cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contrast Transesophageal Echocardiographic Demonstration of Coronary Artery Fistula Within Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in Mitral Stenosis

Coronary neovascularization and fistula formation arising from the left circumflex artery demonstrated by coronary angiography is a specific sign for the presence of left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with mitral stenosis. However, the fistula drainage site in the left atrium in relation to the thrombus cannot be ascertained by the angiographic method. We performed transesophageal echocardiography simultaneously with coronary angiography in five patients with severe mitral stenosis and left atrial appendage thrombus. The angiography showed coronary neovascularization and fistula arising from the left circumflex artery in three patients. In these three patients, the transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the presence of a coronary fistula by identifying contrast exuding from the surface of the thrombus. Thus we have shown for the first time the usefulness of contrast transesophageal echocardiography in imaging the exact drainage site of coronary artery fistula from left atrial appendage thrombus.
THE OCCURRENCE OF DRILLED HOLES IN LATER NEOLITHIC POTTERY

Summary. Holes drilled after firing are an occasional occurrence in earlier prehistoric pottery, and are generally accepted as intended to enable repair of cracks or breaks by binding. It would seem reasonable to expect that rates of repair would be fairly consistent, but this is not the case with later Neolithic ceramics in southern Britain. There, drilled holes are more common in the Grooved Ware tradition than in the Beaker or Peterborough traditions, and it is suggested that this may be owing to the high symbolic content of Grooved Ware rendering the repair of such vessels particularly worthwhile to their users. Other factors likely to influence the decision to repair rather than discard vessels are considered, and in this connection the fabrics of repaired vessels in the earlier Neolithic assemblage at Maiden Castle are also briefly discussed. A short list of sites with repaired vessels is appended.
Androgenic, not estrogenic, steroids alter neuromuscular synapse elimination in the rat levator ani

Developmental synapse elimination in the rat levator ani (LA) muscle is sensitive to gonadal androgen. This process occurs faster in castrated male rats that lack gonadal testosterone and is largely prevented by testosterone treatment. Because testosterone can be irreversibly converted into either androgenic metabolites such as dihydrotestosterone or estrogenic metabolites such as estradiol, the present experiment sought to determine which of these metabolites account for testosterone's effect. Male rat pups at postnatal day 7 (P7) were castrated and given daily subcutaneous injections of one of 5 possible treatments for 3 weeks (P7-P28): (1) testosterone propionate (TP), (2) dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP), (3) estradiol benzoate (EB), (4) a combination of DHTP and EB or (5) sesame oil vehicle. At the end of treatment, the LA and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were dissected and their motor nerve terminals were stained with tetranitroblue tetrazolium. Hormone effects on synapse elimination were evaluated by counting the number of motor axons that contacted individual muscle fibers. The lumbosacral spinal cord was also dissected and processed histologically to examine the motoneurons in the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB), which innervates the LA. Hormone effects on SNB motoneuron size were assessed by measuring the cross-sectional area of SNB motoneuronal somata and nuclei. We report that DHTP mimics the effects of TP on synapse elimination in the LA muscle, but that EB, acting either alone or together with DHTP, has little or no effect on this process. Synapse elimination in the EDL was unaffected by any hormone treatment. TP or DHTP, but not EB, increase the size of SNB motoneurons. We conclude that testosterone or its androgenic metabolites influence synapse elimination in the LA and probably exert these effects via androgen receptors.
Age does not alter protein kinase C isozymes mRNA expression in rat brain

Calcium and phospholipid dependent Protein kinase C (PKC) may play a role in memory function and pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Abnormal phosphorylation by PKC as well as reduced levels of PKC has been implicated in the neurodegeneration associated with AD and aging. Recently, many subtypes of PKC isozymes have been identified by molecular biology techniques which are expressed differentially in various regions of the brain. The reduction and alterations in the activities and distribution of these subtypes of PKC isozymes may be accountable for the decline of selective neurons during aging. In order to investigate the role of PKC isozymes during aging, we examined the distribution of PKC-α, β, and γ mRNA, expressions between young (4 months) and old (25 months) rat brains using in situ hybridization histochemistry. Our studies showed that signals of three isoforms of PKC mRNA vary in cortical and hippocampal regions. However, no change was detected in any of the PKC isoforms mRNA expressions in aged animals.
The profitability impact of REIT requirements: A comparative analysis of hotel REITS and hotel C-Corporations

Abstract Under the influence of regulatory requirements, REITs have evolved into entities that have distinct financial and organizational characteristics from their C-Corporation counterparts. This study aims to investigate whether hotel REITs are more profitable than hotel C-Corps and how REIT regulations contribute to this difference. The results indicate that despite the differences in tax obligation, operating expense, and dividend policy, hotel REITs and hotel C-Corporations are not significantly different in profitability. However, the analysis suggests that hotel C-Corps have advantage over hotel REITs in improving profitability through dividend payout increases. The findings also suggest a possible non-linear relationship between profitability and dividend payout, presenting an opportunity to extend Jensen's (1986) agency cost theory.
Pressure drop and liquid holdup in concurrent gas absorption

This work presents initial information useful to concurrent gas-absorption design. Data are reported on the variation of pressure drop and liquid holdup obtained with various flow rates, packings, and liquids.
Excess Molar Volumes, Viscosities, and Refractive Indexes for Binary Mixtures of 1-Chlorobutane with Four Alcohols at T = (288.15, 298.15, and 308.15) K

Densities, viscosities, and refractive indexes were measured for the binary mixtures formed by methanol, ethanol, propan-1-ol, and butan-1-ol with 1-chlorobutane at T = (288.15, 298.15, and 308.15) K and atmospheric pressure over the whole concentration range. Excess molar volumes (VE) were determined from the densities of pure liquids and mixtures measured with a vibrating-tube densimeter. Excess molar volumes, which increase as the temperature increases, are positive except for mixtures in the high mole fraction region of propan-1-ol or butan-1-ol. Viscosities were measured with an automatic Ubbelohde capillary viscometer. Refractive indexes were measured using a digital refractometer. Deviations in viscosity (Δη) and deviations in refractive index (ΔnD) as a function of mole fraction for the mixtures were derived from the experimental data. The computed results of VE, Δη, and ΔnD were fitted to the Redlich−Kister equation. Furthermore, McAllister's three-body interaction model is used to correlate the ...
S-glutathionylation of buccal cell proteins as biomarkers of exposure to hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract Background Exogenous or endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is a reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can lead to oxidation of cellular nucleophiles, particularly cysteines in proteins. Commercial mouthwashes containing H 2 O 2 provide the opportunity to determine clinically whether changes in S -glutathionylation of susceptible proteins in buccal mucosa cells can be used as biomarkers of ROS exposure. Methods Using an exploratory clinical protocol, 18 disease-free volunteers rinsed with a mouthwash containing 1.5% H 2 O 2 (442 mM) over four consecutive days. Exfoliated buccal cell samples were collected prior and post-treatment and proteomics were used to identify S -glutathionylated proteins. Results Four consecutive daily treatments with the H 2 O 2 -containing mouthwash induced significant dose and time-dependent increases in S -glutathionylation of buccal cell proteins, stable for at least 30 min following treatments. Elevated levels of S -glutathionylation were maintained with subsequent daily exposure. Increased S -glutathionylation preceded and correlated with transcriptional activation of ROS sensitive genes, such as ATF3, and with the presence of 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine. Data from a human buccal cell line TR146 were consistent with the trial results. We identified twelve proteins that were S -glutathionylated following H 2 O 2 exposure. Conclusions Buccal cells can predict exposure to ROS through increased levels of S -glutathionylation of proteins. These post-translationally modified proteins serve as biomarkers for the effects of H 2 O 2 in the oral cavity and in the future, may be adaptable as extrapolated pharmacodynamic biomarkers for assessing the impact of other systemic drugs that cause ROS and/or impact redox homeostasis. General significance S -glutathionylation of buccal cell proteins can be used as a quantitative measure of exposure to ROS.
Spatial and numerical relationships of arthropod communities associated with key pests of maize

AbstractPest management largely focuses on managing individual pest specieswith little concern for the diverse communities that co-occur with keypests and potentially shape their population dynamics. During anthesis,we described the foliar arthropod communities on 53 maize farmsthroughout the region of eastern South Dakota. The resulting communi-ties were examined for trends in local associations in the abundances oftaxa with key pests in the system (rootworms [Diabrotica spp.], Europeancorn borers [Ostrinia nubilalis], aphids and Western bean cutworm [Striaco-sta albicosta]) using regression analyses. Regional spatial clustering in theabundances of key pests with members of the community was exploredusing Moran’s I test statistic. The distributions of rootworms and Euro-pean corn borer were mapped. A total of 37 185 arthropods representingat least 91 taxa were collected in South Dakota maize; there was an aver-age of 5.06 predators and 8.29 herbivores found per plant. Key pests werenever found at economically threatening levels (with one exception forDiabrotica). Numerous species were consistently numerically associatedwith each of the key pests across the farms during anthesis. Occasionally,these pests shared species with which they were locally associated with;for example, coccinellid egg abundances were predictive of the abun-dances of all key pest species except rootworm adults. Spatial analysisacross the region suggested that species co-occurred with key pests basedon local characteristics surrounding the ﬁelds, rather than as a result ofregional characteristics. Exceptions were documented; namely aphids andWestern bean cutworms that spatially clustered with a handful of othermembers of the community. The results of the study point out that theabundances of key pests of maize were interconnected through indirectassociations in the abundances of other members of the community.These associations may be useful for manipulating maize agroecosystemsto minimize the effects of maize pests.IntroductionThe relative abundance and composition of biologicalcommunities affect the stability and invasibility ofhabitats (Tilman 1996; Emery and Gross 2007; Gilbertet al. 2009), a topic of particular interest to land man-agers charged with managing pests (Van Emden andWilliams 1974). Natural regulation of dominant spe-cies comes about through direct competitive interac-tions with a focal species (Denno et al. 2000; Mayeret al. 2002; Wielgoss et al. 2012) or through bioticresistance to a species’ growth imposed by processeslike predation (Symondson et al. 2002; Cardinaleet al. 2003). Often, pest management decisions are
Epidermal differentiation enhances CRABP II expression in human skin

The cellular retinoic acid-binding proteins (CRABP I and II) are thought to mediate the effects of retinoic acid on target cells. We have used riboprobes complementary to CRABP I and II mRNAs to study the expression of these messages in normal and abnormal human skin. CRABP II was expressed predominantly in the suprabasal layers of the epidermis, with stronger expression in newborn than in sun-protected adult skin. Interestingly, the epidermis adjacent to or overlying squamous cell or basal cell carcinomas also showed strong expression, whereas the tumor cells were negative, with the exception of more differentiated cells surrounding the "keratin pearls" within squamous cell carcinomas. CRABP II mRNA was also found in the more differentiated cells of the hair follicles, in the outer root sheath. CRABP I message was undetectable in the epidermis or in the dermis of normal skin but was detected in the cells of the papillary dermis surrounding basal and squamous cell carcinomas. These data suggest that increased levels of CRABP II mRNA accompany keratinocyte differentiation in vivo.
Pollen influx and volcanic ash.

Pollen influx can be used to estimate the duration of short-term depositional events. When applied to volcanic ashes, it may also provide information on the season and ecological effects of ashfall. In our initial application of the method to volcanic ashes from Lost Trail Pass, Bitterroot Mountains, Montana, we have illustrated that (i) two falls of Glacier Peak ash, which occurred about 11,250 14C years ago, were separated by 10 to 25 years; and (ii) volcanic ash from a major eruption of Mount Mazama (about 6700 14C years ago) first fell in the autumn and 4.6 centimeters of ash was deposited before the following spring. We also believe there is a reasonable probability that (i) about 1 centimeter of ash fell during the following year and about 1.7 centimeters fell the year after; (ii) in all, the sporadic primary Mazama ashfall lasted for nearly 3 years; (iii) Mazama ash resulted in low lake productivity, as measured by the occurrence of Botryococcus and Pediastrum ; (iv) Mazama ash, perhaps through a mulching effect, may have produced increased vigor and pollen production in some sagebrush steppe genera; and (v) as measured by the records of fossil pollen and acid-resistant algae, effects on the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems were short-lived. With refinement of the methods and broader geographic application, pollen influx studies may prove valuable for separating the regional and chronological details of tephra attributed to Mazama, Glacier Peak, and other Cascade Range volcanoes.
Mechanism of activation of early viral transcription by the adenovirus E1A gene product

Abstract Results obtained with certain adenovirus host range mutants (d1312 and hr1) have demonstrated that a functional viral E1A gene is required for the accumulation of early viral mRNA. In this report, it is demonstrated that the failure to accumulate early viral mRNA in E1A mutant-infected cells is due to a lack of transcription of the appropriate transcription units. The E1A gene product appears to enhance transcription of the early transcription units since there is not an absolute requirement for its function. At low multiplicities of infection, transcription from the early transcription units can be detected but at a later time. By increasing the multiplicity of infection, this slow activation of early transcription can be enhanced, even though at this multiplicity all input viruses are still mutant. It was also found that early transcription could be detected in mutant-infected cells if the virus was added to cells in which protein synthesis was inhibited prior to infection. Thus inhibition of cellular protein synthesis can mimic the function of the E1A gene. It is proposed that the role of the E1A gene product in the activation of early viral transcription is to inactivate a cellular factor that prevents transcription from the other early viral promoters.
A combined length-of-day series spanning 1832–1997: LUNAR97

Abstract Universal time (UT) measurements taken by the techniques of lunar occultation, optical astrometry, lunar laser ranging, and very long baseline interferometry have been combined using a Kalman filter to produce a smoothed length-of-day (LOD) series, LUNAR97, spanning 1832.5–1997.5 at yearly intervals. Decadal LOD variations having amplitudes as large as a few milliseconds (ms) are clearly evident in this newly determined series as they have been in previously determined series. Comparing the LUNAR97 LOD series with other available series shows differences that are generally less than the uncertainty in the determination of the LUNAR97 LOD values, which is about 0.6 ms during the early 19th century, improving by more than an order of magnitude to about 0.03 ms during the late 20th century. Decadal LOD variations are, therefore, a robust feature of the lunar occultation, optical astrometric, and space-geodetic measurements of the Earth’s rotation that have been taken since 1832.
A register file and scheduling model for application specific processor synthesis

We outline general design steps of our synthesis tool to realize application specific co-processors such that for a given scientific application having intensive iterative computations especially with recurrences, a VLIW type of co-processor is synthesized and realized, and an accompanying parallel code is generated. We introduce a novel register file model, Shifting Register File (SRF), based on cyclic regularity of register file accesses; and a simple method, Expansion Scheduling, for scheduling iterative computations, which is based on cyclic regularity of loops. We also present a variable-register file allocation method and show how simple logic units can be used to activate proper registers at run time through an example.
Evaluation and improvement of extraction methods for the analysis of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 from naturally contaminated maize

The extraction procedure for aflatoxin determination in maize is based on a methanol–water (8 + 2 v/v) or an acetone–water (85 + 15 v/v) mixture. Initially, the extraction efficiency of two solvents was evaluated for each aflatoxin. Different results were obtained for highly contaminated maize: significantly higher levels of aflatoxin B1 were obtained by acetone–water, on the contrary higher levels of aflatoxin G2 were achieved by methanol–water. Then, acetone–water mixtures in different proportions (7 + 3, 6 + 4 and 5 + 5 v/v) were tested to improve the extraction of aflatoxin G2. Applying these extraction mixtures, the values both of aflatoxin B1 and of other aflatoxins were generally higher compared to those obtained by acetone–water 85 + 15; moreover, acetone–water (6 + 4) and (7 + 3) showed the best extraction efficiency for all aflatoxins.
Distributed Coordination Function Protocol with Unequal Frame Error Rates

This letter provides an analysis of the saturation throughputs of the individual stations (STAs) in a distributed coordination function (DCF) network. Compared with the previous DCF models, our new proposed model is suitable for more general environments where the frame error rates (FERs) are different depending on the transmitting STAs and the numbers of retransmission attempts. Numerical analyses show that FERs significantly affect the STAs' throughputs.
A water-soluble Wilkinson's complex as homogeneous catalyst for the photochemical reduction of water

Abstract A water-soluble Wilkinson's complex, chlorotris(diphenylphosphinobenzene-m-sulphonate)rhodium(I) (RhICl(dpm)33−), was examined as a homogeneous catalyst for the reduction of water coupled with the photoreaction of Ru(bpy)32+ using ascorbic acid as a sacrificial electron donor. A high quantum yield of H2 (440 nm), i.e. 0.30, was obtained at pH 5. This value was found to be limited by the photochemical generation of Ru(bpy)3+, indicating that the catalytic process maintained by the rhodium complex is almost quantitative. Studies by cyclic voltammetry, laser flash photolysis and pulse radiolysis revealed the catalysis mechanism which involves a Rh(II)-hydride species.
Iron isotope electroplating: Diffusion-limited fractionation

Abstract Electron-transfer related isotope fractionation may produce large stable isotope geochemical signatures as a result of a variety of Earth processes, including biology, chemical weathering, fluid–rock interactions, and deep Earth redox reactions. In the laboratory, isotope fractionation at a charged electrode has been observed for electroplating of Fe and Zn; however these can arise from a variety of effects besides the electron transfer process. Here, we examine the effect of mass transport on observed isotope fractionation during potentiostatic electroplating of iron. We examine the observed isotope fractionation as a function of the ratio of the observed plating current to the mass-transport limited current (the Cottrell current). When the electroplating experiments are run at currents greater than the Cottrell current, the observed fractionation is ~− 1.15(± 0.40) ‰, and the extent of fractionation shows a tendency to decrease with increasing plating rate. When electroplating experiments are run at currents below the Cottrell current, observed fractionations are strongly dependent on the plating rate, with a maximum value of δ 56 Fe = − 4.8. The data set demonstrates that mass transport to the electrode tends to attenuate a large fractionation factor associated with other, non-mass transport, processes at the electrode.
The effect of experience on the hunting success of newly emerged spiderlings

Initial interactions with prey may affect a predator's subsequent foraging success. With experience, second-instar Misumena vatia spiderlings (Thomisidae) that had recently emerged from their egg sacs oriented faster to fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) than naive individuals. Orientation time of these spiderlings decreased rapidly for the first two to three runs (every third day) in a simple laboratory setting, and then remained low and relatively constant. Time to capture a fly also declined initially, but subsequently became extremely variable, increasing prior to moult. Increase in capture time and the failure to capture prey appeared associated with impending moult, rather than satiation. Spiderlings oriented to prey more rapidly at the beginning of the third instar than at the start of the second instar, suggesting that experience still enhanced performance after a moult cycle. Overall capture times at the beginning of the third instar decreased from those at the end of the second instar, but did not differ significantly from the beginning of the second instar, although spiderlings gaining the most biomass had the shortest mean capture times. In a second experiment, time to orient and time to capture prey did not differ in naive, second-instar siblings run 1 and 3 days after emergence from their egg sacs. However, 3-day individuals that had captured prey each day (confiscated before they could feed) oriented faster than naive 3-day-old siblings, but did not differ in the time taken to capture prey. Experience, rather than age or energetic condition, best explains these changes in performance.
On the simultaneous measurement of spin components using spin-1/2 meters: Naimark embedding and projections

Measurements involving spin-1/2 meters which result in the simultaneous measurement of spin components are described. The spin analoge of the Arthur-Kelly experiment is contrasted with a simultaneous measurement which interacts with the system. Naimark extensions are constructed and Bloch state projection properties are discussed for each case. The theory is extended to squeezed angular momentum measurement.
The Effect of a Constant Volume Recuperator on Brayton Cycle Efficiency and Equipment Cost

The purpose of this analysis is to predict the thermodynamic and design effects of a constant volume recuperator in a Brayton cycle. First Law and Second Law energy efficiencies were computed. Constant volume recuperators produce higher pressure, denser air for admission into the combustion chamber and turbine. Greater pressure and density in the combustion chamber results in higher fuel evaporation and combustion rates. The higher system pressure across the turbine also generates a slightly higher turbine efficiency. Furthermore, the increased density permits a smaller turbine in the first, hottest and most expensive stages. A novel constant volume, constant flow recuperator is described.Copyright © 1995 by ASME
Statistical analysis of nonstationary software metrics

Abstract Prediction, estimation, and assessment of software process attributes form an integral part of process management. Process modeling is a quantitative and systematic approach to gauging such critical project parameters. However, process modeling relies heavily on idealizations. Mathematical compromises necessitate continuous calibration of such models to maintain some level of accuracy. This is because of the nature of software measurement data, most of which are nonstationary , and thus requires special treatment. A methodology for analyzing such data is presented in this paper. It is shown that measures based on time averages are insufficient in representing data of this nature. The improved representativeness of ensemble based measures over those based on time is demonstrated. A model for LOC generation, based on ensemble averaging, is presented in this paper. However, the process of validating such a model involves testing the model to a range of unique inputs. But, exhaustive testing of process models is generally severely constrained by the lack of sufficient amounts of input data sets, generated under the conditions imposed by the modeling approach. A method employing the random walk , by which an ensemble can be generated from a single time record, on the basis of certain invariants , is provided. This method of generating an ensemble is shown to be useful, especially in situations where certain properties of the proprietary data are known, but sufficient quantities of the data are inaccessible to the analyst. The ensemble computed in this manner is then used to derive a time dependent model that is more representative of the real life entity being modeled.
Two-frequency fermi mapping

Abstract We examine the properties of the Fermi mapping with two driving terms. U n+1 =+ sin sφ n + μ sin rφ n 1 + μ 2 , φ n+1 =φ n + 4πM (r + s)U n+1 where r and s are coprime integers, μ is the amplitude ratio of the driving terms, and M is a constant. Linear stability criteria and bifurcation thresholds are derived and confirmed numerically. Global stability limits are obtained by generalizing the criterion derived for the loss of stability of the last KAM surface between two neighboring island chains to the case of unequal size islands. The analytic estimates are compared with the numerical calculations and found to be in good agreement for μ ≈ 1. The results show that using two frequencies gives considerable destruction of local stability and an approximately twofold increase in energy (u2) for the position of the lowest KAM barrier to stochastic heating.
Technique for improving the quality of images from digital cameras using ink-jet printers and smoothed RGB transfer curves

The digital camera market is growing at an explosive rate. At the same time, the quality of photographs printed on ink- jet printers continues to improve. Most of the consumer cameras are designed with the monitor as the target output device and ont the printer. When a user is printing his images from a camera, he/she needs to optimize the camera and printer combination in order to maximize image quality. We describe the details of one such method for improving image quality using a AGFA digital camera and an ink jet printer combination. Using Adobe PhotoShop, we generated optimum red, green and blue transfer curves that match the scene content to the printers output capabilities. Application of these curves to the original digital image resulted in a print with more shadow detail, no loss of highlight detail, a smoother tone scale, and more saturated colors. The image also exhibited an improved tonal scale and visually more pleasing images than those captured and printed without any 'correction'. While we report the results for one camera-printer combination we tested this technique on numbers digital cameras and printer combinations and in each case produced a better looking image. We also discuss the problems we encountered in implementing this technique.
Oculomotor Neurons in Fish: Electrotonic Coupling and Multiple Sites of Impulse Initiation

Oculomotor neurons are electrotonically coupled in three teleosts. Electron microscopy revealed axosomatic synapses with close appositions of pre- and postynaptic membranes. Similar junctions are associated with electrotonic coupling in many other cases. Stimulation of the ipsilateral eighth nerve usually initiated impulses at sites distant from the cell bodies; stimulation of the ipsilateral ophthalmic nerve initiated impulses close to the cell bodies. Electrotonic coupling may synchronize impulses arising near the, cell bodies to generate synchronous muscle contractions. Impulses arising distant from the cell bodies may lead to contractions of graded strength.
Vibrational Contribution to the Seebeck Coefficient of Bipolaronic Carriers in Boron Carbides

The Seebeck coefficients (thermoelectric powers) of boron carbides are unusual in that they 1. have large values (> 200 μV/K) despite the presence of high carrier densities (> 1021 cm—3) and 2. have temperature dependencies that are qualitatively different from those characterizing common conductors and semiconductors. These novel features have made boron carbides attractive candidates for use in high-temperature thermoelectric energy conversion. Here the origin of the anomalous Seebeck coefficients of boron carbides is investigated. Attention is focused on how the interactions between electronic carriers and the lattice affect the Seebeck coefficient since prior studies indicate that in boron carbides carriers are singlet bipolarons. It is concluded that an especially significant carrier-induced softening of its surroundings, associated with singlet-bipolaron formation in boron carbides, can account for the surprising thermoelectric properties of boron carbides.
Operating History and Current Status of Fabric Filters in the Utility Industry

Electric utilities have made significant progress in recent years in designing and operating baghouses for collection of coal fly ash. As a result, early concerns with high operating and maintenance requirements and short bag lives are no longer an issue. With increasingly stringent air emissions regulations and imminent revision of the Clean Air Act, baghouses have become an attractive particulate collection option for utilities. In order to keep its member utilities apprised of the latest design and operation and maintenance experience with baghouses, the Electric Power Research Institute has been conducting surveys of utility baghouse user experience. This paper presents results from the latest survey, conducted in 1989. A previous survey was conducted in 1985. The 1989 survey was conducted using questionnaires mailed to the utilities, telephone inquiries, and plant visits. This paper discusses the general trends observed in baghouse design, performance, operation and maintenance.
Detecting Anomalous User Behaviors in Workflow-Driven Web Applications

Web applications are increasingly used as portals to interact with back-end database systems and support business processes. This type of data-centric workflow-driven web application is vulnerable to two types of security threats. The first is an request integrity attack, which stems from the vulnerabilities in the implementation of business logic within web applications. The second is guideline violation, which stems from privilege misuse in scenarios where business logic and policies are too complex to be accurately defined and enforced. Both threats can lead to sequences of web requests that deviate from typical user behaviors. The objective of this paper is to detect anomalous user behaviors based on the sequence of their requests within a web session. We first decompose web sessions into workflows based on their data objects. In doing so, the detection of anomalous sessions is reduced to detection of anomalous workflows. Next, we apply a hidden Markov model (HMM) to characterize workflows on a per-object basis. In this model, the implicit business logic involved in this object defines the unobserved states of the Markov process, where the web requests are observations. To derive more robust HMMs, we extend the object-specific approach to an object-cluster approach, where objects with similar workflows are clustered and HMM models are derived on a per-cluster basis. We evaluate our models using two real systems, including an open source web application and a large web-based electronic medical record system. The results show that our approach can detect anomalous web sessions and lend evidence to suggest that the clustering approach can achieve relatively low false positive rates while maintaining its detection accuracy.
Hemic Acid Dissociation in Whale, Seal, and Porpoise Myoglobins and Their Alkylated Derivatives

Abstract The earlier observation of George and Hanania that the apparent pK' value for the hemic acid dissociation of horse ferrimyoglobin is insensitive to changes in over-all net protein charge imparted by titration over the range of pH from 8 to 10 is extended to the ferrimyoglobins of sperm whale, harbor seal, and harbor porpoise. The state of net charge of each of the latter three proteins has also been altered by alkylation of exposed histidyl residues with iodoacetamide, so that the carboxamidomethylated and unmodified proteins could be compared directly at a series of identical pH values in the range of titration of the hemic acid. This modification imparts a relative positive charge, but it is found again that the pK' value for the hemic acid dissociation is not affected. The same observation was made with sperm whale ferrimyoglobin alkylated with bromoacetate so that the effect of imparting a relative negative charge by carboxymethylation could be tested. It is concluded that the classical formulation in terms of over-all net protein charge is not applicable, and that the groups of which the state of charge has been altered are too far from the heme iron to influence the hemic acid dissociation. This dissociation is sensitive, however, to species differences in the environment of the heme.
Emotion twenty questions: toward a crowd-sourced theory of emotions

This paper introduces a method for developing a socially-constructed theory of emotions that aims to reflect the aggregated judgments of ordinary people about emotion terms. Emotion Twenty Questions (EMO20Q) is a dialog-based game that is similar to the familiar Twenty Questions game except that the object of guessing is the name for an emotion, rather than an arbitrary object. The game is implemented as a dyadic computer chat application using the Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP). We describe the idea of a theory that is socially-constructed by design, or crowd-sourced, as opposed to the de facto social construction of theories by the scientific community. This paper argues that such a subtle change in paradigm is useful when studying natural usage of emotion words, which can mean different things to different people but still contain a shared, socially-defined meaning that can be arrived at through conversational dialogs. The game of EMO20Q provides a framework for demonstrating this shared meaning and, moreover, provides a standardized way for collecting the judgments of ordinary people. The paper offers preliminary results of EMO20Q pilot experiments, showing that such a game is feasible and that it generates a range of questions that can be used to describe emotions.
Thermal Management in Hybrid Power Systems Using Cylindrical and Prismatic Battery Cells

Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries are promising as both alternative and auxiliary power sources in hybrid and electric vehicles. However, the reliable and efficient operation of the Li-ion batteries depends critically on effective thermal management, due to both the high operational thermal loads and the possible range operational conditions. This work therefore studied the issue of thermal management of battery systems under extreme hot conditions. This study combined both experimental testing and high-fidelity computer fluid dynamics (CFD). Due to the difficulty of conducting experiments under extreme conditions, controlled experiments were first conducted so that CFD models could be validated. The validated CFD models were then applied to study various aspects of thermal management issues in battery systems, with an emphasis on comparing the operation of prismatic and cylindrical batteries under extremely hot environments. The results presented include temperature distribution among cells, pump power requ...
Current Treatments and Prospective Therapies to Manage Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) occurs as a result of a genetic mutation that produces hemoglobin S (HbS), an abnormal type of hemoglobin (Hb). The HbS forms sickle-shaped red blood cells that adhere to vessel walls, causing bouts of pain commonly called vaso-occlusive crisis. Fluid intake, ibuprofen, and heating pads treat acute pain effectively. Patients experiencing severe pain require opioids, hydroxyurea, or blood transfusions. Currently, SCD has no known permanent cure; however, patients who undergo hematopoietic stemcell transplantation (HSCT) have shown an elimination of disease.
Realistic internet traffic simulation through mixture modeling and a case study

Internet background traffic modeling and simulation is the main challenge when constructing a test environment for network intrusion detection experiments. However, a realistic simulation of network traffic through analytical models is difficult, because the classic distributions are usually ineffective when applied to traffic-related random variables. A modeling and simulation approach using heavy-tailed mixture distributions is introduced in this paper. In the case study, this approach is used to build analytical models for random variables of several major Internet applications (FTP, HTTP, SMTP, POP3, SSH) of a campus network. Several statistical features of an NS2 simulation are compared against those of the traffic traces being simulated. The comparison indicates that the simulation is statistically similar to the real traffic.
Dynamic shear modulus of polystyrene bead foams

The shear storage modulus has been determined for 0.05, 0.10, and 0.22 g/cc polystyrene bead foams and for the full density polymer at frequencies from 0.005 to 0.5 Hz at temperatures from −5° to 84°C. These data are superposed to form master curves of log modulus versus log temperature-reduced frequency, using shift factors calculated by the Arrhenius equation. A plot of log modulus versus log density is linear for the three density foams; however, the modulus value for the solid polymer does not follow this relationship.
Service capacity design problems for mobility allowance shuttle transit systems

Transit agencies are currently seeking ways to improve service flexibility in a cost efficient manner. Mobility Allowance Shuttle Transit is a transportation concept that merges the flexibility of Demand Responsive Transit systems with the low cost operability of fixed-route bus systems. In this paper, we study the service capacity design problem for such a system. We analyze the relationship between service cycle time, and the length and width of the service area under a desired service level constraint. The analysis can be used as a guide for designing service area parameters. Given that a shuttle travels in a rectilinear pattern and utilizes a non-backtracking nearest-insertion algorithm, we derive closed-form approximate solutions for the service capacity design problem. We show that setting the length of the service area to half the travel speed of the shuttle multiplied by the cycle time is an effective approximation.
Against Politics: Walter Benjamin on Justice, Judaism, and the Possibility of Ethics

Is politics compatible with the moral life? Recent attempts to revivify democracy have stressed the lived experience of political activity, the democratic character of the spontaneous moment and the popular movement. This article raises some concerns about such agonistic enthusiasm via an original reading of Walter Benjamin's political thought. For Benjamin, politics corrodes our everyday lives and moral conduct. His response is to envision a space for ethics wholly apart from the violence (Gewalt) that sustains propertied political order, a purified version of the Kantian kingdom of ends that he calls the “state of justice.” Yet deprived of the coercive instrumentality of politics, there is no action that could lead humanity directly to such a state. To surmount this paradox, Benjamin culls from sources in Jewish political theology, and in particular, Jewish ideas about justice and the community of the righteous. In so doing, he offers a new and radical ethical critique of politics that may hold special relevance in our politics-saturated age.
Qualitative state spaces: a formalization of the naive physics approach to knowledge-based reasoning

The authors attempt to formalize the naive physics approach to knowledge-based qualitative reasoning in such a way that it can be compared with the quantitative analysis techniques used in system theory. It is shown that naive physics models resemble classical quantitative models in more respects than is commonly assumed. This resemblance opens up an entire catalog of currently unanswered questions relating to naive physics models. It helps prove some theorems about such qualitative models, but it also unveils some of the shortcomings of these models. >
Barriers and Facilitators of Pediatric Weight Management Among Diverse Families

Objective. To describe barriers and facilitators relevant to pediatric weight management from the perspective of at-risk overweight children and families. Methods. Systematic thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with overweight children and families from diverse backgrounds at a large, urban academic pediatrics practice. Results. Twenty-five parents and their children ages 2 to 18 years with mean body mass index percentile of 96th% (standard deviation 4.3) participated. Fifty-six percent were Black; 40% were Hispanic/Other race. Perceived barriers to successful weight management included (a) inadequate resources (financial, time, access to programming, knowledge), (b) challenging social contexts (cultural practices and expectations, interpersonal dynamics), (c) negative emotional state (lack of confidence, defeat, loneliness), and (d) denial. Participants described linkages to resources, child–parent—provider partnerships, and consistent support as key elements in successful weight management. P...
Online Hierarchical Fault-Adaptive Control for Advanced Life Support Systems

This paper discusses a hierarchical online fault-adaptive control approach for Advanced Life Support (ALS) Systems. ALS systems contain a number of complex interacting subsystems. To avoid complexity in the models and online analysis, diagnosis and fault-adaptive control is achieved by local units. To maintain overall performance, the problem of resource management for contending concurrent subsystems has to be addressed. We implement a control structure, where predefined setpoint specifications for system operation are used to derive optimizing utility functions for the subsystem controllers. We apply this approach in situations where a fault occurs in a system, and once the fault is isolated and identified, the controllers use the updated system model to derive new set point specifications and utility functions for the faulty system.
Multifaceted emotion regulation, stress and affect in mothers of young children

We tested a novel multi-component emotion self-regulation construct that captured physiological (vagal tone), cognitive (reappraisal) and temperament (effortful control) aspects of emotion regulation (ER) as a moderator of the link between more stressors and greater negative/less positive affectivity (NA and PA). A socio-economically diverse sample of 151 women with young children completed questionnaires and a laboratory visit (including cognitive and parent–child interaction tasks and vagal tone measurement). Women with more stressors had more NA and less PA. Furthermore, for NA only, having more stressors was substantially associated with NA but only among women with the lowest ER. This pattern was evident for the composite as well as individual indicators of ER. Results were not attributable to individual differences in executive function. Findings are discussed in light of the diathesis-stress model of stress and coping.
On “Disability reconsidered: the paradox…” Roush SE, Sharby N. Phys Ther. 2011;91:1715–1727.

I was saddened by the comments of Roush and Sharby because they seemed to portray the word “charity” in a negative manner associated with a single philosophy. They state: “The medical model of disability can be linked to charity. If a disability cannot be eliminated, or significantly ameliorated, people with disabilities often are viewed as pitiful or helpless.”1(p1717) In fact, charity and pity are positive attributes. Here is a more typical definition of charity2: 1. Benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity; 2. Generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering; also: aid …
Note---On “Production Runs for Multiple Products: The Two-Product Heuristic”

The recent paper [Saipe, A. L. 1977. Production runs for multiple products: the two-product heuristic. Management Sci.23 12, August 1321--1327.] by Saipe considers the single-machine multi-product lot scheduling problem, this problem is concened with the determination of run sizes for a set of products which are produced on the same machine. In the paper [Saipe, A. L. 1977. Production runs for multiple products: the two-product heuristic. Management Sci.23 12, August 1321--1327.], a heuristic solution procedure, based on a solution procedure for the two-product lot scheduling problem, is proposed for the multi-product problem. The intent of this note is to raise three issues concerning the proposed heuristic procedure: a the optimality of the procedure for the two-product problem, b the performance of the procedure at full capacity for more than two products, and c the effectiveness of the procedure relative to alternative solution procedures.