cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calibrating the wealth effects of decoupled payments: Does decreasing absolute risk aversion matter?

Abstract Arrow’s hypotheses regarding the relationship between wealth and risk aversion measures have formed the basis for a large body of empirical research and theory. For example, many have suggested that decoupled farm subsidy payments may increase production as they decrease farmers’ risk aversion. This paper develops a new calibration technique designed to measure the minimum change in concavity of a utility of wealth function necessary to describe a particular change in production behavior for some discrete change in wealth. I conclude that measurable changes in production levels should not be produced by changing levels of risk aversion except when wealth changes are a substantial portion of wealth. This tool draws into question the usefulness of Arrow’s hypotheses in many current applications.
Selective Tumor Cell Targeting Using Low-Affinity, Multivalent Interactions

This report highlights the advantages of low-affinity, multivalent interactions to recognize one cell type over another. Our goal was to devise a strategy to mediate selective killing of tumor cells, which are often distinguished from normal cells by their higher levels of particular cell surface receptors. To test whether multivalent interactions could lead to highly specific cell targeting, we used a chemically synthesized small-molecule ligand composed of two distinct motifs: (1) an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptidomimetic that binds tightly (Kd ≈ 10–9 M) to αvβ3 integrins and (2) the galactosyl-α(1–3)galactose (α-Gal epitope), which is recognized by human anti-α-galactosyl antibodies (anti-Gal). Importantly, anti-Gal binding requires a multivalent presentation of carbohydrate residues; anti-Gal antibodies interact weakly with the monovalent oligosaccharide (Kd ≈ 10–5 M) but bind tightly (Kd ≈ 10–11 M) to multivalent displays of α-Gal epitopes. Such a display is generated when the bifunctional conjugate decora...
Intraneuronal Aβ Causes the Onset of Early Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Cognitive Deficits in Transgenic Mice

Progressive memory loss and cognitive dysfunction are the hallmark clinical features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Identifying the molecular triggers for the onset of AD-related cognitive decline presently requires the use of suitable animal models, such as the 3xTg-AD mice, which develop both amyloid and tangle pathology. Here, we characterize the onset of learning and memory deficits in this model. We report that 2-month-old, prepathologic mice are cognitively unimpaired. The earliest cognitive impairment manifests at 4 months as a deficit in long-term retention and correlates with the accumulation of intraneuronal Abeta in the hippocampus and amygdala. Plaque or tangle pathology is not apparent at this age, suggesting that they contribute to cognitive dysfunction at later time points. Clearance of the intraneuronal Abeta pathology by immunotherapy rescues the early cognitive deficits on a hippocampal-dependent task. Reemergence of the Abeta pathology again leads to cognitive deficits. This study strongly implicates intraneuronal Abeta in the onset of cognitive dysfunction.
Nonlocal potentials and their local equivalents

Abstract The transformation of the radial Schrodinger equation for a nonlocal potential to the radial Schrodinger equation for a local potential is investigated. Previous work is clarified and extended to complex values of the wave number. For the purpose of establishing a correspondence between the properties of the nonlocal and local equations, the nonlocal equation is studied in the coordinate representation. In connection with this study, it is shown that the so called spurious state solutions to the nonlocal equation can be attributed to the breakdown of the linear independence of solutions which behave asymptotically as incoming and outgoing waves. The method used to transform the nonlocal equation leads to unique expressions for the equivalent local potential and damping function throughout the domain of definition of the solutions to the nonlocal equation. Both bound states and the continuum are treated by the same method. The transformation is limited by the appearance of the spurious solutions to the nonlocal equation. In the absence of such solutions, the nonlocal and local wave functions have the same phase and the same number of nodes; they differ only by the damping function which is an everywhere positive amplitude factor. For a nonlocal kernel which is real and symmetric, the nonlocal and equivalent local equations have the same spectrum, In this case, the damping function is unity at the origin. The method described is relevant to several problems of current interest.
Thermodynamic analysis of solar thermochemical CO2 capture via carbonation/calcination cycle with heat recovery

Abstract Thermodynamic analysis of an ideal solar-driven cycle for the capture of carbon dioxide using a CaO-based carbonation/calcination cycle is performed for gas mixtures with compositions corresponding to those of atmospheric air and power plant flue gases. Solar energy input requirements are examined as a function of CO 2 molar fraction in the input gas, gas phase heat recovery, solid phase heat recovery, and carbonation and calcination temperatures. Gas phase heat recovery can reduce the solar energy input requirements by 22–99%, with the largest gains occurring at lower CO 2 molar fractions. Solid phase heat recovery can reduce the solar energy input requirements by 0.1–26%, with the largest gains occurring at higher CO 2 molar fractions. For a carbonation temperature of 673 K and a calcination temperature of 1273 K, over 45 MJ per mol of CO 2 captured is required for a CO 2 concentration of 300 ppm with no heat recovery. The minimum solar energy input required with perfect gas and solid heat recovery is 207 kJ per mol of CO 2 captured.
The metabolic fate of 3H-fenetylline in man.

Abstract The metabolic fate of fenetylline, 7-[2-(α-methylphenethylamino)ethyl] theophylline hydrochloride was studied in four adult male volunteers after oral administration using two tritium-labeled forms, one labeled on the amphetamine and the other on the theophylline moiety. The comparative metabolism of 3 H-d-amphetamine sulfate was also investigated. Within four hours after administration the rate of biotransformation of fenetylline ( 3 H-amphetamine) to its metabolites, was similar to that obtained with 3 H-d-amphetamine. Unchanged amphetamine, hippuric acid and p-hydroxylated amphetamine were identified and quantified for selected periods to 24 hr in the urine of the subjects receiving fenetylline ( 3 H-amphetamine) and 3 H-d-amphetamine. In subjects administered fenetylline ( 3 H-theophylline) the metabolites were quantified and identified as 1,3-dimethyluric acid, 1,3-dimethylxanthine, 1-methyluric acid and 3-methylxanthine. Conclusions based on these metabolic data suggest that fenetylline pharmacologic action may be due primarily to its metabolic degradation to amphetamine and theophylline.
212Pb@C60 and Its Water-Soluble Derivatives: Synthesis, Stability, and Suitability for Radioimmunotherapy

Fullerenes could potentially play a valuable role in radioimmunotherapy by more stably encapsulating radionuclides, especially where conventional chelation chemistry is inadequate due to the physical and/or chemical properties of the radionuclide. One of the therapeutically useful radionuclides that requires improved containment in vivo is 212Pb (tau1/2 = 10.6 h), the beta-emitting parent to alpha-emitting 212Bi (tau1/2 = 60.6 min). Myelotoxicity resulting from the accumulation of 212Pb in the bone marrow has limited the use of this radionuclide despite its favorable decay characteristics. In this work, 212Pb@C60 and its malonic ester derivatives were prepared for the first time by allowing the 212Pb to recoil into C60 following alpha-decay from its parent, 0.15-s 216Po, generated in situ from the decay of 224Ra (tau1/2 = 15 days). Repeated washing of the organic phase containing the 212Pb@C60 malonic esters with challenge solutions containing cold Pb2+ ions demonstrated that some of the 212Pb could not be exchanged and was apparently inside of the fullerenes. Malonic esters of endohedral alpha-emitting 213Bi (tau1/2 = 45 min) fullerenes were prepared by an analogous procedure. Following acidification of the esters, a preliminary biodistribution study in mice was performed with the untargeted water-soluble radiofullerenes. It was found that 212Pb did not accumulate in bone after being administered as an endohedral fullerene, in contrast to results with polyhydroxylated radiofullerenes and conventional polyaminocarboxylate chelators for 212Pb. The results indicate that 212Pb is held more tightly in the fullerene than in other methods and suggest that fullerenes may have an important role in the targeted delivery of 212Pb.
Thermal Conductivity Estimation of Nano Graphene Using Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics With Andersen and Berendsen Thermostats

The impact of the temperature control method on the thermal conductivity of a small sheet of graphene is studied. Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics (EMD) simulations are used to evaluate the heat current fluctuations and thermal conductivity calculations. The Tersoff potential model is used to determine the covalent interactions between carbon atoms of the graphene’s honeycomb structure. Green-Kubo relations are employed to estimate thermal conductivity values. Andersen and Berendsen thermostats are separately utilized to obtain a desired temperature for the canonical (NVT) ensemble. The influence of the chosen thermostat on the estimated thermal conductivity found to be significant. The wide range of computational and experimental results shows that further work is required to confidently determine the thermal conductivity of this material.© 2011 ASME
Rab2 Is Essential for the Maturation of Pre-Golgi Intermediates

The small GTPase Rab2 is a resident of pre-Golgi intermediates and required for protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi complex (Tisdale, E. J., Bourne, J. R., Khosravi-Far, R., Der, C. J., and Balch, W. E. (1992) J. Cell Biol. 119, 749-761). The Rab2 protein, like all small GTPases, contains conserved GTP-binding domains as well as hypervariable carboxyl-terminal and amino-terminal domains. While the role of the carboxyl terminus in specific membrane localization is well recognized, the potential role of the variable NH2 terminus remains to be clarified. To determine whether the NH2 terminus of Rab2 was required for its activity in vivo, a trans dominant mutant of Rab2 that inhibits ER to Golgi transport was progressively truncated and analyzed for its effect on vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein transport in a vaccinia-based transient expression system. Deletion of the first 14 amino-terminal residues resulted in the loss of the inhibitory properties of the mutant without affecting its post-translational processing or membrane association. To assess the potential role of the NH2 terminus in Rab2 function, a peptide corresponding to the first 13 amino acids following the initiator methionine was introduced into an in vitro assay that efficiently reconstitutes transport of vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein from the ER to the Golgi stack. This peptide was a potent inhibitor of transport. Biochemical and morphological studies revealed that the peptide strongly interfered with assembly of pre-Golgi intermediates which mediate segregation of anterograde and retrograde transported proteins en route to the Golgi. The combined results suggest that the NH2 terminus of Rab2 is required for its function and for direct interaction with components of the transport machinery involved in the maturation of pre-Golgi intermediates.
Groups, triality, and hyperquasigroups

Hyperquasigroups were recently introduced to provide a more symmetrical approach to quasigroups, and a far-reaching implementation of triality (S3-action). In the current paper, various connections between hyperquasigroups and groups are examined, on the basis of established connections between quasigroups and groups. A new graph-theoretical characterization of hyperquasigroups is exhibited. Torsors are recognized as hyperquasigroups, and group representations are shown to be equivalent to linear hyperquasigroups. The concept of orthant structure is introduced, as a tool for recovering classical information from a hyperquasigroup.
STM OF ANOMALOUS CARBON STRUCTURES

Understanding carbon in its various forms became recently the focus of many research activities due to the production of C60 and other fullerenes. Besides the fullerenes, other novel forms of carbon might be realized in the laboratory. In this respect, the physics of low-dimensional carbon configurations is of special interest. We will discuss the effect of defects on a graphitic sheet, ‘rotated’ stacking of graphitic sheets, and the adsorption characteristics of submonolayer carbon on graphite. Using a scanning tunneling microscope, we find that the local density of states can strongly vary due to defects, or layer misorientations, leading to periodic modulations of the graphitic electron state density. A variety of observed anomalous structures are explained by lateral electron state density variations rather than by atomic reconstructions.
The origin of the playground: The role of the Boston women's clubs, 1885–1890

Abstract The Massachusetts Emergency and Hygiene Association established the first playground in the United States at the Parmenter‐Street Chapel in Boston's North End. This historical study explores primary sources that have not been presented heretofore in the body of literature related to the development of playgrounds in the United States. The growth of these playgrounds occurred a decade before Joseph Lee's involvement in using playgrounds as a social tool for “Americanizing” immigrants.
Cocaine in hair, saliva, skin swabs, and urine of cocaine users' children

Abstract The concentrations of cocaine and benzoylecgonine (BE) in the hair, saliva, skin secretions, and urine samples of cocaine-using mothers, their children, and other adults living in the same environment were compared. Subjects were screened from urban cocaine dependence treatment patients. Drug using adults had mean hair concentrations of 2.4 ng cocaine/mg hair (range = 0–12.2, σ = 3.1, 1516 positive) and 0.39 ng BE/mg hair (range = 0–1.9, σ = 0.62), compared with children's mean hair concentrations of 2.4 ng cocaine/mg of hair (range = 0–14.4, σ = 3.8, 2224 positive) and 0.74 ng benzoylecgonine/mg hair (range = 0–5.4 σ = 1.3). None of the children's urine specimens (022) were positive above 300 ng BE/ml. In contrast, 316 adult urine specimens were positive, even though they were enrolled in drug treatment. Saliva had detectable levels of BE for only one child (117) and one adult (117). Forehead swabs contained measurable quantities of cocaine for most children (1926) and adults (1517) and BE for children (726) and adults (717). Unlike urine results, overall hair cocaine concentrations for adults paralleled those of children and a clear cut-off concentration could not be established to differentiate these two groups.
Resistance of blue-green algae to 60Co gamma radiation*

Abstract Many characteristics of blue green algae suggest that they should be excellent organisms for the investigation of biological interaction with radiation, particularly ionizing radiation. Therefore, the relative resistance to gamma radiation from a 60 Co source has been measured for 23 cyanophycean algae. Since the organisms represent a wide range of cell types it was necessary to use dry weight as the end point for viability determination. Using the radiation resistant bacterium Micrococcus radiodurans as a primary standard and the bacterium Sarcina lutea as a secondary standard, the algae have been compared with one another and with S. lutea using a dry weight end point; S. lutea has also been compared with M. radiodurans on a colony count basis. The algae show a wide range of radiation resistance and have been grouped into three categories: (1) low resistance, with an ld 90 of less than 400 krads, for example, Microcystis aeruginosa, Anacystis nidulans and some species of Schizothrix calcicola; (2) moderate resistance, (equal or better than M. radiodurans ) with an ld 90 of more than 400 krads but less than 1200 krads, for example, Oscillatoria brevis, Anabaena variabilis and Scytonema hoffmannii; (3) high resistance, with an ld 90 of greater than 1200 krads, for example, Plectonema boryanum, Lyngbya estuarii, Nostoc muscorum and Microcoleus vaginatus .
Epigenetic Reprogramming: A Possible Etiological Factor in Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis?

Purpose: The etiology of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis is poorly understood. The possibility that epigenetic reprogramming may have a role is discussed.Materials and Methods: A literature search was performed with the Entrez-PubMed® database using the key words urinary bladder, epigenetics, epigenetic mechanisms, interstitial cystitis, diagnosis, etiology, urothelial cells, mast cells, nerve fibers, nerves, nerve growth factor, recurrent injury, stem cells, inflammatory mediators and demethylases.Results: The uroepithelium is intimately associated with the nervous system. Sensory input at the apical surface of umbrella cells regulates bladder function via a transmural signaling pathway. When umbrella cells are shed in response to noxious stimuli, stem cells in the basal layer become exposed. The polycomb group genes are key in the maintenance of adult stem cells. The polycomb group genes mediate gene silencing and repress transdifferentiation by methylating lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3)...
Research on 3D Simulation Modeling Method of Faults Based on Coal Stratum Floor TIN

The research on 3D simulation technology for complex geological body according to geological and remote sensing data is a hot issue in current geosciences research field. The simulation and expression of coal mine structures containing faults are the main bottleneck. A new 3D interactive simulation modeling method is proposed and a relevant code is developed for the method. By using the system, the fault data can be gained from the coal stratum floor triangulated irregular network (TIN) interactively, and the 3D solid models of the fault are generated according to the results of computing the fault/coal seam intersection line, fault modeling centre lines and fault modeling influence domains. Moreover, the floor contours of coal stratum including faults can be updated quickly and accurately, which lay the foundation for precise modeling of coal body and digital mine construction.
Uneven profiles: Language minority learners' word reading, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills

English reading comprehension skill development was examined in a group of 87 native Spanish-speakers developing English literacy skills, followed from fourth through fifth grade. Specifically, the effects of Spanish (L1) and English (L2) oral language and word reading skills on reading comprehension were investigated. The participants showed average word reading skills and below average comprehension skills, influenced by low oral language skills. Structural equation modeling confirmed that L2 oral language skills had a large, significant effect on L2 reading comprehension, whereas students' word-level reading skills, whether in L1 or L2, were not significantly related to English reading comprehension in three of four models fitted. The results converge with findings from studies with monolinguals demonstrating the influence of oral language on reading comprehension outcomes, and extend these findings by showing that, for language minority learners, L2 oral language exerts a stronger influence than word reading in models of L2 reading.
Carboxylate-Bridged Diiron(II) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and O2-Reactivity of Models for the Reduced Diiron Centers in Methane Monooxygenase and Ribonucleotide Reductase

Diiron(II) complexes with an oxygen-rich coordination environment were assembled with the dinucleating dicarboxylate ligands m-xylylenediamine bis(Kemp's triacid)imide (H2XDK) and the more soluble analogue m-xylylenediamine bis(propyl Kemp's triacid)imide (H2PXDK). X-ray crystallographic analysis revealed that, in most of the complexes, only one monodentate N-donor ligand is bound to each iron(II) ion. In addition to XDK and PXDK, a variety of other ligands bridge the dimetallic core including chloride, fluoride, triflate, or carboxylate. The tris(carboxylate-bridged) complexes [Fe2(μ-XDK)(μ-O2CPh)(ImH)2(O2CPh)(MeOH)] (3) and [Fe2(μ-O2CC(CH3)3)(μ-PXDK)(N-MeIm)2(O2CC(CH3)3)] (4) have the same ligand composition as the diiron(II) cores in the hydroxylase component of methane monooxygenase (MMO) and in the R2 protein of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). The coordination environments of the two iron centers in 3 and 4 are inequivalent, with one iron being 6-coordinate and the other being 4-coordinate. The bridg...
Fluorescence-detected optical-optical double resonance spectroscopy of Rydberg-Rydberg transitions in NO

Abstract Fluorescence-detected optical-optical double resonance (OODR) spectroscopy is used to determine the relative transition intensities from the 3pπ C 2 Π, ν′=0 state to the n *= 6 supercomplex of NO. The results are in good agreement with the multi-channel quantum defect theory analysis of Fredin et al. (Mol. Phys. 60 (1987) 825) and support their conclusion that the intensities of the same transitions observed in their ionization-detected OODR spectra are strongly affected by predissociation.
Early ground-reference calibration results for Landsat 7 ETM+ using small test sites

Recent results of the vicarious calibration of the Landsat-7 ETM+ sensor are presented based on the reflectance-based vicarious method using results from a smaller test site local to the University of Arizona area. This test site is not as bright, nor as spatially-uniform and as large as typical sites. However, the proximity of the site allows for more frequent calibrations and hopefully a better understanding of the calibration as a function of time. The selection of the test site, its properties, and example results of calibrations at this site are presented. The results from seven dates are presented and show that the ETM+ sensor has been stable to better than 5% since launch. The results from these seven dates have larger variability than those from the large test sites, but agree for the most part to better than 5% with the large test sites.
A study on the electronic and structural properties of fullerene C30 and azafullerene C18N12

Abstract The structures and electronic properties of both fullerene C30 and the azafullerene C18N12 are studied by ab initio methods. The result demonstrates that the substitution of carbon atoms by nitrogen atoms in C30 can strengthen C–C bonds surrounded by nitrogen atoms and increase the π character. Therefore, azafullerene C18N12 is expected to be more stable. The structure of the most stable C18N12 isomer and its infrared spectroscopy are predicted for the future experimental work.
Identification of a cytochrome P450 gene by reverse transcription--PCR using degenerate primers containing inosine

Abstract A cytochrome P450-like gene, tentatively named P450CMEF, was amplified by a mixed oligonucleotide-primed amplification of cDNA from C3H mouse embryo fibroblast cells, designated 10T1/2, that had been treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) or benz[a]anthracene (BA). A set of inosine-containing degenerate primers that were targeted to two conserved regions of known cytochrome P450 cDNAs were used. One primer was coded for the well-described and conserved heme-binding region of P450 enzymes, and the second was designed based upon other considerations of homology among P450 molecules. One of the four PCR-amplified cDNA products hybridized to two major RNA bands, 4.2 and 5.3 kb, that were induced by DMBA or BA. The amino acid sequence of the fragment deduced from the base-sequence data indicate that the amplified cDNA has a 50-55% identity with the cytochrome P450 subfamily 1A. The induction of P450CMEF mRNA preceded the induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity after DMBA or BA treatment, suggesting that the product of P450CMEF is involved in the metabolism of these polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in 10T1/2 cells. From the partial sequence of the cDNA identified by this procedure, we propose that P450CMEF is a member of the P450 superfamily, possibly in a subfamily of family 1, that is induced in 10T1/2 cells by DMBA and BA. This method should be useful in identifying additional P450 genes and genes in other gene families.
Ad hoc CubeSat constellations: Secondary launch coverage and distribution

The primary purpose of a constellation is to obtain global measurements with improved spatial and temporal resolution. The small size, low cost, standardized form factor, and increasing availability of commercial parts for CubeSats make them ideal for use in constellations. However, without taking advantage of secondary payload opportunities, it would be costly to launch and distribute a CubeSat constellation into a specific configuration. A cost-effective way to launch a constellation of CubeSats is via consecutive secondary payload launch opportunities, but the resulting constellation would be an ad hoc mix of orbit parameters. We focus on the feasibility of cobbling together constellation-like functionality from multiple secondary payload opportunities. Each participating CubeSat (or set of CubeSats) per launch could have completely different orbital parameters, even without propulsion onboard the CubeSats or intermediate transfer carriers. We look at the ground coverages that could be obtained for a constellation of five to six orbital planes with one to six satellites in each plane. We analyze past and announced future launch opportunities for CubeSats, including launch platforms supported by the NASA Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa). We consider combinations of possible launch locations and temporal spacings over the course of one year and simulate the resulting ground coverage patterns and revisit times for an ad hoc constellation using these launch opportunities. We perform this analysis for two separate case studies - one with only US launches and one with both US and non-US opportunities - and vary the number of satellites per orbital plane. Typical CubeSat mission lifetimes and deorbit times for low-altitude orbits are included in these analyses. The ad hoc constellation results are compared to coverage from uniformly-placed LEO constellations and are quantified in terms of revisit time, time to 100% global coverage, and response time. For multiple satellites per orbital plane, we identify the required delta-V and expected time to distribute these CubeSats in non-traditional constellation architectures. We find that using secondary launches for opportunistic ad hoc CubeSat constellations, if not limited to US-only opportunities, can decrease global satellite revisit time when compared with a uniform Walker constellation (6 hours versus 8 hours for the Walker constellation). The ad hoc constellation is slightly less optimal than the Walker constellation in terms of response time (13 hours versus 12 hours) and time to complete global coverage (12 hours versus 10 hours), but the performance is comparable.
Hypothalamic, pituitary and thyroid dysfunction after radiotherapy to the head and neck

One hundred-ten patients who had nasopharyngeal cancer and paranasal sinus tumors and were free of the primary disease were studied one to 26 years following radiotherapy. There were 70 males and 40 females ranging in age from 4 to 75 years, with a mean age of 36.5 years. During therapy both the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland were in the field of irradiation. The radiation dose to the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland was estimated to be 400 to 7500 rad with a median dose of 5618 rad to the anterior pituitary gland and a median dose of 5000 rad to the hypothalamus. We found evidence of endocrine deficiencies in 91 of the 110 patients studied. Seventy-six patients showed evidence of one or more hypothalamic lesions and 43 patients showed evidence of primary pituitary deficiency. Forty of the 66 patients who received radiotherapy to the neck for treatment or prevention of lymph node metastasis showed evidence of primary hypothyroidism. The range of the dose to the thyroid area was 3000 to 8800 rad with a median of 5000 rad. One young adult woman who developed galactorrhea and amenorrhea 2 years following radiotherapy showed a high serum prolactin level, but had normal anterior pituitary function and sella turcica. She regained her menses and had a normal pregnancy and delivery following bromocriptine therapy. These results indicate that endocrine deficiencies after radiotherapy for tumors of the head and neck are common and should be detected early and treated. Long-term follow-up of these patients is indicated since complications may appear after the completion of radiotherapy.
Determination of effective conditions for two-stage coprocessing of coal with waste plastics and petroleum resid

Two-stage coprocessing of waste plastics with coal and petroleum resid was investigated using a one-third fractional factorial design. In the two-stage process, waste plastics were reacted in the first stage, and the liquid products from the first stage were then introduced into the second stage, which consisted of coal and petroleum resid. Four factors, each with three levels, were evaluated in the study, namely the catalyst type, the resid type, the plastic type, and the weight percent of coal. The catalysts were NiMo/Al2O3, NiMo/zeolite, and HZSM-5; the resids were Manji, Maya, and Hondo; the plastics were low-density polyethylene, mixed post-consumer, and mixed waste plastics collected in Germany; and the weight percents of coal were 0, 10, and 29%. The results from the factorial experiment were evaluated by determining their product distributions using solvent fractionation. The production of gas and hexane-soluble materials, as well as the conversion to THF-soluble materials, was measured. From the ...
Modelling the load transfer in threaded connections by the finite element method

We introduce a finite element model for stress analysis of threaded connections. Instead of modelling individual threads, the thread zone is replaced by a layer of elements with orthotropic properties. The principal directions of orthotropy depend upon the thread geometry and upon the direction of load, which is not necessarily known a priori. Both conventional and tapered threads are considered. The latter problem is nonlinear, as the number of threads in contact is a function of the load. Numerical results for conventional and tapered threads agree well with theoretical and exeprimental results in the literature.
Functional impairment and health care utilization among HIV-infected men who have sex with men: the relationship with depression and post-traumatic stress

This study examined the relationship of post-traumatic and depressive symptom severity with measures of health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and health care utilization in a sample of 503 HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) recruited in their primary HIV care setting. Participants completed computer assisted assessments of mood and anxiety, HRQOL, and HIV treatment. Peripheral blood CD4 (T helper) lymphocyte count, plasma HIV RNA concentration, and number of medical appointments were extracted from an electronic medical record. Controlling for demographics, disease stage, and antiretroviral medication, post-traumatic stress and depression symptoms accounted for significant variation in general health estimates, and in pain, role, and work-related impairment. Additionally, in multivariable models, post-traumatic stress and depression severity accounted for significant variation in health care utilization whereas symptoms and indices of HIV disease progression did not. These results extend the current research by providing evidence of the relationship between post-traumatic stress and depression symptom severity with measures of functional impairment and health care utilization in a relatively healthy, urban cohort of HIV-infected MSM.
Apprehension about Communication and the Need for Cognition

Examining the relationship between apprehension about communication and need for cognition of 50 Florida college undergraduates indicated the two characteristics are inversely related. Implications of an r of 326 for research and further validating assessment of apprehension about communication were discussed.
Failure to detect infectious hepatitis b virus using high dose safety test for hepatitis b vaccine

One hundred milliliters of an inactivated hepatitis B vaccine (20 microgram/ml) were inoculated intravenously into two colony-born infant chimpanzees. Immediately thereafter each received hepatitis B virus from a documented infectious inoculum intravenously at a separate site. Neither chimpanzee developed elevation of aminotransferase levels, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), or antibody to hepatitis B core antigen during six months of evaluation, the duration of the currently recommended safety test. Both chimpanzees developed antibody to HBsAg beginning 8 and 9 weeks, respectively, after inoculation. The administration of a large intravenous quantity of vaccine antigen thus appeared capable of masking or preventing infection by simultaneously administered hepatitis B virus. This study suggests that a chimpanzee safety test for hepatitis B vaccine should not employ large quantities of vaccine antigen, since such a safety test may fail to detect small amounts of residual infectious hepatitis B virus.
Financial liberalisation, institutional transformation and credit allocation in developing countries: The World Bank and the internationalisation of banking

The paper documents and analyses the World Bank's promotion of foreign ownership of banking in developing countries. In the wake of two decades of financial crises following exercises of orthodox financial reform, the World Bank has not only continued to push privatisation, but now sees foreign banks as the missing component that will deal with the downside risks of financial liberalisation. Concerns that foreign banks might reduce small and medium enterprise (SME) loan access because of information problems are largely dismissed by the Bank. In fact the World Bank argues for the very opposite, the existence of foreign banks is likely to have the effect of pushing local banks into SME markets where they have a greater comparative advantage. The question of access to credit for the private sector, particularly the locally owned small and medium size enterprises, is central to the issue of employment generation and poverty reduction in developing countries where the bulk of new jobs are typically created by these companies. This article traces the development of the World Bank's agenda on foreign ownership. It critically assesses the arguments and empirical work underlying the World Bank analysis and draws on alternative empirical testing and case studies to raise serious questions about the downside risks associated with the internationalisation of banking. Copyright The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Cambridge Political Economy Society. All rights reserved., Oxford University Press.
646 FECAL ALPHA-1-ANTITRYPSIN IN CHILDREN WITH CROHN'S DISEASE

Random fecal α-1-antitrypsin (R-FA1AT) was monitored for 4 to 22 months in 18 children with Crohn's disease aged 7 to 17 years. Excess R-FA1AT indicates abnormal fecal loss of serum protein (Clin. Res. 28 (1):97A, 1980). The relationship between the number of abnormal clinical findings (ACF) and R-FAlAT was evaluated. Eleven parameters were selected to assess disease activity (abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, diarrhea, extra-intestinal symptoms, Hgb, ESR, WBC, albumin, hematochezia, and abdominal mass). Elevated R-FA1AT was associated with high ACF (X2p<0.001). Patients had 5.7±1.7 ACF when R-FA1AT was ≥3.4 (mg/gm dry stool) (X of normal + 3SD) compared to 1.4±1.0 when R-FA1AT was <3.4 (p<0.001). With treatment ACF fell from 5.9±1.3 to 0.9±0.8 (p<0.001), and R-FA1AT decreased from 10.3±5.0 to 1.7±0.7 (p<0.001). R-FA1AT became abnormal in 2 patients prior to an increase in ACF upon relapse. Two children still had abnormal R-FA1AT despite declining ACF in early remission. We conclude that R-FA1AT is an objective, sensitive, and noninvasive marker for activity of Crohn's disease.
1797 AUGMENTED BREATHS (SIGHS): CHANGES IN THE RELATIVE CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHEST WALL AND ABDOMEN IN INFANCY

Electromyographic studies in animals suggest that the activation of the inspiratory intercostal muscles during augmented breaths is weaker in newborn animals compared to adults when simultaneous activation of diaphragm is compared. Since the relative contribution of these muscles during augmented breaths in neonates and children are not known, the present study was designed to determine the changes in abdominal and chest wall contribution during augmented breaths in newborn and in older infants. The abdominal and chest wall respiratory movements of ten newborn infants ( 6 weeks) were monitored by respiratory inductive plethysmograph bands. Spontaneous augmented breaths (sighs) in quiet sleep were analyzed. The control values were obtained from the mean of 3 breaths immediately preceding the augmented breath and the augmented breaths were expressed as percent of their controls. The increase in chest wall movement was smaller in newborn infants when compared to the increase in abdominal movement (173 vs 297%) whereas the increase in chest wall movement was greater in the older infants (426 vs 268%). These results suggest that the proprioceptive control of the chest wall muscles is immature in the neonatal period. This may result in poor compensation to added respiratory loads during the neonatal period. Supported by grants from the NIH (HL-01156) and the March of Dimes (5–426).
The ultraviolet photochemistry of condensed-phase acetyl chloride

Abstract Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of amorphous and crystalline samples of solid acetyl chloride produces metastable HCl · ketene complexes in a 1:1 ratio following S 1 photoexcitation. The HCl · ketene complex is the only product observed following UV irradiation of either amorphous or crystalline samples. The condensed-phase reaction mechanism contrasts starkly with that of the gas phase mechanism that produces Cl and CH 3 CO radicals by prompt photolysis, followed by dissociation of internally excited CH 3 CO to form CO and CH 3 in a non-concerted process.
Synthesis of some cyano-, amino- and carboxyborane adducts of amines and diamines

Abstract The amine- and diamine-cyanoboranes, amine·nBH2CN (n = 1, amine = O(CH2CH2)2NMe and Me2NCH2CH2CN; n = 2, amine = Me2NCH2CH2NMe2 and H2NCH2CH2NH2) were prepared from the amine hydrochlorides and NaBH3CN. New amine- and diamine-carboxyboranes, amine·nBH2COOH(n = 1, amine = C5H5N and O(CH2CH2)2NMe; n = 2, amine = Me2NCH2CH2NMe2) were prepared by alkylation of the corresponding amine-cyanoborane with Et3OBF4 to the N-ethylnitrilium salts and subsequent reaction with water. In one case hydrolysis with NaOH resulted in the bis (N-ethylamidoborane), (Me2NCH2CH2NMe2)·2BH2C(O)NHEt. Preliminary results of studies of antitumor, and hypocholesterolemic activity in mice of several of these compounds are reported.
TIME AND FREQUENCY DOMAIN CHARACTERIZATION OF MULTICONDUCTOR TRANSMISSION LINES

ABSTRACT The objective of this paper is to present a methodology for the computation of the response of a multiconductor transmission line terminated by linear networks to an arbitrary excitation. The lines are embedded in multilayered homogeneous lossy dielectric media and have uniform cross sections along their lengths. To check the accuracy of the theoretical results, extensive experimental verification has been carried out.
Family Dinner Meal Frequency and Adolescent Development: Relationships with Developmental Assets and High-Risk Behaviors.

Abstract Purpose To examine associations between family meal frequency and developmental assets and high-risk behaviors among a national sample of adolescents. Methods Anonymous surveys were distributed to 99,462 sixth to 12th grade students from public and alternative schools in 213 cities and 25 states across the United States. Logistic regression analyses tested differences in assets and high-risk behaviors by family dinner frequency. Results Consistent positive associations were found between the frequency of family dinners and all developmental assets, including both external (e.g., support, boundaries and expectations; odds ratio [OR] 2.1–3.7) and internal assets (e.g., commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity; OR 1.8–2.6); relationships were attenuated, but remained significant after adjusting for demographics and general family communication and support. Consistent inverse relationships were found between the frequency of family dinners and all high-risk behaviors measured (i.e., substance use, sexual activity, depression/suicide, antisocial behaviors, violence, school problems, binge eating/purging, and excessive weight loss; OR .36–.58), relationships were attenuated, but remained significant after adjusting for demographics and family factors. Conclusions The findings of the present study suggest that the frequency of family dinner is an external developmental asset or protective factor that may curtail high-risk behaviors among youth. Creative and realistic strategies for enhancing and supporting family meals, given the context within which different families live, should be explored to promote healthy adolescent development. Family rituals such as regular mealtimes may ease the stress of daily living in the fast-paced families of today's society.
Integrated intensities of OH vibrational overtones in alcohols

Author Institution: Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; Atmospheric Chemistry Division, National Center for Atmospheric Research; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado
RIH-MAC: Receiver-Initiated Harvesting-aware MAC for NanoNetworks

In this paper, we introduce RIH-MAC, a receiver-initiated MAC protocol, for communication among nanonodes in a wireless electromagnetic nanonetwork. The protocol can be used for a wide family of applications and operates in both distributed and centralized communication models. Furthermore, RIH-MAC is designed to operate adaptively with energy harvesting nanonodes. RIH-MAC is developed based on distributed and probabilistic schemes to create a scalable solution, which minimizes collisions and maximizes the utilization of harvested energy. Through simulation, we show the efficiency of RIH-MAC.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(lactide-b-siloxane-b-lactide) copolymers as magnetite nanoparticle dispersants

Abstract Poly(lactide-b-siloxane-b-lactide) triblock copolymers with pendent carboxylate groups have been synthesized to serve as dispersants for magnetite nanoparticles. Magnetic nanoparticles are of interest for potential biomedical applications including magnetic field-directed drug delivery and magnetic cell separations. For in-vivo applications, it is important that the magnetic particle be coated with biocompatible organic materials to afford dispersion characteristics or to further modify the surfaces of the complexes with biospecific moieties. Synthesis of the triblock copolymer dispersants comprises three reactions. First, difunctional, controlled molecular weight, telechelic, polymethylvinylsiloxane (PMVS) oligomers with 3-aminopropyl endgroups were prepared in ring-opening redistribution reactions. Secondly, these oligomers were utilized as macroinitiators for ring-opening l -lactide or d , l -lactide to provide triblock materials with PMVS central blocks and polylactide end blocks. Both the PMVS oligomers and the poly(lactide-b-siloxane-b-lactide) copolymers had the expected molecular weights and compositions. Thirdly, the vinyl groups on the polysiloxane center were functionalized with carboxylic acids by adding mercaptoacetic acid across the pendent double bonds. At neutral pH, the carboxylate-functional polysiloxane central block binds to the surfaces of magnetite nanoparticles, while the polylactides serve as tail blocks to provide dispersibility in polylactide solvents through interparticle steric repulsive forces. Analyses confirmed that the copolymers indeed adsorbed onto the surfaces of the magnetite nanoparticles, but fractionations of these materials suggested that the composition distribution of the components was somewhat inhomogeneous.
Managing Public Debt and its Financial Stability Implications

This paper explores the relationship between the level and management of public debt and financial stability, and explains the channels through which the two are interlinked. It suggests that the broader implications of a debt management strategy and its implementation should be carefully analyzed by debt managers and policy makers in terms of their impact on the government’s balance sheet, macroeconomic developments, and the financial system.
On the history of rating scales

Abstract Rating scales constitute one of the most widely employed techniques in research on personality and individual differences. The historical background of rating scales is therefore a matter of considerable interest. Though Galton has generally been given credit for originating rating scale methodology, several applications of rating scales prior to Galton can be identified, and the seminal idea of rating scales can be traced back to Galen.
Coherent transients in the free-electron laser: Laser lethargy and coherence brightening☆

Abstract The propagation of picosecond electron and optical pulses in the free-electron laser is studied using the coupled Maxwell and Boltzmann (quasi-Bloch) equations. The system exhibits phenomena similar to laser lethargy and swept-gain superradiance. By shortening the optical transit time of the cavity with respect to the repetition rate of the electron pulses optimized conditions are obtained. The shape of the velocity distribution of the emerging electrons is then in agreement with the Stanford experiments.
Short- and long-range order in the positive electrode material, Li(NiMn)0.5O2: a joint X-ray and neutron diffraction, pair distribution function analysis and NMR study.

The local environments and short-range ordering of LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2, a potential Li-ion battery positive electrode material, were investigated by using a combination of X-ray and neutron diffraction and isotopic substitution (NDIS) techniques, 6Li Magic Angle Spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy, and for the first time, X-ray and neutron Pair Distribution Function (PDF) analysis, associated with Reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) calculations. Three samples were studied: 6Li(NiMn)0.5O2, 7Li(NiMn)0.5O2, and 7Li(NiMn)0.5O2 enriched with 62Ni (denoted as 7LiZERONi0.5Mn0.5O2), so that the resulting scattering length of Ni atoms is null. LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 adopts the LiCoO2 structure (space group R3m) and comprises separate lithium layers, transition metal layers (Ni, Mn), and oxygen layers. NMR experiments and Rietveld refinements show that there is approximately 10% of Ni/Li site exchange between the Li and transition metal layers. PDF analysis of the neutron data revealed considerable local distortions in the layers that wer...