cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Impact of Rail-Trails: A Methodology for Assessing Travel Demand and Economic Impacts

As interest in sustainable transportation options rises, rail-trails—multiuse paths created from former railroad corridors—are in demand. Rail-trail development projects promote sustainability through environmental, economic, and social benefits such as enhancing public health, reducing vehicular travel, and promoting local economic development. This study explores methods to measure the travel demand and economic impact of developing a rail-trail. A methodology, the Rail-Trail Impact Assessment Method (RTIAM), is proposed and is applied to the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail (BVRT), in Pennsylvania. An agency or committee could follow the method with the goals of (1) identifying trail demand through survey methods, manual counts, and automatic counts, (2) exploring the economic impacts as well as benefits to trail users, and (3) evaluating the need for possible trail expansion. The BVRT case study suggests the applicability of the method to a real-world trail project and exemplifies how local communities can b...
Line strength measurements of carbonyl sulfide (16O12C32S) in the 2v3, v1+2v2+v3, and 4v2+v3 bands

Abstract To support planetary studies of the Venus atmosphere, we measured line strengths of the 2 v 3 , v 1 +2 v 2 + v 3 , and 4 v 2 + v 3 bands of the primary isotopologue of carbonyl sulfide ( 16 O 12 C 32 S), whose band centers are located at 4101.387, 3937.427, and 4141.212 cm −1 , respectively. For this, infrared absorption spectra in normal carbonyl sulfide (OCS) sample gas were recorded at an unapodized resolution of 0.0033 cm −1 at ambient room temperatures using a Bruker Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The FTS instrumental line shape (ILS) function was investigated, which revealed no significant instrumental line broadening or distortions. Various custom-made short cells and a multi-pass White cell were employed to achieve optical densities sufficient to observe the strong 2 v 3 and the weaker bands in the region. Gas sample impurities and the isotopic abundances were determined from mass spectrum analysis. Line strengths were retrieved spectrum by spectrum using a non-linear curve fitting algorithm adopting a standard Voigt line profile, from which Herman–Wallis factors were derived for the three bands. The band strengths of 2 v 3 , v 1 +2 v 2 + v 3 , and 4 v 2 + v 3 of 16 O 12 C 32 S (normalized at 100% of isotopologue) are observed to be 6.315(13)×10 −19 , 1.570(2)×10 −20 , and 7.949(20)×10 −21 cm −1 /molecule cm −2 , respectively, at 296 K. These results are compared with earlier measurements and the HITRAN 2004 database.
Exploring the Meaning of Chronic Rejection After Lung Transplantation and Its Impact on Clinical Management and Caregiving

Although the literature continues to portray chronic rejection after lung transplantation as ominous with no known treatment, no studies have examined family and clinician caregivers' perceptions of the diagnosis of chronic rejection and its impact on the course of clinical care. We explored the meaning and impact of chronic rejection from the perspective of family (n=10) and clinician (n=3) caregivers. We found that family caregivers considered the onset of chronic rejection to be inevitable, irreversible, unpredictable, and going back to pretransplant. Clinicians considered chronic rejection as a harbinger of deterioration and peril and expressed trepidation about informing recipients and their family caregivers about the diagnosis. Despite the heightened caregiving duties and challenges of treating chronic rejection, its unpredictable course and the prospect of retransplant instilled hope for stabilization or cure among most clinicians and caregivers, leading them to support recipients' wishes to pursue potentially futile treatments. Until recipients were no longer competent, caregivers believed all treatment options (including retransplant) had been exhausted, or suffering was prolonged, caregivers were reluctant to halt extraordinary treatment measures. Caregivers perceived that certainty regarding poor prognosis was required for palliative care and that palliative care was end-of-life care. Consequently, trials of aggressive treatment typically precluded palliative care.
A technique for correlating images on head mounted displays with virtual background scenery

Visual training systems employing high fidelity image generation capabilities have gained immense popularity over the years in a variety of training applications. They offer economy of cost, and precise scenario execution with consistency across unlimited trials. Training systems using head mounted displays (HMD) are a subset of this fast proliferating technology. However, the implementation and use of HMDs poses a number of challenges. A significant one is the problem of correlating the images that are rendered on the HMD's visor in time and space with the background scenery rendered on a projection screen. In this paper we describe a method to solve this problem using Kalman filters, and show the accuracy of its implementation in practice.
A Device for Demonstrating the “Dip Error” of a Magnetic Compass

A training aid developed by the author for demonstrating some of the principles of the magnetic compass that are of interest to the aircraft pilot is described. The device provides a means for illustrating the systematic errors due to magnetic dip. “Northerly turning error” and “acceleration error” are demonstrable. The device also shows the interaction of bank angle, heading angle and magnetic dip angle.
Laryngeal cleft repair: the anesthetic perspective

SummaryIntroduction Laryngeal cleft is a rare congenital malformation that is being reported with increasing frequency. Diagnosis requires suspension microlaryngoscopy under general anesthesia during spontaneous respiration. Repair may be attempted by a minimally invasive endoscopic approach or open surgical repair. The authors report on their experience with total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and spontaneous ventilation without an endotracheal tube during suspension laryngoscopy and CO2 laser application for this specific surgical procedure. Of particular interest were the rate at which this technique failed and rescue techniques were employed and the ability to predict patients in whom this might occur. Methods Between July 2004 and September 2012, 110 endoscopic laryngeal cleft repairs were completed under TIVA with spontaneous ventilation without an endotracheal tube. Anesthetic induction was achieved by inhalation of sevoflurane and oxygen by mask or infusion of propofol at 300 mcg kg−1 min−1 and remifentanil at 0.05–1.0 mcg kg−1 min. The vocal cords and surgical site were sprayed with up to 2 mg kg−1 of 4% lidocaine. If the oxygen saturation decreased during the procedure or the patient became apneic, a rescue process utilizing jet ventilation or intermittent intubation was instituted. Results Ten (9.1%) of the 110 cases required rescue (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.0–15.8%). The most prevalent comorbidities included reactive airway disease, chronic lung disease, failure to thrive, developmental delay, and an unrelated syndrome. Thirty-nine patients (36%) had reactive airway disease and twelve (11%) had chronic lung disease. Intraoperative complications included six cases requiring a brief, temporary period of intubation (5.5%) and four cases requiring a brief period of jet ventilation (3.6%). Conclusion The technique of TIVA with spontaneous respirations without an endotracheal tube is a safe and effective technique for laryngeal cleft repair. Although the potential for intraoperative adverse events may be high, the actual rate was very low. The need to convert to other techniques is not significant although the children who did require brief periods of jet ventilation or intubation tended to have reactive airway disease or chronic lung disease.
Temperature Dependence of the Hydrogen Peroxide Production in the γ-Radiolysis of Water

The radiation chemical yield of hydrogen peroxide has been determined in the γ-radiolysis of water at neutral pH. Methanol, ethanol, and bromide have been used as OH radical scavengers in order to explore the temporal dependence of hydrogen peroxide formation at elevated temperatures. The scavenger results at all temperatures confirm that OH radicals are the sole source of hydrogen peroxide at short times in the γ-radiolysis of water. Variation in dose rate by a factor of 20 shows no influence on the yield. With increasing temperature the yield of hydrogen peroxide is found to decrease, and the microsecond radiation chemical yields at low scavenger concentrations are found to be G (H2O2) = 0.78−2.43 × 10-3 T (°C) molecules/100 eV for methanol as a scavenger, and G (H2O2) = 0.74−2.40 × 10-3 T (°C) molecules/100 eV for bromide. The scavenger concentration dependence of the yields at elevated temperatures is discussed. Assuming an activation energy of 71 kJ mol-1 the thermal decomposition reaction rate const...
Heat and mass transfer in partial enclosures

The present investigation is about the condensation and phase change processes in an enclosure partially filled with a porous insulation. The effect of variations in the porous insulation thickness on the moisture, relative humidity, temperature, and condensation rate fields is investigated. The problem is modeled as a transient, multiphase flow in a composite slab consisting of a porous portion followed by an air gap with impermeable, adiabatic horizontal boundaries and permeable vertical boundaries. The thickness of the porous insulation is varied between 60 and 100 percent of the overall thickness of the enclosure. For some typical conditions in a building insulation, it is found that the condensation rate and the resultant liquid accumulation do not increase significantly as the thickness of the insulation is decreased in the aforementioned range. 15 references.
Wave propagation along a one-dimensional metal cut-wire array

The wave propagation mechanism in a 1D metal cut-wire array is investigated. It is shown that a surface wave can be supported along the interface between the cut-wire array and the air region in multiple frequency bands. The propagation constant, attenuation constant, and the field distribution of the surface wave are extracted from both numerical simulation and measurement and are compared between the 1D and the 2D cut-wire arrays. The effect of array geometrical parameters on the surface wave propagation is examined through parametric studies.
Three dimensional dynamic random access memory

We review high-density embedded 3D DRAM cache, industry 3D stacked DDR3 and wide IO mobile DRAM along with more recent Hybrid-Memory Cube (HMC) and High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM).
Intermediacy of Poly(l-proline) II and β-Strand Conformations in Poly(l-lysine) β-Sheet Formation Probed by Temperature-Jump/UV Resonance Raman Spectroscopy†

Ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy (UVRR) in combination with a nanosecond temperature-jump (T-jump) was used to investigate early steps in the temperature induced α-helix to β-sheet conformational transition of poly(L-lysine) (poly(K)). Excitation at 197 nm from a tunable frequency-quadrupled Ti:Sapphire laser provided high-quality UVRR spectra, containing multiple conformation-sensitive amide bands. Although unionized poly(K) (pH 11.6) is mainly α-helical below 30°C, there is a detectable fraction (∼15 %) of unfolded polypeptide, which is mainly in the polyproline II (PPII) conformation. However, deviations from the expected amide I and II signals indicate an additional conformation, suggested to be β-strand. Above 30°C unionized poly(K) forms β-sheet at a rate (minutes) which increases with increasing temperature. A 22 – 44°C T-jump is accompanied by prompt amide I and II difference signals suggested to arise from a rapid shift in the PPII/β-strand equilibrium. These signals are superimposed on a subsequently evolving difference spectrum which is characteristic of PPII, although the extent of conversion is low, ∼ 2 % at the 3 μs time limit of the experiment. The rise time of the PPII signals is ∼250 ns, consistent with melting of short α-helical segments. A model is proposed in which the melted PPII segments interconvert with β-strand conformation, whose association through inter-strand H-bonding nucleates the formation of β-sheet. The intrinsic propensity for β-strand formation could be a determinant of β-sheet induction time, with implications for the onset of amyloid diseases.
Pasteurella multocida: Plasma Lysozyme in Bacteremic and Lipopolysaccharide-Exposed Turkeys

Plasma lysozyme was measured in turkeys with experimental fowl cholera produced by either of two serotypes of Pasteurella multocida. Lysozyme was not detected in preexposure plasma, whereas plasma sampled when turkeys were terminally bacteremic contained 7.0-7.5 microgram of lysozyme/ml. Plasma lysozyme was measured in turkeys inoculated intravenously with P. multocida lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Turkeys inoculated with 10 microgram of LPS produced plasma lysozyme detectable for 2 hr after inoculation; those inoculated with 500 microgram of LPS produced plasma lysozyme detectable for at least 6 hr after inoculation. Egg-white lysozyme, equivalent in concentration to the plasma lysozyme detected in bacteremic turkeys, was active upon young cultures of P. multocida and increased the degree of lysis of P. multocida cells treated with deoxycholate. Lysozyme, ethylenediaminetetraacetate, and deoxycholate in combination produced the highest degree of lysis of P. multocida cells.
Status and trends of freshwater wetlands in the coal-mining region of Pennsylvania, USA

The impact of surface mining for coal on the nature and extent of freshwater wetlands was assessed on 73,200 ha in western Pennsylvania. The influence of mining on wetlands was not uniform across physiographic regions, varying with regional differences in hydrology and soils. Overall, mined lands supported 18% more palustrine wetlands than unmined lands, primarily because of a 270% gain in permanent, open-water wetlands on mined lands in the glaciated region. Open-water wetlands declined on mined lands in unglaciated regions owing to unfavorable hydrologic conditions. The number and size of emergent wetlands declined as a result of mining. Mined lands supported 81% fewer riverine wetlands than unmined lands. This was caused primarily by avoidance of lands containing streams, and secondarily by a 10% reduction in replacement of riverine wetlands during reclamation. Land managers need to develop land use policies that maximize the ecological and social benefits that can be derived from developing diverse wetland communities on mined lands.
Designing a Coupling That Guarantees Synchronization between Identical Chaotic Systems

We examine synchronization between identical chaotic systems. A rigorous criteria is presented which, if satisfied, guarantees that the coupling produces linearly stable synchronous motion. The criteria can also be used to design couplings that lead to stable synchronous motion. Analytical results from a dynamical system are presented.
The practical design of constructing data transition interface with ZigBee WSN—Example with small-scaled wind-power electricity generator system

The purpose of this study was to explore the related practical techniques of monitoring and controlling system in designing renewable energy system, especially for small-scaled wind-power generator. Recently, the whole world was actively developing replaced energy to solve the economic development and daily-life necessities problems resulting from gradually lacking of oil. Taiwan government was progressively planning to develop small-scaled wind-power generators under authority of Energy Bureau of Economy Minister. The real-time running parameters of wind-power generator is very essential for designing the power-generating system, in this paper, a data transition system including how to construct ZigBee non-beacon-enable-network, communication techniques, data coding, and its interface for collecting running parameters in wind-power generator was designed with ZigBee wireless-sensor-networks (WSN) module. The final result of this study has successfully implemented in a practical small-scaled wind-power generator system which was part of integrated-project of Teaching Superior Projects authorized by Taiwan Education Minister-Constructing Monitoring and Controlling Interface in small-scaled wind-power generator system, and the validity and stability of the system has been proved efficient and successful.
Relevance of the User Action Framework and Heuristics to E-Learning

Electronic learning, or e-learning, uses the power and flexibility of the Internet and CD-ROM delivery systems to provide online instructional content. In this paper, we examine two usability inspection methods, the User Action Framework (UAF) developed by Andre, Hartson, Belz, & McCreary (2001) and heuristics developed by Jakob Nielsen (1994). Although not specifically designed for e-learning, both methods can be adapted to evaluate e-learning environments. The UAF provides a hierarchical structure and a framework for the systematic examination of usability issues. Heuristics provide guiding principles for evaluating user interfaces. While both inspection methods lend themselves to evaluating e-learning interfaces, we believe the UAF to be a more complete method for addressing e-learning usability issues.
Neuropathology in the Down's syndrome brain.

The presence of a specific amyloid β-protein in the brains of Down's syndrome patients suggests a common etiological pathway with the development of Alzheimer's disease-related neuropathology (pages 93–95).
Evaluation of warm mix asphalt containing recycled asphalt shingles

Abstract Advances in asphalt materials have led to the incorporation of higher amounts of recycled asphalt materials in mixtures that can be produced at reduced temperatures. Two demonstration projects were constructed to assess the performance of mixtures that use warm mix asphalt (WMA) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) at reduced temperatures. WMA mixes were produced at 120 °C. Eighteen pavement sections were monitored each year after construction. Performance tests were conducted on all mixes to measure material properties at a range of temperatures. Additional tests were conducted for one of the field projects to show the influence of increasing RAS on moisture susceptibility. Results indicate that WMA can successfully be used with a RAS mixture. Benefits of adding additional RAS include improvement in rutting, stripping inflection point (SIP), and higher or similar dynamic modulus values at increased test temperatures.
Autocrine actions of macrophage-derived catecholamines on interleukin-1β

Previous studies indicate that norepinephrine and epinephrine modulate production of interleukin-1(beta) (IL-1(beta)) by activated macrophages, but it is not known if macrophage-derived catecholamines affect IL-1(beta). In this study, recruited peritoneal macrophages from CBA/J female mice were activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and treated with vehicle or adrenergic receptor antagonists for 24 h. Extracellular and intracellular levels of IL-1(beta) were measured with ELISA. Treatment with the beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists propranolol or ICI 118,551 increased LPS-induced production of IL-1(beta), whereas treatment with the alpha-adrenergic antagonists phentolamine or yohimbine decreased IL-1(beta). These findings demonstrate that adrenergic receptor antagonists unmask autocrine actions of macrophage-derived catecholamines on IL-1(beta) that may influence the inflammatory response.
The baboon as a model for puberty: growth, testis size, plasma testosterone, and somatomedin-C

Physical and hormonal changes of human puberty have been described extensively, yet a nonhuman primate model for pubertal events is lacking. This study is a cross-section analysis of pubertal growth, testis size, and plasma concentration of testosterone (T) and somatomedin-C (SM-C) in the male baboon (Paplo sp.). Baboons (n = 84) with known dates of birth (3 - 272 weeks of age) and 10 adults (> 10 years) were examined by the same investigators for body weight (BWt), crown-rump length (CRL), and testis size. A plasma sample was drawn for determination of T by RIA. A separate group of 26 male baboons, ages 3 weeks to adult, were studied cross-sectionally for SM-C. As in the human, testis size increased only slightly before puberty. By 3 to 3.5 years, there was a marked increase in testis size coincident with or slightly preceding increases in BWt, CRL, and plasma T. Testis size continued to increase slightly after 5 years to adult size. By 3 to 4 years, there was a significant increase in SM-C which declined in adults (0 - 3 yr, M ± SE = 1.00 ± 0.14, n = 12; 3 - 4 yr, 8.46 ± 0.57, n = 10; > 6 yr, 3.90 ± 0.21, n = 4). Regression analyses of BWt, CRL, and testis size vs. age revealed significant changes in slope beginning at about 3 years. In conclusion, these data define the age of puberty and describe pubertal changes in somatic growth and testicular development in the baboon and suggest that this species may be an appropriate nonhuman primate model for human pubertal growth and development. (SM-C tracer supplied by J. Van Wyk.)
Physical adsorption of vapors : three personae

Abstract Some of the history of the physical chemistry of the adsorption of vapors is reviewed. The subject divides itself into three parts, each with its characteristic approach and important contributors: the multilayer region, the monolayer region and the submonolayer region. Special reference is made to the last topic as one in which the writer and Sydney Ross have overlapped in the matter of the determination of site energy distributions. Ross's contributions are noted. An important and difficult question is whether the various energy adsorption sites are distributed more or less randomly or as nearly uniform patches. An approach to the answer may be through the use of adsorbates of varying size. The role of geometric irregularity is discussed briefly, in terms of self-similar surfaces having a fractal dimension. Finally, an additional complication occurs in the case of adsorption from solution involving large raft-like molecules, where the adsorption may be irreversible, generating a paradox.
Dehumanization, Retributive and Restorative Justice, and Aggressive Versus Diplomatic Intergroup Conflict Resolution Strategies

The desire for justice can escalate or facilitate resolution of intergroup conflicts. Two studies investigated retributive and restorative notions of justice as the mediating factor of the effect of perceived outgroup sentience-an aspect of (mechanistic) dehumanization referring to the emotional depth attributed to others-on intergroup conflict resolution. Study 1 showed that for Palestinians, who see themselves as victims, perceived sentience of Israelis decreased retributive but increased restorative notions of justice, which, ultimately, increased support for conflict resolution by negotiation rather than political violence. Study 2 partially replicated Study 1's findings with Jewish Israelis. The role of perceived sentience and its relationship to retributive and restorative notions of justice in protracted and nonprotracted conflicts and their resolution is discussed.
Bayesian multivariate growth curve latent class models for mixed outcomes

In many clinical studies, the disease of interest is multifaceted, and multiple outcomes are needed to adequately capture information about the characteristics of the disease or its severity. In the analysis of such diseases, it is often difficult to determine what constitutes improvement because of the multivariate nature of the outcome. Furthermore, when the disease of interest has an unknown etiology and/or is primarily a symptom-defined syndrome, there is potential for the disease population to have distinct subgroups. Identification of population subgroups is of interest as it may assist clinicians in providing appropriate treatment or in developing accurate prognoses. We propose multivariate growth curve latent class models that group subjects on the basis of multiple symptoms measured repeatedly over time. These groups or latent classes are defined by distinctive longitudinal profiles of a latent variable, which is used to summarize the multivariate outcomes at each point. The mean growth curve for the latent variable in each class defines the features of the class. We develop this model for any combination of continuous, binary, ordinal, or count outcomes within a Bayesian hierarchical framework. We use simulation studies to validate the estimation procedures. We apply our model to data from a randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of Bacillus Calmette–Guerin in treating symptoms of interstitial cystitis where we are able to identify a class of subjects for whom treatment is effective. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GPCR 3D homology models for Ligand Screening: Lessons Learned from Blind Predictions of Adenosine A2a Receptor complex

Proteins of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family present numerous attractive targets for rational drug design, but also a formidable challenge for identification and conformational modeling of their 3D structure. A recently performed assessment of blind predictions of adenosine A2a receptor (AA2AR) structure in complex with ZM241385 (ZMA) antagonist provided a first example of unbiased evaluation of the current modeling algorithms on a GPCR target with approximately 30% sequence identity to the closest structural template. Several of the 29 groups participating in this assessment exercise (Michino et al., doi: 10.1038/nrd2877) successfully predicted the overall position of the ligand ZMA in the AA2AR ligand binding pocket, however models from only three groups captured more than 40% the ligand-receptor contacts. Here we describe two of these top performing approaches, in which all-atom models of the AA2AR were generated by homology modeling followed by ligand guided backbone ensemble receptor optimization (LiBERO). The resulting AA2AR-ZMA models, along with the best models from other groups are assessed here for their vitual ligand screening (VLS) performance on a large set of GPCR ligands. We show that ligand guided optimization was critical for improvement of both ligand-receptor contacts and VLS performance as compared to the initial raw homology models. The best blindly predicted models performed on par with the crystal structure of AA2AR in selecting known antagonists from decoys, as well as from antagonists for other adenosine subtypes and AA2AR agonists. These results suggest that despite certain inaccuracies, the optimized homology models can be useful in the drug discovery process.
Early/fast VLF events produced by electron density changes associated with sprite halos

[1] The magnitudes of scattered fields produced during early/fast very low frequency (VLF) events observed at 13 closely spaced (∼65 km) sites are compared with those expected for sprite halo disturbances using a numerical model of wave propagation within the Earth-ionosphere waveguide. Three different early/fast events of varying magnitudes are analyzed using three different nighttime ambient lower ionospheric electron density profiles. The electron density disturbances associated with sprite-halo events are determined using a full-wave electromagnetic (FWEM) model. Observed scattered field amplitudes of typical (VLF amplitude changes of 0.2 dB 1 dB) are found to be within a factor of seven for peak currents of causative lightning based on NLDN. However, in previous studies, some sprite-producing lightning flashes have exhibited large slow-tail components, indicating substantial continuing currents and implying charge removal up to 2–3 times larger than that inferred from the peak current reported by NLDN. For the cases discussed in this paper, scattered field calculations using disturbances caused by 2–3 times larger charge removal are found to be within a factor of two of the measured values. VLF scattering from electron density changes associated with sprite halos thus appear to be the underlying cause of at least some of the VLF perturbations observed as early/fast events.
Transmembrane potentials in bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) induced by calcium channel and β-adrenergic blockers

Abstract Insight into the mechanism of interaction of calcium antagonists and other membrane-active drugs with biomembranes may be obtained by model membrane studies. An investigation of the potentials induced by calcium blockers (verapamil, diltiazem, nicardipine) and β-adrenergic blockers (propranolol, sotalol, labetalol, lopressor, transicor) on BLM has been carried out in order to elucidate the mechanisms of interaction between simple lipid membranes and these drugs. After addition of the drug, a potential was usually developed across the BLM. The sign of potential, of the side to which the drug was added, was negative. The magnitude of potential was found to be dependent on the concentrations of the drug, pH, ionic species, strength of the bathing solution, and the composition and concentration of the membrane-forming solution. Dose response curves show the difference in the intensity of interaction between the membrane and the drugs. The pH curve for verapamil shows clearly the potential change as a function of H+ ion concentrations. For most cases, the potentials induced by the addition of drugs to solutions containing CaCl2 were much less than for those containing NaCl. Furthermore, in solutions containing either CaCl2 or NaCl, the drug-induced potentials showed no significant change when the salt concentration was varied from 0 to 10−1 M, but decreased dramatically from 10−1 M to 1 M. Additionally, the drug-induced potential on the membrane containing negatively charged lipids, such as phosphatidyl serine, was larger than that on the membrane containing only neutral lipids.
Method in Experiment: Rhetoric and Reality

The methodological ideal of experimentalists, E, is easily stated: derive a testable hypothesis, H , from a wellspecified theory, T ; implement experiments with a design; implicitly in the latter are auxiliary hypotheses, A, that surface in the review/discussion of completed research reports (payoffs are ‘adequate,’ Ss are ‘relevant,’ instructions, context are ‘clear,’ etc.). We want to be able to conclude, if statistical test outcomes support not-H, that T is ‘falsified.’ But this is not what we do; rather we ask if there is a flaw in the test, i.e. not-A is supported, and we do more experiments. This is good practice—much better than the statistical rhetoric of falsificationism. Undesigned social processes allow E to accumulate technical and instrumental knowledge that drive the reduction of experimental error and constitute a more coherent methodology than falsificationism.
Lognormal form of the ring current energy content

Abstract It is shown that the stormtime ring current energy content, from kinetic simulations, has a lognormal distribution. This type of functional form naturally arises from the superposition of many processes with a common initiation event but with differing growth and decay timescales. For the ring current, such a situation occurs from the disparate timescales of energization and decay for the hot ions at various energies, pitch angles, and spatial locations. The summation of this plethora of small currents results in a single current system (the ring current, both partial and symmetric) that has a loss time scale that decreases and then increases during every storm. The consequence is that the stormtime Dst index, which also has a lognormal shape, can be (and in fact is) dominated by this single current system.
Statistical Hypothesis Testing for Assessing Monte Carlo Estimators: Applications to Image Synthesis

Image synthesis algorithms are commonly compared on the basis of running times and/or perceived quality of the generated images. In the case of Monte Carlo techniques, assessment often entails a qualitative impression of convergence toward a reference standard and severity of visible noise; these amount to subjective assessments of the mean and variance of the estimators, respectively. In this paper we argue that such assessments should be augmented by well-known statistical hypothesis testing methods. In particular, we show how to perform a number of such tests to assess random variables that commonly arise in image synthesis such as those estimating irradiance, radiance, pixel color, etc. We explore five broad categories of tests: 1) determining whether the mean is equal to a reference standard, such as an analytical value, 2) determining that the variance is bounded by a given constant, 3) comparing the means of two different random variables, 4) comparing the variances of two different random variables, and 5) verifying that two random variables stem from the same parent distribution. The level of significance of these tests can be controlled by a parameter. We demonstrate that these tests can be used for objective evaluation of Monte Carlo estimators to support claims of zero or small bias and to provide quantitative assessments of variance reduction techniques. We also show how these tests can be used to detect errors in sampling or in computing the density of an importance function in MC integrations.
The Potential Therapeutic Effects of THC on Alzheimer's Disease

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic qualities of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with respect to slowing or halting the hallmark characteristics of Alzheimer's disease. N2a-variant amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) cells were incubated with THC and assayed for amyloid-β (Aβ) levels at the 6-, 24-, and 48-hour time marks. THC was also tested for synergy with caffeine, in respect to the reduction of the Aβ level in N2a/AβPPswe cells. THC was also tested to determine if multiple treatments were beneficial. The MTT assay was performed to test the toxicity of THC. Thioflavin T assays and western blots were performed to test the direct anti-Aβ aggregation significance of THC. Lastly, THC was tested to determine its effects on glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and related signaling pathways. From the results, we have discovered THC to be effective at lowering Aβ levels in N2a/AβPPswe cells at extremely low concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. However, no additive effect was found by combining caffeine and THC together. We did discover that THC directly interacts with Aβ peptide, thereby inhibiting aggregation. Furthermore, THC was effective at lowering both total GSK-3β levels and phosphorylated GSK-3β in a dose-dependent manner at low concentrations. At the treatment concentrations, no toxicity was observed and the CB1 receptor was not significantly upregulated. Additionally, low doses of THC can enhance mitochondria function and does not inhibit melatonin's enhancement of mitochondria function. These sets of data strongly suggest that THC could be a potential therapeutic treatment option for Alzheimer's disease through multiple functions and pathways.
Transportation Capital in the United States: A Multimodal General Equilibrium Analysis

This study introduces a new general equilibrium approach to evaluate economic impact of public transportation capital stock in the United States. By treating public transportation capital as separated factor accounts, the model enables us to assess the economic impact of public transportation stock for four modes: road, air, transit, and water transportation. The study provides a direct and easy way for policy maker and transportation planning practitioner to compare social and economic benefits of different modes of public transportation. Findings reveal that road stock has the highest contribution to the growth of gross domestic product (GDP) and levels of social welfare; public transit and other ground passenger transportation have the least impact on the U.S. economy among the four modes.
Seeing How It Goes: Paper-and-Pencil Reasoning in Mathematical Practice

Throughout its long history, mathematics has involved the use of systems of written signs, most notably, diagrams in Euclidean geometry and formulae in the symbolic language of arithmetic and algebra in the mathematics of Descartes, Euler, and others. Such systems of signs, I argue, enable one to embody chains of mathematical reasoning. I then show that, properly understood, Frege’s Begriffsschrift or concept-script similarly enables one to write mathematical reasoning. Much as a demonstration in Euclid or in early modern algebra does, a proof in Frege’s concept-script shows how it goes.
Tissue engineering in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Engineered diaphragmatic repair is emblematic of perinatal regenerative medicine and of the fetal tissue engineering concept. The alternative of a cellularized graft for the repair of a congenital diaphragmatic defect in the neonatal period is both biologically justifiable by the mechanisms behind diaphragmatic hernia recurrence as well as an ideal match for fetal mesenchymal stem cell-based constructs. It has been among the most developed experimental pursuits in neonatal tissue engineering, of which clinical application should be forthcoming.
MY EDUCATION IN MINERAL (ESPECIALLY OIL) ECONOMICS

▪ Abstract The crude oil and natural gas markets have a long colorful history. To understand them, one needs some economic theory. The dominant view, of a fixed mineral stock, implies that a unit produced today means one less in the future. As mankind approaches the limit, it must exert ever more effort per unit recovered. This concept is false, whether stated as common sense or as elegant theory. Under competition, the price results from endless struggle between depletion and increasing knowledge. But sellers may try to control the market in order to offer less and charge more. The political results may feed back upon market behavior. These factors—depletion, knowledge, monopoly, and politics—must be analyzed separately before being put together to capture a slice of a changing history.
Glutamate acts at NMDA receptors on fresh bovine and on cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells to trigger release of ATP

The photoreceptors lie between the inner retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The release of glutamate by the phototoreceptors can signal changes in light levels to inner retinal neurons, but the role of glutamate in communicating with the RPE is unknown. Since RPE cells are known to release ATP, we asked whether glutamate could trigger ATP release from RPE cells and whether this altered cell signalling. Stimulation of the apical face of fresh bovine RPE eyecups with 100 μm NMDA increased ATP levels more than threefold, indicating that both receptors for NMDA and release of ATP occurred across the apical membrane of fresh RPE cells. NMDA increased ATP levels bathing cultured human ARPE-19 cells more than twofold, with NMDA receptor inhibitors MK-801 and d-AP5 preventing this release. Blocking the glycine site of the NMDA receptor with 5,7-dichlorokynurenic acid prevented ATP release from ARPE-19 cells. Release was also blocked by channel blocker NPPB and Ca2+ chelator BAPTA, but not by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) blocker glibenclamide or vesicular release inhibitor brefeldin A. Glutamate produced a dose-dependent release of ATP from ARPE-19 cells that was substantially inhibited by MK-801. NMDA triggered a rise in cell Ca2+ that was blocked by MK-801, by the ATPase apyrase, by the P2Y1 receptor antagonist MRS2179 and by depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores with thapsigargin. These results suggest that glutamate stimulates NMDA receptors on the apical membrane of RPE cells to release ATP. This secondary release can amplify the glutaminergic signal by increasing Ca2+ inside RPE cells, and might activate Ca2+-dependent conductances. The interplay between glutaminergic and purinergic systems may thus be important for light-dependent interactions between photoreceptors and the RPE.
Jamming interference suppression and multiuser detection for DSSS systems in time-frequency selective channels

In this paper, we propose a receiver structure that reduces multiple degradation on the transmitted signal in time-frequency selective direct sequence spread spectrum systems. The structure incorporates time-frequency diversity within a minimum mean square estimation technique based on orthonormal projections. It also uses time-varying signal processing techniques to mitigate additive wideband jamming interference. Simulations demonstrate that the simpler structure of our multiuser detector is efficient and the overall combined system is robust to multipath and Doppler fading, and multiple access and jamming interference.
Scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy studies of single wall carbon nanotubes

Scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy have been used to characterize the atomic structure and tunneling density of states of individual single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT’s) and ropes containing many SWNT’s. Analysis of atomically resolved SWNT images shows that the nanotubes consist of a wide range of diameters and helicities with no one structure clearly dominant. Tunneling spectroscopy measurements made simultaneously on atomically resolved SWNT’s exhibit semiconducting and metallic behavior that depend predictably on helicity and diameter. In addition the band gaps of the semiconducting tubes were also found to depend inversely on diameter. These results are compared to theoretical predictions, and the implications of these studies as well as important future directions are discussed.
Output Processes in Contention Packet Broadcasting Systems

The processes consisting of the packet interdeparture times in contention-type packet broadcasting systems are studied under the heavy-traffic assumption. The channel access protocols considered include slotted and unslotted ALOHA and carrier-sense-multiple-access (CSMA) with and without collision detection. Through analysis of the Channel activity cycle, the distribution, mean, and coefficient of variation of the packet interdeparture times are explicitly derived. Taking the reciprocal of the mean interdeparture time, we obtain the channel throughput. Cases with dissimilar users are mainly considered, and systems of statistically identical users are treated as special cases.
Effect of detector scatter on the decoding accuracy of a DOI detector module

Monte Carlo simulation was used to study the effect detector scatter has on the decoding accuracy of a depth of interaction (DOI) detector module and on the quantitative imaging characteristics of a DOI detector system. The detector module consisted of a 4/spl times/4 array of detector units, Each unit consisted of a 2/spl times/2 block of 2/spl times/2/spl times/20 mm LSO crystals. The detector units use light sharing and ratio information to estimate DOI. The detector system consisted of 24 detector modules. Positioning methods using different criteria to select the first interaction point in a detector module to improve decoding accuracy were investigated (e.g., maximum energy, second maximum, minimum DOI). Selecting the detector unit corresponding to the minimum DOI provided the best decoding accuracy for photons entering perpendicular to the detector. However, for photons entering at large angles of incidence (e.g., 30 degrees) the maximum energy selection criterion performed the best. The average DOI offset due to scatter within a detector unit was 1.7 mm. Detector scatter only had a minimal effect on the image resolution of the simulated DOI detector system. It had a slightly larger effect on the quantitative recovery of small regions of interest.
Diet and cholesterolemia: VII. Effects of methionine, ethionine, and p-fluorophenylalanine

The concentration of serum cholesterol in rats fed a diet containing cholesterol, cholic acid, and hydrogenated coconut oil was reduced when ethionine was included in the diet. This effect was not due to depressed intake of food or of cholesterol. The addition of equal amounts of ethionine and methionine to this diet maintained serum cholesterol at levels significantly below those of rats supplemented with ethionine alone. This addition of methionine also very largely prevented the depression of growth caused by ethionine. Administration of p-fluorophenylalanine lowered the concentration of cholesterol in the serum but β-2-thienylalanine had little effect.
Multivalent binding and functional affinity.

The evolutionary development of the architecture of the antibody molecule has provided in its contemporary form a distinctive structure superbly suited for multivalent interaction. In addition to multivalence, the general occurrence of multiple and identical antigenic determinants on the surfaces of infectious agents and neoplastic cells has led to the emergence of two further structural features. These, indeed, are required for the effective utilization of the multivalence of antibody. They comprise the property of intramolecular structural symmetry, i.e., identical subunits, resulting in the identity of the antigen-binding sites of the antibody, and the segmental flexibility of the Fab portions of the molecule. The conjunctive effect of these properties is the capacity of the antibody molecule to adjust the separation and relative orientation of its binding sites to the generally fixed distances between the identical complementary groups of the complex ligand. The biological utility of the resulting multivalent interaction is undoubtedly linked to the enhanced affinity which is associated with multivalent binding.
Communication—Electrochemical Characterization of Commercial Bipolar Membranes under Electrolyte Conditions Relevant to Solar Fuels Technologies

Water electrolysis using a catholyte and anolyte at different pH values requires a bipolar membrane to sustain the pH difference and 1.23 V to electrolyze water. Bipolar membranes that separated concentrated aqueous acid and base exhibited an open-circuit potential consistent with the Nernst equation and rapid transport of protons and hydroxide ions. When excess supporting electrolyte was added to both solutions the membrane potential was measured to be ~0 V, which suggested that water electrolysis occurred at 1.23 V and therefore, protons and hydroxide ions were not the majority ionic charge carriers.
Visualizing Majorana fermions in a chain of magnetic atoms on a superconductor

A chain of magnetic atoms on the surface of a superconductor provides a versatile platform for realizing a one-dimensional topological superconductivity phase with edge-bounded Majorana fermions zero modes. This platform lends itself to spatial resolved measurements with scanning tunneling microscope (STM) that enables direct visualization of the presence of a localized Majorana zero mode. Experiments on self-assembled chains of Fe atoms on the surface of Pb show that such a system can be experimentally fabricated and studied using various high-resolution STM measurement techniques. Spatial and energy resolved STM experiments provide strong evidence for Majorana bound states that emerge due to the combination of Fe's ferromagnetism and spin–orbit coupling of the superconducting Pb substrate. These studies provide a roadmap for optimizing topological superconductivity in this one-dimensional platform and its extension to realize chiral two-dimensional superconductors.