pertinent clinical features of patients with denuded bladder biopsies and/or specific pathological features of denuded bladder biopsy specimens with patient outcome in regard to bladder lesions to help predict the subsequent likelihood of diagnosing bladder carcinoma in a patient with a nondiagnostic denuded biopsy.Materials and Methods: We studied 51 denuded bladder biopsies from 44 patients in which the average extent of epithelial denudation was 90%.Results: Of the 27 male (69%) and 17 female (31%) patients 22 to 86 years old (mean age 62) 34% had no history of bladder neoplasms. In remainder there were flat carcinoma in situ with or without other tumors (26%), high (20%) and low (14%) grade papillary tumors without carcinoma in situ and miscella...
Characterization of the prohormone complement in cattle using genomic libraries and cleavage prediction approaches.

Neuropeptides are cell to cell signalling molecules that regulate many critical biological processes including development, growth and reproduction. These peptides result from the complex processing of prohormone proteins, making their characterization both challenging and resource demanding. In fact, only 42 neuropeptide genes have been empirically confirmed in cattle. Neuropeptide research using high-throughput technologies such as microarray and mass spectrometry require accurate annotation of prohormone genes and products. However, the annotation and associated prediction efforts, when based solely on sequence homology to species with known neuropeptides, can be problematic. Complementary bioinformatic resources were integrated in the first survey of the cattle neuropeptide complement. Functional neuropeptide characterization was based on gene expression profiles from microarray experiments. Once a gene is identified, knowledge of the enzymatic processing allows determination of the final products. Prohormone cleavage sites were predicted using several complementary cleavage prediction models and validated against known cleavage sites in cattle and other species. Our bioinformatics approach identified 92 cattle prohormone genes, with 84 of these supported by expressed sequence tags. Notable findings included an absence of evidence for a cattle relaxin 1 gene and evidence for a cattle galanin-like peptide pseudogene. The prohormone processing predictions are likely accurate as the mammalian proprotein convertase enzymes, except for proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, were also identified. Microarray analysis revealed the differential expression of 21 prohormone genes in the liver associated with nutritional status and 8 prohormone genes in the placentome of embryos generated using different reproductive techniques. The neuropeptide cleavage prediction models had an exceptional performance, correctly predicting cleavage in more than 86% of the prohormone sequence positions. A substantial increase in the number of cattle prohormone genes identified and insights into the expression profiles of neuropeptide genes were obtained from the integration of bioinformatics tools and database resources and gene expression information. Approximately 20 prohormones with no empirical evidence were detected and the prohormone cleavage sites were predicted with high accuracy. Most prohormones were supported by expressed sequence tag data and many were differentially expressed across nutritional and reproductive conditions. The complete set of cattle prohormone sequences identified and the cleavage prediction approaches are available at http://neuroproteomics.scs.uiuc.edu/neuropred.html .
Studies in the cold drawing of Pd77.5Cu6Si16.5 metallic glass and 316 stainless steel crystalline wires

The stress necessary to draw Pd77.5Cu6Si16.5 metallic glass wires has been measured using a tensile machine, and compared with that of 316 stainless steel crystalline wires. To assess the elastic back-pull of a drawn material, variable static back-stresses have been loaded on a drawing wire. In the case of the metallic glass wires, the draw stress, σd, under different applied back-pulls, σab, increases linearly with the reduction in area, Ra, up to 23% and then increases less rapidly. This tendency of the curve σd versus Ra is also the same in 316 crystalline wires. On the other hand, the elastic back-pull of the glassy wires is 2.05 kg mm−2 at zero applied back-pull and then decreases monotonically with σab, while that of the 316 crystalline wires is 6.62 kg mm−2 at σab=0 and decreases linearly with the increase in σab. The empirical maximum reduction in Pd77.5Cu6Si16.5 metallic glass wire for one-pass drawing is measured to be 40% at σab=0 and it then decreases with increasing σab. The resultant curves of drawing stress versus reduction in area are discussed in the light of plastic theory. The theoretical curves calculated under the assumption of small strain-hardening fits quite well with the experimental curves of Pd77.5Cu6Si16.5 glassy wires.
Surgical Treatment of Intra-Abdominal Desmoid Tumors Resulting In Short Bowel Syndrome

Advanced intra-abdominal desmoids tumors present with severe symptoms, complications or rapid growth, which lead to adverse outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the treatment and outcome of patients with advanced intra-abdominal desmoids tumors, and develop guidelines for surgical management of these patients. We reviewed the clinical courses of 21 adult patients with advanced stage intra-abdominal desmoid tumors who presented to an intestinal rehabilitation and transplantation program. Patients with massive intestinal resection presented in two groups. The first group had a short small intestinal remnant after resection ( < 60 cm). These patients were poor rehabilitation candidates and eventually met criteria for transplant. The second had longer intestinal remnants and were more successfully rehabilitated and have not had complications that would lead to transplantation. Advanced intra-abdominal desmoid tumors have outcomes after resection that merit aggressive resection and planned intestinal rehabilitation and intestinal transplantation as indicated.
Synchronization in an asynchronous agent-based architecture for dialogue systems

Most dialogue architectures are either pipelined or, if agent-based, are restricted to a pipelined flow-of-information. The TRIPS dialogue architecture is agent-based and asynchronous, with several layers of information flow. We present this architecture and the synchronization issues we encountered in building a truly distributed, agent-based dialogue architecture.
IRON fMRI measurements of CBV and implications for BOLD signal

Abstract Changes in cerebral blood volume (CBV) and blood magnetization each induce changes in the transverse relaxation rate of MRI signal that are associated with changes in cerebral activity. BOLD signal, the preeminent method for non-invasive localization of task-induced brain function in human subjects, reflects a combination of changes in CBV and blood magnetization. Intravenous injection of paramagnetic contrast media, usually iron oxide particles surrounded by larger macromolecules, can overwhelm the BOLD response and sensitize signal to blood plasma volume, a method we have deemed “IRON” fMRI. The practical advantage of this technique is the ability to optimize blood magnetization at any echo time, enabling high detection power and the use of short echo times; for these reasons, IRON fMRI has become a valuable imaging tool in animal models. The temporal response of blood plasma volume is quite different from blood flow and BOLD signal; thus, CBV has been identified as a prominent source of transient features of the BOLD response. This article reviews the methodological advantages of the IRON method and how CBV measurements have informed our understanding of the BOLD response.
Effects of experimental water addition depend on grassland community characteristics

Plant community biomass and composition on low-productivity soils, such as serpentine, may be more resistant to climate change because they host stress-tolerant species that may respond slowly to change. These communities also host a number of endemic taxa that are of special interest because of their narrow distributions. In a 3-year study, we experimentally tested the response of serpentine and non-serpentine communities to water addition in spring. We also compared the responses of endemics and generalists to water addition, with and without biomass (competitor) removal. In the non-serpentine grassland, peak biomass was significantly greater in the water addition plots compared with control plots, but this effect depended on the year. In the serpentine grassland, there was no effect of water addition on biomass. Survival, biomass, growth rates, and seed production of soil endemics and generalists were all significantly reduced by competition, but were unaffected by water addition. Overall, endemics tended to perform better in serpentine soil and generalists in non-serpentine soil, suggesting that soil is an important factor for the establishment and survival of endemics and generalists. For endemics, the effect of biomass removal was stronger on non-serpentine soil, but for generalists this effect was similar on both soils, indicating that competition can be important in low-resource habitats. In conclusion, our results suggest that low-fertility plant communities may be slow to respond to changes in precipitation compared to communities on more fertile soil.
A counter-example in the partition calculus for an uncountable ordinal

The main theorem of the paper is a counter-example in the partition calculus introduced by P. Erdos and R. Rado: Ifκ is a regular cardinal and α=↛(α,3)2, then α ↛ (α,3)2. The proof is combinatorial. Other counter-examples are produced from this one through the pinning relation which was introduced by E. Specker.
Frequency-dependent optical beam distortion generated by acousto-optic Bragg cells

Optical beam distortion generated by an acousto-optic sound cell can be characterized in terms of a linear system methodology. Comparison of various first order diffraction profiles numerically obtained for a Gaussian input field demonstrates an inherent frequency-dependent asymmetry.
Impact of social pressure on stereotypes about obese people.

This study was designed to test the effects of different types of influence on the expression of stereotypes towards people who are obese. It was hypothesized that public social pressure would more significantly impact the expression of stereotypes towards obese people than other types of influence. One-hundred fifty-eight undergraduate students were randomly assigned to one of three conditions or a control condition. Participants completed measures of stereotypes towards obese people prior to and after receiving manipulated feedback depicting purported stereotypes possessed by others (anonymously or publically) or scientific information about the base rates of these stereotypical traits in the obese population (i.e., trait prevalence). Participants also completed a measure of weight bias unrelated to the manipulated feedback. Explicit beliefs were influenced more when people perceived that others’ views were inconsistent with their own in a public setting than an anonymous setting or when they received trait prevalence feedback. However, levels of weight bias on a separate measure were unchanged. Strong, public manipulations of social feedback have great potential to impact, at least, the short-term expression of stereotypes towards obese people.
Prefilament tau species as potential targets for immunotherapy for Alzheimer disease and related disorders.

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder. Currently available therapies may slow cognitive decline but do not alter underlying disease processes. Considerable effort over the last decade has been directed toward the development of vaccines for AD; these have been primarily directed against the Aβ peptide, a component of senile plaques. More recently, alternative approaches have begun to target the microtubule binding protein tau, a component of neurofibrillary tangles. Immunotherapies based upon oligomeric species of tau represent a promising new approach for AD.
Cryogenics in United States national programmes

Abstract Cryogenics is too often thought of simply as a means to space propulsion, when it is, in fact, a rapidly growing one billion dollar business and a major national resource. Here we shall discuss the importance of cryogenics to some major national programmes, such as space, health, agriculture, transportation, conservation, and education. Our purpose is to demonstrate the inter-relation between the cryogenic industry and United States national objectives.
Analysis of Human Genetic Linkage

The first and still the only book of its kind, this volume offers a concise introduction to human genetic linkage analysis and gene mapping. Jurg Ott provides mathematical and statistical foundations of linkage analysis for researchers and practitioners, as well as practical comments on available computer programs and websites. Each chapter ends with a set of problems, whose solutions are found at the end of the book. New to this edition is a chapter on complex traits, such as diabetes, some cancers, and psychiatric conditions. Also new is an overview of nonparametric approaches to linkage and association analysis. A chapter on two-locus inheritance introduces the reader to many of the intricate aspects of complex traits. Although the book's primary audience is in the field of genetics, physicians and others without sophisticated training in genetics can understand and apply the principles and techniques discussed.
The triplicated α-globin gene locus in β-thalassaemia heterozygotes: clinical, haematological, biosynthetic and molecular studies

Excess alpha-globin chains play a major role in the pathophysiology of homozygous beta-thalassaemia. In beta-thalassaemia carriers a minor effect of alpha-globin chain excess is reflected in a minimal or mild anaemia without clinical symptoms. Factors that increase alpha-chain excess in heterozygotes are expected to accentuate the severity of the clinical and haematological phenotype. We report the clinical, haematological, biosynthetic and molecular data in three beta-thalassaemia heterozygotes with the rare interaction of homozygosity for alpha-globin gene triplication, and in 17 heterozygotes with a single additional alpha-globin gene. The three patients homozygous for the alpha-globin gene locus (anti 3.7 kb arrangement) had beta(0)-thalassaemia mutations and a diagnosis of thalassaemia intermedia, preserving haemoglobin levels around 7-8 g/dl. Of the 17 beta-thalassaemia heterozygotes (six children and 11 adults), 16 had severe beta-thalassaemia mutations interacting with an additional alpha-globin gene (13 with alpha alpha alpha anti-3.7 and four with alpha alpha alpha anti-4.2). Compared to simple beta-thalassaemia heterozygotes, they had lower haemoglobin levels and red cell indices, but higher alpha/beta biosynthesis, HbF levels and reticulocytes. Our results suggest that homozygous alpha-gene triplication interacts with a severe beta-thalassaemia mutation to cause an alpha-chain excess equivalent to that observed in homozygous beta-thalassaemia intermedia. In heterozygotes for severe beta-thalassaemia mutations with one additional alpha-globin gene, the alpha-chain excess causes a more pronounced degree of anaemia than is usually seen in simple beta-thalassaemia heterozygotes.
The conundrum of explaining breast density to patients.

Several states have mandated that, after mammography, patients be informed if their breasts are dense. Explaining what this means is a challenge.
Conversion of wave energy to magnetic field energy in a plasma torus.

The circuit equations for current drive are derived by the finding of appropriate response functions in the presence of an electric field. The effect of arbitrary wave-induced fluxes on runaway production and current generation can then be determined. An interpretation of recent remarkable experiments is now possible, and the favorable results appear to scale to reactor-grade devices.
Visual persistence and the effect of eccentric viewing, element size, and frame duration on bistable stroboscopic motion percepts

Bistable stroboscopic motion percepts can be generated when two frames, each consisting of three square elements, are presented alternately at varying interstimulus intervals (ISIs). End-to-end element motion is observed at short ISIs; group motion is observed at long ISIs. We found that the ISIs at which transitions from element to group motion occurred decreased as (1) viewing eccentricity, (2) element size, and (3) frame durations increased. Since visual pattern persistence also decreases as each of these three parameters increases, we conclude that such persistence plays a role in determining which percept dominates in bistable stroboscopic motion.
Mitigating the effects of chaff in ballistic missile defense

In this paper, an algorithmic (schema) approach for detecting and tracking targets in highly cluttered environments is presented. The approach is to accurately track the centroid of the chaff cloud using a combination of medium band (MB) and wide band (WB) range resolution radar waveforms. At moderate pulse repetition frequencies (PRFs), differential target velocities (about the centroid of the chaff cloud) are detected and tracked via Doppler banks of transversal filters that are tuned to detect the target velocity differences. Through sensitivity analysis using Matlab models, the theoretical lower bound on detectable differential target velocity as a function of the chaff cloud composition (e.g., clutter cross section, clutter spectral width, number of dipoles, and clutter velocity standard deviation) and radar related parameters (e.g., waveform frequency, bandwidth, integration times, PRFs, and signal-to-clutter ratio) is presented.
Automated pavement distress inspection based on 2D and 3D information

During the last few decades, many efforts have been made to produce automatic inspection systems to meet the specific requirements in assessing distress on the road surfaces using video cameras and image processing algorithms. However, due to the noisy images from pavement surfaces, limited success was accomplished. One major issue with pure video based systems is their inability to discriminate dark areas not caused by pavement distress such as tire marks, oil spills, shadows, and recent fillings. To overcome the limitation of the conventional imaging based methods, a probabilistic relaxation technique based on 3-dimensional (3D) information is proposed in this paper. The primary goal of this technique is to integrate conventional image processing techniques with stereovision technology to obtain an accurate topological structure of the road defects. Simulation results show the proposed system is effective and robust on a variety of pavement surfaces.
Parameter estimation in delayed-switching hybrid dynamical systems

This paper addresses parameter estimation for hybrid dynamical systems, such as electric power systems, with state-dependent events and time-delayed parametric switching. Previous work dealing with hybrid dynamical systems has addressed the calculation of trajectory sensitivities used in gradient-based parameter estimation methods, as well as the computation of proper sensitivity jump conditions at switching events. We extend this work by allowing for state-dependent delay and cancellation of switching events, and by modifying the jump conditions accordingly. We also discuss the treatment of non-triggered events, the calculation of sensitivities with respect to event times and post-switch parameter values, and the use of asynchronously sampled data. A simulation study on the IEEE 39-bus power system is presented to demonstrate the estimation of parameters as the system undergoes delayed switching events.
Extracorporeal photopheresis in the treatment of graft-versus-host disease: Evidence and opinion

Despite significant advances in prevention and treatment strategies, graft-versus-host disease remains the most significant cause of morbidity and nonrelapse mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cellular transplantation. Corticosteroids remain the standard frontline therapy for graft-versus-host disease; however, a considerable number of patients will not respond adequately and others will be significantly affected by adverse effects. Extracorporeal photopheresis is one of several secondary therapies which have shown promise in the clinical setting. While the procedure itself has been around for over 20 years, our understanding of the mechanisms from which therapeutic benefits are seen, and the population they are seen in, remains limited. In this article, we review the use of extracorporeal photopheresis for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease including details covering the procedure’s mechanism of action, safety profile and clinical efficacy data.
Predictors of life outlook of older single women.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether personal and social factors (a) differentiate between widowed, divorced or separated, and never married older women, and (b) predict the life outlook of older single women. A secondary analysis of data from a subsample of the older single women (n = 816) in the 1975 National Survey of the Aged was undertaken. Significant differences between groups were found: never married women were better educated, healthier, less lonely, and had a more positive life outlook than widows. The model predicted 29% of the variance in life outlook. Health and loneliness had the strongest effects on life outlook when predictors were compared.
Looking through the critical lens: the global learning organisation model

This article reconceptualises the meaning of critical theory and its tools of emancipation and critique within the subjective content of cross-cultural literature, globalisation and learning organisation. The first part of the article reviews literature on globalisation and learning companies. The second part discusses the critical approach and formulates a practical research design which enables a researcher to examine problematic concerns involved in the creation of democratic learning companies globally. The third part of the article discusses possible micro emancipatory projects in this area using a critical design.
Personality and Background Characteristics of Women in Male-Dominated Occupations: A Review

Literature on women in occupations where men predominate is reviewed from 1930 through 1976, including publications referenced in Psychological and Sociological Abstracts and limited additional materials. The literature is summarized and discussed with reference to the women's personality and background characteristics Personality data show such women to be high on “competency” traits related to the masculine stereotype and ideal. While slightly more oriented toward ideas than people in comparison with other women, the nontraditional woman does not differ from them on “warmth and expressiveness” traits of the feminine stereotype and ideal. These women are emotionally healthy and have good coping skills, although they may experience situational stress. They tend to share background characteristics which foster achievement, i.e., high parental education, frequent foreign ancestry and firstborn status, and high family stability. Other factors relate not only to achievement but to comfort with accomplishment ...
Artificial lymphatic drainage systems for vascularized microfluidic scaffolds.

The formation of a stably perfused microvasculature continues to be a major challenge in tissue engineering. Previous work has suggested the importance of a sufficiently large transmural pressure in maintaining vascular stability and perfusion. Here we show that a system of empty channels that provides a drainage function analogous to that of lymphatic microvasculature in vivo can stabilize vascular adhesion and maintain perfusion rate in dense, hydraulically resistive fibrin scaffolds in vitro. In the absence of drainage, endothelial delamination increased as scaffold density increased from 6 to 30 mg/mL and scaffold hydraulic conductivity decreased by a factor of 20. Single drainage channels exerted only localized vascular stabilization, the extent of which depended on the distance between vessel and drainage as well as scaffold density. Computational modeling of these experiments yielded an estimate of 0.40–1.36 cm H2O for the minimum transmural pressure required for vascular stability. We further designed and constructed fibrin patches (0.8 × 0.9 cm2) that were perfused by a parallel array of vessels and drained by an orthogonal array of drainage channels; only with the drainage did the vessels display long-term stability and perfusion. This work underscores the importance of drainage in vascularization, especially when a dense, hydraulically resistive scaffold is used. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Seasonal variations of observed noise amplitudes at 2–18 Hz in southern California

We show that noise amplitudes at frequencies above 1 Hz exhibit strong seasonal variations in a broad southern California region. The results are based on 3-component seismic data recorded between 2002 and 2009 by 30 stations. Focusing on continuous 6-hr night-time segments, the seismograms are bandpass-filtered in nine frequency bands between 2 and 18 Hz. Squared amplitudes are median-filtered to reduce the influence of earthquake signals and integrated to yield half-hourly noise energy estimates. The 6-hr minimum energy values are converted back to ground velocity and used as representative daily noise level amplitudes. Notwithstanding various trends, drifts and other transient complexities, a common feature of the resulting time series in both the horizontal and vertical components are annual amplitude changes at all examined frequencies and all stations. The strength of amplitude variations shows no correlation with distance from the coast and some particularly clear seasonal changes are seen near topographic features in arid uninhabited areas. Comparison to meteorological data suggests that the main sources for the high-frequency noise field are variations of temperature and wind at the surface. In addition to acting directly on topographic irregularities and other surface features, these sources (and especially temperature changes) may also generate high-frequency noise by inducing multitudinous small-scale failures in the shallow crust.
Interactions between Oil-Spill Pollutants and Natural Stressors Can Compound Ecotoxicological Effects

Coastal estuaries are among the most biologically productive habitats on earth, yet are at risk from human activities including marine oil spills. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill contaminated hundreds of kilometers of coastal habitat, particularly in Louisiana's delta. Coastal estuaries are naturally dynamic habitats where periodic and stochastic fluctuations, for example in temperature, salinity, nutrients, and hypoxia, are common. Such environmental variability regularly imposes suboptimal conditions for which resident species must continually compensate by drawing on diverse physiological abilities. However, exposures to oil, in addition to their direct toxic effects, may interfere with functions that normally enable physiological compensation for suboptimal conditions. This review summarizes the panoply of naturally-encountered stressors that may interact with oil, including salinity, hypoxia, pathogens, and competition, and the mechanisms that may underlie these interactions. Combined effects of these stressors can amplify the costs of oil-exposures to organisms in the real world, and contribute to impacts on fitness, populations, and communities, that may not have been predicted from direct toxicity of hydrocarbons alone. These interactions pose challenges for accurate and realistic assessment of risks and of actual damage. To meet these challenges, environmental scientists and managers must capitalize on the latest understanding of the complexities of chemical effects of natural stressors on organisms, and adopt integrative and holistic measures of effect from the molecular to whole-animal levels, in order to anticipate, characterize, diagnose, and solve, ecotoxicological problems.
A phase II study of epirubicin, cisplatin and uracil-tegafur for advanced gastric carcinoma.

epirubicin, cisplatin and UFT in patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the stomach. Methods: Epirubicin (50 mg/m 2 ) and cisplatin (60 mg/m 2 ) were administered i.v. to 35 patients with metastatic gastric carcinoma on day 1, and subsequently UFT (300 mg/m 2 /day) was administered orally in divided doses for 21 days. The treatment was repeated every 3 weeks. The response rate, time to disease progression, survival and toxic effects were analyzed. Results: Thirty-two of the 35 enrolled patients were assessed subsequently for response. The median number of cycles was four. Thirteen patients (40.6%) showed partial responses, while none showed a complete response. The median time to progression of carcinoma was 20.4 weeks, and the median survival was 37 weeks. Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia was observed in 25% of patients. Grade 3 nausea and vomiting was observed in 28% of patients. No treatmentrelateddeathwasobserved.Allpatientsreceiveddosesasplanned,exceptforonewhorequireda 75%dosereductionduetonephrotoxicity.Sixof132cyclesweredelayed >7daysafterfourcycles. Conclusions: The combination of epirubicin, cisplatin and UFT showed anticancer activity against metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma, had a tolerable toxicity profile and showed excellent patient compliance.
Test Design Considerations for Students With Significant Cognitive Disabilities

Students with significant cognitive disabilities present an assessment dilemma that centers on access and validity in large-scale testing programs. Typically, access is improved by eliminating construct-irrelevant barriers, while validity is improved, in part, through test standardization. In this article, one state’s alternate assessment data were analyzed to determine the impact of (a) administration supports based on students’ level of independence and (b) a scaffold test administration format. Using structural equation modeling, we tested the extent to which students’ level of independence mediated the relation between disabilities and latent content knowledge scores. We then tested the invariance of the measurement model across administration formats. The results provide evidence that these supports help students access the test without compromising the validity of test-based inferences.
Grappling with Proteus: population level approaches to understanding microbial diversity.

The emerging fields of microbial population genetics and genomics provide an avenue to study the ecological rules that govern how communities form, function, and evolve. Our struggle to understand the causes and consequences of microbial diversity stems from our inability to define ecologically and evolutionarily meaningful units of diversity. The 16S rRNA-based tools that have been so useful in charting microbial diversity may lack sufficient sensitivity to answer many questions about the ecology and evolution of microbes. Examining genetic diversity with increased resolution is vital to understanding the forces shaping community structure. Population genetic analyses enabled by whole genome sequencing, multilocus sequence analyses, or single nucleotide polymorphism analyses permit the testing of hypotheses pertaining to the geographic distribution, migration, and habitat preference of specific microbial lineages. Furthermore, these approaches can reveal patterns of gene exchange within and between populations and communities. Tools from microbial population genetics and population genomics can be used to increase the resolution with which we measure microbial diversity, enabling a focus on the scale of genetic diversity at which
Development for extending the beam pulse length of the DIII-D neutral besm System

The DIII-D fusion research tokamak utilizes seven neutral beam ion sources for plasma heating and current drive. These ion sources and the neutral beam system have performed with high availability and reliability since 1987. Experimental research has accomplished extensive understanding and insights of plasma physics, and requires more beam system capability to provide flexibility and enhancing scope of physics experiments. Extending the beam pulse length without lowering the beam power is one of the goals for the next 5 years. Currently, deuterium beam pulse length of ion source operated at 80 keV is limited to 3 s due to heat handling capability of some beamline internal components, which are used to collimate beam or to protect other beamline components from being damaged by residual (unneutralized) energetic ions. A systematic study based on actual heating of beamline internal components has been performed to develop a plan for extending the beam pulse length to more than twice the current operating limit. This study using temperature rise of thermocouples embedded in the beamline internal components and data extrapolation obtained the beam pulse limitation for each beamline internal component identified that the pole shield of the residual ion bending magnet is the component that limits the beam pulse length to 3 s for 80 keV beam operation. Beam pulse length at 80 keV can be doubled with the upgrade of the magnet pole shield alone. Temperature rise measurements also showed that a drift duct (the section connecting beamline and tokamak vessel) made of stainless steel will be able to handle the heat from the re-ionized neutral particles. In addition to beamline internal components, long pulse beam operation of ion sources and other beam subsystems need to be operationally confirmed. Tests have shown ion source, control system, pumping and cooling systems, and power supply system operated flawlessly at beam energy of 60 keV for 10 s. It gave us confidence that the current DIII-D neutral beam system could operate at least twice the current beam pulse length after upgrade of the magnet pole shield.
The ERCC1 N118N polymorphism does not change cellular ERCC1 protein expression or platinum sensitivity.

Abstract Genetic polymorphisms in ERCC1 are thought to contribute to altered sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy. Although ERCC1 N118N (500 C>T, rs11615) is the most studied polymorphism, the impact of this polymorphism on platinum-based chemotherapy remains unclear. This is the first study in which the functional impact of ERCC1 N118N on gene expression and platinum sensitivity was explored. The aim of this study is to investigate if the reduced codon usage frequency of AAT, which contains the variant allele of the silent mutation, has functional impact on ERCC1 in a well-controlled biological system. Specifically, the ERCC1 cDNA clone with either the C or T allele was introduced into an ERCC1 deficient cell line, UV20, and assayed for the effect of the two alleles on ERCC1 transcription, translation and platinum sensitivity. Both ERCC1 mRNA and protein expression levels increased upon cisplatin treatment, peaking at 4 h post-treatment, however there were no differences between the two alleles (p > 0.05). Cells complemented with ERCC1 showed significantly higher survival proportion than the parental cell line following platinum exposure (p
Limitations on measuring a transverse profile of ultradense electron beams with scintillators

As high-brightness electron beams become denser and reach sub-100 /spl mu/m sizes, a resolution of the transverse profile diagnostics become an important issue. The applicability of traditional scintillators as the diagnostics for most generic transverse properties of small dense beams is questionable. Recently, a YAG:Ce single crystal was used successfully, but studies indicated the presence of saturation effects. At BNL-ATF (Accelerator Test Facility) we have generated ultra-small beams, and continued an experimental work to further illuminate the nature of YAG:Ce saturation. We have also evaluated alternative diagnostics, such as LuAG:Ce. Imaging properties of various diagnostics were studied, including measurements of emission spectra.
Integrating the Classroom and Community Service: Everyone Benefits

Community fieldwork enhances learning by allowing students to integrate course material with actual issues in a community setting. This study investigated student and community satisfaction with programs designed and implemented by students for several pediatric populations. Both students and the community groups expressed high levels of satisfaction, and community confidence in the students' abilities rose over the course of the semester.
Shifts in the architecture of the Nationwide Health Information Network

In the midst of a US $30 billion USD investment in the Nationwide Health Information Network (NwHIN) and electronic health records systems, a significant change in the architecture of the NwHIN is taking place. Prior to 2010, the focus of information exchange in the NwHIN was the Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO). Since 2010, the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) has been sponsoring policies that promote an internet-like architecture that encourages point to-point information exchange and private health information exchange networks. The net effect of these activities is to undercut the limited business model for RHIOs, decreasing the likelihood of their success, while making the NwHIN dependent on nascent technologies for community level functions such as record locator services. These changes may impact the health of patients and communities. Independent, scientifically focused debate is needed on the wisdom of ONC's proposed changes in its strategy for the NwHIN.
PET Studies During Hypnosis and Hypnotic Suggestion

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a sensitive measure of brain function. It detects not only the effects of structured stimuli, but also the effects of adventitious endogenous and exogenous events on regional blood flow and metabolism. As a result, the “normal” PET study, both at rest and in response to activation procedures, may be more difficult to characterize than the abnormal study (1).
Changes in the Level and Distribution of Income in Michigan, 1976–2013, with Comparisons to Other States

ABSTRACT We study the changes in the distribution of household income in Michigan from 1976 to 2013, with comparisons to the other 49 states and the District of Columbia. In Michigan, the gap between the 90th and the 50th percentiles increased substantially, but the gap between the 50th and the 10th percentiles decreased slightly. Thus in Michigan (and in most other jurisdictions), the increases in overall inequality were dominated by changes in the upper half of the income distribution. If we include in-kind transfer payments in the income definition, our measures of income inequality are reduced, typically by from five to fifteen percent. The income of the median black household increased very slightly compared to median white household income, but the rate of increase was much less than that of the US as a whole. Panel regression analysis for the 50 states and DC indicates that an increase in high school graduates as a percent of the population is associated with a decrease in income inequality, while ...
Ultrafast high energy supercapacitors based on pillared graphene nanostructures

Herein we report the optimized growth of pillared graphene nanostructures (PGNs) on nickel foil substrates. Supercapacitors (SCs) are fabricated based on the as-grown PGN electrodes. The resulting SC allows for operation with excellent rate performance and reversibility at rates up to 100 V s−1. A large operational voltage window of 2.8 V and high specific capacitance of 144.5 F g−1 are achieved in organic tetraethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate (TEABF4) electrolyte which leads to an energy density of 52.45 W h kg−1 and a superior power density of up to 102.5 kW kg−1. Moreover, the capacitance retention of 98% (near 100% columbic efficiency) over 30 000 charge–discharge cycles demonstrates the excellent cycling stability and electrochemical reversibility of the PGN based SC. These merits enable the 3D PGN to serve as high performance SC electrodes, resulting in energy storage devices with superb cycling stability and outstanding power density.
Sales displacement and streaming music: Evidence from YouTube

Abstract In this paper I exploit the removal of Warner Music content from YouTube in January 2009, and its restoration in October 2009, as a plausible natural experiment to investigate the impact of online content availability on album sales. I find that this blackout on YouTube had both statistically and economically significant positive effects on Warner albums, which are quickly moderated as top-selling albums are dropped from the sample. Results also show that albums that have a very successful debut face more displacement from YouTube videos, while the effect on lower debuting albums may be moderated by a promotional effect.
Sampling Designs for Sample Surveys of Advertisers and Agencies

Abstract Past sample surveys of advertising industry practice have used simple random sampling (srs) and have avoided disproportionate stratified sampling (dss) procedures. This article shows dss, in comparison to srs, as a superior sampling procedure for reducing sampling error in such surveys.
Synthesis, Properties, and Reactivity of Palladium and Nickel NHC Complexes Supported by Combinations of Allyl, Cyclopentadienyl, and Indenyl Ligands

The synthesis of a series of Pd and Ni complexes containing combinations of 2-methylallyl (C4H7), cyclopentadienyl (C5H5, Cp), and indenyl (C7H9, Ind) ligands is reported. In all cases these complexes are supported by the electron-donating N-heterocyclic carbene ligand 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-ylidene (IPr). The mixed Cp/2-methylallyl complexes (η1-Cp)(η3-2-methylallyl)Pd(IPr) (CpAllPd) and (η5-Cp)(η1-2-methylallyl)Ni(IPr) (CpAllNi) were synthesized through the reaction of IPr with (Cp)(2-methylallyl)M (M = Ni, Pd). The binding mode of the ligands is different in the two complexes, and as a result the total valence electron count around the metal is 18 for the Ni complex and only 16 for the Pd species. In the case of Pd, an analogue of CpAllPd containing an indenyl ligand, (η1-Ind)(η3-2-methylallyl)Pd(IPr) (IndAllPd), was synthesized through the reaction of (η3-Ind)Pd(IPr)Cl (IndClPd) with (2-methylallyl)magnesium chloride. The corresponding Ni complex (η5-Ind)(η1-2-methyla...