cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Environment and International Relations: Introduction: The environment and international relations

In December 2015 the official representatives of nearly 200 countries met in Paris to negotiate an agreement that would govern the global response to climate change and its impacts well into the twenty-first century. Climate change is among the most serious problems facing the international community. Rising global temperatures are threatening livelihoods and lives worldwide, through changing weather patterns, drought, and sea-level rise that threatens the very existence of the world's small island nation states. Even so, global action to date had proven deeply disappointing. The world's largest economy, the United States, had pulled out of negotiations. Others – even the member states of the European Union (EU), usually considered a strong supporter of environmental action – were barely meeting the low targets they had agreed to, and the new engines of the global economy – China, India, and Brazil – were rapidly increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions without any obligation to act. The science behind climate change continued to come under fierce attack from skeptics. Activist groups and even business actors felt excluded from the governance arena, despite the ideas and initiatives they were offering. Global climate politics reached a nadir after the 2009 Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen. Much hope and optimism in the lead-up suggested that this would be the time the international community broke through and came up with a strong, binding legal agreement to meet commitments. Instead, the meeting almost foundered on the rock of national interests, and the resulting Copenhagen Accord – not even a formal agreement – was deeply disappointing to many, setting only weak goals and vague commitments to a new global fund. The Paris meeting – the twenty-first COP to the UNFCCC – was different. On the last day of the conference nation-states announced an agreement where, rather than being allocated targets they had to meet, they had crafted individual plans of action for reducing emission, called Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). The agreement also contained processes for monitoring (and perhaps strengthening) those commitments over time, and general commitments to help the weakest states adapt, to encourage carbon storage, and to aspire to keep the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The exhausted delegates, officials, and other observers stood to applaud at the conclusion of the meeting and the creation of the Paris Agreement.
Value of Corporate Control: Some International Evidence

Existing literature shows that the market values control because controlling shareholder can generate private benefits and improve the efficiency of the corporation. In this study, we provide a measure of the value of control for a set of domestic and foreign transactions. Our measure of the value of control is the difference between the offer premium for minority and comparable majority transactions. We find that the median control premiums in the United States are around 30%. The control premium in 'market-oriented' countries are higher than that for the "bank-oriented" countries. Also, we find that the premiums are lower in "cross-border" transactions relative to "domestic transactions."
Chapter 27 Virtual magnetic resonance logs, a low cost reservoir description tool

Abstract Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) logs are well logs that use nuclear magnetic resonance to accurately measure free fluid, irreducible water (MBVI), and effective porosity (MPHI). Permeability is then calculated using a mathematical function that incorporates these measured properties. This paper describes the methodology developed to generate synthetic magnetic resonance imaging logs using data obtained by conventional well logs such as spontaneous potential (SP), gamma-ray, caliper, and resistivity. The synthetically generated logs are named virtual magnetic resonance logs or 'VMRL' for short. Magnetic resonance logs provide the capability of in-situ measurement of reservoir characteristics. The study also examines and provides alternatives for situations in which all required conventional logs are unavailable for a particular well. Synthetic magnetic resonance logs for wells with an incomplete suite of conventional logs are generated and compared with actual magnetic resonance logs for the same well. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept being introduced here, the methodology is applied in two different fashions. First, it is applied to four wells; each from a different part of the country. These wells are located in East Texas, Gulf of Mexico, Utah, and New Mexico. Since only one well from each region is available, the model is developed using a segment of the pay zone and consequently is applied to the rest of the pay zone. In a second approach, the technique is applied to a set of wells in a highly heterogeneous reservoir in East Texas. Here the model was developed using a set of wells and then was verified by applying it to a well away from the wells used during the development process. This technique is capable of providing a better reservoir description (effective porosity, fluid saturation, and permeability) and more realistic reserve estimation at a much lower cost.
Source-Observation Weighted Fingerprinting for machine learning based localization

High Resolution Position Information has become increasingly vital to the development of Location Based Services and the expansion of the Internet of Things (IOT). Due to the attenuation of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals in Indoor applications, alternative methods have been proposed to refine location estimates. In search of practical methods, researchers have considered the use of currently deployed 802.11 networks as the basis of positioning, adopting Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) as the standard distance measure. However, attempts at accurate localization have failed due to reliance on heavily distorted power measurements acquired on saturated 2.4 and increasingly crowded 5 GHz channels. In this paper, A Dual Source-Observation Weighted Localization method is proposed as a solution to the Wi-Fi positioning problem, estimating user position through Tikhonov Regularization Cost Functional Minimization. This novel solution combines a) Weighted Kernel Ridge Regression (WKRR), and b) Weighted Radial Basis Function (RBF) Kernels to develop an algorithm which increases estimation accuracy by up to 1/4 meter compared to the current leading localization technology, Weighted K-Nearest Neighbors (WKNN), and substantially reduces error variance, due to the dual Empirical Loss, Complexity objective.
Shimura lifts of half-integral weight modular forms arising from theta functions

In 1973, Shimura (Ann. Math. (2) 97:440–481, 1973) introduced a family of correspondences between modular forms of half-integral weight and modular forms of even integral weight. Earlier, in unpublished work, Selberg explicitly computed a simple case of this correspondence pertaining to those half-integral weight forms which are products of Jacobi’s theta function and level one Hecke eigenforms. Cipra (J. Number Theory 32(1):58–64, 1989) generalized Selberg’s work to cover the Shimura lifts where the Jacobi theta function may be replaced by theta functions attached to Dirichlet characters of prime power modulus, and where the level one Hecke eigenforms are replaced by more generic newforms. Here we generalize Cipra’s results further to cover theta functions of arbitrary Dirichlet characters multiplied by Hecke eigenforms.
Delivery of aerosolized drugs to the lungs with a metered-dose inhaler: Quantitative analysis of regional deposition

We have developed methods that enable us to quantify the amount of drug deposited at specific anatomic locations throughout the respiratory tract. These methods are presented with an example of the results from the delivery of an anti-protease drug to the lungs with a metered-dose inhaler
Biogeochemical Contributions of Tree Islands to Everglades Wetland Landscape Nitrogen Cycling During Seasonal Inundation

In the Florida Everglades, tree islands are conspicuous heterogeneous elements in the herbaceous wetland landscape. We characterized the biogeochemical role of a seasonally flooded tree island during wet season inundation, specifically examining hydrologically mediated flows of nitrogen (N) and N retention by the tree island. We estimated ecosystem N standing stocks and fluxes, soil and litter N transformation rates, and hydrologic fluxes of N to quantify the net ecosystem N mass flux. Results showed that hydrologic sources of N were dominated by surface water loads of nitrate (NO3) and ammonium (NH4). Nitrate immobilization by soils and surficial leaf litter was an important sink for surface water dissolved inorganic N (DIN). We estimated that the net annual DIN retention by a seasonally flooded tree island was 20.5 ± 5.0 g m−2 during wet season inundation. Based on the estimated tree island surface water DIN loading rate, a seasonally flooded tree island retained 76% of imported DIN. As such, seasonally flooded tree islands have the potential to retain 55% of DIN entering the marsh landscape via upstream canal overland flow in the wet season. By increasing reactive surface area and DOC availability, we suggest that tree islands promote convergence of elements that enhance DIN retention. Tree islands of this region are thus important components of landscape-scale restoration efforts that seek to reduce sources of anthropogenic DIN to downstream estuaries.
Mars Atmospheric CO2 Condensation Above the North and South Poles as Revealed by Radio Occultation, Climate Sounder, and Laser Ranging Observations

We study the condensation of CO2 in Mars atmosphere using temperature profilesretrieved from radio occultation measurements from Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) as wellas the climate sounding instrument onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO),and detection of reflective clouds by the MGS Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA). Wefind 11 events in 1999 where MGS temperature profiles indicate CO2 condensation andMOLA simultaneously detects reflective clouds. We thus provide causal evidence thatMOLA non-ground returns are associated with CO2 condensation, which strongly indicatestheir nature being CO2 clouds. The MGS and MRO temperature profiles together revealthe seasonal expansion and shrinking of the area and the vertical extent of atmosphericsaturation. The occurrence rate of atmospheric saturation is maximized at high latitudes inthe middle of winter. The atmospheric saturation in the northern polar region exhibits moreintense seasonal variation than in the southern polar region. In particular, a shrinking ofsaturation area and thickness from LS 270 to 300 in 2007 is found; this is probablyrelated to a planet-encircling dust storm. Furthermore, we integrate the condensation areaand the condensation occurrence rate to estimate cumulative masses of CO2 condensatesdeposited onto the northern and southern seasonal polar caps. The precipitation flux isapproximated by the particle settling flux which is estimated using the impulse responses ofMOLA filter channels. With our approach, the total atmospheric condensation mass canbe estimated from these observational data sets with average particle size as the onlyfree parameter. By comparison with the seasonal polar cap masses inferred from thetime-varying gravity of Mars, our estimates indicate that the average condensate particleradius is 822 mm in the northern hemisphere and 413 mm in the southern hemisphere.Our multi-instrument data analysis provides new constraints on modeling the global climateof Mars.
Asynchronous breathing: a possible etiology for dyspena in a patient with normal lungs.

Asynchronous breathing has been frequently noted in patients with respiratory failure or severe parenchymal pulmonary disease but only rarely in relatively healthy patients. We describe a patient with relatively normal lungs whose dyspnea, we believe, is a consequence of asynchronous breathing.
Optical characterization and modeling of the lead chalcogenide quantum dot solar cell: A rational approach to device development and multiple exciton generation

Solar cells developed from quantum dot (QD) films are promising both for their ease of manufacture and for their potential enhanced photon conversion efficiencies. Schottky junction solar cells in particular produce very high photocurrents (25–35 mA/cm2) and with internal quantum efficiencies in excess of 80% in the visible and UV regions of the spectrum; but we have not yet observed a clear indication of MEG-enhanced photocurrent. Weak open circuit voltages limit efficiency in these devices. With small QDs, ZnO heterojunctions can both improve stability and device efficiency (via open circuit voltage), allowing us a new avenue to search for improved efficiency both with and without MEG. Optical characterization of our devices allows us to intelligently design devices, and understand current limitations. Therefore, we believe that performing optical modeling of devices for a range of QD sizes will help us to understand MEG mechanisms and efficiency.
The existence of structure progressions and wetting transitions in intermediately disordered monolayer alkyl chain assemblies

Partial monolayers of uniform length alkyl chains [CH3(CH2)n–; n=10–21] bonded at constant coverage onto a disordered lattice of silanol groups on amorphous SiO2, exhibit a distinct change in surface wetting behavior for 14≤n≤17 which correlates closely with a significant shift in the average conformational ordering of the chains. These data provide definitive evidence for the existence of a family of surface‐constrained, intermediately ordered phases of discrete length, flexible chains and imply that broad classes of these families exist.
Direct simulation of the chemical potential

An algorithm that combines several known devices for reducing the variance of Monte Carlo simulations was developed for the direct simulation of the chemical potential. An application to the hard sphere fluid indicated that the method is practical for all fluid densities. A strong sensitivity to the size of the system and to boundary conditions was exhibited in the phase transition region.
Evaluation of the potential emissions reductions from the use of CHP systems in different commercial buildings

Combined heating and power (CHP) systems generate electricity near the site of use and capture the waste heat for space heating or hot water. Under the right conditions, a CHP system can reduce the harmful emissions resulting from power production, causing less greenhouse gases to be released than a reference system where power is purchased from the electricity grid. Different building types may be more or less likely to save emissions with CHP systems based on the electrical and thermal needs of the building. This investigation evaluates seven different types of buildings located in Chicago, Illinois for their potential to reduce CO2, NOx, and CH4 emissions using a CHP system. The CHP system modeled is sized to provide 30% of the average hourly electricity needs of each building. The total carbon equivalent emissions, primary energy consumption (PEC), and operational cost of a CHP system are presented along with those of a reference system. In addition, the CHP system efficiency is analyzed with respect to the fraction of the thermal load that is satisfied by the CHP system (Rh). Results show that a CHP system would reduce emissions for all buildings studied, with more than 21% of carbon equivalent emissions reduced for an outpatient health care building. PEC and operational cost would be reduced with the use of a CHP system for some of the buildings. In general it is beneficial to have high Rh values to provide better emissions, cost and PEC reduction from the CHP system operation.
The influence of the number of statewide legislative referendums on voter participation in the US

This empirical study seeks to broaden the interpretation of the ‘rational voter model’ so as to include the potential effects of the number of statewide legislative referendums. This study tests the hypothesis that greater numbers of such referendums increase voter turnout because they elevate the Expected Gross Benefits (EGB) of voting by ‘empowering voters’ while not significantly increasing the Expected Gross Costs (EGC) of voting. Using state-level data for the 2006 general election in the US, as well as the 2004 US Presidential election, and after allowing for a variety of economic and demographic factors, this study finds compelling evidence that the number of statewide legislative referendums does significantly increase voter turnout.
The silicate/non-silicate distribution of metals in fly ash and its effect on solubility

In a study at DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory, 32 Class F fly ash samples from pulverized coal (PC) power plants were dissolved in concentrated nitric acid and in hydrofluoric acid to estimate the distribution of metals in non-silicate and silicate matrices. Nineteen cations occurred to some extent in both phases. Using a column leaching method, the release of the metals was determined with four leachant solutions; the pH of the leachants ranged between 1.2 and 12. Although the amount of an element extracted from the fly ash was low, solubility in alkaline leachants was correlated with elements in non-silicate compounds. Solubility in acid solutions was correlated more strongly with silicate phase concentration.
Inward rectification of acetylcholine‐elicited currents in rat phaeochromocytoma cells.

1. Currents elicited by acetylcholine (ACh) were studied in the rat phaeochromocytoma cell line, PC12, using patch-clamp techniques. 2. Whole-cell ACh-elicited currents are inwardly rectifying and intracellular Mg2+ can play a role in determining the extent of whole-cell current rectification. Increasing the intracellular Mg2+ concentration, [Mg2+]i, augmented the rectification. The effects of increased [Mg2+]i on the whole-cell current can be explained by the block of receptor channels by Mg2+. 3. In the nominal absence of internal divalent cations, however, a substantial degree of rectification remains. This rectification is probably not due to divalent cations, as buffering the external Mg2+ concentration to 50 microM and the internal concentration to nominally 0 Mg2+ did not reduce the rectification. The remanent rectification was not due to block by the main permeant cation, Na+. Using K+ or Cs+ as the main monovalent cation inside the cell did not diminish the rectification. Neither replacing the pH buffer, HEPES, with phosphate buffer nor increasing the intracellular pH removed the rectification. 4. For ACh receptor channels in excised patches, the voltage dependence of the probability of being open (Popen) stemmed mainly from the voltage dependence of the channel burst duration. The channel opening rate was relatively voltage independent. The weak voltage dependence displayed by the channel burst duration was insufficient to account for the reduced whole-cell outward current at positive potentials. The mean burst duration of the channel did not have a simple logarithmic relationship with voltage. 5. In the absence of intracellular Mg2+, the instantaneous current-voltage relationship for whole-cell currents was linear suggesting that the I-V relationship of single channels in perfused cells is linear and does not contribute to the rectification of the whole-cell current. 6. In perfused cells, receptor channels had a low steady-state probability of being open at positive potentials compared to channels in excised patches. Voltage jumps to positive potentials revealed a process in perfused cells which could account for the low Popen. Relaxations of agonist-induced current at +40 mV had a large, exponentially decaying component that quickly closed channels (rate constant, tau, approximately 400 microseconds). The mechanism responsible for this decay could explain the rectification that remains in the absence of intracellular divalent cations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Analysis of coupled vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser arrays

Coupling properties of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays are analyzed using a new stochastic coupled mode theory. Comparisons between theory and experiment reveal important details about the coupling and coherence of VCSEL arrays.
Bayesian updating of a unified soil compression model

Some amount of differential settlement occurs even in the most uniform soil deposit, but it is extremely difficult to estimate because of the natural heterogeneity of the soil. The compression response of the soil and its variability must be characterised in order to estimate the probability of the differential settlement exceeding a certain threshold value. The work presented in this paper introduces a probabilistic framework to address this issue in a rigorous manner, while preserving the format of a typical geotechnical settlement analysis. In order to avoid dealing with different approaches for each category of soil, a simplified unified compression model is used to characterise the nonlinear compression behavior of soils of varying gradation through a single constitutive law. The Bayesian updating rule is used to incorporate information from three different laboratory datasets in the computation of the statistics (estimates of the means and covariance matrix) of the compression model parameters, as w...
Information need, affect, and cognition of autonomic activity

Abstract Several studies have shown that bogus feedback of physiological change induces a greater liking for attractive stimuli. Other research suggests that the affective change induced by bogus feedback requires an opportunity to visually search change-associated stimuli for information which can account for its purported physiological effect. While there is considerable agreement among theorists that a greater disliking should obtain when the stimuli are unattractive (but a lack of data supporting this contention), there is disagreement about whether information searching is directed equally toward change-associated stimuli and no-change stimuli, or toward change-associated stimuli alone. Results of the present study support the contention that stimulus features determine the kind of affect experienced: change-associated slides depicting nudes are rated as more attractive than no-change-associated nudes, and change-associated slides depicting accident vitctims are rated as more repulsive than no-change-associated victims. Information seeking data are more consistent with the contention that information needs exist after both types of feedback.
Rings of real-valued continuous functions. I

The study, by the last-named author, of the ring of all real-valued continuous functions ~(X, IR) on a tpopological space X, was begun some 33 years ago in the article [1]. The principal notions of this paper are realcompact spaces (originally named Q-spaces for no very good reason) and hyperreal fields (which we call here H-fields). These concepts have found applications in a number of areas. First, topologists have found realcompact spaces to be of interest: see for example [16] and [19]. Second, ultraproducts and ultrapowers, first considered by Log [31], have proved to be a powerful model-theoretic tool for investigation from a unified point of view of varied problems in set theory, logic, model theory, certain branches of algebra, and the theory of numbers (Artin's hypothesis and p-adic fields): see [40] and [8]. The method of ultraproducts and ultrapowers has been worked out in detail, and one may say that a more or less complete theory exists. Its traditional aspects are set forth in the two monographs of Chang and Keisler ([7] and [8]), in the monograph of Comfort and Negrepontis [14], and in the monograph of A.I. Mal'cev [33]. In particular, much progress has been made in such classical problems as the structure of ultrafilters and the cardinal numbers of ultraproducts. The key to the results obtained up to now lies in axiomatic set theory, generic models, and the theory of large cardinal numbers. Studies in recent years have tended to neglect the theory of H-fields. One should not forget, however, that ultrapowers of 1R are exactly the H-fields obtained from discrete spaces. Hence the study of arbitrary H-fields, their algebraic structure, classification, and isomorphism types, should and does lead to more complicated topological and set-theoretical problems. Little progress has been made up to now with
Molecular-dynamics investigation of the desensitization of detonable material

Abstract : A molecular dynamics investigation of the effects of a diluent on the detonation of a model crystalline explosive is presented. The diluent, a heavy material that cannot exothermally react with any species of the system, is inserted into the crystalline explosive in two ways. The first series of simulations investigates the attenuation of the energy of a detonation wave in a pure explosive after it encounters a small layer of crystalline diluent that has been inserted into the lattice of the pure explosive. After the shock wave has traversed the diluent layer, it reenters pure explosive. Unsupported detonation is not reestablished unless the energy of the detonation wave exceeds a threshold value. The second series of simulations investigates detonation of solid solutions of different concentrations of explosive and diluent. For both types of simulations, the key to reestablishing or reaching unsupported detonation is the attainment of a critical number density behind the shock front. Once this critical density is reached, the explosive molecules transition to an atomic phase. This is the first step in the reaction mechanism that leads to the heat release that sustains the detonation. The reactive fragments formed from the atomization of the heteronuclear reactants subsequently combine with new partners, with homonuclear product formation exothermally favored.
Case of the Season: Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Mimicking a Bithalamic Neoplasm or Viral Encephalitis

A 51-year-old man presented to an outside emergency department with progressive somnolence, memory impairment, and gait instability for 5 weeks, with acute worsening of symptoms 2 days prior to presentation. The patient was a former cigarette smoker, with a history of hypertension and coronary artery disease. He otherwise had no significant medical history. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed at the outside facility revealed bilateral expansile contrast-enhancing lesions within the thalami. The leading diagnostic considerations were neoplasm or infectious viral encephalitis. The patient was referred to our facility and admitted for further evaluation. On physical examination, the patient was hypertensive (blood pressure1⁄4 175/87), with otherwise normal vital signs. Neurologic examination revealed a flattened affect, a narrow shuffling gait, and cogwheel rigidity in the upper arms. Memory recall was impaired. Right lateral gaze nystagmus was present. The remainder of the examination was normal. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed mild leukocytosis (6.7 white blood cell per high-power field), elevated levels of protein (97.3 mg/dL), and normal level of glucose (58 mg/ dL). The findings of cerebrospinal fluid gram stain, culture, venereal disease research laboratory test, herpes simplex virus polymerase chain reaction, and bacterial antigens were negative. The findings of blood carboxyhemoglobin, serum thiamine, serum Lyme, and antinuclear antibody titers were
Afferent-specific innervation of two distinct AMPA receptor subtypes on single hippocampal interneurons

Using the polyamine toxin philanthotoxin, which selectively blocks calcium-permeable AMPA receptors, we show that synaptic transmission onto single hippocampal interneurons occurs by afferent-specific activation of philanthotoxin-sensitive and -insensitive AMPA receptors. Calcium-permeable AMPA receptors are found exclusively at synapses from mossy fibers. In contrast, synaptic responses evoked by stimulation of CA3 pyramidal neurons are mediated by calcium-impermeable AMPA receptors. Both pathways converge onto single interneurons and can be discriminated with Group II mGluR agonists. Thus, single interneurons target AMPA receptors of different subunit composition to specific postsynaptic sites, providing a mechanism to increase the synapse-specific computational properties of hippocampal interneurons.
L-band parallel mode epr. measurement of quadrupole coupling through direct observation of secondary transitions

Abstract An L-band (1–2 GHz) EPR spectrometer with static and oscillating magnetic fields parallel is used to obtain quadrupole coupling information through direct measurement of secondary (Δms = ±1, Δm1, = ∓1) transitions. Spectra and interpretations are presented for a test case, 63Cu/Pd(acac)2 powder, for which QD = 9±1 MHz and QE = 0.6 MHz are obtained.
Effects of the environmental mammary carcinogen 6-nitrochrysene on p53 and p21Cip1 protein expression and cell cycle regulation in MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells

The environmental pollutant 6-nitrochrysene (6-NC) is a potent mammary carcinogen in rats; it is more potent than numerous classical mammary carcinogens such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). The mechanisms that account for the remarkable carcinogenicity of 6-NC remain elusive. Similar to BaP, 6-NC is also known to induce DNA damage in rodents and in human breast tissues. As an initial investigation, we reasoned that DNA damage induced by 6-NC may alter the expression of p53 protein in a manner that differs from other DNA damaging carcinogens (e.g. BaP). Using human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells and immortalized human mammary epithelial MCF-10A cells, we determined the effects of 6-NC on the expression of p53 protein and its direct downstream target cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21(Cip1) as well as on the cell cycle progression. Western blot analysis demonstrated that treatments of MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells with 6-NC for 12, 24 or 48h did not increase the level of total p53 protein; however, an increase of p21(Cip1) protein and a commitment increase of G(1) phase were observed in MCF-10A cells but not in MCF-7 cells. Further studies using 1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydro-6-hydroxylaminochrysene (1,2-DHD-6-NHOH-C), the putative ultimate genotoxic metabolite of 6-NC, was conducted and showed a significant induction of p53 (p<0.05) in MCF-7 cells; however, this effect was not evident in MCF-10A cells, indicating the varied DNA damage responses between the two cell lines. By contrast to numerous DNA damaging agents such as BaP which is known to stimulate p53 expression, the lack of p53 response by 6-NC imply the lack of protective functions mediated by p53 (e.g. DNA repair machinery) after exposure to 6-NC and this may, in part, account for its remarkable carcinogenicity in the mammary tissue.
A General Approach for Transferring Hydrophobic Nanocrystals into Water

Hydrophobic inorganic nanocrystals have been transferred from organic solvent to aqueous solution through a robust and general ligand exchange procedure. Polyelectrolytes such as poly(acrylic acid) and poly(allylamine) are used to replace the original hydrophobic ligands on the surface of nanocrystals at an elevated temperature in a glycol solvent and eventually render the nanocrystals highly water soluble. The physical properties of the nanocrystals, such as superparamagnetism, photocatalytic activity, and photoluminescence, are maintained or improved after ligand exchange.
POS Data and Your Demand Forecast

Abstract Point-of-Sales (POS) data can be helpful to improve demand forecast even your business is at the upstream of the supply chain. When your business is several steps away from the end-user, regression analysis using POS data as the predictors provides is an effective way to improve your demand forecast. In this article, we present a real case where the business is two steps away from the end-user and demonstrate how the business uses POS data to improve a business forecast.
Basic of US patents and the patent system

The patent system plays an important role in stimulating the economy and advancing the quality of life in the United States. It serves as an incentive for innovation by giving inventors an exclusive right to their inventions for a limited period of time. It also increases and hastens the publication of useful knowledge by requiring inventors to disclose their invention to the public. Patents are particularly important in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries because they provide a mechanism by which the extremely high product development costs may be recouped. The United States Patent and Trademark Office acts as a gatekeeper in the patent system to prevent patents that do not meet the legal requirements from being thrust on the public. The legal requirements for obtaining a patent are discussed, particularly as they related to pharmaceutical and biotechnological inventions. The process of examining an application for a patent is briefly described, along with some of the burdens faced by examiners when deciding the patentability of therapy-related inventions.
Adenoma size and number are predictive of adenoma recurrence: implications for surveillance colonoscopy☆

Background: Three-year colonoscopic surveillance after initial polypectomy may not be required for all patients. Those with multiple baseline polyps and large adenomas, implicated as predictors of colon cancer, merit close observation. Conversely, patients with single small adenomas may be subjected to early endoscopic surveillance unnecessarily. Methods: From our Adenoma Registry we evaluated patient and adenoma characteristics in 697 patients. All had an adenoma recurrence within 3 years of a positive baseline colonoscopy. Potential risk factors studied were age, gender, number of adenomas, size of largest adenoma and histology. We defined a significant outcome as size of 1 cm or greater, tubulovillous or villous histology, high-grade dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, invasive cancer, or 4 or more adenomas. Results: Having 3 or more adenomas on initial colonoscopy with at least 1 measuring 1 cm or larger greatly increased the chance of a significant finding on the first surveillance colonoscopy. Conversely, patients with 1 or 2 adenomas all measuring less than 1 cm were at extremely low risk of an important outcome within 3 years. Conclusions: Patients with 1 or 2 adenomas all measuring less than 1 cm are an identified low risk group and their first surveillance examination may be delayed beyond the standard 3 years. (Gastrointest Endosc 2000;51:433-7.)
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the detection of gunshot residues on the hands of a shooter

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been used to determine whether the hands of a suspected gun user contain traces of gunshot residue. Samples are obtained by pressing adhesive tape against the skin of the suspect and analyzing the tape directly. When the suspect has fired multiple shots, or if the gun has not been cleaned, the gunshot residue provides a spectral signature that is readily apparent, but a person who has fired a single shot from a clean gun is not so easy to identify. The error rates associated with the LIBS identification of a subject who fired one shot from a clean gun have been evaluated by Monte Carlo simulation techniques, and criteria are proposed for defining a positive or a negative test result.
Do chaperonins boost protein yields by accelerating folding or preventing aggregation

The GroEL chaperonin has the ability to behave as an unfoldase, repeatedly denaturing proteins upon binding, which in turn can free them from kinetic traps and increase their folding rates. The complex formed by GroEL+GroES+ATP can also act as an infinite dilution cage, enclosing proteins within a protective container where they can fold without danger of aggregation. Controversy remains over which of these two properties is more critical to the GroEL/ES chaperonin's function. We probe the importance of the unfoldase nature of GroEL under conditions where aggregation is the predominant protein degradation pathway. We consider the effect of a hypothetical mutation to GroEL which increases the cycle frequency of GroEL/ES by increasing the rate of hydrolysis of GroEL-bound ATP. Using a simple kinetic model, we show that this modified chaperonin would be self-defeating: any potential reduction in folding time would be negated by an increase in time spent in the bulk, causing an increase in aggregation and a net decrease in protein folding yields.
Serotonergic transcriptional programming determines maternal behavior and offspring survival

The central serotonergic system is an important modulator of neural circuitry that regulates behavior and emotion state of an animal. Current study from Lerch-Haner et al. shows that mutant female mice with defective serotonergic neurons exhibit gross maternal neglect resulting in offspring death, and that this defect can be rescued by expression of a homologous gene from human.
Computer and therapist based brief interventions among cannabis-using adolescents presenting to primary care: one year outcomes

Aims This paper describes outcomes from a randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of brief interventions delivered by a computer (CBI) or therapist (TBI) among adolescents in urban primary care clinics.
Role of single particle transfer in heavy ion fusion

Abstract Fusion excitation functions in heavy ion collision have been calculated taking into account the effect of random transfer of single particles in a classical dynamical model. The model has been applied to fusion of 16O+27Al and 40Ar +109Ag. The transfer does not affect the low energy fusion excitation function but the effect of transfer is appreciable for high energies.
The effect of dimer mobility on thin film nucleation kinetics

Abstract Dimer mobility and dissociation energies of small clusters have been incorporated into a set of rate equations to study the extent of the cluster mobility effect on thin film nucleation kinetics. The numerical analysis results showed that total cluster density and condensation coefficient both increase with increasing dimer dissociation energy and decrease with increasing dimer mobility. By comparison of theoretical calculations with the experimental results of Velfe et al. for Au deposition on NaCl [Thin Solid Films 98 (1982) 15], it is suggested that for this system at 150°C the dimer dissociation energy is low and dimer mobility has little effect on the nucleation kinetics.
Developmental changes in spinal cord neurite promoting activity from chick muscle extracts

Abstract Muscle extracts from embryonic chicks aged 10–18 days of embryogenesis produced an increase in 6-day embryo spinal cord neurite initiation. A maximal effect was observed with 18-day extract. Extracts from older chicks produced no effect. These neurite promoting factors are produced at a time in which neuromuscular junctions are forming and becoming stabilized in ovo and may act to control terminal branching, selection, and maintenance of axonal endings.
DC MOA Application and Test Technical Analysis

To achieve further optimization of resource utilization, HVDC power transmission project in the proportion of the state grid is growing and the range of applications are more widely. Due to the high cost of converter stations, properly design of DC MOA for DC system insulation coordination and reducing the cost are crucial. Through research and analysis of large amounts of data, applications and test technologies of DC MOA is in-depth expounded, It’s further deepened the staff’s understanding of the DC MOA, there are also some guidance and references to the repair and maintenance of DC MOA.
Transport Studies of Dual-Gated ABC and ABA Trilayer Graphene: Band Gap Opening and Band Structure Tuning in Very Large Perpendicular Electric Fields

We report on the transport properties of ABC and ABA stacked trilayer graphene using dual, locally gated field effect devices. The high efficiency and large breakdown voltage of the HfO2 top and bottom gates enable independent tuning of the perpendicular electric field and the Fermi level over an unprecedentedly large range. We observe a resistance change of 6 orders of magnitude in the ABC trilayer, which demonstrates the opening of a band gap. Our data suggest that the gap saturates at a large displacement field of D ∼ 3 V/nm, in agreement with self-consistent Hartree calculations. In contrast, the ABA trilayer remains metallic even under a large perpendicular electric field. Despite the absence of a band gap, the band structure of the ABA trilayer continues to evolve with increasing D. We observe signatures of two-band conduction at large D fields. Our self-consistent Hartree calculation reproduces many aspects of the experimental data but also points to the need for more sophisticated theory.
Separation and thermal characterization of ionically and tightly cell-wall-bound pectin methylesterase from cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)

Thermal characteristics of cell-wall-bound pectin methylesterase (PME) from cucumbers were determined. Heat inactivation of PME followed first-order reaction kinetics. Biphasic inactivation curves indicated the presence of heat-labile and heat-stable fractions. Inactivation of PME accelerated above 65 °C. The z values between 70 °C and 80 °C were 7.6 °C and 9.0 °C for heat-stable fractions of ionically (IPME) and tightly cell wall bound PME (TPME), respectively. Temperature optima for the initial activities of IPME and TPME were 65 °C and 60 °C, respectively. However, for longer periods of activity determination, both IPME and TPME showed a temperature optimum at 50 °C. The E a values for initial activities were 5 kcal mol–1 (20–65 °C) and 7.2 kcal mol–1 (20–60 °C) for IPME and TPME, respectively.
Graphene Electronics for RF Applications

The outstanding properties of graphene have attracted intense research activities to take advantage of this new material for improving existing electronic applications and inventing new ones. Some of the target applications include digital and RF electronics, advanced sensors, semitransparent electronics, low power switches, solar cells, and battery energy storage. While the lack of bandgap in graphene imposes serious limitations on its application for digital electronics, many RF circuits do not require the existence of a bandgap and can be realized in devices with a low on-off current ratio. In this article, we review the recent progress in using graphene for applications in RF and mixed-signal circuits, arguably one of the most promising fields for future graphene electronics.
Family functioning Deficits in bipolar disorder and ADHD in youth

Abstract Background: Rates of diagnosis and treatment for bipolar disorder (BD) in youth continue torise. Researchers and clinicians experience difficulty differentiating between BD in youth andother conditions that are commonly comorbid or share similar clinical features with BD,especially attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Comparative studies of thephenomenology and psychosocial correlates of these conditions help to address this. Familyfunctioning is an important topic for both BD and ADHD since both are associated withnumerous family-related deficits. One previous study suggested that manic/hypomanic youths’family functioning differed from ADHD and typically developing control (TDC) groups.However, many family functioning studies with BD and ADHD youth have methodologicallimitations or fail to use comprehensive, validated measures. Methods: This investigation usedadolescent report on the Family Assessment Device (FAD), based on the McMaster Model offamily functioning. Youth were recruited in BD ( n =30), ADHD ( n =36), and TDC ( n =41)groups. Results: Groups were similar on most demographic variables, but The TDC groupscored somewhat higher than the others on IQ and socioeconomic status. FAD results indicatedthat BD and ADHD groups scored worse than TDC on the General Functioning and Roles scalesof the FAD. In addition, the BD group showed impairment on the Problem Solving scale relativeto TDC. Limitations: sample size, lack of parent report, ADHD comorbidity in BD group. Conclusions: Family functioning deficits distinguish both clinical groups from TDC, andproblem-solving dysfunction may be specific to BD. These findings may apply to treatmentmodels for both conditions.
Temperature and emissivity determination of small-size long-range object’s using staring Thermovision Cameras

Abstract The possibilities and limitations of remote temperature and emissivity coefficient determination of small-size distant objects in the condition of spatially distributed background illumination using measurements of the electronic signals of infrared images formed by Thermovision Cameras with staring FPA’s have been studied. It is shown that the expression for the total video signal amplitude measured from a “point” image of the object in the presence of a background consists of several components, of which the decisive role is played by the signals from the object and the illuminating background. The conditions and constraints providing an analytical solution of obtained four equations have been defined and the expressions for determination of the absolute thermodynamic temperature and emissivity coefficient of a small-size object surface have been obtained.
Complete Redox Exchange of Indium for Tl+ in Zeolite A. Crystal Structures of Anhydrous Tl12−A and In10−A·In. Indium Appears as In2+, In+, and In0. The Clusters (In5)8+ and (In3)2+ Are Proposed

Indium has replaced all of the Tl+ ions in fully dehydrated fully Tl+-exchanged zeolite A by a solvent-free redox ion-exchange reaction with In metal at 623 K. The crystal structures of the zeolite before (Tl12Si12Al12O48: a = 12.153(4) A, R1 = 0.054, and R2 = 0.060) and after the reaction, followed by washing with water and redehydration at 623 K (In10Si12Al12O48·In: a = 12.098(2) A, R1 = 0.063, and R2 = 0.062), have been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography at 294 K using the space group Pm3m. In In10−A·In, 11 In atoms or ions/unit cell are distributed over seven crystallographically distinct positions. Seven In ions occupy 3-fold-axis equipoints: four In+ ions lie opposite 6-rings in large cavity (In(1)), and two In2+ (In(2)) and one In+ (In(3)) lie opposite 6-rings in the sodalite unit. Three In+ ions per unit cell are found at two different 8-ring positions: 1.5 on the 8-ring plane (In(4)) and 1.5 off (In(5)). Finally, one In0 atom per unit cell, probably associated with In ions, is...
A generalization of summability-( Z, p ) of Silverman and Szász

A sequence x = { s i } has been defined to be summable-( Z, p ) to s if Where p is a positive integer and