cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of Phenols in Water Using Raman Spectroscopy

The potential of Raman spectroscopy for quantitative analysis of phenols in water solution has been investigated. A group of six compounds—phenol, o-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, 2-chloro-5-methylphenol and 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol—was studied with the use of the 514.5, 488.0, and 457.9 nanometer lines of an argon ion laser. Attention was given to the effects of source intensity, optical alignment, and background fluctuations on quantitative results. It was found that the use of an internal standard with each measurement made a significant improvement in the accuracy and precision of results. Two methods of quantitation, peak area measurement and cross-correlation, were used. Results were somewhat better for cross-correlation, presumably because of more effective exclusion of background interference. Limits of detection were calculated based upon the slope and the standard deviation of the intercept of the standard curve. These varied from the range of 100 ppm to 0.3 ppm, depending on the compound. The most important factor controlling sensitivity is occurrence of resonance enhancement.
Separation characteristics of wall-coated open-tubular columns for gas chromatography.

Abstract The application of the solvation parameter model for the classification of wall-coated open-tubular columns for gas chromatography is reviewed. A system constants database for 50 wall-coated open-tubular columns at five equally spaced temperatures between 60 and 140 °C is constructed and statistical and chemometric techniques used to identify stationary phases with equivalent selectivity, the effect of monomer chemistry on selectivity, and the selection of stationary phases for method development. The system constants database contains examples of virtually all commercially available common stationary phases.
Molecular dynamics simulation based evaluation of glass transition temperatures of polystyrene in the presence of carbon dioxide

This paper develops a detailed molecular dynamics (MD) simulation model to study the glass transition temperature (Tg) of a finite polystyrene (PS) system in the presence of high pressure carbon dioxide (CO2). Validated inter-atomic potentials for pure PS and CO2 are used for these simulations. Specific parameters and combinations rules are introduced to accurately model the intermolecular interactions between PS and CO2. The intermolecular interaction model has a strong effect on the Tg of the PS–CO2 system. The MD model comprises PS and CO2 molecules confined in a finite walled system to manifest the effects of high pressure CO2. The effectiveness of the simulation model is established by comparison with experimental free-volume data from positronium annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). An important outcome of this study is the identification of clearly demarcated regions for bulk and surface analysis. Physical properties such as density, free volume, segmental motion across the thickness and end group mobility are also studied to gain insight into the polymer dynamics. As is expected, the simulations show that the presence of high pressure CO2 reduces the Tg of PS significantly due to an increase in chain mobility. Additionally, the simulation data show a remarkable effect of CO2 on the extent and characteristics of the surface layer.
Functional Domains of the RhlR Transcriptional Regulator of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The RhlR transcriptional regulator of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, along with its cognate autoinducer, N-butyryl homoserine lactone (C(4)-HSL), regulates gene expression in response to cell density. With an Escherichia coli LexA-based protein interaction system, we demonstrated that RhlR multimerized and that the degree of multimerization was dependent on the C(4)-HSL concentration. Studies with an E. coli lasB::lacZ lysogen demonstrated that RhlR multimerization was necessary for it to function as a transcriptional activator. Deletion analysis of RhlR indicated that the N-terminal domain of the protein is necessary for C(4)-HSL binding. Single amino acid substitutions in the C-terminal domain of RhlR generated mutant RhlR proteins that had the ability to bind C(4)-HSL and multimerize but were unable to activate lasB expression, demonstrating that the C-terminal domain is important for target gene activation. Single amino acid substitutions in both the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of RhlR demonstrated that both domains possess residues involved in multimerization. RhlR with a C-terminal deletion and an RhlR site-specific mutant form that possessed multimerization but not transcriptional activation capabilities were able to inhibit the ability of wild-type RhlR to activate rhlA expression in P. aeruginosa. We conclude that C(4)-HSL binding is necessary for RhlR multimerization and that RhlR functions as a multimer in P. aeruginosa.
A Model of Dense Medium Cyclones

Abstract A Model of dense medium cyclones is developed based on balancing the terminal velocities of the discrete particles due to the centrifugal force against a random turbulent eddy velocity. An expression of the form — P/100 = e−xQ −1/e−x −1 where P is the partition number, α is a function of cyclone efficiency, particle size and density differential between the particle and the medium, and Q is the slurry split—is developed and may be used for regressing plant partition data. The above model provides an understanding of peculiarities of the partition curve such as asymmetrical tails, elevation of the cutpoint and the elevation of the d 50 with increasingly fine feed. The effect of feed variables such as particle size, medium viscosity and changes in spigot or vortex finder diameter is shown. A means of convoluting the partition curve with various feed washabilities is discussed together with how the above may be used to evaluate plant performance for a variety of feeds.
The CLEO III silicon vertex detector

Abstract The design and operation of the CLEO III silicon vertex detector is described in this report. This detector consists of four layers of double-sided silicon wafers covering 93% of the solid angle. After initially meeting its signal-to-noise and spatial resolution design goals, the r − φ side efficiency of layers 1 and 2 decreased dramatically due to radiation-induced sensor effects.
Using community information to improve the precision of link prediction methods

Because network data is often incomplete, researchers consider the link prediction problem, which asks which non-existent edges in an incomplete network are most likely to exist in the complete network. Classical approaches compute the 'similarity' of two nodes, and conclude that highly similar nodes are most likely to be connected in the complete network. Here, we consider several such similarity-based measures, but supplement the similarity calculations with community information. We show that for many networks, the inclusion of community information improves the accuracy of similarity-based link prediction methods.
Treatment-related and treatment-independent deliveries among infertile couples, a long-term follow-up

Background. The aim of this hospital based long-term follow-up study was to further elucidate resolved and unresolved infertility in relation to risk factors and perinatal outcome considering treatment-related and treatment independent pregnancies.Methods. The study included all couples attending the out-patient clinic of the Department of Gynecology in Umea due to failure to initiate a pregnancy after at least 12 months during the period 1.1.1980 31.12. 1989. Data from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry consisting of all registered births during 1.1.1980 31.12. 1992 was linked to establish the number of children born.Results. Six hundred and ninety-one couples were analyzed, out of which 42% had a delivery outcome. Of these women. 53% conceived in relation to given treatment whereas 47% conceived treatment-independently. Women with ovulatory disorder had a cumulative delivery rate of 82%. whereas those with unexplained infertility and tubo-peritoneal pathology displayed delivery rates of 57% and 31% resp...
The stability of rabbit reticulocyte polysomes at high hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract The application of high hydrostatic pressure to an in vitro rabbit reticulocyte, polypeptide-synthesizing system has been shown to inhibit synthesis either partially or totally depending upon the magnitude of pressure utilized (Scheck, A.C. and Landau, J.V. (1982) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 718, 21–25). This paper shows that the total inhibition of synthesis seen at 670 atm is similar to the inhibition of elongation produced by cycloheximide in that the polysome profiles remain intact. Partial inhibition at 300 atm shows a reduced rate of ribosome run-off with elongation being affected to the same, or greater extent than initiation. In no instance was disassociation of polysomes seen as a causative factor in the inhibition of synthesis by high pressure.
EXPLOITATION OF SUBTILISIN BPN' AS CATALYST FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF PEPTIDES CONTAINING NONCODED AMINO ACIDS, PEPTIDE MIMETICS AND PEPTIDE CONJUGATES

The ability of the serine protease subtilisin BPN‘ to catalyze peptide bond formation between fragments containing noncoded amino acids, peptide mimetics, and peptide conjugates in a kinetic approach was explored. It was found that the enzyme accepts numerous of these types of compounds both as acyl donor and acyl acceptor. The results together with specificity studies reported by others provide an active site model as a guideline in the design of enzymatic synthesis of biologically important compounds.
Effect of harvest maturity on decay and post-harvest life of ‘d'Anjou’ pear

Abstract ‘D'Anjou’ pear fruits ( Pyrus communis L.) were harvested at 3 times, 24 August, 8 September (commercial harvest date) and 30 September 1982. Late-harvested over-mature fruits were more susceptible to storage decay than immature and optimum-mature fruits. Mucor piriformis caused the highest storage decay, Botrytis cinerea the second and Penicillium expansum the least. Fruits continued to increase in size during the harvesting period, but fruits harvested at the optimum maturity contained the highest percentage of suitable sizes (i.e. between 80 and 120 fruits per 20-kg box) for marketing. Flesh firmness of fruits decreased during the harvesting period and in storage. Immature fruits always had the highest values of flesh firmness, optimum-mature fruits had the next and over-mature fruits the lowest at each corresponding sampling period during storage. Optimum-mature and over-mature fruits developed acceptable flesh texture, juiciness, and flavor upon ripening until February. Immature fruits were incapable of developing acceptable flavor upon ripening throughout the storage period. Superficial scald began to develop on the ripened fruits when taken from storage in December, and increased thereafter. Immature fruits showed a very high incidence of scald (98%) as compared to optimum-mature fruits (37%), while over-mature fruits were free from scald in December. All fruits, regardless of maturity, developed scald symptoms after February. The study suggested that ‘d'Anjou’ fruits should be harvested quickly when fruits reached the optimum maturity in order to reduce the susceptibility to decay, to gain optimum fruit sizes, and to ripen with an acceptable quality after storage.
Three‐dimensional magnetic reconnection and the magnetic topology of coronal mass ejection events

Measurements of superthermal electron fluxes in the solar wind indicate that field lines within coronal mass ejections, CMEs, near and beyond 1 AU are normally connected to the Sun at both ends. However, on occasion some field lines embedded deep within CMEs appear to be connected to the Sun at only one end. Here we propose an explanation for how such field lines arise in terms of 3-dimensional reconnection close to the Sun. Such reconnection also provides a natural explanation for the flux rope topology characteristic of many CMEs as well as the coronal loops formed during long-duration, solar X-ray events. Our consideration of the field topologies resulting from 3-dimensional reconnection indicates that field lines within and near CMEs may on occasion be connected to the outer heliosphere at both ends.
A Simple Multivariate Test for One-Sided Alternatives

Abstract A simple test for multivariate normal data is proposed that has good power for alternatives where the mean vector tends to be positive. The test rejects if the quadratic form of the sample mean vector exceeds its 2α critical value and the sum of the elements of the mean vector exceeds zero. The proposed test is shown to have type I error rate equal to α whether or not the covariance matrix is known. Tight bounds on the power of the proposed test are provided, and the test is compared to three likelihood ratio tests.
A non-stationary spatial generalized linear mixed model approach for studying plant diversity

We analyze the multivariate spatial distribution of plant species diversity, distributed across three ecologically distinct land uses, the urban residential, urban non-residential, and desert. We model these data using a spatial generalized linear mixed model. Here plant species counts are assumed to be correlated within and among the spatial locations. We implement this model across the Phoenix metropolis and surrounding desert. Using a Bayesian approach, we utilized the Langevin–Hastings hybrid algorithm. Under a generalization of a spatial log-Gaussian Cox model, the log-intensities of the species count processes follow Gaussian distributions. The purely spatial component corresponding to these log-intensities are jointly modeled using a cross-convolution approach, in order to depict a valid cross-correlation structure. We observe that this approach yields non-stationarity of the model ensuing from different land use types. We obtain predictions of various measures of plant diversity including plant ri...
An Iterative Algorithm for a Multiple Finite-source Queueing Model with Dynamic Priority Scheduling

A multiple finite source queueing model with a single server and dynamic, non-preemptive priority service discipline is studied in this paper. The times the customers spend at the corresponding sources are exponentially distributed. The service times of the customers can follow exponential, Erlang or hyperexponential probability density function. By using results published earlier and an extension of mean value analysis, an iterative algorithm was developed to obtain approximate values of the mean waiting times in queues for the priority classes. The mean number of waiting customers and the server utilization of each class are obtained using the result of this algorithm and Little's formula. The algorithm is preferable to the earlier method, because it does not increase in complexity as the number of customer classes increases.
The Treatment of Recurrent Malignant Pleural Effusion

Effective control of a recurrent malignant pleural effusion can greatly improve the quality of life of the cancer patient. At least a dozen different techniques have been advocated for controlling this common complication of malignant disease. The present review collects and examines the clinical results of all techniques designed to treat this problem. The pathophysiology and diagnostic evaluation of the effusion are also discussed. On the basis of comparisons involving effectiveness, morbidity, and convenience, we recommend intrapleurally administered tetracycline with thoracostomy drainage as the technique of choice. Instillation of a talc suspension with thoracostomy drainage is also a safe and effective technique and should be employed when tetracycline fails or is contraindicated.
Some possible effects of birth control on the human sex ratio.

Summary The discussion presented here is intended to clarify some of the problems arising in an analysis of the possible effects of birth control on the human sex ratio. Formulas are presented indicating some of the ways in which the sex ratio can be modified as a result of the use of birth-control methods. These formulas lead to different conclusions from those presented in the earlier literature on this subject. Further empirical research, along lines suggested by the considerations arising from the present discussion, is needed. The overall effect of birth control on the sex ratio will depend upon, among other things, the particular kinds of preferences for male offspring that influence the married couples in the population, the particular kinds of preferences for female offspring that influence the married couples in the population, the particular ways in which these preferences affect the parents' decisions as to whether or not to have another child (if they make such decisions), the relation between the parents' decisions and their probability, pt, of bearing a boy, the effectiveness with which these decisions are carried out, the relation between family size and pit the distribution of the pi in the population, and the nature of the v< as a function of all relevant variables.
Strange Males Cause Death or Suppression of Growth in Infant Pine Voles, Microtus pinetorum

CHARNOV, E. L., AND J. P. FINERTY. 1980. Vole population cycles: a case for kin selection? Oecologia, 45:1-2. GREENWOOD, P. J. 1980. Mating systems, philopatry and dispersal in birds and mammals. Anim. Behav., 28:1140-1162. HAMILTON, W. D. 1964. The genetic evolution of social behavior. I, II. J. Theor. Biol., 7:1-52. HARRIS, H., AND P. A. HOPKINSON. 1976. Handbook of enzyme electrophoresis in human genetics. North-Holland, Amsterdam, 267 pp. HAYNE, D. M.. 1949. Calculation of size of home range. J. Mamm., 30:1-18. JOHNSON, W. E., AND R. K. SELANDER. 1971. Protein variation and systematics in kangaroo rats (genus Dipodomys). Syst. Zool., 20:377-405. KAWATA, M. 1983. Analysis of mating systems in a spring population of the red-backed vole, Clethrionomys rufocanus bedfordiae. Unpubl. M.S. thesis, Hokkaido Univ., Sapporo, 54 pp. KAWATA, M., AND J. UEDA. 1984. Protein polymorphisms and their genetic control in red-backed vole, Clethrionomys rufocanus bedfordiae. Anim. Blood Groups Biochem. Genet., 15:143-150. MICHOD, R. E. 1982. The theory of kin selection. Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst., 13:23-55. MYERS, J. H. 1974. Genetic and social structure of feral house mouse populations on Grizzly Island, California. Ecology, 55:747-795. SAITOH, T. 1983. Survival rate and mobility in an enclosed population of red-backed vole, Clethrionomys rufocanus bedfordiae. Acta Theriol., 19: 301-315. SELANDER, R. K. 1970. Behavior and genetic variation in natural populations. Amer. Zool., 10:5366. SELANDER, R. K., M. H. SMITH, S. Y. YANG, W. E. JOHNSON, AND J. B. GENTRY. 1971. Biochemical polymorphism and systematics in the genus Peromyscus 1. Variation in old field mouse (Peromyscus polionotus). Stud. Genet. VI, Univ. Texas Publ., 7103:49-90. STENSETH, N. C. 1983. Causes and consequences of dispersal in small mammals. Pp. 63-101, in The ecology of animal movement (I. R. Swingland and P. J. Greenwood, eds.). Clarendon Press, Oxford, 311 pp. SOKAL, R. R., AND ROHLF, F. J. 1981. Biometry, 2nd ed. W. H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco, 859 pp. ERS, J. H. 1974. Genetic and social structure of ral house mouse populations Grizzly Island, alifornia. Ecology, 55:747-795. ITOH, T. 1983. Survival rate and mobility in an closed population of red-backed vole, Clethionomys rufocanus bedfordiae. Acta Theriol., 19:
The Effect of Reeling on the Fatigue of Welded Risers

ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company (URC) conducted a pilot testing program to systematically assess the effect of reeling on the fatigue performance of welded risers. Given the criticality of deepwater risers, a robust reeling simulation method was developed. The method properly addresses the fundamental weld sampling issue arising from the randomness of the plane in which risers are reeled. To address that issue the nominal reeling strain is accumulated around the entire circumference of girth weld, thereby capturing the weak fatigue bending plane. The reeling simulation is implemented by using multi-plane bending. The number and orientation of bending planes needed to simulate a total cumulative reeling strain are based on (1) the strain experienced during the process being simulated (2) weld fabrication and inspection records and (3) residual stresses left after reeling calculated via finite element analyses. Thirty production-quality welds were made on 323mm OD × 20.5-mm WT (12.75-in OD × 0.81-in WT) seamless X60 pipe, yielding a total of 14 full-scale specimens. Two different welding procedures and two different cumulative nominal strain levels were used. The effect of reeling on fatigue was assessed by comparing the fatigue lives obtained with companion reeled and non-reeled full-scale specimens. Results indicate that, although there was a distinct deleterious effect of reeling on fatigue life, the performance may still be adequate for most riser applications when high quality welds are used and qualified.© 2010 ASME
MEASUREMENT OF HEALTH STATUS IN THE 1990s

The use of health-related quality of life measures, especially those based on function, are likely to increase during the next decade. This increase, however, is most likely to occur in clinical research and clinical practice. Unless the necessary political will, resources, data, and policy researchers coexist, there will be relatively little advance in the use of health status measures for decision-making and policy. This prediction is based on the observation that policy research tends to rely on available national data, that currently these data provide limited information about health status, and that there appears to be insufficient interest and resources to broaden data collection or to develop methods that incorporate a broad spectrum of health outcomes (e.g. death, impairment, functional status, and perceptions) into a single instrument or measure of health on large populations and communities. This state of affairs is particularly unfortunate as we face a decade in which available health and medical care may become more limited and social inequity in access and health status may become more marked. The effect of social inequities and restrictions to health care on the health of the nation cannot continue to be determined with reference only to the structure and process of the health care system. Health and quality of life outcomes are what count. And, these outcomes cannot be determined without appropriate and inclusive measures of health-related quality of life. Of course, we hope our prediction is wrong and that the motivation and resources will be found to help resolve methodologic issues in the measurement of population health status and quality of life and to provide the necessary data. We hope that government agencies, employers, and private providers will begin to collect health-related quality of life data on the constituents and populations they serve. Even if these data are imperfect or primitive, the effects of improving accessibility and quality of health care can only be assessed adequately in terms of the health-related quality of life of the nation.
Use of LDPC to improve the MIMO-OFDM systems performance

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a promising technique in the next evolution of the mobile telephony, However it suffers from peak to average power ratio (PAPR). It is a problem for broadcast engineers in many different applications. Non-linearities can cause severe out-of-band radiation when confronted with high PAPRs. Previous work has shown that the application of coding just before the transmission frontend can help alleviate this effect. This paper presents a design for a low density parity check (LDPC) code that achieves a good error correction performance and is used to lower the PAPR in a multiple input multiple output orthogonal frequency division multiplex system. The paper will detail the results of software simulations, verified through hardware simulations that show that further reductions in PAPR can be achieved over previous work in this field. Finally, this paper will show that PAPR reduction can be achieved by employing LDPC coding prior to modulation.
Daily survival rate for nests of Black Skimmers from a core breeding area of the southeastern USA

Little is known about the reproductive success of Black Skimmers (Rynchops niger) throughout the southeastern USA where availability of undisturbed beaches for nesting is limited. Daily survival rates (DSR) of nests were examined at three nesting sites in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge (CRNWR), South Carolina, USA, 2009-2010. The percent of successful nests (n 5 346 nests) ranged from 42-69% among colony sites when data were pooled across both years. The DSR of nests was primarily related to colony site, predation risk, height of high tide, and clutch size. Predation and overwash were the principal causes of identifiable nest loss, each accounting for ,33% of nest failures during the two study years. Because of the challenges of resighting skimmer chicks, we were not able to measure chick survival effectively and thereforeaccuratemeasuresof productivity remainelusive. High variability innest success amongsites withinclose proximity to each other (,20 km) suggests factors at local scales such as disturbance, predation, and overwash events strongly influenced nest success of Black Skimmers during these 2 years as opposed to more region-wide stressors such as tropical storms or food availability. Although time-intensive techniques to control predators do exist, management options to limit flooding and overwash are far more limited. Conservation of Black Skimmers in the southeastern USA would benefit from coordinated, multi-state efforts to measure nest and chick survival. Received 26 August 2013. Accepted 26 April 2014.
The scaling challenge: can correct-by-construction design help?

We present the results of scaling studies in the context of typical block-level wiring distributions, and study the impact of the identified trends on the post-RTL design process. In particular, we look at the implications of exponentially increasing repeater and clocked repeater counts on the algorithms and methodologies used for logic synthesis, technology mapping, layout, and full-chip assembly, and identify several new research problems relevant to future designs. Next, we introduce the basic principles of correct-by-construction (CbC) design. We look at some techniques for post-RTL design meeting CbC philosophy, and then construct a case for flexible, abstract fabrics. Finally, we suggest CbC approaches to tackle the new synthesis and layout challenges identified in this paper.
Okoubaka Aubrevillei (Pelleg & Norman): A Synthesis of Existing Knowledge for Research and Conservation in West and Central Africa

Okoubaka aubrevillei is the largest parasitic plant known to man. It is a tropical tree species distributed within West and Central Africa. Concerns were drawn to the tree because of its rarity, disjunct distribution in all its native range, paucity of published scientific information and its hemi-parasitic potentials. This article gathered and synthesized all existing scientific information on the tree to provide a solid foundation for further research on the tree. This article provided detailed information on its name etymology, taxonomic history, and geographical distribution including new locations for the tree, ecological significance and behaviour within its range, supported with an updated map illustrating its distribution within West and Central Africa. The possible causes of its rarity in its range were identified and its hemi-parasitic behaviour was hypothesized. In addition, ethnobotanical uses of the tree, symbolism and dendrolatry, and its significance in modern medicine were extensively discussed. The paper concluded with highlights on prospects for immediate conservation, management and research focus areas for the tree species.
SikuliBot: automating physical interface using images

We present SikuliBot, an image-based approach to automating user interface. SikuliBot extends the visual programming concept of Sikuli Script[2] from the graphical UIs to the real world of physical UIs, such as mobile devices' touch-screens and hardware buttons. The key to our approach is using a physical robot to see an interface, identify a target, and perform an action on the target using the robot's actuators. We demonstrate working examples on MakerBot 3D printer that could move a stylus to perform multi-touch gestures on touchscreen to automate tasks such as swipe-to unlock, playing a virtual piano, and playing the Angry Bird game. A wide range of automation possibilities are made viable using a simple scripting language based on images of UI components. The benefits of our approach are: generalizability, instrumentation-free, and high-level programming abstraction.
Dynamic changes in nuclear import of a nuclear localisation signal-bearing substrate in 8-cell stage porcine embryos

Coordinated intracellular trafficking is critically important for proper timing of major cellular events during embryogenesis. Nuclear import mediated by the karyopherin α/β (importin α/β) heterodimer is perhaps the best characterised nuclear trafficking system in eukaryotic cells. Seven karyopherin α subtypes have been identified in the domestic pig, and although each karyopherin α subtype transports proteins bearing classical nuclear localisation signals (NLSs), individual karyopherin α subtypes have been shown to preferentially transport specific cargoes. The aim of the present study was to determine the mechanism by which BRN2, a transcription factor previously reported to be transported by the karyopherin α/β heterodimer, gains access to the nucleus in porcine oocytes and embryos. Using a combination of in vivo and in vitro assays, we tested the hypothesis that discrete karyopherin α subtypes transport BRN2 into the nuclei of porcine oocytes and cleavage stage embryos. Our results show that ectopically expressed BRN2 adopts a nuclear localisation in all nuclei through the 4-cell stage of development, whereas only a subset of blastomeres in 8-cell stage embryos possess nuclear BRN2. This pattern is unique to BRN2 because another ectopically expressed NLS-containing protein is able to adopt a nuclear localisation in all blastomeres of 8-cell stage embryos.
High resolution vertical distributions of NO 3 and N 2 O 5 through the nocturnal boundary layer

The shallow mixing depth and vertical stratifica- tion of the lowest levels of the atmosphere at night has impli- cations for the chemistry of nitrogen oxides emitted from the surface. Here we report vertical profiles of NO 3, N2O5 and O3 measured from in-situ instruments on a movable carriage on a 300 m tower. The study offers high-resolution (<1 m) vertical distributions of both NO3 and N2O5 and shows that the nocturnal mixing ratios of these compounds vary widely over short vertical distance scales (10 m or less). Further- more, there are systematic differences in the steady state life- times of NO3 and N2O5 and in the partitioning among nitro- gen oxides between different near-surface layers. These dif- ferences imply that NO3 and N2O5 occupy distinct chemical regimes as a function of altitude, potentially serving as sinks for nitrogen oxides and O3 near the surface but as reservoirs of NOx and O3 aloft.
The economics of for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals

This paper examines the economics of for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals through the prism of capital acquisitions. The exercise suggests that of two hospitals that are equally efficient in producing health care, the for-profit hospital would have to charge higher prices than the not-for-profit hospital would, to break even on capital acquisitions. The reasons for this divergence are (1) the typically higher cost of equity capital that for-profit hospitals face; and (2) the income taxes they must pay. The paper recommends holding tax-exempt hospitals more formally accountable for the social obligation they shoulder, in return for their tax preference.
The Instructor's Face in Video Instruction: Evidence From Two Large-Scale Field Studies

[Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported in Vol 107(3) of Journal of Educational Psychology (see record 2015-17245-001). In the article, “value” was inadvertently included after “p” in the first column of both Tables 2 and 3.] Multimedia learning research has established several principles for the effective design of audiovisual instruction. The image principle suggests that showing the instructor’s face in multimedia instruction does not promote learning, because the potential benefits from inducing social responses are outweighed by the cost of additional cognitive processing. In an 8-week observational field study (N = 2,951), online learners chose to watch video lectures either with or without the instructor’s face. Although learners who saw the face reported having a better lecture experience than those who chose not to see the face, 35% watched videos without the face for self-reported reasons including avoiding distraction. Building on these insights, the authors developed a video presentation style that strategically shows the face to reduce distraction while preserving occasional social cues. A 10-week field experiment (N = 12,468) compared the constant with the strategic presentation of the face and provided evidence consistent with the image principle. Cognitive load and perceived social presence were higher in the strategic than in the constant condition, but learning outcomes and attrition did not differ. Learners who expressed a verbal learning preference experienced substantially lower attrition and cognitive load with the constant than the strategic presentation. The findings highlight the value of social cues for motivation and caution against one-size-fits-all approaches to instructional design that fail to account for individual differences in multimedia instruction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Observation of the Faraday effect via beam deflection in a longitudinal magnetic field

We show that magnetic-field-induced circular differential deflection of light can be observed in reflection or refraction at a single interface. The difference in the reflection or refraction angles between the two circular polarization components is a function of the magnetic-field strength and the Verdet constant, and permits the observation of the Faraday effect not via polarization rotation in transmission, but via changes in the propagation direction. Deflection measurements do not suffer from n-{pi} ambiguities and are shown to be another means to map magnetic fields with high axial resolution, or to determine the sign and magnitude of magnetic-field pulses in a single measurement.
Scalable hybrid verification of complex microprocessors

We introduce a new verification methodology for modern micro-processors that uses a simple checker processor to validate the exe-cution of a companion high-performance processor. The checker can be viewed as an at-speed emulator that is formally verified to be compliant to an ISA specification. This verification approach en-ables the practical deployment of formal methods without impact-ing overall performance.
Modeling variability in cortical representations of human complex sound perception

This study investigated methodological (task, stimulus) and intersubject variability in the cortical representation of auditory processing of complex sounds, including speech. Subjects were adult seizure patients undergoing left hemisphere electrocortical mapping (ECM). We tested auditory discrimination of complex sounds, including frequency-modulated tones and speech syllables (digitized, synthesized) contrasted by phonetic features and lexical status. To measure task effects, auditory comprehension was also tested. Within- and across-patient differences in the distribution of deficits induced by ECM were modeled statistically using the recently developed method of Template Mixture Modeling. Cortical representations of auditory discrimination were smaller, more localized, and less variable across subjects than auditory comprehension. Stimulus effects were observed only for speech-tone contrasts. When tasks and stimuli were held constant, two auditory discrimination centers were identified in the posterior temporal lobe. There was also an interaction between task and intersubject effects, with more intersubject variability in cortical maps of auditory comprehension than auditory discrimination. These results demonstrate the utility of using the statistical modeling approach of Template Mixture Modeling to quantify sources of variability in cortical functional organization.
Theoretical Implications of the Elastic Modulus Discontinuity in Rubber Networks

The existence of a discontinuity in the modulus of rubber as the strain transitions from compression to extension is strongly suggested by multiple experiments. Classical rubber elasticity theories, however, do not admit such behavior. Here, we investigate a modification of the assumptions of classical elasticity theory to reconcile this discrepancy. We present an analysis of the consequences of assuming that chain forces are nonzero only for chain extension relative to the unstrained state, in contrast to the classical elasticity theory, which assumes that the chain force is directly proportional to the chain end-to-end distance (an entropic spring). Assuming an affine transformation of the network node coordinates, we derive two modulus discontinuity factors between compression and extension: D1, based on the differing number of network chains being extended and D2, based on the average differen- tial chain extension. The discontinuities arise due to geometric effects, inherent in the affine transformation between compres- sive and extensive strains. We find that D1, the ratio of the numbers of participating chains (compressive/extensive ¼ 1.37), suffices to account for the experimentally observed modulus discontinuity in natural rubber of 1.34. V C 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1795-1798, 2010
Optimizing Reserve in Hospitalized Elderly

Aging is a multidimensional process that involves the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual domains. The reserves in each of these areas are challenged during the stressful experience of acute and critical care illness and hospitalization. It is imperative that hospital nursing staff recognize the vulnerability of the elderly and take appropriate evidence-based interventions to prevent avoidable decline and deterioration. There are opportunities for nurses to strengthen reserve in the elderly in the areas of practice, research, education, and policy.
Distinct roles for Mind bomb, Neuralized and Epsin in mediating DSL endocytosis and signaling in Drosophila.

Ligands of the Delta/Serrate/Lag2 (DSL) family must normally be endocytosed in signal-sending cells to activate Notch in signal-receiving cells. DSL internalization and signaling are promoted in zebrafish and Drosophila , respectively, by the ubiquitin ligases Mind bomb (Mib) and Neuralized (Neur). DSL signaling activity also depends on Epsin, a conserved endocytic adaptor thought to target mono-ubiquitinated membrane proteins for internalization. Here, we present evidence that the Drosophila ortholog of Mib (Dmib) is required for ubiquitination and signaling activity of DSL ligands in cells that normally do not express Neur, and can be functionally replaced by ectopically expressed Neur. Furthermore, we show that both Dmib and Epsin are required in these cells for some of the endocytic events that internalize DSL ligands, and that the two Drosophila DSL ligands Delta and Serrate differ in their utilization of these Dmib- and Epsin-dependent pathways: most Serrate is endocytosed via the actions of Dmib and Epsin, whereas most Delta enters by other pathways. Nevertheless, only those Serrate and Delta proteins that are internalized via the action of Dmib and Epsin can signal. These results support and extend our previous proposal that mono-ubiquitination of DSL ligands allows them to gain access to a select, Epsin-dependent, endocytic pathway that they must normally enter to activate Notch.
Where the homeless come from: A study of the prior address distribution of families admitted to public shelters in New York City and Philadelphia

Abstract This study investigates hypotheses regarding the association of census tract variables with the risk for homelessness. We used prior address information reported by families entering emergency shelters in two large U.S. cities to characterize the nature ofthat distribution. Three dense clusters of homeless origins were found in Philadelphia and three in New York City, accounting for 67 percent and 61 percent of shelter admissions and revealing that homeless families’ prior addresses are more highly concentrated than the poverty distribution in both cities. The rate of shelter admission is strongly and positively related to the concentration of poor, African‐American, and female‐headed households with young children in a neighborhood. It is also correlated with fewer youth, elderly, and immigrants. Such areas have higher rates of unemployment and labor force nonpartici‐pation, more housing crowding, more abandonment, higher rates of vacancy, and higher rent‐to‐income ratios than other areas.
Adaptive, Confidence-Based Multiagent Negotiation Strategy

We propose an adaptive 1-to-many negotiation strategy for multiagent coalition formation in dynamic, uncertain, real-time, and noisy environments. Our strategy focuses on multi-issue negotiations where each issue is a request from the initiating agent to the responding agent. The initiating agent conducts multiple concurrent negotiations with responding agents and in each negotiation it employs (1) a pipelined, one-at-a-time approach, or (2) a confidence-based, packaged approach. In the former, lacking knowledge on the responding agent, it negotiates one issue at a time. In the latter, with confident knowledge of the past behavior of the responding agent, it packages multiple issues into the negotiation. We incorporate this adaptive strategy into a multi-phase coalition formation model (MPCF) in which agents learn to form coalitions and perform global tasks. The MPCF model consists of three phases: coalition planning, coalition instantiation and coalition evaluation. In this paper, we focus on the instantiation phase where the negotiations take place.
Progesterone co-administration in patients discontinuing long-term benzodiazepine therapy: effects on withdrawal severity and taper outcome.

Since recent research has suggested that the major metabolites of progesterone are barbiturate-like modulators of GABAergic function, we undertook a pilot study of the efficacy of micronized progesterone in attenuating withdrawal and facilitating discontinuation in benzodiazepine-dependent patients with a minimum of 1 year of continuous daily use. Forty-three patients taking a mean daily dose of 16.2 mg of diazepam (or its equivalent) were assigned, double-blind, to treatment with either placebo (n=13) or progesterone (n=30). Progesterone was titrated to a mean daily dose of 1983 mg, and was co-administered for 3 weeks, after which the benzodiazepine was tapered by 25% per week. Progesterone (or placebo) was then continued for 4 weeks before being discontinued. There was no progesterone versus placebo difference in the severity of taper withdrawal. Withdrawal checklist change scores were 17.3 for progesterone and 16.5 for placebo (F 0.63;df 2,31; n.s.), and the Hamilton rating scale for anxiety change scores were 7.8 for progesterone and 6.3 for placebo (F 0.22;df 2,30; n.s.). There was no difference in ability to remain drug-free at 12 weeks post-taper, with 57% of progesterone-treated patients, and 58% of placebo-treated patients having a successful outcome.
Essays in dynamic adjustment, structural change and data analysis: applications to the demand for meat in the US

A number of reasons are cited in the literature to explain the over rejection of theoretical demand properties in empirical studies. This dissertation examines two of the most common explanations; the Dynamic Adjustment Hypothesis (DAH) and the Structural Change Hypothesis (SCH), as it is applied to meat demand in the U.S. That is, failure to account for dynamics and variation of parameters over time may be the root cause of the over rejection. Despite the inclusion of dynamics and parameter variation in the model, however, the theoretical demand properties still can not be accepted;The first paper clearly shows that identification of break-points in a time varying consumption model may be spurious with the presence of serial correlation. In the autoregressive specification, a break in the coefficient of the beef model is observed in 1974.4, and 1978.4 for chicken. There is no evidence for a break in the pork model. Usually ignored in earlier studies, the stability of the variance was also tested and was found stable. The break-points identified can therefore be validly attributed to the coefficient vector;The second paper shows that the data support both the dynamic adjustment and structural change hypotheses. However, both in the actual analysis and in a Monte Carlo experiment the structural change appears to be the more dominant influence in the data. Also, the result of the test for structural change is not too sensitive to the specification of the break-points as long as they are not too far away from each other;The assumptions underlying standard demand analysis mostly remain unquestioned in may empirical studies. The third paper examines these untested assumptions as testable propositions to compare how closely they approximate the data, and give indications as to the cost associated with these assumptions;The stationarity assumption is clearly violated. Only the pork quantity and price, and chicken price are stationary. Cointegration tests show that there exist a single long-run equilibrium relationship that governs the co-movements of the demand variables for the three meats over time. This implies that the three meats really belong to a single market, giving justification to model the three as a system. The short-run impulse response displays a demand-like adjustment. Shock in their own-price has permanent effect in beef, but transitory in pork and chicken. The variance decomposition suggests that the assumption of exogeneity of prices and expenditure do not closely correspond to the actual behavior of the data. A strong simultaneity is observed in pork and chicken. It is also shown that supply effects are stronger in pork and chicken than in beef.
Age-related Differences in Repair of Dermal Wounds and Myocardial Infarcts Attenuate During the Later Stages of Healing*

Background: It is unclear whether delays in wound repair due to the age of the host persist into the later stages of healing. Late stage healing of dermal wounds and myocardial infarcts in rodents was examined to determine if aged animals "catch up" to their younger counterparts. Materials and Methods: Excisional dermal wounds (5 mm) were made by punch biopsy and myocardial infarctions were produced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in young and aged mice and rats, respectively. Dermal wounds at day 11 and myocardial infarctions at day 14 were analyzed for wound area, angiogenesis, deposition of basement membrane proteins, and remodeling of collagen. Results: Analyses demonstrated that wound areas, the deposition of basement membrane proteins and angiogenic responses were similar in young and aged rodents at late stages of wound repair. The dermal wounds of young mice had larger quantities of mature, compacted collagen fibers relative to aged mice, but immature collagen fibers predominated in myocardial infarcts in both young and aged rats. Conclusion: These results show that, with the exception of dermal collagen remodeling, aged animals catch up to their young counterparts with respect to many features of tissue repair. Consequently, therapies that target age-related deficiencies in healing will be most effective when administered shortly after the initial insult.