cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RADARSAT-1 Antarctic Mapping Project: change-detection and surface velocity campaign

TheRADARSAT-1AntarcticMappingProject(RAMP)isacollaboration betweenNASAandtheCanadianSpaceAgencytomapAntarcticausingsyntheticaperture radar (SAR).The first Antarctic Mapping Mission (AMM-1) wassuccessfullycompleted in October 1997. Data from the acquisition phase of the 1997 campaign have been used to achievetheprimarygoalofproducingthefirsthigh-resolutionSARimagemapofAntarctica. The Modified Antarctic Mapping Mission (MAMM) occurredduring thefallof 2000.The acquisition strategy concentrated on collecting highest- resolution RADARSAT-1 data of Antarctica's fast glaciers for change detection and feature-retracking estimates of surface velocity. Additionally, extensive data were acquired for interferometric analysis over the entire viewable region, which extends north of 80.1‡ S latitude.This paper summarizes the goalsand strategybehind MAMM. It goes onto discuss ice-sheet marginchanges observed on several ice shelvesaroundthecontinent. Margin changesare documentedbycomparing AMM-1and MAMM datawith earlier datasets including European Remote-sensing Satel- lite-1SAR imagery, Landsat imagery, the Antarctic Digital Database (version1) coastline and Declassified Intelligence Satellite Photography. Analysis reveals a complex pattern of ice-margin advance and retreat without indicating any systematic behavior in ice-sheet extentabouttheice-sheetperimeter.
Association between wearing a personal floatation device and death by drowning among recreational boaters: a matched cohort analysis of United States Coast Guard data.

Objective To estimate the association between wearing a personal floatation device (PFD) and death by drowning among recreational boaters. Design Matched cohort study analysis of Coast Guard data. Setting United States. Subjects Recreational boaters during 2000–2006. Main outcome measures Risk ratio (RR) for drowning death comparing boaters wearing a PFD with boaters not wearing a PFD. Results Approximately 4915 boater records from 1809 vessels may have been eligible for our study, but because of missing records and other problems, the analysis was restricted to 1597 boaters in 625 vessels with 878 drowning deaths. The adjusted RR was 0.51 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.74). Conclusions If the estimated association is causal, wearing a PFD may potentially prevent one in two drowning deaths among recreational boaters. However, this estimate may be biased because many vessels had to be excluded from the analysis.
The three-terminal fuse: a new switching device

A new switching device has been conceived and reduced to practice. This device is a once-programmable three-terminal fuse (TTF) with an on-resistance of a good metallic conductor typically employed in integrated circuits, and an off-resistance which is essentially infinite, as between two such disconnected conductors. In the new structure the fusible circuit path is fully isolated from the control electrode both before and after programming. The ideal switching characteristics of this device make it useful in a variety of analog and digital applications, particularly where field programmability, precision trimming, or redundancy/repair are required. We discuss the basic concept of the TTF and briefly highlight some of its possible applications. >
Induction immunosuppression for lung transplantation with OKT3

Abstract Background . The use of OKT3, an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, for immunosuppressive therapy for lung transplantation has been restricted because of concerns regarding infectious risk and cardiopulmonary instability after its administration. Methods . Fifty-two patients received OKT3 (5 mg/d intravenously for 10 days) for induction of immunosuppressive therapy, along with azathioprine (1.5 mg · kg −1 · d −1 intravenously) and enteral cyclosporine (12 mg · kg −1 · d −1 ). Maintenance steroid therapy was begun on postoperative day 8. Prophylactic antifungal therapy (fluconazole or amphotericin B) and ganciclovir was used in all patients. Serial transbronchial biopsy and measurements of pulmonary function were used to assess patients for evidence of infection or rejection. Cytomegalovirus infection was diagnosed by biopsy or the presence of cytomegalovirus antigenemia. Results . The 30-day mortality rate was 4%; the in-hospital mortality rate was 8%. Acute graft failure was seen in 6 patients. The median length of intubation was 5 days, and the median hospital stay was 30 days. Systemic and pulmonary artery systolic pressures, cardiac index, and ratio of arterial partial oxygen pressure to fraction of inspired oxygen showed no significant alteration after OKT3 dosage. Gram-negative pulmonary infections were identified in 12 patients. Aspergillus infection was seen in 7 patients. Cytomegalovirus infection in 8 patients responded to ganciclovir and did not affect mortality. Respiratory syncytial viral infection was seen in 7 patients. Acute rejection was never seen during OKT3 administration. No episodes of acute rejection were identified in 14 patients at any time postoperatively. In the remainder, episodes of acute rejection responded to steroid or antithymocyte globulin therapy. At a median length of follow-up of 31 months, freedom from obliterative bronchiolitis was 69% ± 9% at 36 months. The overall survival rate was 88% ± 5% at 12 months, 82% ± 6% at 24 months, and 74% ± 7% at 36 months after transplantation. Conclusions . OKT3 is a safe and effective agent for induction immunosuppressive therapy in lung transplant recipients that limits the incidence of acute rejection and may decrease the incidence of obliterative bronchiolitis.
A cad-based software framework for estimating energy through a product life cycle

Excessive energy consumption has become a worldwide issue in today's design and manufacturing industry. A framework for estimating energy consumption that could later be used to integrate with CAD/CAM systems is in demand. This research develops an energy estimation framework which can be attached with various energy computational tools for calculating energy consumptions during a product life-cycle, i.e., from extraction of raw materials, design and manufacturing, use, to recycling or disposal phases. The study first reviews literature and background in related areas. Then the approach of developing the framework is illustrated following software development life cycle (SDLC) steps. The framework aims to be domain independent and flexible so that it will be expandable for different manufacturing domains and customizable for users. Details of the framework and its computational tools in each phase are presented afterwards. Interaction between framework and its computational tools are also discussed. At last, test cases of industrial products are conducted to test the validity and evaluate the performance of the framework. The total energy consumption during their life cycle will be calculated. Such estimation can be used to re-design the part and assemblies for energy efficiency. With help of this framework, knowledge engineers who exert to integrate knowledge into computer systems can interpret domain-specific knowledge and share their expertise to improve the framework. The framework also assists users who have little knowledge about energy computations to estimate energy consumptions during the design stage. Energy estimations in each phase and during whole product life cycle can be made and energy efficiency of products can be improved by utilizing this framework.
Measurement and modeling of dielectric tube waveguides for terahertz pulses

The advent of terahertz (THz) spectroscopy and imaging has motivated the investigation of waveguides structures that are appropriate for use at THz frequencies. Currently, most spectroscopy systems have no guiding mechanism and therefore suffer spherical spreading loss. The ideal waveguide would eliminate these spreading losses, have low attenuation and dispersion, and high field confinement. Effective terahertz spectroscopy also requires especially large bandwidths to identify spectral signatures; therefore single-mode propagation is necessary to transmit broadband pulses. Single-mode waveguides can be achieved by utilizing the fundamental HEM11 mode, which has no cutoff frequency, or by suppressing higher order modes. In this work, we present cylindrical, hollow-core, dielectric waveguides for the G-band (140-220 GHz). We will show propagation characteristics obtained by theoretical analysis, computer simulation, and experiments conducted using a vector network analyzer (VNA) with a cylindrical horn attachment. The analytical model, in particular, will provide an additional capability to quickly predict waveguide behavior for a variety of applications. This complete model will predict both the number of supported and propagating modes and the means to source them. We will show that the number of supported modes depends primarily on the thickness and dielectric constant of the outer layer. By choosing proper dimensions and materials, single-mode waveguides can potentially be designed and realized to achieve all of the aforementioned terahertz spectroscopy requirements.
Present status of residential appliance energy efficiency standards — an international review

During the last several years, there has been much interest around the world in improving the energy efficiency of residential appliances. Methods to obtain this improvement include labeling, energy efficient appliance procurement (e.g., the work of Nutek in Sweden and the Golden Carrot in the United States (US)), demand side management (DSM), voluntary agreements, and minimum energy efficiency standards. A number of countries have utilized voluntary targets or minimum energy efficiency standards as one method to reduce residential and commercial sector electricity demand. That demand reduction can result in fewer new power plants being built (and concomitant reductions in capital outlays) and a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide. Since world demand for major appliances is projected to continue to grow, especially in developing countries, some countries have focused their efforts on programs to reduce appliance energy consumption; otherwise, electricity demand in the residential sector will continue to grow rapidly. This is particularly true in the developing countries where demand is growing most rapidly due to increasing saturations of certain appliances. Energy efficiency targets and standards have also been developed for lighting, commercial sector appliances, and motors1 however, this article covers only appliances, water heaters and space conditioners in the residential sector.
Pion-pion correlations in Au+Au collisions at AGS energy

Pion-pion correlation functions have been measured in Au+Au collisions at 10.8 GeV/c per nucleon by the E877 collaboration. The width of the peak in the correlation function for identical pions, which is related to the source size, shows a dependence on pion momenta and on the orientation of the reaction plane.
Fatigue Behavior of Composite-Reinforced Glulam Bridge Girders

While composite-reinforced glulam beams have been used in several bridge demonstration projects, knowledge of their fatigue behavior is quite limited. In this study, the response of full- and partial-length fiberglass composite-reinforced glulam beams under fatigue cycling followed by quasi-static bending to failure is examined. To mimic anticipated in-service conditions, a hygrothermal cycling regime was developed that replicates the effective stress history of a 50-year service life with a 55-day period in a moisture-controlled kiln. In addition, some of the beams had initial delaminations introduced between the reinforcing and the wood similar to those observed in field investigations of reinforced glulam bridge girders. For the partial-length reinforced beams, reinforcing with both confined and unconfined ends was considered. The results of the postfatigue tests to failure were compared with the expected strength. In addition, the stiffness of the beams was monitored during the fatigue cycling. It was found that, with the exception of the unconfined, partial-length reinforced beams, all specimens had a residual strength that compared favorably with the expected strength. Further, neither the preconditioning nor the fatigue cycling had an appreciable impact on the stiffness of the reinforced beams. The unconfined, partial-length reinforced beams did not perform well under fatigue loading and do not seem to be a viable alternative for use as reinforced glulam bridge girders.
The “LIFO Reserve” and the Value of the Firm: Theory and Empirical Evidence

Abstract. A valuation approach is used to examine the effect of the LIFO inventory method on the relation between the market value of a firm's stock and the book value of equity. The paper develops three competing hypotheses that have different predictions regarding the relation between the LIFO reserve and the market value of equity. Results indicate a significant negative relation between the LIFO reserve and the value of equity, inconsistent with the pricing of LIFO reserves as unbooked assets, but consistent with a model that views the LIFO reserve as a measure of the effect of increases in factor input prices on firm value. Resume. Les auteurs ont recours a une evaluation pour examiner l'incidence de la methode DEPS de determination du cout des stocks sur la relation entre le cours de l'action d'une societe et sa valeur comptable. Ils elaborent trois hypotheses concurrentes qui debouchent sur des predictions differentes en ce qui a trait a la relation entre la reserve resultant de l'utilisation de la methode DEPS et la valeur marchande de l'entreprise. Les resultats indiquent une relation negative significative entre cette reserve et la valeur comptable de l'entreprise, relation qui ne concorde pas avec le prix de ladite reserve que l'on voudrait assimiler a un actif non comptabilise, mais qui cadre avec un modele selon lequel la reserve resultant de l'utilisation de la methode DEPS est consideree comme une mesure de l'incidence des hausses du prix des intrants sur la valeur de l'entreprise.
Syngas by catalytic partial oxidation of methane on rhodium: Mechanistic conclusions from spatially resolved measurements and numerical simulations

Abstract The mechanism for the catalytic partial oxidation of CH 4 on Rh-coated α -Al 2 O 3 foam monoliths was investigated by measuring species and temperature profiles along the catalyst axis and comparing them with numerical simulations. A thin quartz capillary connected to a quadrupole mass spectrometer was moved through the catalyst with a spatial resolution of ∼0.3 mm. Profiles were measured under autothermal operation for C/O ratios of 0.7, 1.0 and 1.3. The influence of the flow rate (5 vs. 10 l min −1 ) was studied for syngas stoichiometry (C/O = 1). Numerical simulations were performed with a 38 step surface mechanism using both a porous 2D-model with mass and heat transfer and a simple plug-flow model. The experimental profiles reveal complete O 2 conversion within 2 mm of the catalyst entrance for all C/O ratios and flows. H 2 and CO are formed partly in the oxidation zone and partly after O 2 is fully converted by steam reforming. CO 2 is formed in small amounts in the oxidation zone and remains constant thereafter, except for C/O = 0.7, where some water gas shift is observed. CO 2 reforming does not occur under the experimental conditions. Based on the experimental findings, a two-zone picture of the reaction mechanism is proposed. The 2D numerical simulations and the measured profiles agree qualitatively for all experimental conditions. Quantitative agreement is best for syngas stoichiometry (C/O = 1.0) at 5 and 10 l min −1 flow rate. Some quantitative differences are observed for C/O = 0.7 and 1.3. The plug flow model is for all conditions inferior to the 2D model. The importance of spatial profiles for mechanism and reactor model validation is highlighted.
Novel distributed strain sensing in polymeric materials

Monitoring the state of strain throughout an entire structure is essential to determine its state of stress, detect potential residual stresses after fabrication, and also to help to establish its integrity. Several sensing technologies are presently available to determine the strain in the surface or inside a structure. Large sensor dimensions, complex signal conditioning equipment, and difficulty in achieving a widely distributed system have however hindered their development into robust structural health monitoring techniques. Recently, carbon nanotube forests were spun into a microscale thread that is electrically conductive, tough, and easily tailorable. The thread was integrated into polymeric materials and used for the first time as a piezoresistive sensor to monitor strain and also to detect damage in the material. It is revealed that the created self-sensing polymeric materials are sensitive to normal strains above 0.07% and that the sensor thread exhibits a perfectly linear delta resistance–strain response above 0.3%. The longitudinal gauge factors were determined to be in the 2–5 range. This low cost and simple built-in sensor thread may provide a new integrated and distributed sensor technology that enables robust real-time health monitoring of structures.
On single and double Soules matrices

Abstract Until now the concept of a Soules basis matrix of sign pattern N consisted of an orthogonal matrix R ∈ R n , n , generated in a certain way from a positive n -vector, which has the property that for any diagonal matrix Λ = diag( λ 1 , … , λ n ), with λ 1 ⩾ ⋯ ⩾ λ n ⩾ 0, the symmetric matrix A = RΛR T has nonnegative entries only. In the present paper we introduce the notion of a pair of double Soules basis matrices of sign pattern N which is a pair of matrices ( P , Q ), each in R n , n , which are not necessarily orthogonal and which are generated in a certain way from two positive vectors, but such that PQ T = I and such that for any of the aforementioned diagonal matrices Λ , the matrix A = PΛQ T (also) has nonnegative entries only. We investigate the interesting properties which such matrices A have. As a preamble to the above investigation we show that the iterates, A k = R k Λ R k T , generated in the course of the QR-algorithm when it is applied to A = RΛR T , where R is a Soules basis matrix of sign pattern N , are again symmetric matrices generated by the Soules basis matrices R k of sign pattern N which are themselves modified as the algorithm progresses. Our work here extends earlier works by Soules and Elsner et al.
Unitarized pseudoscalar meson scattering amplitudes from three flavor linear sigma models

The three flavor linear sigma model is studied as a {open_quotes}toy model{close_quotes} for understanding the role of possible light scalar mesons in the {pi}{pi}, {pi}K and {pi}{eta} scattering channels. The approach involves computing the tree level partial wave amplitude for each channel and unitarizing by a simple K-matrix prescription which does not introduce any new parameters. If the renormalizable version of the model is used there is only one free parameter. While this highly constrained version has the right general structure to explain {pi}{pi} scattering, it is {open_quotes}not quite{close_quotes} right. A reasonable fit can be made if the renormalizability (for the effective Lagrangian) is relaxed while chiral symmetry is maintained. The occurrence of a Ramsauer-Townsend mechanism for the f{sub 0}(980) region naturally emerges. The effect of unitarization is very important and leads to {open_quotes}physical{close_quotes} masses for the scalar nonet all less than about 1 GeV. The a{sub 0}(1450) and K{sub 0}{sup *}(1430) appear to be {open_quotes}outsiders{close_quotes} in this picture and to require additional fields. Comparison is made with a scattering treatment using a more general nonlinear sigma model approach. In addition some speculative remarks and a highly simplified larger toy model are devoted to the question of the quark substructuremore » of the light scalar mesons.« less
Asymptotics of solute dispersion in periodic porous media

The concentration $C( {\bf x},t )$ of a solute in a saturated porous medium is governed by a second-order parabolic equation $\partial C / \partial t = U_0 {\bf b} \cdot \nabla C + \tfrac{1}{2} \sum D_{ij} \partial ^2 C /\partial x_i \partial x_j $. In the case that ${\bf b}$ is periodic and divergence free, and $D_{ij} $ are constants and$( ( D_{ij} ) )$ positive definite, the concentration is asymptotically Gaussian for large times. This article analyzes the dependence of the dispersion matrix ${\bf k}$ of the limiting Gaussian distribution on the velocity parameter $U_0$ and the period “a” It is shown that each coefficient $K_{ii} $ is asymptotically quadratic in $aU_0 $if $b_i \bar - \bar b_j $. has a nonzero component in the null space of ${\bf b} \cdot \nabla $, and asymptotically constant in $aU_0 $if $b_i \bar - \bar b_j $. belongs to the range of ${\bf b}\cdot \nabla$. It is shown in a more general context that ${\bf k}$ depends only on $aU_0 $. An asymptotic expansion of the Cramer–Edgeworth typ...
Morphology, relationships, and biogeographical significance of an extinct horned crocodile (Crocodylia, Crocodylidae) from the Quaternary of Madagascar

Phylogenetic analysis indicates that Crocodylus robustus Grandidier & Vaillant, 1872 is more closely related to the living African dwarf crocodiles (Osteolaemus) than to living Crocodylus. The type series cannot be identified, but the original description includes details consistent with known specimens that almost certainly pertain to the same species. It had a prominent triangular ‘horn’ on the posterolateral corner of each squamosal; near-exclusion of the nasals from the external naris; constricted supratemporal fenestral rims; a dorsoventrally deep snout; a constricted external mandibular fenestra in which the surangular–angular suture emerges from the posterior rather than posteroventral margin; and robust limb and limb girdle elements. It shares with Osteolaemus, and with several extinct crocodylids from the Neogene of Africa, a depressed surface of the pterygoid around the internal choana forming a choanal ‘neck’. It cannot be referred to Crocodylus and a new praenomen, Voay, is established for its reception. Voay persisted into the Holocene and may have been extant when humans first settled Madagascar 2000 years ago, when it may have been a casualty of a megafaunal extinction event on the island. This is consistent with molecular data that suggest comparatively recent dispersal of Crocodylus niloticus to Madagascar from mainland Africa. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 150, 835–863.
The relationship between focal erosions and generalized osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis.

Background After 10 years of RA, more than half of patients have focal erosions and the risk of fracture is doubled. However, little information exists about the potential relationship between focal erosions and BMD.
Walter Isard and the Role of Regional Science and Peace Science for the Poor Countries

The objective of this article is to show how the techniques of regional science and peace science can be applied for the economic development of poor countries. This article also describes techniqu...
The inequitable impact of health shocks on the uninsured in Namibia

The AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa puts increasing pressure on the buffer capacity of low- and middle-income households without access to health insurance. This paper examines the relationship between health shocks, insurance status and health-seeking behaviour. It also investigates the possible mitigating effects of insurance on income loss and out-of-pocket health expenditure. The study uses a unique dataset based on a random sample of 1769 households and 7343 individuals living in the Greater Windhoek area in Namibia. The survey includes medical testing for HIV infection which allows for the explicit analysis of HIV-related health shocks. We find that the economic consequences of health shocks can be severe for uninsured households even in a country with a relatively well-developed public health care system such as Namibia. The uninsured resort to a variety of coping strategies to deal with the high medical expenses and reductions in income, such as selling assets, taking up credit or receiving financial support from relatives and friends. As HIV-infected individuals increasingly develop AIDS, this will put substantial pressure on the public health care system as well as social support networks. Evidence suggests that private insurance, currently unaffordable to the poor, protects households from the most severe consequences of health shocks.
Mechanisms of chronic pain

Chronic pain is classified as nociceptive or neuropathic, depending on whether the integrity of the somatosensory nervous system is compromised by the underlying disease. Nociceptive pain results from the activation of receptors (nociceptors) sensitive to noxious stimuli. Prolonged or intense exposure to these stimuli, for example, chemical mediators released during inflammation, enhances the responsiveness of nociceptive nerve fibers [1]. This process, termed peripheral sensitization, involves a shift in the activation threshold of nociceptors and upregulation of voltage-gated sodium channels. Peripheral sensitization leads to increased action potential firing and transmitter release in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, where somatosensory information is processed. Dorsal horn neurons react to the rising input with heightened excitability, a process termed central sensitization. Enhanced depolarization leads to the recruitment of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors. NMDA and neuropeptide receptor activation produces a sharp increase in intracellular calcium, triggering signaling pathways and gene expression changes that promote a long-term shift in the activity of nociceptive circuits [2]. In some aspects, central sensitization even resembles long-term potentiation of excitatory transmission in the hippocampus. Central sensitization generates an exaggerated response to painful stimuli (hyperalgesia) and contributes to pain elicited by normally nonpainful stimuli (allodynia). Clinical findings suggest that pain hypersensitivity produces structural changes in the brain over time. These changes are, however, reversible upon pain relief. The pathophysiology of neuropathic pain is fundamentally different. Peripheral nerve lesion evokes stimulus-independent (ectopic) activity in nerve fibers. Innate immune cells react at the lesion site, in the dorsal root ganglion, where the cell bodies of peripheral somatosensory neurons reside, and in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord [3]. Active microglia of the dorsal horn releases chemical mediators that modulate the activity of neurons in the vicinity. One of these mediators, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, reduces the inhibitory effect of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine. Disinhibition opens polysynaptic connections in the dorsal horn, further enhancing the abnormal input from the lesioned nerve. Similarly to nociceptive pain, central sensitization occurs. Worsened by a relative deficit in transmitter uptake, increased glutamatergic transmission causes excitotoxic cell death, reducing the number of inhibitory interneurons. Their loss and a shift in descending modulatory pathways from the brainstem produce a profound imbalance between inhibition and excitation. The complexity of chronic pain mechanisms poses a major therapeutic challenge. Without biomarkers, it will remain difficult to develop targeted strategies for chronic pain reduction or prevention in the individual patient.
An interpretation of the depolarization of the fluorescence of diphenylanthracene in solutions of polymers

It is argued that the decrease of fluorescence depolarization observed when diphenylanthracene is dissolved in poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) or polystyrene solution is due to short-range interactions, and not to long-range hydrodynamic interactions. Estimates of the hydrodynamic effect are given. Rough estimates of the effect to be expected on the short-range hypothesis are in qualitative agreement with experiment.
Chlorine inhalation-induced myocardial depression and failure

Victims of chlorine (Cl2) inhalation that die demonstrate significant cardiac pathology. However, a gap exists in the understanding of Cl2-induced cardiac dysfunction. This study was performed to characterize cardiac dysfunction occurring after Cl2 exposure in rats at concentrations mimicking accidental human exposures (in the range of 500 or 600 ppm for 30 min). Inhalation of 500 ppm Cl2 for 30 min resulted in increased lactate in the coronary sinus of the rats suggesting an increase in anaerobic metabolism by the heart. There was also an attenuation of myocardial contractile force in an ex vivo (Langendorff technique) retrograde perfused heart preparation. After 20 h of return to room air, Cl2 exposure at 500 ppm was associated with a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well echocardiographic/Doppler evidence of significant left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Cl2 exposure at 600 ppm (30 min) was associated with biventricular failure (observed at 2 h after exposure) and death. Cardiac mechanical dysfunction persisted despite increasing the inspired oxygen fraction concentration in Cl2-exposed rats (500 ppm) to ameliorate hypoxia that occurs after Cl2 inhalation. Similarly ex vivo cardiac mechanical dysfunction was reproduced by sole exposure to chloramine (a potential circulating Cl2 reactant product). These results suggest an independent and distinctive role of Cl2 (and its reactants) in inducing cardiac toxicity and potentially contributing to mortality.
Maybe "I Do," Maybe I Don't: Respectability Politics in the Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

Frost and Gola (2015) offer empirical evidence that same-sex and different-sex relationship partners are similar in their experiences of intimacy and, as a result, the meaning of marriage will not fundamentally change with the legalization of same-sex marriage. In this commentary, we offer another perspective: given the unique aspects of same-sex relationships, we argue that the meaning of marriage may indeed change as same-sex partners legally wed. We extend Frost and Gola (2015) by considering the limitations of respectability politics when advocating for same-sex relationships and by shedding light on those who may seek to change the meaning of marriage.
Intelligent Distributed Economic Dispatch in Smart Grids

This paper considers the optimal economic dispatch of power generators in a smart electric grid for allocating power between generators to meet load requirements at a minimum total cost. We present a decentralized algorithm where, each generator independently adjusts its power output using only a measurement of the frequency deviation of the grid and minimal information exchange with its neighbors. Existing algorithms assume that frequency deviation is proportional to the load imbalance. In practice this is seldom exactly correct. We assume here that the only thing known about this relationship is that it is an unknown, odd, strictly increasing function. We provide a proof of convergence and simulations verifying the efficacy of the algorithm.
In vivo subcellular resolution optical imaging in the lung reveals early metastatic proliferation and motility

To better understand breast cancer metastatic cell seeding, we have employed multiphoton microscopy and a vacuum stabilized window which eliminates the need for complex registration software, video rate microscopy or specialized gating electronics to observe the initial steps of tumor cell seeding within the living, breathing lung. We observe that upon arrival to the lung, tumor cells are found exclusively in capillary vessels, completely fill their volume and display an initial high level of protrusive activity that dramatically reduces over time. Further, we observe a concomitant increase in positional stability during this same period. We employ several techniques accessible to most imaging labs for optimizing signal to noise and resolution which enable us to report the first direct observation, with subcellular resolution, of the arrival, proliferation, and motility of metastatic tumor cells within the lung.
TGFβ inducible early gene enhances TGFβ/Smad-dependent transcriptional responses

TGFβ inducible early gene (TIEG) encodes a three zinc-finger Kruppel-like transcription factor whose overexpression has been shown to mimic the effects of TGFβ in human osteosarcoma and pancreatic carcinoma cells. In order to investigate a potential role of TIEG in the TGFβ signal transduction pathway, we studied its impact on a Smad binding element (SBE) reporter which is known to be regulated by TGFβ through the R-Smad proteins. We demonstrate that TIEG overexpression enhances TGFβ induction of SBE reporter activity. TIEG overexpression also enhances induction of the endogenous TGFβ regulated genes p21 and PAI-1. The ability of TIEG to enhance TGFβ actions is Smad dependent since TIEG has no effect on SBE transcription in the absence of Smad4 expression or when an inhibitory Smad protein, Smad7, is overexpressed. Furthermore, TIEG overexpression enhances TGFβ induced Smad2 phosphorylation. Lastly, TIEG appears to function by binding to and thereby repressing a specific element in the proximal promoter of the inhibitory Smad7 gene. In conclusion, these results describe a novel mechanism for the potentiation of TGFβ/Smad signaling via repression of the inhibitory Smad7 gene by TIEG.
Evidence for occurrence of methyl esters in body and blood lipids.

SummaryMethyl elaidate-1-C14 was fed to fat-deficient guinea pigs. Analysis of the body lipids by gas-liquid and by thin-layer silicic acid chromatography gave conclusive proof of the occurrence of methyl esters. The estimated activity attributed to recovered methyl elaidate compared well with the activity of the fed material. Occurrence of methyl esters in body as well as in blood lipids was conclusively demonstrated in normal pelletfed animals. By using propanol instead of methanol and also by merely soaking the whole liver or adipose tissue in ethyl ether for extracting lipids it was further shown that the methyl esters are not formed during homogenization and extraction. Distribution of the activity in the various purified lipid components was determined.
Fluorescence imaging of single-molecule retention trajectories in reversed-phase chromatographic particles.

Due to its high specific surface area and chemical stability, porous silica is used as a support structure in numerous applications, including heterogeneous catalysis, biomolecule immobilization, s...
Fauna in decline: Global assessments

The Policy Forum “Wildlife decline and social conflict” (J. S. Brashares et al. , 25 July, p. [376][1]) points to the need for a formalized, international, multidisciplinary program with government involvement that can address the detrimental environmental and social consequences of wildlife
Serological Surveillance of Toxoplasma Infection in Haizhu District in 2004

Objective To determine the level of anti-toxoplasma IgG in butchers, meat sellers, meat inspectors and pet raisers in Haizhu district of Guangzhou city so as to provide basis of making practical control measures. Methods ELISA was used to detect anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG of in the people of different occupations. Results 232 serum samples were analyzed. 21 were sero-positive and the infection rate was 9.05%. There was no significant difference of the infection rate among these study groups. The infection rate increased with the increase in the exposure time. Conclusion The infection rate of toxoplasma in these target groups in Haizhu district was high. The infection is correlated with the history of contact with animals. To increase the awareness of toxoplasma infection, health education should be provided to these groups of people.
Radiology in Racetrack Practice

This article focuses on the principles involved in making radiographs of equine limbs; understanding radiographic anatomy, including normal variations; and principles of radiographic interpretation. The influence of pathogenesis of disease on the radiographic image is considered. Diseases associated with racing as well as the developing racehorse are discussed.
Combined Racial and Gender Differences in the Long-Term Predictive Role of Education on Depressive Symptoms and Chronic Medical Conditions

Despite a well-established literature on the protective effect of education on health, less is known about group differences in the mechanisms underlying this association. Using a life course approach and cumulative advantage theory, this study compared Black men, Black women, White men, and White women to assess the long-term gradient (education as a continuous measure) and threshold (>12 years) effects of baseline education on change in chronic medical conditions (CMC) and depressive symptoms (DS) from baseline to 25 years later. Data came from the Americans’ Changing Lives Study, 1986–2011. The study followed Black and White respondents for up to 25 years, among whom 1271 individuals who had survived and were under follow-up were interviewed in 2011 and reported their number of chronic medical conditions and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression; CES-D 11). Multi-group structural equation modeling was used to compare gradient and threshold effects of education on change in chronic medical conditions and depressive symptoms from baseline (1986) to 25 years later (2011) among Black men, Black women, White men, and White women. There were group differences in the long-term association between education measured as a gradient and the change in depressive symptoms and chronic medical conditions during the follow-up, and in the association between education measured at the threshold of 12 years on change in depressive symptoms from baseline to follow-up. However, the association between education measured at this threshold and change in chronic medical conditions did not differ across race-gender groups. With the exception of Black men, who showed a gradient protective effect for baseline education against increase in the number of chronic medical associations (threshold or gradient) with change in chronic medical conditions. Among White men and White women, education had a threshold protective effect against increase in depressive symptoms from baseline to 25 years later. Black men and women showed a gradient protective effect of baseline education against an increase in depressive symptoms over the 25-year follow-up period, but unexpectedly, a threshold effect of education was also found to be associated with an increase in depressive symptoms over the follow-up period among Black men. This finding suggests that although Black men benefit from each incremental increase in education, those who graduated from high school were at an additional risk of depressive symptoms over a 25-year period. Findings suggest that the intersection of race and gender influences how education is associated with long-term changes in physical and mental health of individuals from baseline to 25 years later. As the shape of the association between education and health depends on the intersection of race and gender, these groups may vary for operant mechanisms by which education operates as a main social determinant of health.
Ultrastructural features of defective in vitro keratinization of chick embryonic skin.

Thirty-four explants of epithelium and subjacent mesenchyme from the hind limb buds of 5-day chick embryos were cultured for 1 to 14 days. Controls consisted of a series of in ovo limb bud specimens from 5 day9s incubation to hatching. Both experimental and control specimens were examined by similar electron-microscopic methods. Differentiation of epidermis was precocious and that of dermis extremely retarded in vitro , contrasting with the events in ovo where epidermal differentiation occurred later and differentiation of dermis was early and vigorous. The two types of epidermal cells developed to a different degree in vitro . Pericytes and their derivatives at times developed precociously and reached full maturity, although their pattern of differentiation was asynchronous compared with that in ovo . Basal cells and their derivatives produced filaments precociously but mature keratinized cells were not found. Absence of keratohyaline granules in the epithelial cells appeared to be the initial defect in the keratinization process. Hyperplasia of mitochondria in basal and parabasal cells was also noted. The underlying mesenchyme, which in ovo begins to produce large amounts of collagen at an exponentially accelerating rate at 5 days, synthesized only scant collagen under the in vitro conditions employed. The hypothesis is presented that the mesenchyme alters epithelial differentiation by affecting keratohyaline synthesis which in turn controls keratinization.
Scaling of the (√3 × √3 )R30° domain-size distribution with coverage for Ag/Si(111)

The evolution of the (\ensuremath{\surd}3 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} \ensuremath{\surd}3 )R30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} domain-size distribution with coverage for Ag on Si(111) has been studied by high-resolution low-energy electron diffraction. Scaling of the size distribution, which can be fitted by a gamma distribution, is observed. A temperature dependence of the exponent n describing a power growth law for mean size versus coverage is found where n decreases with decreasing deposition temperature. By introducing a simple relation, q+nd=1, where the dimensionality d=2 and q is an exponent describing the power law for domain density versus coverage, the behavior of n is explained in terms of the experimentally observed behavior of q.
Developmental, Remedial, and Basic Skills: Diverse Programs and Approaches at Community Colleges.

Community colleges have been challenged to increase their graduation, transfer, and general success rates. Because they serve the largest proportion of nontraditional students and students of color, their participation in programs to enhance the number of college graduates contributes to social equity and justice. One of the biggest obstacles has been students who enter the developmental pipeline and never emerge to the college level, and hence cannot qualify to graduate or transfer. This chapter speaks to several governmental and nongovernmental initiatives to assist developmental education students achieve academic success.
Health Literacy, Education Levels, and Patient Portal Usage During Hospitalizations.

Patient portal adoption has rapidly increased, and portal usage has been associated with patients’ sociodemographics, health literacy, and education. Research on patient portals has primarily focused on the outpatient setting. We explored whether health literacy and education were associated with portal usage in an inpatient population. Among 60,159 admissions in 2012–2013, 23.3% of patients reported limited health literacy; 50.4% reported some post-secondary education; 34.4% were registered for the portal; and 23.4% of registered patients used the portal during hospitalization. Probability of registration and inpatient portal use increased with educational attainment. Health literacy was associated with registration but not inpatient use. Among admissions with inpatient use, educational attainment was associated with viewing health record data, and health literacy was associated use of appointment and health education tools. The inpatient setting may provide an opportunity to overcome barriers to patient portal adoption and reduce disparities in use of health information technologies.
Technical Modifications for Robotic Prostatectomy

Robotic radical prostatectomy is a procedure that has evolved considerably in the last 10 years as the main treatment for prostate cancer. Published literature currently describes in detail the procedure and outcomes. However, as widespread as it may be, we believe that certain technical modifications have greatly improved our technique hence improving early and medium-term outcomes. These include placement of the suspension stitch, athermal dissection of the seminal vesicles, athermal early retrograde release of the neurovascular bundle, and the modified posterior reconstruction of the rhabdosphincter for recovery of early continence.
DARPA's program on Antimonide Based Compound Semiconductors (ABCS)

Summary form only given. The objective of DARPA's ABCS (Antimonide Based Compound Semiconductors) Program is to demonstrate low power dissipation, high frequency integrated circuits (up to 5000 components per chip) exploiting the high mobility and small bandgaps of 6.1 A semiconductors. This talk will present an overview of the program and then discuss some exciting new results.
Structural, vibrational, and electronic properties of BaReH9 under pressure.

We present a study of the high-pressure behavior of BaReH9, a novel hydrogen-rich compound, using optical, Raman, and infrared spectroscopy as well as synchrotron x-ray diffraction. The x-ray diffraction measurements demonstrate that BaReH9 retains its hexagonal structure on room temperature compression up to 40 GPa. Optical absorption shows the absence of a gap closure to 80 GPa. Raman and IR spectra reveal the pressure evolution of a newly observed phonon peak, and large peak broadening with increasing pressure. These data constrain the disorder present in the material following the P-T paths explored.
The Influence of Ashing Temperature on Ash Fouling and Slagging Characteristics during Combustion of Biomass Fuels

Three typical biomass fuels—rice husk, rice straw, and corn cobs—were combusted to understand the effects of ashing temperature on ash fouling and slagging characteristics. The ashes generated from combustion at 600 °C and 815 °C were characterized thoroughly with regard to their chemical composition. The systematic slagging/fouling indices of biomass were used to study the effects of ashing temperature on ash fouling and slagging propensities. The results showed that ashing temperature had a remarkable influence on ash composition, particle size distribution, ash morphology, ash fusibility, and thermal properties. Increased ashing temperature resulted in the expansion of ash particles together with the volatilization of alkali metals in the form of inorganic salts. Morphology analysis indicated that high ashing temperatures promoted biomass ash slagging. Ash fusion points increased at elevated ashing temperatures, while the ash content decreased. As a result of the volatilization and decomposition of biomass ash, a four-step mechanism of weight loss was clearly identified by thermal analysis. All prepared biomass ashes resulted in slagging and fouling problems at different levels during the thermo-chemical conversion of biomass.
NJOY and MCNP

This presentation shares exercises that utilize the NJOY input deck in 235 U material calculations.