cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LETHALITY OF SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR AND THE MMPI

The MMPI has long been correlated with suicidal behavior. The results of such research has generally been disappointing (Carson, 1969). Yet, the MMPI scales have rarely been related to suicidal lethality. The lethality of a suicide attempt is the probability of its resulting in death. Suicide researchers (Cutter, Jorgensen, Farberow, & Gansler, 1968) have developed a seven-point scale for each of three aspects of suicidal behavior: adequacy of planning, effectiveness of method, and provisions for rescue. Range of scores for the Suicide Intention scale is 0 to 21, and the higher the total score the more lethal the suicidal act. To compare MMPI scores and suicidal behavior, 20 psychiatric inpatients completed the MMPI approximately 2 wk. after their suicide attempts. They were tested after their suicidal crises had largely passed in order to obtain more typical MMPI scores. There were 17 females and 3 males between the ages of 20 to 56 yr. Their mean agc was 31.45 yr. (Mdn.,. 24.50 yr.). Two researchers blindly rated from the hospital records the lethality of the suicidal acts. The Pearson correlation between the two ratings was .89. The range of the lethality ratings was 4 to 14. The mean lethality score was 8.90 (Mdn 8.50). The Pearson correlations between the MMPI scales and the lethality scores are: L = -.02; F = -.08; K = .48; HJ = .04; D = .08; Hy = -.04; Pd = -.23; Pa = .22; Pt = .15; Sc = .06; Ma = -.63. Removing the three males' scores negligibly altered these correlations. The validity scale K significantly correlated (p = .05) with the lethality ratings. The range of the K scores, 6 to 28, was not extreme; with one exception, the scores were below the MMPI standard score of 70. These results suggest that persons who make the more lethal suicide attempts tend to be defensive, while persons making attempts of low lethality readily admit personal problems and self-dissatisfaction. The significant negative correlation (p = .01) between the Ma scale and the lethality scores suggests that persons making suicide attempts of low lethality are socially outgoing and energized. This possibility is further confirmed by the extreme upper range of the Ma scores, 11 to 42, with 10 of the scores at or above the MMPI standard score of 70. The possibility that highly lethal suicide attempters lack drive and are socially retiring is less supported because of the few low Ma scores. Considering the small sample, especially the small number of males, these results should be considered tentative hypotheses. A replication with a larger sample is certainly justified. Relating the lethalicy of suicidal behavior with the MMPI as criterion may prove worthwhile.
Multiple Regions of Internalin B Contribute to Its Ability to Turn on the Ras-Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway

Internalin B (InlB) is a protein present on the surface of Listeria monocytogenes that mediates bacterial entry into mammalian cells. It is thought that InlB acts by binding directly to the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor, present on the surface of host cells. Binding of InlB to the HGF receptor results in mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase activation, followed by changes in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. Here we have compared signaling by HGF and InlB. Whereas stimulation with equivalent concentrations of HGF and InlB elicits similar activation of the HGF receptor, we observed striking differences in downstream activation of MAP kinase. InlB leads to a greater activation of the Ras-MAP kinase pathway than does HGF. The leucine-rich repeat region, which was previously shown to be sufficient for binding and activation of the HGF receptor, lacks the ability to super-activate the Ras-MAP kinase pathway. Analysis of a series of deletion mutants suggests that it is the B repeat region between the leucine-rich repeat and GW domains that endows InlB with an increased ability to turn on the Ras-MAP kinase pathway. These unexpected observations suggest that HGF and InlB use alternative mechanisms to turn on cellular signaling pathways.
Axisymmetric thermal boundary layer of a micropolar fluid on a cylinder

Abstract The laminar micropolar thermal boundary layer in axial flow along a long, thin circular cylinder is investigated using the theory of micropolar fluids formulated by Eringen. The governing energy equation has been solved numerically by the power series approach. Missing values of the thermal functions are tabulated for a wide range of the material parameters, the transverse curvature parameter, and Prandtl number of the fluid.
The Challenges of Advocacy in Anthropological Research on Intimate Partner Violence

In the year 2001, I began researching the relationship between domestic violence, family relations, and women's rights awareness in rural Northwest Ecuador. I have also been involved in the development of a community-based health project in the region, as well as other local initiatives for health and social justice. Over a ten-year period, violence has come unexpectedly in and out of focus in my work due to shifting perceptions of its legitimacy in the eyes of community members. While intimate partner violence has long been accepted as a private and generally unremarkable affair, newly circulating discourses of human rights and citizenship are prompting people to increasingly question this view. Some forms of intimate partner violence are now intentionally labeled violencia domestica (domestic violence) and contested as such. For this reason, many Las Cruces inhabitants now hold the state accountable for protecting women and children, even though legal and judicial resources remain scant. In this paper, ...
HIGH AFFINITY CHOLINE UPTAKE: IONIC AND ENERGY REQUIREMENTS

— High affinity choline uptake into rat hippocampal synaptosomes was examined at 37°C when various ions were deleted from normal Kreb's-Ringer media. When sodium chloride was replaced by sucrose, lithium chloride, cesium chloride or rubidium chloride, choline uptake was markedly reduced. When the sodium concentrations of the Kreb's media were gradually reduced to zero, the uptake was gradually reduced in parallel. A kinetic analysis performed at low and normal sodium concentrations revealed changes in Km and Vmax values. When several non-chloride sodium salts were utilized, the uptake was reduced in all cases suggesting also a chloride-dependence in addition to the sodium-dependence. Omission of calcium chloride or magnesium sulfate from the media did not alter uptake. Sodium-dependent choline uptake was examined over a range of potassium concentrations (0–35 DIM). It was found that uptake was maximal between potassium concentrations of 0.35–4.8 mm but was reduced at both lower and higher potassium concentrations. The kinetics of uptake were examined under varying potassium concentrations, and at low potassium, only a change in Vmax was observed while at high potassium concentrations, there were changes in both Km and Vmax values. Preincubation and incubation of synaptosomes with 0.1 m-ouabain, 0.1 mm-2,4-dinitrophenol and 1 mm-KCN caused a reduction in sodium-dependent uptake. When dextrose was omitted from the preincubation and incubation media there was also a reduction in sodium-dependent uptake. By contrast, the sodium-independent uptake was unaffected by the metabolic inhibitors or omission of dextrose, and had a very low Q10. When various incubation temperatures were utilized in uptake experiments, the Q10 for the interval 37-27°C was 2.7 and the activation energy was 22.7 kcal/mol. Slightly different ionic dependences were observed when animals pretreated with pentobarbital of oentylenetetrazol were utilized as the source of synaptosomes.
Particle lithography with vapor deposition of organosilanes: A molecular toolkit for studying confined surface reactions in nanoscale liquid volumes

Combining particle lithography with molecular self-assembly provides a practical approach for producing 2D arrays of organosilane nanostructures with well-defined geometries and designated surface coverage. By combining heated chemical vapor deposition with particle lithography, the binding of organosilanes on substrates is narrowly confined to the locations of water residues surrounding the base of latex spheres. Localized meniscus sites of water designate specific locations for the hydrolysis and condensation reactions of organosilanes. With particle lithography, billions of regular nanopatterns can be generated with high throughput to provide exquisite nanoscale control of the geometry, density and surface coverage of organosilane nanostructures. In this report, examples of organosilane nanopatterns presenting different terminal groups and chain lengths are demonstrated with atomic force microscopy images. The effect of the terminal moieties of organosilanes was investigated for nanostructures prepared by particle lithography by evaluating parameters of the number density, surface coverage and thickness of layers formed.
Synthesis of large-pore SBA-15 silica from tetramethyl orthosilicate using triisopropylbenzene as micelle expander

Abstract The low temperature synthesis of large-pore SBA-15 silicas with two-dimensional (2-D) hexagonal structure was elaborated using tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS) as a silica source, Pluronic P123 (EO20PO70EO20) triblock copolymer as a template, and 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene as a micelle expander. The adjustment of the initial synthesis temperature, the hydrothermal treatment time and the amount of the swelling agent allowed us to obtain well-ordered SBA-15 (with three or more peaks on small-angle X-ray scattering patterns) with (1 0 0) interplanar spacings tunable in the range from 15 to 22 nm and with pore diameters up to 21 nm. These materials exhibited narrow pore size distributions and large pore volumes (above 1 cm3 g−1).
Effect of electromagnetic fields on charged particle beam limiting current

Abstract The physical mechanism responsible for the space charge limiting current in a wave cavity and in presence of electromagnetic fields is addressed. It is found that the ponderomotive energy alters radically the build up of beam electrostatic energy. As a consequence, the limiting current can be greatly decreased or enhanced depending on whether the ponderomotive energy is positive or negative, respectively. This effect could be observed experimentally and it is anticipated to have important practical consequences for present high-current particle beam experiments.
Machinability Aspects Of Diamond-Turned Metal Optics

This paper describes some of the first work done to gather machinability data in order to better understand the mechanics of the diamond-turning process. Basic force data have been measured for the most common metals used in optical fabrication (electroplated gold, silver, OFHC copper, and 6061-T6 aluminum). In addition, force and surface deformation data were gathered on large and small-grained electroplated copper and electroplated nickel. Residual stress was measured as a function of the depth of cut in order to begin to understand how the history of the machining process could influence surface quality.
Evolving Techniques in Corneal Transplantation

Corneal transplantation is one of the most common types of human transplant surgery. By removing a scarred or damaged host cornea and replacing it with a clear and healthy donor transplant, this procedure helps to restore vision in a variety of corneal diseases. The traditional technique for corneal transplantation, penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), involves transplantation of all corneal layers. Over the past decade though, there has been a trend away from PKP as surgeons have developed partial thickness transplant procedures, such as deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. These partial thickness transplant procedures selectively replace diseased host corneal tissue, while conserving healthy and functioning tissue. This review describes current surgical techniques in the field of corneal transplantation, with special emphasis on indications for transplantation and postoperative outcomes.
Ammonia synthesis catalyzed by rhenium

Abstract Polycrystalline rhenium appears to be nearly an order of magnitude more active as an ammonia synthesis catalyst than the most active crystal plane of iron (Fe(111)) at low conversions and in the reactant pressure (20 atm) and temperature (603–713 K) regimes investigated. It displays an activation energy for ammonia synthesis of 16.2 kcal mole−1, which is lower than that of Fe(111) (19.4 kcal mole−1) under identical experimental conditions. Although rhenium becomes reversibly poisoned at 1–2 Torr of product ammonia, exposure to water or presulfidation has little effect on its catalytic activity. This is in marked contrast to the behavior of iron.
GM3-enriched Microdomain Involved in Cell Adhesion and Signal Transduction through Carbohydrate-Carbohydrate Interaction in Mouse Melanoma B16 Cells

Mouse melanoma B16 cells are characterized by the predominant presence of ganglioside GM3 and adhere to lactosylceramide- or Gg3-coated plates through interaction of GM3 with lactosylceramide or Gg3, whereby not only adhesion but also spreading and enhancement of cell motility occur (Kojima, N., Hakomori, S. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 17552-17558). We now report that the adhesion process is based essentially on a glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomain (GEM) at the B16 cell surface, since >90% of GM3 present in the original cells is found in GEM, and GEM is also enriched in several signal transducer molecules, e.g. c-Src, Ras, Rho, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). GEM was isolated as a low density membranous fraction by homogenization of B16 cells in lysis buffer under two different conditions (i.e. buffer containing 1% Triton X-100, or hypertonic sodium carbonate without detergent), followed by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. A close association of GM3 with c-Src, Rho, and FAK was indicated by co-immunoprecipitation of GM3 present in GEM by anti-GM3 monoclonal antibody DH2, followed by Western blotting with antibodies directed to these transducer molecules. The following data indicate that GEM is a structural and functional unit for initiation of GM3-dependent cell adhesion coupled with signal transduction. 1) Tyrosine phosphorylation in FAK was greatly enhanced in B16 cells adhered to Gg3-coated plates but was minimal in cells adhered to GM3-coated, GlcCer-coated, or noncoated plates. 2) GTP loading on Ras and Rho increased significantly when cells were adhered to Gg3-coated plates, compared with GM3-coated, GlcCer-coated, or noncoated plates. Since Ras and Rho are closely associated with GM3 in GEM, cell adhesion/stimulation through GM3 in GEM may induce activation of Ras and Rho through enhanced GTP binding.
Structural design features for commercial fusion power reactor magnet systems

Abstract The evolution of structural design features for commercial fusion power reactor magnet systems is discussed. Changing concepts in plasma physics and impurity control, new data on radiation damage in materials and developments in the maintainability and repairability of the magnet systems are the driving influences in this evolution. Generic problems in the magnet designs are discussed for several proposed magnetic confinement system configurations, including tokamaks, tandem mirrors, the Elmo Bumpy Torus, and the reversed field theta pinch. These systems are compared on the basis of how efficiently the magnets make use of structural materials. A measure of the effectiveness of a magnet system is found by determining the ratio of net electric power output from the reactor to the stored energy in the magnetic fields produced by the magnet coils in a given system. The stored energy in the magnetic field can then be used to establish a minimum structural volume and mass by use of the virial theorem. Experience with coil types such as solenoids, toroids, Yin-Yang, etc. has established factors by which the minima must be multiplied to yield anticipated volumes and masses of realistic magnet systems. These initial, admittedly approximate, calculations allow designers to estimate early in the process the contribution of the magnet systems to the overall cost of a fusion reactor. As work progresses these estimates can be used to indicate the degree to which the designer is making effective use of the structural material. Basic rules for effective placement of structure, common to all magnet systems, are also discussed in detail. Factors are presented which make it possible to compare structural savings to the cost of researching the parameters involved in the stability of superconductors.
Geometric Insight Into the Dynamics of a Rigid Body Using the Spatial Triangle of Screws

Geometric relationships between the velocity screw and momentum screw are presented, and the dual angle between these two screws is shown to provide important insight into the kinetics of a rigid body. Then the centripetal screw is defined, and the significance of this screw in a study of the dynamics of a rigid body is explained. The dual-Euler equation, which is the dual form of the Newton-Euler equations of motion, is shown to be a spatial triangle. The vertices of the triangle are the centripetal screw, the time rate of change of momentum screw, and the force screw. The sides of the triangles are three dual angles between the three vertices. The spatial triangle provides valuable geometrical insight into the dynamics of a rigid body and is believed to be a meaningful alternative to existing analytical techniques. The authors believe that the work presented in this paper will prove useful in a dynamic analysis of closed-loop spatial mechanisms and multi-rigid body open-chain systems.
Cell phenotype specific kinetics of expression of intratracheally injected manganese superoxide dismutase-plasmid/liposomes (MnSOD-PL) during lung radioprotective gene therapy.

Cell phenotype specific kinetics of expression of intratracheally injected manganese superoxide dismutase–plasmid/liposomes (MnSOD–PL) during lung radioprotective gene therapy
Sexual maturation and blood pressure levels of a biracial sample of girls.

• A cross-sectional survey of 142 black and 361 white girls was performed to investigate whether differences in the timing of maturation account for blood pressure differences between same-aged subjects. Data were collected on blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, socioeconomic status, and secondary sex characteristics. Analysis of covariance was used to determine whether blood pressure for black and white girls differed significantly after adjusting for the confounding effects of different body size and sexual maturation distributions of the two groups. Advanced sexual maturation of the black girls contributed as much as the larger body sizes of the black girls to the blood pressure differences found between the black and white girls. Assessment of an individual's stage of sexual maturation at blood pressure measurement should be considered as important as the measurement of height and weight. ( AJDC . 1991;145:142–147)
Assignment of continuous spectra by photofragment spectroscopy: C state of I2

Abstract Photofragment spectroscopy has been used to probe the C state of iodine by determining its symmetry and dissociation products. By crossing a molecular beam with a powerful pulsed laser beam in high vacuum and monitoring the arrival times of the recoiling photofragments with a mass spectrometer detector, the translational energy distribution of the photodis-sociation products is measured. From energy balance the fragment internal energy is then calculated. Our peak indicates that the C state dissociates to one excited and one ground state atom. The symmetry of the transition is determined by rotating the plane of polarization of the laser light and measuring a fragment angular distribution. The transition was found to be 1 ← 0. The results are consistent with Mulliken's assignment of the C state as 1441 1 u ( 3 Σ + ) , but inconsistent with the earlier assignment of 2332 0 u − ( 3 Σ + ) by Mathieson and Rees.
Manufacturing Competence and Business Performance: A Framework and Empirical Analysis

Presents a framework of manufacturing competence, and tests its theoretical validity using empirical data from a large‐scale survey. Interesting findings include: the regression analysis shows that manufacturing competence is better represented when low‐priority capabilities are not explicitly considered; the manufacturing competence index appears to have more significant statistical relationships with some performance measures (such as the return on assets and return on sales) than with others – manufacturing matters, but not equally to all the financial and market performance; the concept of manufacturing competence is found to be more influential in determining the business performance in the electronics sector than in the machinery industry. Does manufacturing competence matter equally in all industries, or does it matter more in a specific industry? If so, what makes manufacturing competence so important? Advocates further study to answer these questions and to complete the theory of manufacturing co...
Conformation, stability, and active‐site cysteine titrations of Escherichia coli D26A thioredoxin probed by Raman spectroscopy

The active-site cysteines (Cys 32 and Cys 35) of Escherichia coli thioredoxin are oxidized to a disulfide bridge when the protein mediates substrate reduction. In reduced thioredoxin, Cys 32 and Cys 35 are characterized by abnormally low pKa values. A conserved side chain, Asp 26, which is sterically accessible to the active site, is also essential to oxidoreductase activity. pKa values governing cysteine thiol-thiolate equilibria in the mutant thioredoxin, D26A, have been determined by direct Raman spectrophotometric measurement of sulfhydryl ionizations. The results indicate that, in D26A thioredoxin, both sulfhydryls titrate with apparent pKa values of 7.5+/-0.2, close to values measured previously for wild-type thioredoxin. Sulfhydryl Raman markers of D26A and wild-type thioredoxin also exhibit similar band shapes, consistent with minimal differences in respective cysteine side-chain conformations and sulfhydryl interactions. The results imply that neither the Cys 32 nor Cys 35 SH donor is hydrogen bonded directly to Asp 26 in the wild-type protein. Additionally, the thioredoxin main-chain conformation is largely conserved with D26A mutation. Conversely, the mutation perturbs Raman bands diagnostic of tryptophan (Trp 28 and Trp 31) orientations and leads to differences in their pH dependencies, implying local conformational differences near the active site. We conclude that, although the carboxyl side chain of Asp 26 neither interacts directly with active-site cysteines nor is responsible for their abnormally low pKa values, the aspartate side chain may play a role in determining the conformation of the enzyme active site.
Characterization of the human β4 nAChR gene and polymorphisms in CHRNA3 and CHRNB4

Most neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are heteropentamers, composed of α and β subunits. Mice lacking the α3 subunit and mice lacking both the β2 and β4 subunits, but not mice lacking the β2 or β4 subunits alone, have a severe phenotype characterized by megacystis, failure of bladder strips to contract in response to nicotine, widely dilated ocular pupils, growth failure, and perinatal mortality. The deficit in bladder contraction was also found in mice lacking only the β4 subunit, although they did not develop megacystis. The major bladder phenotype resembles the human autosomal recessive disorder of megacystis-microcolon-hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS). Based on the similarity of the mouse and human phenotypes, we initiated mutation analyses in the α3 and β4 genes in MMIHS families. The human gene encoding the β4 subunit was fully characterized, including refinement of its mapping. Analysis of disease families and controls identified numerous genetic variants, including high-frequency polymorphisms in both CHRNA3 and CHRNB4. Although no loss-of-function mutations have been identified to date, these genes remain strong candidates for involvement in MMIHS, because various mutations might be obscured within the complex cluster of genes. Some of the markers presented here are valuable tools for analysis of the role of genetic variation in responses to nicotine and for characterization of various dysautonomic abnormalities.
Beam and plate stability by boundary elements

Abstract The direct boundary element method is used for the linear elastic stability analysis of Bernoulli-Euler beams and Kirchhoff thin plates. The formulation is based on the reciprocal work theorem of Betti and utilizes either fundamental solutions which incorporate the effect of axial and in-plane forces on bending, or fundamental solutions which correspond to pure flexure. In the former case. only a boundary discretization of the structure is required, while in the latter case discretization of the boundary as well as of the interior is necessary. However, the fundamental solutions in the latter case are less complicated than the ones in the former case. Numerical examples are subsequently presented to illustrate the methodology. The basic conclusion is that the simpler fundamental solutions are adequate and, by virtue of being more general, greatly expand the versatility of the boundary element method.
Divergence of transcription factor binding sites across related yeast species

Characterization of interspecies differences in gene regulation is crucial for understanding the molecular basis of both phenotypic diversity and evolution. By means of chromatin immunoprecipitation and DNA microarray analysis, the divergence in the binding sites of the pseudohyphal regulators Ste12 and Tec1 was determined in the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. mikatae, and S. bayanus under pseudohyphal conditions. We have shown that most of these sites have diverged across these species, far exceeding the interspecies variation in orthologous genes. A group of Ste12 targets was shown to be bound only in S. mikatae and S. bayanus under pseudohyphal conditions. Many of these genes are targets of Ste12 during mating in S. cerevisiae, indicating that specialization between the two pathways has occurred in this species. Transcription factor binding sites have therefore diverged substantially faster than ortholog content. Thus, gene regulation resulting from transcription factor binding is likely to be a major cause of divergence between related species.
The isolation and characterization of a Drosophila gene encoding a putative NAD-dependent methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase-methenyltetrahydrofolate cyclohydrolase

Mammalian NAD-dependent 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase-5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate cyclohydrolase is a bifunctional mitochondrial enzyme expressed in most established cell lines but only in developing normal tissues. We report the cloning and molecular characterization of a Drosophila gene (DNMDMC) that encodes a protein with 56% identity to the mammalian bifunctional protein. Like the mammalian bifunctional proteins, the Drosophila protein contains a putative mitochondrial targeting sequence and its transcripts are expressed in developing tissues. Unlike its mammalian homologs, DNMDMC is expressed at high levels in adult tissues. DNMDMC maps to polytene chromosome band 85C, is encoded in three exons, and is closely flanked by two additional genes.
Laterality of quiet standing in old and young

“Quiet standing” is standing without intended movement. To the naked eye, a person “quiet standing” on a rigid surface of support is stationary. In the laboratory quiet standing is indexed by behavior (at the millimeter scale) of the center of pressure (COP), the point location of the vertical ground reaction force vector (GRF). We asked whether quiet standing is lateralized and whether the COP dynamics of the right and left legs differ. In answer, we reexamined a previous quiet standing experiment (Kinsella-Shaw et al. in J Mot Behav 38:251–264, 2006) that used dual, side-by-side, force plates to investigate effects of age and embedding environment. All participants, old (M age = 72.2 ± 4.90 years) and young (M age = 22.8 ± 0.83 years), were right handed and right footed. Cross-recurrence quantification of the anterior–posterior and mediolateral coordinates of each COP revealed that, independent of age, and with no right GRF bias, right-leg coordination was (1) more dynamically stable and less noisy than left-leg coordination and (2) more responsive to changes in degree of visible structure. The results are considered in the context of theories of laterality inclusive of lateralized differences in postural dynamics.
Microbial activity and distribution during enhanced contaminant dissolution from a NAPL source zone.

Abstract Laboratory experiments were conducted to assess microbial reductive dechlorination in one-dimensional sand columns containing a 10 cm long source zone of uniformly distributed residual tetrachloroethene (PCE) nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL), a 10 cm long transition zone directly down-gradient of the source zone containing some nonuniformly distributed NAPL ganglia, and a 40 cm long plume region down-gradient of the transition zone. The activity and distribution of Sulfurospirillum multivorans, a PCE-to-1,2-cis-dichloroethene (cis-DCE) dechlorinating bacterium, was evaluated in columns containing either a mixed-NAPL (0.25 mol/mol PCE in hexadecane) or pure PCE-NAPL. Significant dechlorination of PCE to cis-DCE was observed in the mixed-NAPL column, resulting in 53% PCE-NAPL mass recovery in the effluent with PCE-NAPL dissolution enhanced by up to 13.6-fold (maximum) and 4.6-fold (cumulative) relative to abiotic dissolution. Quantitative real-time PCR targeting pceA, the PCE reductive dehalogenase gene of S. multivorans, revealed that S. multivorans cells were present in the NAPL source zone, and increased in numbers (i.e., grew) throughout the source and transition zones. In contrast, minimal reductive dechlorination and microbial growth were observed in the column containing pure PCE-NAPL, where aqueous-phase PCE concentrations reached saturation. These results demonstrate that microbial growth within NAPL source zones is possible, provided that contaminant concentrations remain below levels toxic to the dechlorinating organisms, and that microbial growth can result in significant bioenhanced NAPL dissolution.
Solving Non-negative Linear Inverse Problems with the NeAREst Method

This paper introduces the theoretical development of a numerical method, named NeAREst, for solving nonnegative linear inverse problems, which arise often from physical or probabilistic models, especially, in image estimation with limited and indirect measurements. The Richardson-Lucy (RL) iteration is omnipresent in conventional methods that are based on probabilistic assumptions, arguments and techniques. Without resorting to probabilistic assumptions, NeAREst retains many appealing properties of the RL iteration by utilizing it as the substrate process and provides much needed mechanisms for acceleration as well as for selection of a target solution when many admissible ones exist. Keyword list: non-negative linear inverse problems, nested models at multiple scales, adaptive relaxation, Richardson-Lucy iteration, image estimation
A photoelectrophyscial capacitor with direct solar energy harvesting and storage capability

Solar energy harvesting and storage are important topics of renewable energy. Current solid-state photovoltaic cells and conventional photoelectrochemical cells cannot harvest and directly store the converted energy within one single structure. We report on a photocapacitor that can convert and store solar energy based on a bio-inspired mechanism. The photocapacitor converts the solar energy through photovoltaic effect, and stores the converted energy by maintaining the concentration difference across a membrane upon light irradiation. Results have shown that the device can be charged photovoltaically and hold the voltage of 0.47V with a capacity of 40.63 mC/cm2 for more than 24 hours.
Uniqueness and continuous dependence results for solutions of singular differential equations

Solutions of Cauchy problems for the singular equations utt + (Ψ(t)t) ut = Mu (in a Hilbert space setting) and ut + Δu + ∑mi=1 ((kixi)(∂i∂i)) + g(t)u=0 in ω × |0,T), ω={(x1,…,xM)eRm: 0 < xi < ci for each i=1,…,m} are shown to be unique and to depend Holder continuously on the initial data in suitably chosen measures for 0⩽t < T < ∞. Logarithmic convexity arguments are used to derive the inequalities from which such results can be deduced.
Cost Functions For Oil Well Drilling, Lease Equipment And Well Operation In Texas

Regression modeling of Texas oil well drilling, equipment and operating costs was performed with the price of oil being the only independent variable. Cost functions were established for West Texas and South Texas for three different depth intervals. Cost comparisons were made possible on a regional and depth basis as well as on a process basis (primary vs. secondary recovery operations - the latter for West Texas only). Best results were achieved for mid-range and deeper West Texas oil drilling costs, West Texas secondary lease equipment costs and West Texas and South Texas operating costs.
Fixation experiments on cell nuclei

The addition of lanthanum salts to formalin improves nuclear fixation due to the irreversible precipitation of nucleic acids. Especially well preserved nuclei are obtained in smears prepared and dried at — 25° C., pre-fixed with formaldehyde vapors, and postfixed in buffered 5% formalin containing 1% lanthanum acetate or chloride. With this technique, the nuclei reveal a finer and more distinct chromatin pattern, are more intensively stained by hematoxylin and Feulgen reaction, and show no shrinkage. Feulgen-microspectrophotometry demonstrates a considerably higher content of DNA which is also more resistant to nuclease digestion or perchloric acid extraction as compared to nuclei which have been fixed in formalin alone.
Accuracy of CT in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: A systematic literature review

OBJECTIVE. We sought to summarize systematically the published evidence describing the accuracy of contrast-enhanced helical CT for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.MATERIALS AND METHODS. We selected all systematic reviews published before December 2003 that evaluated the accuracy of CT angiography for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. We also selected all prospective studies from the same time period in the primary literature in which all subjects underwent both CT and conventional angiography, the latter being considered the reference standard. Articles were identified through a computerized MEDLINE search and by other means. The quality and content of each article were evaluated independently by pairs of researchers.RESULTS. Six systematic reviews and eight primary studies were selected. The combined sensitivities of CT for detecting pulmonary embolism ranged from 66% to 93% across the systematic reviews and the combined specificities ranged from 89% to 97%. Only one of the reviews reported a combined ...
Gas Chromatographic Separation of Isotopic Molecules Using a Cavitand-Impregnated Ionic Liquid Stationary Phase

Cavitands, which are a class of compounds with deep open-ended cavities, are known to exhibit remarkable molecular recognition ability through host-guest interactions because of their unique structures. It is known that isotopic molecules can be differentiated in the small spaces provided by completely closed capsules in solution. To determine if this subtle molecular recognition ability extends to cavitands, we have developed a new method to facilitate the use of cavitands as stationary phases (SPs) in gas chromatography (GC). These involve a "pseudo heterogeneous two-phase system"; specifically, ionic liquids (ILs) were used as solvents to coat three cavitands with slightly different structures onto GC columns. When cavitand-coated columns were compared with columns coated with only ILs, it was clear that cavitands not only extended the utilization but also substantially improved separation efficiency of the columns. It was found that cavitand-coated columns can effectively separate many different types of isotopic compounds including aromatic hydrocarbons (mixture of chlorobenzene-h(5) and chlorobenzene-d(5), mixture of 1,2-dichlorobenzene-h(4) and 1,2-dichlorobenzene-d(4)), alcohols (methanol from its corresponding methanol-d, d(3), d(4)), ether, pyridine, and acetonitrile. The results also show that by modifying functional groups of the cavitand, from Et to C(11)H(23) or from amide to carboxylate, we can fully retain the molecular recognition ability of the cavitand. The drastic changes in the polarity of the SP from medium polar to nonpolar, or to polar, greatly extends the applicability of these cavitand-coated SPs. Compared to other GC SPs that are known to separate isotopic molecules, these cavitand-coated SPs can separate a relatively wider range of isotopic compounds at relatively lower temperature, with shorter column length and higher efficiency.
Supracondylar fractures of the femur above total knee arthroplasties with cortical allograft struts.

Abstract Ten supracondylar fractures of the femur above a total knee arthroplasty were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using a metal plate and cortical allograft struts. Failure with nonunion of previous operative treatments was seen in 5 patients. The other 5 patients had either severe osteopenia or comminution of the fracture above the knee prosthesis. At an average of 38 months' follow-up, all the fractures healed with an average union time of 17.6 weeks. The postoperative knee alignment averaged 5.1° valgus. Infection occurred in 1 patient, which resulted in a poor outcome. The remaining 9 patients were functioning well at the most recent follow-up examination. The use of cortical allograft struts combined with a compression plate provided satisfactory results for supracondylar fractures above knee prostheses with severe osteopenia or loss of bone stock after initial failure of internal fixation.
Designing a Property Tax Reform Strategy for Sub‐Saharan Africa: An Analytical Framework Applied to Kenya

Countries throughout Sub-Saharan Africa are exploring options to improve local property taxation. Using the case of Kenya, this article provides an analytical framework for designing an effective property tax reform strategy. The first section presents a general conceptual model of property tax revenues, identifying four critical ratios that ultimately determine the effectiveness of any property tax system—namely, the coverage ratio, the valuation ratio, the tax ratio, and the collection ratio. The second section applies this conceptual framework to the property tax system in Kenya, focusing on the status of these four ratios and outlining possibilities for improving each ratio. The article concludes by summarizing five basic lessons from the Kenyan analysis that can assist in the development of appropriate property tax reforms in other developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Pulsed magnetic resonance as a probe of longitudinal spin waves and magnetic second sound

Abstract Under appropriate conditions, longitudinal spin waves and spin wave second sound, a magnetic temperature wave, can be observed in quantum liquids and solid using pulsed magnetic resonance. A “hole-burning” experiment yields directly the spectrum ω(k) of the propagating magnetic wave.
Predicting onset and duration of airborne allergenic pollen season in the United States

Allergenic pollen is one of the main triggers of Allergic Airway Disease (AAD) affecting 5% to 30% of the population in industrialized countries. A modeling framework has been developed using correlation and collinearity analyses, simulated annealing, and stepwise regression based on nationwide observations of airborne pollen counts and climatic factors to predict the onsets and durations of allergenic pollen seasons of representative trees, weeds and grass in the contiguous United States. Main factors considered are monthly, seasonal and annual mean temperatures and accumulative precipitations, latitude, elevation, Growing Degree Day (GDD), Frost Free Day (FFD), Start Date (SD) and Season Length (SL) in the previous year. The estimated mean SD and SL for birch (Betula), oak (Quercus), ragweed (Ambrosia), mugwort (Artemisia) and grass (Poaceae) pollen season in 1994-2010 are mostly within 0 to 6 days of the corresponding observations for the majority of the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) monitoring stations across the contiguous US. The simulated spatially resolved maps for onset and duration of allergenic pollen season in the contiguous US are consistent with the long term observations.
Effect of improved subgrid scale transport of tracers on uptake of bomb radiocarbon in the GFDL Ocean General Circulation Model

We show that the Gent-McWilliams tracer transport parameterization greatly improves the ability of the GFDL ocean general circulation model to simulate vertical profiles of both temperature and bomb radiocarbon with a single set of model parameter values. This parameterization, which includes new advection terms as well as isopycnal mixing, has previously been shown to greatly improve simulated temperature fields. Here, we show that it does not markedly affect the already good simulation of oceanic absorption of bomb radiocarbon, and discuss the reasons for this result.
Relationship between foot placement and mediolateral ground reaction forces during running

This study investigated the relationship between foot placement relative to midline and mediolateral ground reaction forces during running. Data from 40 runners seen over a period of 2 years in a running injury clinic were analysed. A linear regression analysis revealed no significant relationship between foot placement and peak mediolateral values. Significance was found between foot placement and impulse, indicating that as the foot became more crossed over the lateral contribution to the total impulse increased (and vice versa). However, only 15% of the total variance in this model was accounted for. Despite these weak findings, subjects in the extreme range of foot placement (both wide-base and cross-over) appeared to exhibit stronger influences on mediolateral impulses. Therefore in the second phase of this study a symptom-free runner was tested while running with a 5-cm cross-over and wide-base gait, along with a neutral gait pattern. In the cross-over gait the contribution of the lateral impulse to the total impulse was 97%. Similar findings were noted with the medial contribution in the wide-based gait. Finally, the cross-over gait resembled the mediolateral force pattern observed during a 45-degree cut to the right (but exhibited lesser magnitudes), while the wide-base gait was similar to a cut to the left.
Application of a Microstrip Leaky Wave Antenna for Range–Azimuth Tracking of Humans

We investigate the use of a simple microstrip leaky wave antenna (MLWA) as a radar front end to achieve range-azimuth tracking of humans. The frequency-scanned beam of the MLWA and its frequency bandwidth during the beam dwell are exploited to achieve simultaneous bearing estimation and ranging within a single frequency sweep. As a result, 2-D range-azimuth images can be readily generated with a high refresh rate. The radar processing algorithm is developed and tested using point scatterer simulations. Stationary trihedral and human tracking measurements are carried out to demonstrate the concept. In addition, an L1-norm minimization algorithm is applied to improve the resulting resolution.
Response of different types of sulfur compounds to oxidative desulfurization of jet fuel

Oxidative desulfurization (ODS) removes organic sulfur compounds from liquid transportation fuels (including diesel and jet fuels) in a two-step process: (1) chemical oxidation to form sulfones and (2) adsorption (or extraction) of the sulfones onto a polar adsorbent such as alumina. Continued development of ODS is limited in part by a lack of understanding of how different sulfur types in real fuels respond to its constituent oxidation and extraction steps. We treated two JP-8 jet fuels (described by here as 3773 and 4177, respectively) using the two-step ODS process. These two fuels had similar physical properties and hydrocarbon compositions but differing sulfur contents: the 3773 fuel was 720 ppmw, while that of the 4177 fuel sulfur content was 1400 ppmw. For the two-step ODS process, we used activated carbon-promoted performic acid as the oxidant and activated alumina as the adsorbent. The complete ODS treatment reduced the sulfur content of the 3773 fuel to a level below the detection limits of our ...
MTBE Adsorption on All-Silica β Zeolite

All-silica β zeolite is shown to be effective for MTBE removal from water. The silica β was prepared directly from gel, and it was more effective than dealuminated β for MTBE adsorption. Water and 2-propanol adsorption isotherms showed that the all-silica β is more hydrophobic than dealuminated β. The amount of MTBE adsorbed on all-silica β increased linearly with MTBE concentration from 9.4 to 590 μg/L.
Strength of the rho meson coupling to nucleons.

In his recent publication of a NN phase shift analysis below 160 MeV, Henneck reports relatively large values for the mixing parameter ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}}_{1}$. Based on these results, Henneck suggests that the strength of the \ensuremath{\rho}-meson coupling to the nucleon may be weaker than used in present day NN interactions, like the Paris, Nijmegen, or Bonn potentials. We point out that at low enegies (\ensuremath{\lesssim} 100 MeV) there is rather little sensitivity to the strength of the \ensuremath{\rho} coupling, due to the compensating effect of the second-order tensor term. In order to establish sensitivity, one has to go to energies \ensuremath{\gtrsim}200 MeV, where the second-order contribution has gone out. As it happens, the ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}}_{1}$ mixing parameter is well determined in the region of energies 200--300 MeV, and there is agreement with the predictions by the Paris and Bonn potentials; the weak-\ensuremath{\rho} model is about 50% above the data. This and additional considerations in triplet P waves reconfirm that NN scattering requires the strong \ensuremath{\rho}, consistent with the \ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}-NN\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{} partial-wave analysis by H\"ohler and Pietarinen.
Evaluation of post-tensioning of a curved continuous girder using long- gauge fiber optic sensors

Streicker Bridge is a pedestrian bridge on the Princeton University campus. It consists of a main span and four curved continuous girders (legs). The main span and the southeast leg of the bridge are equipped with fiber optic strain and temperature sensors, allowing the bridge to also function as an on-campus laboratory for the Structural Health Monitoring research group. Parallel sensors were embedded at critical cross-sections in the deck prior to the pouring of concrete. The deck of the southeast leg experienced early age cracking within a few days of concrete pouring, which was detected by the strain sensors. Post-tensioning was then performed and it is assumed that it closed off the cracks. Evaluation of post-tensioning forces is complex due to the existence of the cracks, and this paper researches a procedure to estimate the post-tensioning forces at cracked and uncracked locations. The obtained post-tensioning forces were compared to design forces and conclusions regarding the status of post-tensioning were made. This is important as it gives information on the actual health condition and performance of the structure. It also provides information on the safety of the structure. The objective of this paper is to present a methodology for the evaluation of the post-tensioning force along the deck based on strain measurements. The monitoring system, results, data analysis method, and conclusions regarding the bridge health condition and performance are presented in this paper.