cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
User Evaluation of the Effects of a Text Simplification Algorithm Using Term Familiarity on Perception, Understanding, Learning, and Information Retention

Background: Adequate health literacy is important for people to maintain good health and manage diseases and injuries. Educational text, either retrieved from the Internet or provided by a doctor’s office, is a popular method to communicate health-related information. Unfortunately, it is difficult to write text that is easy to understand, and existing approaches, mostly the application of readability formulas, have not convincingly been shown to reduce the difficulty of text. Objective: To develop an evidence-based writer support tool to improve perceived and actual text difficulty. To this end, we are developing and testing algorithms that automatically identify difficult sections in text and provide appropriate, easier alternatives; algorithms that effectively reduce text difficulty will be included in the support tool. This work describes the user evaluation with an independent writer of an automated simplification algorithm using term familiarity. Methods: Term familiarity indicates how easy words are for readers and is estimated using term frequencies in the Google Web Corpus. Unfamiliar words are algorithmically identified and tagged for potential replacement. Easier alternatives consisting of synonyms, hypernyms, definitions, and semantic types are extracted from WordNet, the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS), and Wiktionary and ranked for a writer to choose from to simplify the text. We conducted a controlled user study with a representative writer who used our simplification algorithm to simplify texts. We tested the impact with representative consumers. The key independent variable of our study is lexical simplification, and we measured its effect on both perceived and actual text difficulty. Participants were recruited from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk website. Perceived difficulty was measured with 1 metric, a 5-point Likert scale. Actual difficulty was measured with 3 metrics: 5 multiple-choice questions alongside each text to measure understanding, 7 multiple-choice questions without the text for learning, and 2 free recall questions for information retention. Results: Ninety-nine participants completed the study. We found strong beneficial effects on both perceived and actual difficulty. After simplification, the text was perceived as simpler ( P <.001) with simplified text scoring 2.3 and original text 3.2 on the 5-point Likert scale (score 1: easiest). It also led to better understanding of the text ( P <.001) with 11% more correct answers with simplified text (63% correct) compared to the original (52% correct). There was more learning with 18% more correct answers after reading simplified text compared to 9% more correct answers after reading the original text ( P =.003). There was no significant effect on free recall. Conclusions: Term familiarity is a valuable feature in simplifying text. Although the topic of the text influences the effect size, the results were convincing and consistent. [J Med Internet Res 2013;15(7):e144]
Back-scattering cross-section of a cylindrical uniform plasma column

In monostatic radar applications it is the signal back to the source that is responsible for target detection. The back-scattering cross-section allows one to calculate the amount of power reflected back in the direction of incidence. In this paper, we develop theoretically and calculate computationally the back-scattering cross-section of a cylindrical column of magnetized plasma with a uniform number density. The effect of the plasma number density and of the collision frequency are investigated.
An Investigation of Ethics Officer Independence

In this paper, we examine whether ethics officers are able to perform their assigned duties independently of organizational management. Specifically, we investigate whether inherent conflicts of interest with company management potentially hinder the ability of ethics officers to serve as an effective monitor and deterrent of unethical activity throughout the organization. As part of our analysis, we conducted 10 detailed phone interviews with current and retired ethics officers in order to determine whether practicing ethics officers feel the need for additional independence protection from management. We propose that the current system in which ethics officers report to management must be changed in order for ethics officers to effectively perform their jobs. Specifically, we maintain that ethics officers should (1) be hired by, (2) be fired by, and (3) report directly to the corporate board of directors rather than company management. Such a change in the reporting environment would greatly enhance the independence of ethics officers.
Multi-Axial Mechanical Behavior of Zircaloy-702 and Effect on Initial Texture

Zircaloy-702 (Zr-702 or UNS R60702) cylindrical tubes are commonly used for applications requiring mechanical stability in extreme environments. Owing to its crystal structure and processing techniques, significant texture and anisotropic mechanical properties are possible. In the current study, combined axial-torsional testing is employed to probe macroscopic stress–strain behavior in three dimensions, and corresponding yield surface in octahedral plane is obtained. Zr-702 tube samples are characterized under pure tension, torsion, and combined (tension and torsion) loading. Three-dimensional digital image correlation using VIC-3D system was implemented to determine surface deformation patterns for identification of strain localizations. Neutron diffraction-based texture analysis is performed to obtain an understanding of the effect of loading path on the material texture compared with the as-received, initial grain orientation. Pole figures for Zr-702 tubes are obtained for each loading path.
Core Histone Tail Domains Mediate Oligonucleosome Folding and Nucleosomal DNA Organization through Distinct Molecular Mechanisms

Defined oligonucleosome model systems have been used to investigate the molecular mechanisms through which the core histone tail domains modulate chromatin structure. In low salt conditions, the tail domains function at the nucleosome level to facilitate proper organization of nucleosomal DNA, i.e. wrapping of DNA around the histone octamer. Mg2+ ions can substitute for the tail domains to yield a trypsinized oligonucleosome structure that is indistinguishable from that of an intact nucleosomal array in low salt. However, Mg(2+)-dependent formation of highly folded oligonucleosome structures absolutely requires the histone tail domains, and is associated with rearrangement of the tails to a non-nucleosomal location. We conclude that the tail domains mediate oligonucleosome folding and nucleosomal DNA organization through fundamentally different molecular mechanisms.
On the Covariance of the Community Matrix

A clarification of the meaning of the covariance of the community matrix is presented along with calculating equations for both the mean species covariance and the covariance of the row and column means. A brief discussion of α selection and its determination of the covariance is given, followed by table for determining the expected number of species in a community from a knowledge of mean α and cov α. See full-text article at JSTOR
Electron-Beam-Generated Plasmas for Materials Processing

Abstract The results of investigations aimed at characterizing pulsed, electron-beam-produced plasmas for use in materials processing applications are discussed. In situ diagnostics of the bulk plasma and at the plasma/surface interface are reported for plasmas produced in Ar, N2, and mixtures thereof. Langmuir probes were employed to determine the local electron temperature, plasma density, and plasma potential within the plasma, while ion energy analysis and mass spectrometry were used to interrogate the ion flux at an electrode located adjacent to the plasma. The results illustrate the unique capabilities of electron-beam-produced plasmas and the various parameters available to optimize operating conditions for applications such as nitriding, etching, and thin film deposition.
Amperometric Bioelectronic Tongue for glucose determination

Abstract An amperometric Bioelectronic Tongue is reported for glucose determination that contains eight sensor electrodes constructed using different metal electrodes (Pt, Au), oxidoreductase enzymes (glucose oxidase, ascorbate oxidase, uricase), and membrane coatings (Nafion, chitosan). The response to varying concentrations of glucose, ascorbic acid, uric acid, and acetaminophen was tested for two models, concentration determination by current density measurements at individual electrodes and concentration determination by a linear regression model for the entire electrode array. The reduced chi-squared for the full array model was found to be about one order of magnitude lower than that for the individual-electrode model. Discrimination of glucose from chemical interference by the other three species is accomplished through a combination of enzyme catalysis, metal electrocatalysis, and membrane surface charge. The benefit of incorporating enzyme electrodes into the sensor array is illustrated by the lower correlation coefficients between different enzyme electrodes relative to non-enzyme coated electrodes. This approach can be more generally applied to detection of other substrates of oxidoreductase enzymes.
Photoionization study of the dimethyl compounds of zinc, cadmium, and mercury

Abstract Photoionization yield curves from onset to 600 A and ionization threshold values have been obtained for the ions M(CH 3 ) 2 + , CH 3 M + and M + of the dimethyl compounds of zinc, cadmium, and mercury, and the CH 3 + from dimethyl-mercury. Bond dissociation energies and heats of formation of the ions are also reported.
Study of Molybdenum(4+) Quinoxalyldithiolenes as Models for the Noninnocent Pyranopterin in the Molybdenum Cofactor

A model system for the molybdenum cofactor has been developed that illustrates the noninnocent behavior of an N-heterocycle appended to a dithiolene chelate on molybdenum. The pyranopterin of the molybdenum cofactor is modeled by a quinoxalyldithiolene ligand (S2BMOQO) formed from the reaction of molybdenum tetrasulfide and quinoxalylalkyne. The resulting complexes TEA[Tp*MoX(S2BMOQO)] [1, X = S; 3, X = O; TEA = tetraethylammonium; Tp* = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate] undergo a dehydration-driven intramolecular cyclization within quinoxalyldithiolene, forming Tp*MoX(pyrrolo-S2BMOQO) (2, X = S; 4, X = O). 4 can be oxidized by one electron to produce the molybdenum(5+) complex 5. In a preliminary report of this work, evidence from X-ray crystallography, electronic absorption and resonance Raman spectroscopies, and density functional theory (DFT) bonding calculations revealed that 4 possesses an unusual asymmetric dithiolene chelate with significant thione–thiolate character. The results described h...
An investigation of the validity of bibliographic citations

Edward O. Wilson, in his famous work, Sociobiology, The New Synthesis [9], makes reference to a pair of articles by W. D. Hamilton, but misquotes the articles' title. No less than 148 later papers make reference to both Wilson's book and Hamilton's articles, by title. Thus, there is provided an opportunity to test the charge, made by some critics, that writers frequently lift their bibliographic references from other publications without consulting the original sources. Although 23% of these citing papers made the same error as did Wilson, a further perusal of the evidence raises considerable doubt as to whether fraudulent use was intended.
Selective water-soluble gelatinase inhibitor prodrugs

SB-3CT (1), a selective and potent thiirane-based gelatinase inhibitor, is effective in animal models of cancer metastasis and stroke; however, it is limited by poor aqueous solubility and extensive metabolism. We addressed these issues by blocking the primary site of metabolism and capitalizing on a prodrug strategy to achieve >5000-fold increased solubility. The amide prodrugs were quantitatively hydrolyzed in human blood to a potent gelatinase inhibitor, ND-322 (3). The arginyl amide prodrug (ND-478, 5d) was metabolically stable in mouse, rat, and human liver microsomes. Both 5d and 3 were non-mutagenic in the Ames II mutagenicity assay. The prodrug 5d showed moderate clearance of 0.0582 L/min/kg, remained mostly in the extracellular fluid compartment (Vd = 0.0978 L/kg), and had a terminal half-life of >4 h. The prodrug 5d had superior pharmacokinetic properties than 3, making the thiirane class of selective gelatinase inhibitors suitable for intravenous administration in treatment of acute gelatinase-dependent diseases.
Single parenthood and school readiness in White, Black, and Hispanic 6- and 7-year-olds.

The aim of this research was to examine the circumstances under which single parenthood may or may not represent an adverse influence on school readiness and achievement in 6-7-year-old children of White, Black, and Hispanic families in a large national survey (NLSY). Home visits provided measures of maternal and family characteristics and of children's vocabulary, math, reading, and behavior problems. Single parenthood was essentially unrelated to the child outcomes in all ethnic groups, and it did not interact with maternal education, ability level, or employment or with poverty slatus or child gender. Although single- and 2-parent families differed in income, they were very similar in maternal ability and education levels, thus suggesting that in the presence of positive maternal or family characteristics supportive of children's development, single parenthood as such need not represent a risk factor for these early child outcomes.
Particulate matter pollution in African cities

Rapid urban population growth, air pollution emissions, and changing patterns of disease in African cities may increase the burden of air pollution-related morbidity and mortality in coming decades. Yet, air monitoring is limited across the continent and many countries lack air quality standards. This paper focuses on particulate matter (PM) pollution, one of the most relevant and widely used indicators of urban air quality. We provide an overview of published PM monitoring studies in Africa, outline major themes, point out data gaps, and discuss strategies for addressing particulate air pollution in rapidly growing African cities. Our review reveals that, although few studies have reported annual mean levels of coarse and fine particles, collective evidence from short- and long-term air monitoring studies across urban Africa demonstrates that pollution levels often exceed international guidelines. Furthermore, pollution levels may be rising as a result of increased motor vehicle traffic building on already high background concentrations of PM in many locations due to climatic and geographic conditions. Biomass burning and industrial activities, often located in cities, further exacerbate levels of PM. Despite the health risks this situation presents, air quality programs, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, have been stalled or discontinued in recent years. Implementation of systematic PM data collection would enable air pollution-related health impact assessments, the development of strategies to reduce the air pollution health burden, and facilitate urban planning and transportation policy as it relates to air quality and health.
Isolated trees as foci of diversity in active and fallow fields.

As the percentage of forest converted to agroecosystems in the tropics rises, it becomes increasingly important to understand how biodiversity can be managed in these ecosystems. In this study, I tested the hypotheses that insect abundance and diversity are higher near isolated trees in crop fields than in the open and that the diversity and abundance of insects increases with the density of isolated trees. Ant species richness, ant abundance and beetle abundance per trap were higher near isolated trees than in the open. Isolated trees had less of an affect on beetle abundance in fallow than active fields. Ant species richness was positively correlated with tree size. Ant species richness per field, ant abundance and beetle abundance per field were not correlated with tree density or the condition of surrounding fields. These results indicate that isolated trees can play a role in determining the local distribution of ants and beetles in crop fields.
Land subsidence along Delta-Mendota Canal, California

Land Subsidence Along Delta-Mendota Canal, California The Delta-Mendota Canal in the northwestern quarter of the San Joaquin Valley is about 113 miles (182 km) long, 100 feet (30 m) wide, and 16 feet (5 m) deep. The canal is mostly concrete-lined, and has a design gradient of about 3 inches per mile. Approximately 40 miles of the canal in its lower reach, downstream from Mile Post 75, are located in an area affected by so-called “deep” land subsidence. The phenomenon was not recognized during the construction and was not taken into consideration in the design. From May 1953 to February 1966, subsidence along the canal locally exceeded 5–6 feet. As a result, concrete lining, pipe crossings, bridges, and other structures became flooded and locally completely submerged. This subsidence is caused essentially by an irrigation overdraft of the confined ground water. Due to the overdraft from 1905 to 1953, decline of piezometric levels along the alinement varied from 90 to 200 feet. With canal water delivery in 1951–1953, the overdraft virtually ceased. Present subsidence is, therefore, essentially a progressively diminishing “lag” inherited from past overdraft. Active subsidence in neighboring areas, where overdraft is still present, may also affect the canal. Ultimate amounts of lag were recently calculated from past subsidence records of individual bench marks established in 1953 using the exponential decay equation: $$Z - y = Ae^{ - Bt} ,$$ , wherey = subsidence after 1953,t = time (in years) after 1953,A, B = unknown coefficients,Z = ultimate subsidence after 1953. The obtained values varied from traces to 8.25 feet.
Virtue as the basis of engineering ethics

This paper explores the nature of virtue theory as applied to engineering practice. It links virtue to specific areas of practice such as the selection of ends, devotion to service, the formation of justified belief, the conduct of dialogue, the taking of actions, and exercises of the will. These areas are related to a culture of virtue in which an engineering society creates the conditions enabling acts of virtue and celebrates individuals and their acts which exemplify identified virtues. The result is a basis for engineering ethics which draws attention to the impetus for an ethically sound life.
Kinetics of chitinase production. I. Chitin hydrolysis

As part of the development of a comprehensive mathematical model for chitinase production by Serratia marcescens QMB 1466 growing on chitin, the different mass transport and kinetic steps involved during chitin hydrolysis were studied. The experimental results for the hydrolysis of chitin by a crude preparation of chitinase show a system kinetically limited by the overall rate of chitin hydrolysis. This rate is linearly related to the concentration of enzyme adsorbed on the chitin particle. Adsorbed and bulk enzyme concentration were found to be related through a Langmuir type of isotherm.
Passive acoustic detection of modulated underwater sounds from biological and anthropogenic sources

This paper describes an algorithm for the automatic detection of a particular class of underwater sounds, using a single hydrophone. It is observed that many life-forms, systems or mechanisms emit distinctive acoustic signatures which are characterized by packets of relatively high frequency sound that are repeated at regular, low frequency intervals. These types of sounds are commonly produced by biological (e.g. fishes and invertebrates) and anthropogenic (e.g. scuba diver) sources. The algorithm exploits a simple feature, extracted from the raw hydrophone signal, which enables robust detection even in conditions of severe background noise. In order to demonstrate how the algorithm can be used, trial applications are presented for the detection of two different kinds of underwater sound source. First, the algorithm is applied to the problem of detecting soniferous fish sounds, showing that it is possible to robustly automate the detection of instances of cusk-eel presence in hydrophone recordings, thereby simplifying the arduous task of human monitoring of long sound recordings in marine biological research. Second, the algorithm is applied to the problem of automatic diver detection in a noisy urban estuary, demonstrating its potential for harbor security and fleet protection.
Unraveling the mechanisms of synaptotagmin and SNARE function in neurotransmitter release

SNARE proteins and synaptotagmin are key components of the complex machinery that controls Ca(2+)-triggered neurotransmitter release but their mechanisms of action are under debate. Recent research has shed light on which biochemical and/or biophysical properties underlie SNARE and synaptotagmin function. SNARE proteins most likely have a role in membrane fusion owing to their ability to bring the synaptic vesicle and plasma membranes together and to perturb lipid bilayers through their transmembrane regions. Synaptotagmin acts as a Ca(2+) sensor and might cooperate with the SNAREs in accelerating fusion by binding simultaneously to the two membranes. However, recent research has strongly challenged the validity of models proposing that the SNAREs (with or without synaptotagmin) constitute "minimal membrane fusion machineries" and has emphasized the essential nature of other proteins for exocytosis. Understanding the functions of these proteins will be crucial to reach a faithful description of the mechanisms of membrane fusion and neurotransmitter release.
Design Considerations For Phase-only Correlation Filters

The effect of variation of design parameters on the performance of phase-only and binary phase-only correlation filters is presented. Correlation performance is analyzed from the perspective of optimized extraction of a target from an input scene consisting of the target, a natural background, and additive noise. It was found empirically that the dominant factor affecting the filter performance was the target image background level and that the optimum choice depends on the relative values of the target average value and the background average value in the input scene. The behavior is explained analytically by describing the target object in terms of a target silhouette function that specifies the target region, and a target detail function describing the target variations within the silhouette. The optimum choice for the target image background is shown to be that which results in the addition (rather that subtraction) of the detail and silhouette autocorrelations.
Profiles in Science for Science Librarians: “What Lives Where, and Why”: Alfred Russel Wallace, and the Field of Biogeography

Biogeography, the study of animal and plant distribution, has a history extending back to at least the eighteenth century. But it was not until the work of Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-nineteenth century that it really came into its own as a science. Darwin's importance notwithstanding, it was really Wallace who put the field on the map, and many of today's research threads can be traced back to his influence. This article provides a summary review of Wallace's life and work and biogeography as a field of study, including Wallace's role in its development.
Gain equalization for few-mode fiber amplifiers with more than two propagating mode groups

We investigate gain equalization in few-mode fibers with more than two mode groups at the signal wavelengths, and find that a combination of pump control and optimized doping profile is required to equalize mode-dependent gain.
Theoretical aspects of the immune response.

Abstract Sufficient experimental information is now available to make possible the formulation of explicit conceptual models of the immune response. One such model, which is based upon interactions between antigen-occupied receptors on the surface of immunocomponent cells, is presented here. Relatively few biological assumptions are sufficient to allow predictions about a variety of immunologic phenomena, including tolerance, memory and the affinity characteristics of antibody.
Ischemic brain injury in vitro: protective effects of NMDA receptor antagonists and calmidazolium.

Abstract Excessive Ca 2+ influx through NMDA receptor-coupled channels has been linked to neuronal cell death. Using an in vitro model of transient brain ischemia, we investigated possible protective effects of NMDA receptor antagonists ketamine or MK-801 and of calmidazolium, an inhibitor of intracellular Ca 2+ -activated proteins. Brain ischemia/recovery was simulated in isolated hippocampal slices and injury monitored by measurement of ATP levels. Omission of both glucose and oxygen (but not oxygen alone) for 20 min led to persistent ATP deficits after 4 h recovery. Addition of ketamine or MK-801 at 1 μM permitted ATP to recover within 1 h, as did addition of calmidazolium at 10 μM. Our findings are consistent with other reports that NMDA receptor antagonists can protect neuronal tissue from ischemic damage. The role of inappropriately activated Ca 2+ -mediated signaling processes in the mechanism(s) of such injury is suggested by the protection also seen with calmidazolium, an inhibitor of calmodulin and other structurally related proteins such as calpain(s) and protein kinase C. The inhibition of intracellular Ca 2+ target proteins may be an alternative for protection of the brain against injury due to insults that activate NMDA receptors.
Contributions to the inverse problem of radiation transport

Abstract We present an integral equation that describes the uncollided particle flux for the case of an inward spherical shell source of radius R . This is a reasonable description, for example, of a point source that moves on a spherical surface located at distance R from the target of a radiation treatment. The additional assumption of conditions for radial symmetry allows the derivation of an integral equation that relates the scalar flux to the description of the beam source as function of the angle between the direction of the source particles and the normal to the sphere. Analytical and numerical solutions for this integral equation are successfully compared with, respectively, known analytical results and with Monte Carlo simulations. The integral equation can then be used for solutions of the inverse problem: given the flux obtain the source, i.e. the shape of the beam. A numerical algorithm was developed for this purpose as well as an analytical solutions based on the solution of the integral equation by the use of the Laplace transform. The optimal shape for the beam is then obtained based on the constraint that the source has to be positive and finite everywhere, allowing the design of appropriate collimators for the beams. Monte Carlo calculations as a function of the number of collisions show that the uncollided flux for the beam so determined behaves as expected and that penumbra effects due to multiple collisions are sufficiently small (∼20%) to consider the beam as a good first guess for an iterative procedure for the design, for example, of 3-D conformal radiotherapy treatment.
Using infinite series and complex numbers to derive formulas involving Laplace transforms

The formula for the Laplace transform of an exponential function, , can be derived with equal ease if the parameters a and s are complex numbers. This leads to formulas for the Laplace transforms of eatsin (bt) and eatcos (bt) (where a and b are complex) and to calculations of certain inverse Laplace transforms without the need to consider Laplace transforms of derivatives or convolutions. Simpler proofs also follow from coupling the formula , for which a simple proof is given, with the fact that the operator commutes with certain familiar infinite series.
Cultural diversity in use of undeveloped natural areas by Los Angeles county residents.

Abstract National forests and other relatively undeveloped natural areas are some of the most popular tourist attractions. The objectives of this research were to determine the percentage of residents of a major metropolitan area who visit and do not visit undeveloped natural areas; quantify ethnic groups differences in use; and identify barriers for visitation. Logistic regression was used to determine factors that influenced visitation. Results showed that only two in five residents of Los Angeles County visited an undeveloped natural area during the peak summer travel period. Findings clearly demonstrate the complex nature of natural area attraction visitation and the decision to visit a natural area attraction is more than just transportation and income issues. Ethnic group preferences, education, crowding, lack of transportation, ethnic workers, lack of companions who travel to natural areas, finances and perceived discrimination all influenced recreation within undeveloped natural areas. Findings suggest that public agencies and rural tourism organizations must be proactive by creating new programs and expanding existing intervention projects to encourage visitation.
Characterization of crude oil-in-water emulsions

Abstract Emulsions can be important in almost all phases of drilling, completion and production of hydrocarbon reservoirs. In addition, heavy (viscous) crude oils have become an increasingly important source of hydrocarbons in many parts of the world, and transportation of these viscous crudes from the source to the refinery can be a problem. Both water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions are important in various phases of drilling, completion and production of wells. A knowledge of the rheological behavior of these emulsions, under both laboratory and field conditions, is important. In this study, emulsion rheology was reviewed, and four different viscous crude oil emulsions were used to develop data on the factors affecting emulsion rheology. The viscosities of the crude oils ranged between 2000 and 500,000 (estimated) centipoise (2.0–500 Pa s). The oil-in-water emulsions ranged from 60 to 72.5% oil in tap water and stabilized with an emulsion stabilizer. Rheological measurements were carried out with a tube flow viscometer equipped with three tube sizes and a concentric cylinder viscometer (Rheometrics Pressure Rheometer). The data obtained showed that the shear stress-shear rate behavior of the emulsions are highly dependent on oil droplet size. For a given oil concentration, the non-Newtonian character and the apparent viscosity increased with decreasing droplet size. The majority of the emulsions showed shear thinning behavior at low shear rates (below 50 s −1 ) and Newtonian behavior at shear rates above 1000 s −1 . These data show that the power law model is insufficient for the whole range of shear rates. A three parameter model needs to be considered. Results show that oil droplet size is the dominant factor in the behavior of emulsions studied. The influence of mixing intensity and duration while preparing the emulsion and emulsifier concentration on the resulting droplet size were investigated. Pipe flow data were collected for scale-up studies. Both the laminar and turbulent flow regimes were examined. This study reveals that careful laboratory testing and scale-up is needed prior to designing systems for the use and transportation of emulsions.
Vibrational energy distribution of CO in the oxidation of C on Pt

Abstract CO, excited to its seventh vibrational level, is generated by C oxidation on Pt at 1000–1400 K. Analysis of its Fourier transform IR emission spectrum suggests a non-equilibrium, yet statistical, vibrational distribution. A long-lived reaction complex involving 2–3 Pt atoms is postulated.
Horizontal Configuration and the Rate of Erosion of Niagara Falls

The rate of regression of the Horseshoe Falls of Niagara River in the Upper Great Gorge, the upstream portion of the Niagara Canyon, appears to have been quite variable. Historically, comparison of the surveys from 1842 to 1966 shows recession rates that are faster when the Horseshoe has a well-defined horizontal notch in the crest and slower when the crest is in the form of a horizontal arch. Examination of waterfalls in central New York State shows that plunge pools are generally deeper where the horizontal configuration of the crest of the waterfall is an arch. The horizontal arch is thus shown to be the more stable configuration. Soundings by the Canadian Government in the Maid of the Mist Pool in the Upper Great Gorge reveal the river bottom to be a series of basins—plunge pools—which are progressively lower in elevation in an upstream direction. The basins are separated by highs which likewise decrease in elevation upstream. The basins are interpreted as places where the Falls stood for a long time with a horizontal arch configuration in which the stresses were relatively low. The highs are interpreted as places where horizontal notches developed in the crest with resulting relatively higher stresses and faster recession. Photoelastic comparison of the notched crest of 1819 with the arched crest of 1966 indicates that the stresses in the notched crest are about three times those in the arched crest. The soundings reveal a narrow trough in the river bottom opposite the Prospect Point side of the American Falls. This trough is interpreted as a relict notched crest, during the formation of which the canyon wall near Prospect Point was subjected to much greater stress than during the formation of the arched crest of the Horseshoe Falls near the Goat Island side of the American Falls. The much greater amount of fracturing of the rock in the American Falls near Prospect Point than near Goat Island substantiates this interpretation.
SU‐E‐T‐113: Quantitative Evaluation of Dosimetric Accuracy of a Multiple‐Diode‐Array Detector (MapCHECK2) for High‐Dose‐Rate Ir‐192 Brachytherapy

Purpose: To evaluate dosimetric accuracy of a multiple‐diode array detector (MapCHECK2 ) for high‐dose‐rate (HDR) brachytherapy Ir‐192 source using two‐dimensional dose distributions measured with MapCHECK2, EBT2 Gafchromic films, and TG‐43 calculations.Materials and Methods: Plans with different patterns of dwell positions and times were delivered to MapCHECK2 and EBT2 films using a remote afterloader Ir‐192 HDR brachytherapy Nucletron system. A catheter was placed between phantom slabs with Gafchromic films and the MapCHECK2 positioned 2cm above and 2cm below the source dwell positions, respectively. The dose distributions were also calculated with TG‐43 using the phantom setup and I‐192 source parameters to compare with dose measurements from MapCHECK2 and film. Results: Dose distributions measured with MapCHECK2 and calculated with TG‐43 were within 5% agreement. Similarly, the dose distributions measured with MapCHECK and EBT2 film agreed within 5% in the range from 10–800 cGy. However, for doses larger than 800 cGy, EBT2 films saturated. In the low range, for doses below 10 cGy, the MapCHECK2 and film measurements were noisy and deviated up to 15% from the TG‐43 calculations. The advantage of MapCHECK2 over Gafchromic film is linear response and stability over a wide range of dose levels and dose rates produced from Ir‐192 sources. No over‐response of MapCHECK2 dose from Ir‐192 was observed. The 2D dose distributions from MapCHECK2 are obtained with small detectors and high spatial resolution at positions where the diode detectors are located. However, the separation of the detectors (7 mm) limits the overall spatial resolution of MapCHECK2 in comparison with films. Conclusion:MapCHECK2 provided accurate measurements of 2D‐dose distributions from HDR Ir‐192 source as validated by TG‐43 calculations and EBT2 measurements. The response of MapCHECK2 was linear over a wide range of dose levels and dose‐rates while the response of EBT2 Gafchromic film was non‐linear and unstable.
Dynamic latent trait models: An application to Latin American banking crises ☆

Abstract Dynamic latent trait models combine information from a variety of manifest variables, possibly measured on different scales, that are presumed to be indicators of an unobserved latent phenomenon, while allowing appropriate consideration of the longitudinal character of time series. I use a Bayesian dynamic latent trait model of banking sector financial accounts measured at the country/quarter level to build an indicator of banking system robustness in Latin America. As a methodological innovation, I extend dynamic latent trait models to take into account country-specific effects of bank regulatory regimes through hierarchical modeling of factor loadings. I suggest how these models can be applied to other types of phenomena—for example to combine existing political regime indicators to build a more informative measure of democracy.
Effects of a high rise building on wind flow and beach characteristics at Atlantic City, NJ, USA

This study assesses the effects of a high rise building on the beach and dune at an intensively developed shoreline through field investigation of geomorphological and sedimentological characteristics and wind tunnel investigation of wind speed and direction. Results indicate that wind speed is increased close to the building, where wind is often deflected to a more onshore direction. Obliquely offshore northwesterly winds are the most dramatically altered and cause onshore flows (with pronounced upward flows) in the landward portion of the beach near the building. Onshore deflections in wind direction cause besanding of the boardwalk and create highly localized scour and deposition zones. A dune on the backbeach breaks up zones of sediment transport and scour and diminishes the likelihood that scour areas will cause increased hazard to landward buildings as a result of flooding. Generic large-scale studies are required to develop criteria for communities to use to specify optimum dimensions, locations and shapes of landforms that are modified or created by high rise structures.
ORNL Resolved Resonance Covariance Generation for ENDF/B-VII.1

Resonance-parameter covariance matrix (RPCM) evaluations in the resolved resonance regionwere done at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for the chromium isotopes, titanium isotopes, 19F, 58Ni, 60Ni, 35Cl, 37Cl, 39K, 41K, 55Mn, 233U, 235U, 238U, and 239Pu using the computer code SAMMY. The retroactive approach of the code SAMMY was used to generate the RPCMs for 233U. For 235U, the approach used for covariance generation was similar to the retroactive approach with the distinction that real experimental data were used as opposed to data generated from the resonance parameters. RPCMs for 238U and 239Pu were generated together with the resonance parameter evaluations. The RPCMs were then converted in the ENDF format using the FILE32 representation. Alternatively, for computer storage reasons, the FILE32 was converted in the FILE33 cross section covariance matrix (CSCM). Both representations were processed using the computer code PUFF-IV. This paper describes the procedures used to generate the RPCM and CSCM in the resonance region for ENDF/B-VII.1. The impact of data uncertainty in nuclear reactor benchmark calculations is also presented.
MEDICAL UV EXPOSURES AND HIV ACTIVATION

This paper presents the first attempt to evaluate the potential of clinical UV exposures to induce the human immunodeficiency (HIV) promoter and, thus, to upregulate HIV growth in those skin cells that are directly affected by the exposure. Using the data for HIV promoter activation in vitro, we computed UVB and psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) doses that produce 50% of the maximal promoter activation (AD50). Then, using (a) literature data for UV transmittance in the human skin, (b) a composite action spectrum for HIV promoter and pyrimidine dimer induction by UVB and (c) an action spectrum for DNA synthesis inhibition by PUVA, we estimated the distribution of medical UVB and PUVA doses in the skin. This allowed us to estimate how deep into the skin the HIV-activating doses might penetrate in an initial and an advanced stage of UVB or PUVA therapy. Such analysis was done for normal type II skin and for single exposures. The results allow us to predict where in the skin the HIV promoter may be induced by selected small and large therapeutic UVB or PUVA doses. To accommodate changes in skin topography due to disease and UV therapy, our considerations would require further refinements. For UVB we found that, when the incident dose on the surface of the skin is 500 J/m2 (290-320 nm) (initial stage of the therapy), the dose producing 50% of the maximal HIV promoter activation (ADUVB50) is limited to the stratum corneum. However, with an incident dose of 5000 J/m2 (an advanced stage of the therapy), ADUVB50) may be delivered as far as the living cells of the epidermis and even to some parts of the upper dermis. For PUVA we found that, when the incident UVA doses are 25 or 100 kJ/m2 (320-400 nm) (an initial and an advanced stage of therapy, respectively), and the 8-methoxypsoralen concentration in the blood is 0.1 microgram/mL (the desired level), the combined doses to the mid epidermis (and some areas of the upper dermis) are well below the 50% HIV promoter-activating PUVA dose (ADPUVA50). Only under the worst scenario conditions, i.e. an exceptionally high drug concentration in the patient's tissues and localization of HIV in the nearest proximity to the skin surface, would the combined PUVA dose expected during photochemotherapy exceed ADPUVA50. These results suggest that the probability of HIV activation in the epidermis by direct mechanisms is higher for UVB than for PUVA treatment. However, complexities of the UV-inducible HIV activation and immunomodulatory phenomena are such that our results by themselves should not be taken as an indication that UVB therapy carries a higher risk than PUVA therapy when administered to HIV-infected patients.
Global mean surface air temperature and North Atlantic overturning in a suite of coupled GCM climate change experiments

The effects of model initial conditions and the starting time of transient radiative forcings on global mean surface air temperature (SAT) and the North Atlantic thermohaline circulation (THC) are studied in a set of coupled climate GCM experiments. Nine climate change scenario experiments, in which the effective levels of greenhouse gases and tropospheric sulfate aerosols vary in time, are initialized from various points in a long control model run. The time at which the transition from constant to transient radiative forcing takes place is varied in the scenario runs, occurring at points representing either year 1766, 1866 or 1916. The sensitivity of projected 21st century global mean SATs and the THC to the choice of radiative forcing transition point is small, and is similar in magnitude to the variability arising from variations in the coupled GCM's initial three-dimensional state.
A note on Murningham's coalition experiments and the competitive solution†

The outcomes of a series of multiperson bargaining experiments reported by J. Keith Murningham are reanalyzed to assess their support for the game-theoretic competitive solution. This paper deals with decision-making processes in a group system. It is shown that the payoff predictions of this solution hypothesis do at least as well as the predictions of the several behavioral hypotheses Murningham considers. The conclusion, then, is that solutions based on traditional decision and game theoretic concepts can provide adequate explanations of multiperson cooperative action.
Structural organization of the human MS4A gene cluster on Chromosome 11q12

CD20, the high-affinity IgE receptor β chain (FceRIβ), and HTm4 are structurally related cell surface proteins expressed by hematopoietic cells. Recently, 16 novel human and mouse genes were identified that encode new members of this nascent protein family that we have named the membrane-spanning 4A gene family, with at least 12 subgroups (MS4A1–MS4A12). In the current study, we identified three additional human MS4A genes: MS4A4E, MS4A6E, and MS4A10. All family members have at least four potential transmembrane domains and N- and C-terminal cytoplasmic domains encoded by distinct exons, except MS4A6E which contains two transmembrane domains. Otherwise, the 12 currently identified MS4A genes share common structural features and similar intron/exon splice boundaries, and are clustered along an ~600-kb region of Chromosome 11q12. In contrast to other MS4A genes, MS4A4E, MS4A6E, and MS4A10 transcripts were rare and not detected among hematopoietic cells and most nonlymphoid tissues. Sequence polymorphisms were identified in the MS4A6E gene and common splice variants were observed for the MS4A4A, MS4A5, MS4A6A, and MS4A7 genes. Thus, the MS4A family currently includes 24 distinct human and mouse genes. Like CD20 and FceRIβ, the 10 other human MS4A family members are likely to be components of oligomeric cell surface complexes involved in signal transduction in diverse cell lineages.
Chemosensitizing action of cepharanthine against drug-resistant human malaria, Plasmodium falciparum

We have established a system of in vitro and in vivo assays to prioritize plant extracts that can serve as a source of drug candidates for the treatment of malaria, an infectious disease that affects nearly 40% of the world's population. In the present study, we have investigated the biological potential of one such plant-derived drug lead, cepharanthine. In vitro growth inhibition studies indicated this compound possessed good antiplasmodial activity without mediating a cytotoxic response. Based on this selectivity, evaluations were performed with an in vivo mouse model. Moderate activity was observed, inhibiting parasite growth by 46% at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight (BW). We further assessed the ability of cepharanthine to serve as a drug in combination with a standard antimalarial regimen. Like chloroquine, cepharanthine inhibited the trophozoite stage of parasite growth. Isobolographic analyses revealed synergism with chloroquine, but only with the drug-resistant malaria clone, and single-dose drug-interaction studies demonstrated that cepharanthine lowered the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of chloroquine from 148.5 to 37.8 nM. In summary, since activity in the mouse model was only moderate, cepharanthine may be of greater value as a modulator of resistance, capable of prolonging the clinical utility of chloroquine.
The effectiveness of ethics education: a quasi-experimental field study.

Ethical conduct is the hallmark of excellence in engineering and scientific research, design, and practice. While undergraduate and graduate programs in these areas routinely emphasize ethical conduct, few receive formal ethics training as part of their curricula. The first purpose of this research study was to assess the relative effectiveness of ethics education in enhancing individuals’ general knowledge of the responsible conduct of research practices and their level of moral reasoning. Secondly, we examined the effects of ethics education on the positive psychological outcomes of perspective-taking, moral efficacy, moral courage, and moral meaningfulness. To examine our research hypotheses, we utilized a pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design consisting of three ethics education groups (control, embedded modules, and stand-alone courses). Findings revealed that both embedded and stand alone courses were effective in enhancing participants’ perspective-taking, moral efficacy, and moral courage. Moral meaningfulness was marginally enhanced for the embedded module condition. Moral judgment and knowledge of responsible conduct of research practices were not influenced by either ethics education condition. Contrary to expectations, stand alone courses were not superior to embedded modules in influencing the positive psychological outcomes investigated. Implications of these findings for future research and practice are discussed.