cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regenerable Multifunctional Sorbent Development for Sulfur and Chloride Removal from Coal-Derived Synthesis Gas

A large number of components in coal form corrosive and toxic compounds during coal gasification processes. These contaminants have to be reduced to the parts-per-million range to use the fuel gas in an integrated gasification combined cycle. Even more stringent requirements are expected if the fuel gas is to be used in fuel cell or chemical production applications. Impurity removal may be even more cost-effective if multiple impurities can be removed in a minimum number of steps. To accomplish this goal, a regenerable sorbent capable of removing both hydrogen chloride (HCl) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was investigated. The results of the thermogravimetric analyzer tests and bench-scale fixed-bed flow reactor tests conducted with the sorbent to evaluate the feasibility of both H2S and HCl sorption will be discussed in this paper.
Minimum-Weight Proportions of Pressure-Vessel Heads

The minimum-weight shapes of head closures are derived, for cylindrical pressure vessels. Head configurations, weights, and membrane stresses are obtained for thin-shell heads of isotropic materials with uniform internal pressure by restricting the knuckle shear stresses to constant values where possible and by minimizing the weight of prescribed-shape heads. Torispherical, ellipsoidal, and Biezeno-type heads with constant and varying thickness (neglecting the effects of bending) are investigated. Enclosed-volume constancy and supporting structures are also considered. Certain highly efficient shapes are obtained that weigh up to 11 per cent less than the corresponding hemispherical capping closure. (auth)
Behavioral responses to epidemics in an online experiment: using virtual diseases to study human behavior.

We report the results of a study we conducted using a simple multiplayer online game that simulates the spread of an infectious disease through a population composed of the players. We use our virtual epidemics game to examine how people respond to epidemics. The analysis shows that people's behavior is responsive to the cost of self-protection, the reported prevalence of disease, and their experiences earlier in the epidemic. Specifically, decreasing the cost of self-protection increases the rate of safe behavior. Higher reported prevalence also raises the likelihood that individuals would engage in self-protection, where the magnitude of this effect depends on how much time has elapsed in the epidemic. Individuals' experiences in terms of how often an infection was acquired when they did not engage in self-protection are another factor that determines whether they will invest in preventive measures later on. All else being equal, individuals who were infected at a higher rate are more likely to engage in self-protective behavior compared to those with a lower rate of infection. Lastly, fixing everything else, people's willingness to engage in safe behavior waxes or wanes over time, depending on the severity of an epidemic: when prevalence is high, people are more likely to adopt self-protective measures as time goes by; when prevalence is low, a ‘self-protection fatigue’ effect sets in whereby individuals are less willing to engage in safe behavior over time.
Values of environmental landscape amenities during the 2000–2006 real estate boom and subsequent 2008 recession

This research suggests that consumers' marginal willingness to pay for environmental landscape attributes, such as water view, developed open space and forest-land open space, decreased during the 2008 recession compared to the 2000–2006 real estate boom. Estimates were obtained from a spatial hedonic housing price model after controlling for household location patterns and structural differences between the periods. Because the decline in amenity values was probably due to a temporary deterioration in economic conditions, the amenity values will probably rebound with economic recovery. Thus, development decisions based on the lower estimated amenity values measured during a temporary deterioration in economic conditions may be determined suboptimal post-economic recovery.
Ab-initio atom cluster models of carbon surfaces

Abstract Ab-initio techniques for obtaining a wavefunction which simulates an infinite or semi-infinite solid with a finite cluster of atoms have recently been applied to model the electronic structure of the naked surfaces of diamond and graphite and of hydrogen atom adsorption on the (100) surface of diamond. The wavefunction for the system is written in the form ψ= ψ I ψ II , where is an antisymmetrizer, ψI is frozen and ψII is determined variationally. Use of a projector to obtain the best possible approximate representation of ψI from a calculation which has been variationally determined in an environment simulating connection to the extended solid, permits the reduction of socalled edge effects in finite clusters. Clusters containing up to eight carbon atoms have been considered in geometries assumed by simple termination of the known bulk structure. While surface reconstruction may be important, it is more difficult to activate in these materials than in metals and an idealized geometry was considered an adequate and in fact necessary first treatment of the problems. The most active H adsorption site on (100) diamond was found to be an overhead site. A bridging site was also modeled. An unusually high value for the heat of H chemisorption was calculated. The surface electronic structure is examined with the aid of population analyses and contour maps. Difference densities were found to be particularly valuable to bring out the detailed changes in structure. A perspective of the approach is presented in view of all the calculations completed to date.
The role of hood-building in defining territories and limiting combat in fiddler crabs

Abstract In Panama, courting males of three species of fiddler crabs sometimes construct semi-domes of mud (=hoods) over their burrow entrances. Males that do not construct hoods court in a circular area surrounding their burrow entrance. Males with hoods restrict their general activity and courtship to the semi-circular area in front of the hood opening. For Uca latimanus hoods appear to be an integral part of the courtship ritual and are constructed by all courting males. In the other two species, U. musica terpsichores and U. beebei , hood-building is associated with high population density and the presence of hoods reduces the frequency of combat among neighbouring males.
Coupled-wave analysis of apodized volume gratings.

This work presents the use of longitudinal refractive index modulation (apodization) in photosensitive glass for improved sidelobe suppression in volume holographic optical elements. We develop a numerical model for both uniform and apodized volume holograms based on rigorous coupled-wave analysis. We validate the model by comparison with a transmissive 1.55-µm uniform volume grating in photothermorefractive glass. We then apply our numerical model to calculate the spectral response of apodized gratings. The numerical results demonstrate that apodization of the refractive index modulation envelope improves spectral selectivity and reduces first and second-order side-lobe peaks by up to 33 and 65 dB, respectively. We suggest a method for creating apodization in volume holograms with approximately Gaussian spatial refractive index profile.
Shifting gears: consequences of including two negatively worded items in the middle of a positively worded questionnaire

A questionnaire used in student evaluations of interdisciplinary courses during six semesters contained two Likert items stated in a direct negative mode which were embedded in a questionnaire (14–18 items) in which the remaining items were phrased in a direct positive mode. In the seventh semester and thereafter, the two negative items were restated as direct positive stems. Item‐analysis demonstrated that in the direct negative mode, the two items had low item‐to‐total correlations and that the internal consistency reliability of the sum score could be improved by eliminating the two negatively phrased items. Also, the two negatively worded items defined a separate factor. After they were reworded into a direct positive mode, these two items showed markedly improved item‐to‐total correlations. Moreover, the unique factor disappeared, which suggests that it was a methodological artefact probably attributable to respondent carelessness. Including a few negative items in an otherwise positively stated ques...
The validation of the GEWEX SRB surface longwave flux data products using BSRN measurements

Abstract The longwave downward fluxes at the Earth׳s surface are a significant part of the products of the NASA GEWEX SRB (Surface Radiation Budget) project which has produced and archived a 24.5-year continuous record from July 1983 to December 2007 of global shortwave (SW) and longwave (LW) radiation fluxes at TOA and the surface from satellite measurements. The data are generated on a system of grid boxes ranging from 1° latitude by 1° longitude at lower latitudes to 1° latitude by 120° longitude next to the poles. The LW datasets, which are available as 3-hourly, 3-hourly–monthly, daily and monthly means, are produced from two sets of algorithms, the GEWEX LW (GLW) algorithm which is designated as primary and the Langley Parameterized LW (LPLA) algorithm which is designated as quality-check. The inputs of the latest versions, GLW (V3.1) and LPLA (V3.0), include the Geostationary Satellite system (GEOS) Version 4.0.3 meteorological information and cloud properties derived from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) DX data. In this paper, we compare the LW downward fluxes at the Earth׳s surface from both algorithms against over 4000 site-months of the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) data from among the 59 BSRN sites. The comparisons are made for the 3-hourly, daily and monthly means each for the entire record, and on a month-by-month basis as well as a site-by-site basis. It is found that the overall daily mean bias/RMS for the GLW (V3.1) and LPLA (V3.0) algorithms are, respectively, 1.1/22.1 and 4.6/22.8 W m −2 , their monthly counterparts are, respectively, 0.9/11.1 and 4.5/12.9 W m −2 . Anomaly time series for a subset of more continuous BSRN measurement data sets show a standard deviation of 2.3 W m −2 and a correlation of 0.82 indicating the accurate replication of month-to-month variability. Clusters of similar surface types are analyzed showing that the uncertainties are largest over the polar regions. Finally, Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) two-sample test and Cramer–von Mises (CvM) two-sample test are used to show that the GLW is able to replicate the cumulative frequency distribution of the measurements at the 0.01 significance level.
The higher-order structure of common DSM mental disorders: internalization, externalization, and their connections to personality

Abstract Comorbidity among mental disorders is commonly observed in clinical and epidemiological samples. Can comorbidity be understood as meaningful covariance, and is this covariance structure linked with personality? We addressed this question in a sample of 634 female and 549 male, middle-aged participants in the Minnesota Twin-Family Study (MTFS). Mental disorders were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R, the Substance Abuse Module from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, and a specially-designed interview for the assessment of antisocial personality disorder. Personality was assessed using the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire. Relations among symptom scales for eight common DSM disorders were compatible with hypothesized underlying bivariate normal distributions. Polychoric correlations among these scales were well-fit by a two-factor model positing internalizing and externalizing factors, which, in turn, were correlated with broad personality dimensions. Internalizing was positively correlated with negative emotionality (and negatively with positive emotionality in women) and externalizing was negatively correlated with constraint. These findings suggest that internalization, externalization, and their links to personality may provide a useful framework for understanding covariance among common adult mental disorders.
‘Bollywood’s fourth Khan’: deconstructing the ‘hatke’ stardom of Vidya Balan in popular Hindi cinema

This article, seeking to address a gap in the study of post-millennial female stars in popular Hindi cinema, examines the reasons behind the rising stardom of Vidya Balan, tagged as ‘the fourth Khan’ in the Bombay film industry. It represents an early intervention in understanding how a female star in a predominantly male-oriented industry has become a ‘gamechanger’ as a result of the conjuncture of favourable industrial and technological changes, and transforming spectatorial tastes and practices. These include radical changes in the sites of exhibition such as the multiplex; shifts in cinephilia driven by urban youth audiences; distinctive marketing and promotional strategies that have partially engendered Balan’s ‘hatke’/offbeat stardom; and the establishment of new production houses that have encouraged a new generation of young directors and scriptwriters to create substantive female characters endowed with narrative agency and a feminist sensibility. It also argues that Balan’s stardom is an intrigu...
Adaptive policy gradient in multiagent learning

Inspired by the recent results in policy gradient learning in a general-sum game scenario, in the form of two algorithms, IGA and WoLF-IGA, we explore an alternative version of WoLF. We show that our new WoLF criterion (PDWoLF) is also accurate in 2 × 2 games, while being accurately computable even in more than 2-action games, unlike WoLF that relies on estimation. In particular, we show that this difference in accuracy in more than 2-action games translates to faster convergence (to Nash equilibrium policies in self-play) for PDWoLF in conjunction with the general Policy Hill Climbing algorithm. Interestingly, this expedience gets more pronounced with increasing learning rate ratio, for which we also delve into an explanation. We also show experimentally that learning faster with PDWoLF could also entail learning better policies earlier in self play. Finally we present the scalable version of PDWoLF and show that even in such domains requiring generalizations and approximations, PDWoLF could dominate WoLF in performance.
Adsorption of slightly soluble compounds to lipid monolayers

Abstract A surface solution approach is used to derive the thermodynamic equation of state for a monolayer of long-chain surfactant molecules in the liquid expanded state. Bending of the chains of the surfactant is taken into account by a surface pressure-dependent term. This equation of state is extended to the case of two surfactants or, equivalently, a mixed monolayer of one surfactant plus adsorbed molecules of a compound which is only slightly soluble in the aqueous subsolution. The two equations of state are used in a derivation of the adsorption coefficient (β) and maximum adsorbed surface density (Γm) for the adsorbed species. Both quantities are shown to be a function of the surface pressure (π). Experimental π-area per molecule curves illustrating the effect of adsorbed 3-phenylindole (3PI) on a monolayer of lipid in the liquid expanded state are presented. For 3PI, β increases slightly with π, attaining a value of 1.6 × 10−4 m at π = 40 dyn/cm while Γm decreases slightly with increasing π, reaching a value of 1.0 × 10−6 mole/m2 at π = 40 dyn/cm.
Multivariate Analysis of the California Test of Mental Maturity, Primary Forms

The test-retest reliability of the profile yielded by the four subscores of the California Test of Mental Maturity was determined. Subjects were 716 pupils in Grades K, 1, and 2 who were tested twice within 8 mo. Canonical correlational analysis gave four statistically significant interprofile correlations, each based on a successively weaker canonical variate. These canonical correlations ranged from a high of .688 to a low of .167, raising some doubts regarding the stability of the test profile. The test-retest correlations between individual subscores ranged between .43 and .56, further attesting to the questionable reliability of these measures, at least for the lower levels of the test. Principal components analysis suggests the existence of a single general factor which, however, accounts for only a little more than half the total variance yielded by the battery.
End-to-end validation of architectural power models

While researchers have invested substantial effort to build architectural power models, validating such models has proven difficult at best. In this paper, we examine the accuracy of commonly used architectural power models using the TRIPS system as a case study. We use the TRIPS processor because we have ready access to the TRIPS architectural simulators, RTL simulators, and hardware. Access to all three levels of the design provides key insights that are missing from previously published power validation studies. First, we show that applying common architectural power models out-of-the-box to TRIPS results in an underestimate of the total power by 65%. Next, using a detailed breakdown of an accurate RTL power model (6% average error), we identify and quantify the major sources of inaccuracies in the architectural power model. Finally, we show how fixing these sources of errors decreases the inaccuracy to 24%. While further reductions are difficult due to systematic modeling errors in the simulator, we conclude with recommendations on where to focus attention when building architectural power models.
Mutations in the tether region of the iron–sulfur protein affect the activity and assembly of the cytochrome bc1 complex of yeast mitochondria

Abstract Resolution of the crystal structure of the mitochondrial cytochrome bc 1 complex has indicated that the extra-membranous extrinsic domain of the iron–sulfur protein containing the 2Fe2S cluster is connected by a tether to the transmembrane helix that anchors the iron–sulfur protein to the complex. To investigate the role of this tether in the cytochrome bc 1 complex, we have mutated the conserved amino acid residues Ala-86, Ala-90, Ala-92, Lys-93 and Glu-95 and constructed deletion mutants ΔVLA(88–90) and ΔAMA(90–92) and an insertion mutant I87AAA88 in the iron–sulfur protein of the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae . In cells grown at 30°C, enzymatic activities of the bc 1 complex were reduced 22–56% in mutants A86L, A90I, A92C, A92R and E95R, and the deletion mutants, ΔVLA(88–90) and ΔAMA(90–92), while activity of the insertion mutant was reduced 90%. No loss of cytochromes b or c–c 1 , detected spectrally, or the iron–sulfur protein, determined by quantitative immunoblotting, was observed in these mutants with the exception of the mutants of Ala-92 in which the loss of activity paralleled a loss in the amount of the iron–sulfur protein. EPR spectroscopy revealed no changes in the iron–sulfur cluster of mutants A86L, A90I, A92R or the deletion mutant ΔVLA(88–90). Greater losses of both protein and activity were observed in all of the mutants of Ala-92 as well as in A90F grown at 37°C. suggesting that these conserved alanine residues may be involved in maintaining the stability of the iron–sulfur protein and its assembly into the bc 1 complex. By contrast, no significant loss of iron–sulfur protein was observed in the mutants of Ala-86 in cells grown at either 30°C or 37°C despite the 50–70% loss of enzymatic activity suggesting that Ala-86 may play a critical role in catalysis in the bc 1 complex.
Urban parakeets in Northern Illinois: A 40-year perspective

Monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) are the most abundant and widely distributed of the naturalized parrots in the United States. We summarize monk parakeet population data from 1970 to 2010 for northern Illinois, one of the best-known populations. Throughout the 1970s, parakeets were seen in small numbers at scattered locations, but none of the nesting sites persisted and the birds either died or moved elsewhere. The species became established in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago in 1979 and this population grew exponentially and expanded over the next 25 years, doubling in size every 2 to 3 years. In the mid to late 1990s parakeets became established in many other localities in the Chicago region. The population in Hyde Park began to rapidly decline in 2005, a trend also exhibited in national counts. The reasons for this decline are unknown but we suggest that the decline is more apparent than real and that the decline in Hyde Park is the result of shifts in population structure from a few dense aggregations to progressively more spatially separated smaller groups. As evidence for this, the population of parakeets in the greater Chicago region does not appear to have declined but is still growing in size and distribution. Monk parakeets are a novel addition to many urban ecosystems, with a neutral impact to most other bird species but an increasingly complex interaction with human residents in urban areas.
The risk of hydrosalpinx formation and adnexectomy following tubal ligation and subsequent hysterectomy: a historical cohort study.

Objective The objective of the study was to further investigate a previous finding that tubal sterilization followed by hysterectomy was associated with hydrosalpinx formation. Study design The Rochester Epidemiology Project (Rochester, MN) was used to identify three cohorts: women who had undergone tubal sterilization and subsequent hysterectomy, women who had undergone tubal sterilization alone, and women who had undergone hysterectomy alone. Four hundred seventy-three charts were reviewed and 337 met inclusion criteria. Patient histories were analyzed prospectively, looking for subsequent adnexal surgery. Results There was no increased risk of hydrosalpinx formation in patients who had undergone tubal sterilization and hysterectomy, compared with tubal sterilization alone. The proportion of subjects undergoing later adnexectomy for any reason was significantly higher in the hysterectomy groups, compared with the sterilization only group (relative risk 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.3-9.4). Conclusion This prospective study does not support the previously reported case-control data suggesting that tubal sterilization followed by hysterectomy resulted in an increased risk of hydrosalpinx formation, compared with tubal sterilization alone.
Functional Type, Voice, and the Javanese DI-Form

This paper introduces the concept of functional type, a particular combination of functions which are realized in a single clause, and applies this concept to data on voice from Javanese and English, comparing the English passive and two Javanese constructions with passive-like structural and functional properties. It is shown that what is conceived of as general passive function can be divided into a number of different functional types, each one associated with particular discourse properties of the agent and patient and a particular combination of structural representations in Javanese and English.
Further optimal cost routes in the circular city model

The following results are announced here. Two generalizations for the location of the endpoints of a road are studied in a circular city model treated previously by one of the authors. The existence of optimal cost routes has been proven. The forms of these routes are presented, along with the critical values of the parameters where the nature of the optimal routes changes discontinuously.
Electronic Spectroscopy and Ultrafast Energy Relaxation Pathways in the Lowest Rydberg States of Trimethylamine

Resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization photoelectron spectroscopy has been applied to study the electronic spectroscopy and relaxation pathways among the 3p and 3s Rydberg states of trimethylamine. The experiments used femtosecond and picosecond duration laser pulses at wavelengths of 416, 266, and 208 nm and employed two-photon and three-photon ionization schemes. The binding energy of the 3s Rydberg state was found to be 3.087 +/- 0.005 eV. The degenerate 3p x, y states have binding energies of 2.251 +/- 0.005 eV, and 3p z is at 2.204 +/- 0.005 eV. Using picosecond and femtosecond time-resolved experiments we spectrally and temporally resolved an intricate sequence of energy relaxation pathways leading from the 3p states to the 3s state. With excitation at 5.96 eV, trimethylamine is found to decay from the 3p z state to 3p x, y in 539 fs. The decay to 3s from all the 3p states takes place with a 2.9 ps time constant. On these time scales, trimethylamine does not fragment at the given internal energies, which range from 0.42 to 1.54 eV depending on the excitation wavelength and electronic state.
Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors increases cAMP accumulation in hippocampus by potentiating responses to endogenous adenosine

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are coupled to effector systems through GTP-binding proteins (G-proteins) and appear to mediate slow synaptic responses in the CNS. Although mGluR-mediated increases in phosphoinositide hydrolysis have been well characterized, other mechanisms for signal transduction employed by mGluRs are poorly understood. We recently reported that the selective mGluR agonist 1-aminocyclopentane-1 S,3R-dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD) increases cAMP accumulation in rat hippocampal slices. We have now investigated the mechanisms involved in this response. A number of G-protein-linked receptors that are not directly coupled to adenylate cyclase increase cAMP accumulation by potentiating cAMP responses to other agonists. Furthermore, previous studies suggest that glutamate increases cAMP accumulation by a mechanism that is dependent upon the presence of endogenous adenosine. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that 1S,3R-ACPD-stimulated increases in cAMP accumulation in rat hippocampal slices are dependent upon the presence of endogenous adenosine and are mediated by an mGluR that potentiates cAMP responses to other agonists. We found that adenosine deaminase abolished 1S,3R-ACPD-stimulated cAMP accumulation whereas the adenosine uptake blocker dipyridamole enhanced this response. Additionally, adenosine receptor antagonists blocked mGluR-mediated increases in cAMP accumulation with potencies that were highly correlated with their potencies at A2 adenosine receptors. Furthermore, we performed a series of studies that suggest that 1S,3R-ACPD activates an mGluR subtype that potentiates responses to agonists of other receptors that are coupled to adenylate cyclase and that 1S,3R-ACPD-stimulated increases in cAMP accumulation in hippocampal slices are mediated by potentiation of the cAMP response to low levels of endogenous adenosine that are continuously present extracellularly.
Challenges Facing Families of Sexually Abusive Youth: What Prevents Service Engagement?

AbstractAlthough it is becoming increasingly important to integrate families of sexually abusive youth in treatment, there are many families who resist engagement. Little is known about why families are not more involved and what factors prevent service engagement. In collaboration with a state sex offender management board, this qualitative study analyzed the perspectives of approved treatment providers (N = 19) on factors that deter family engagement. Findings revealed engagement is determined by detailed contexts and circumstances such as stress, preparedness, and subjective barriers. Pragmatic recommendations are offered to procure and sustain family engagement in treatment.
The Role of Bounties and Human Behavior on Louisiana Nutria Harvests

In response to nutria-linked degradation of much of its coastal wetlands, Louisiana established the Coastwide Nutria Control Program (CNCP) in January 2002. CNCP instituted, among other things, an ‘‘economic incentive payment’’ of $4.00 per delivered nutria tail from registered participants in the program. To examine whether this bounty has had an impact on nutria harvest and whether alternative bounty levels can, in general, generate additional harvesting activities, we developed a bioeconomic supply model that relates Louisiana’s annual nutria harvests to a suite of economic and environmental factors. Results suggested that the annual nutria harvest is responsive to both the price received per animal and costs. Results also suggested that the nutria harvest has increased as a result of the bounty, but that the initial bounty of $4.00 per tail may be insufficient to achieve the state’s goal of harvesting 400,000 animals per year but that a bounty equal to $5.00 per tail would likely achieve the stated goal.
General Characteristics of Solutions to the Open-Channel Flow, Feedforward Control Problem

A dimensionless formulation of the open-channel flow equations was used to study the feedforward control problem for single-pool canals. Feedforward inflow schedules were computed for specified downstream demands using a gate-stroking model. The analysis was conducted for various design and operational conditions. Differences in the shape of the computed inflow hydrographs are largely related to the volume change resulting from the transient, the time needed to supply this volume, and the time needed by the inflow perturbation to travel down the canal. The gate-stroking method will fail to produce a solution or the solution will demand extreme and unrealistic inflow variations if the time needed to supply the canal volume change is much greater than the travel time of the upstream flow change. As an alternative, a simple feedforward-control flow schedule can be developed based on this volume change and a reasonable delay estimate. This volume compensating schedule can deliver the requested flow change and keep water levels reasonably close to the target under the range of conditions tested.
Gain enhancement in a XeCl-pumped Raman amplifier

A comparison of the theoretical predictions of a multimode broadband model with the experimentally measured gain enhancement in a Raman amplifier is presented. The results show that the multimode theory with fixed and totally random phases is in agreement with the data obtained from an excimer-laser-pumped Raman amplifier. Additionally, this theory indicates that the correlated gain can be larger than the gain for a monochromatic laser, as might be expected for a model with amplitude modulation.
Cerebral perfusion CT: technique and clinical applications.

Perfusion computed tomography (PCT) is an imaging technique that allows rapid, noninvasive, quantitative evaluation of cerebral perfusion by generating maps of cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and mean transit time (MTT). The concepts behind this imaging technique were developed in the 1980s, but its widespread clinical use was allowed by the recent introduction of rapid, large-coverage multidetector- row CT scanners. Key clinical applications for PCT include the diagnosis of cerebral ischemia and infarction, and evaluation of vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage. PCT measurements of cerebrovascular reserve after acetazolamide challenges in patients with intracranial vascular stenoses permit evaluation of candidacy for bypass surgery and endovascular treatment. PCT has also been used to assess cerebral perfusion after head trauma and microvascular permeability in the setting of intracranial neoplasm. Some controversy exists regarding this technique, including questions regarding correct selection of an input vessel, the accuracy of quantitative results, and the reproducibility of results. This article provides an overview of PCT, including details of technique, major clinical applications, and limitations.
Dissecting Cellulitis Treated with the Long-Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser

BACKGROUND Dissecting cellulitis is a chronic inflammatory scalp condition characterized by pustular nodules, sinus tract formation, and resultant cicatricial alopecia. Current treatments are of limited efficacy. OBJECTIVE This report explored treating dissecting cellulitis with the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser to determine the capabilities and limitations of this modality with respect to: (1) reducing pus formation; (2) enabling the termination of systemic treatments; (3) investigating the side-effect profile including dyspigmentation and scarring alopecia; and (4) terminating the disease process. METHODS This observational study followed four patients with long-standing dissecting cellulitis through consecutive treatments with the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser without epidermal cooling. RESULTS One year after initiating laser treatment, patients achieved decreased pus formation, a reduced reliance on systemic treatments, and a controlled or terminated disease process without dyspigmentation. Three patients had regrowth of terminal hairs in treatment sites. CONCLUSION The long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser is effective in attenuating the progression of dissecting cellulitis without appreciable adverse cutaneous side effects. This is a pilot study, and more patients must be treated in other trials to verify these findings.
LIKELIHOOD-BASED INFERENCE IN COINTEGRATED VECTOR AUTOREGRESSIVE MODELS: by Søren Johansen, Oxford University Press, 1995

Since the notion of cointegration was established by Engel and Granger (1987), many statistical methods have been suggested to estimate and test cointegrated models. Undoubtedly the Gaussian likelihood–based method advocated by Johansen (1988, 1991) is one of the most popular choices among practitioners. In his 1988 paper, Johansen applied Anderson's (1951) maximum likelihood estimation procedure for reduced rank regression (RRR) models to isolate common stochastic trends in multiple time series. This was a remarkable breakthrough, which he and other authors have extended into various directions in the last decade. Johansen's approach is attractive in that it provides a unified set of tools of estimation, cointegration rank testing, and parametric hypothesis testing, based on the Gaussian likelihood for a vector autoregression (VAR). Although this book and other papers of Johansen are mostly concerned with reduced form models, the statistical information provided by his method is useful for applied econometricians, especially in fields where tractable dynamic structural models are not available. This book presents a concise yet comprehensive treatment of his methodology.
A new Polygonatum (Asparagaceae) endemic to the Trường Sơn of southern Vietnam

A new species of Polygonatum, P . annamense based on evidence from herbarium studies, molecular data, and cultivated material is described and illustrated from upper elevations of the southern Annamite ecoregion where it occurs disjunctly in both the Central Highlands and the Đa Lạt Plateau, Vietnam. It is compared to the morphologically similar P. punctatum with which it has been confused, and its relationship to P. mengtzense, P. punctatum, and P. urceolatum is discussed.
Design and correctness of a compiler for a non-procedural language

Design and correctness proof of a compiler for Lucid, a non-procedural proof-oriented programming language, are given. Starting with the denotational semantics of Lucid, an equivalent operational semantics is derived, and from it the design of compiling algorithms. The algorithms are proved to compile correctly a subset of the language. A discussion of the design choices and of the subset restrictions gives insight into the nature of Lucid as well as into the problem of compiling related non-procedural languages.
Providing a Sounding Board for Second Language Writers

English as a second language (ESL) writing teachers face distinct challenges as they try to help students write in the language that is appropriate and natural to the native-English-speaking audience. It is disheartening when the writings of even advanced-level second language students often contain many awkward sentences and non-English-like patterns. ESL writers face various linguistic challenges as they write, and they should be allowed to navigate through the writings of others to attend to the linguistic features they may need in order to accurately express their thoughts. ESL writing teachers can help students by providing language support, through models and prewriting activities, that will encourage students to recognize certain linguistic forms and stock phrases used by native-English-speaking writers. The support of a writing center is also essential because a writing center not only introduces students to the academic community, but also serves as a forum where students can negotiate meanings and discover correct language forms so that they can then convey them.
Real-Time Detection of Invisible Spreaders

Detecting spreaders can help an intrusion detection system identify potential attackers. The existing work can only detect aggressive spreaders that scan a large number of distinct addresses in a short period of time. However, stealthy spreaders may perform scanning deliberately at a low rate. We observe that these spreaders can easily evade the detection because their small traffic footprint will be covered by the large amount of background normal traffic that frequently flushes any spreader information out of the intrusion detection system's memory. We propose a new streaming scheme to detect stealthy spreaders that are invisible to the current systems. The new scheme stores information about normal traffic within a limited portion of the allocated memory, so that it will not interfere with spreaders' information stored elsewhere in the memory. The proposed scheme is light weight; it can detect invisible spreaders in high-speed networks while residing in SRAM. Through experiments using real Internet traffic traces, we demonstrate that our new scheme detects invisible spreaders efficiently while keeping both false-positives (normal sources misclassified as spreaders) and false-negatives (spreaders misclassified as normal sources) to low level.
Prenatal environmental exposures that may influence β-cell function or insulin sensitivity in middle age.

The associations between fetal environment and diabetes risk are likely mediated by the offspring’s diminished pancreatic β-cell function or reduced insulin sensitivity. Our ability to distinguish between these mechanisms is impeded by the lack of markers describing an individual’s gestational environment. Fingerprints, however, are permanently fixed in the first half of gestation, and increased values of a dermatoglyphic marker that contrasts fingerprint ridge counts between the thumbs and fifth fingers (Md15) have been linked to type 2 diabetes. Among 763 adults without known diabetes from the Dutch Hunger Winter Families Study, we tested the associations of Md15 with homeostatic assessment indices of β-cell function (HOMA-b) and insulin sensitivity (QUICKI). For either outcome index, linear regression models included terms for Md15 tertiles and for maternal history of diabetes as reported by each participant. All models were corrected for sibling pairs and adjusted for age, sex and famine exposures. Increased Md15 was associated with decreased HOMA-b (P = 0.03 for Md15 tertile 3 v. 1) but not with QUICKI. In contrast, maternal history of diabetes was associated with decreased QUICKI (P < 0.001) but not with HOMA-b. Birth weight (available for 520 participants) was positively associated with increased QUICKI (P = 0.04 for birth weight tertile 3 v. 1) but not with HOMA-b. Fingerprint Md15, maternal history of diabetes and birth weight may help to identify specific defects in the control of adult glucose metabolism. Research into the environment associated with Md15 variation may suggest prenatal strategies for optimizing β-cell function in adult life.
IL-1 Induces IGF-Dependent Epithelial Proliferation in Prostate Development and Reactive Hyperplasia

Chronic inflammation and reactivation of developmental signaling pathways are both hallmarks of adenocarcinomas. However, developmental and inflammatory processes are generally thought of as distinct and are believed to represent separate paths to carcinogenesis. Here, we show that the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) plays a critical role in prostate development by activating insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling; this process is reiterated during inflammatory reactive hyperplasia to elicit epithelial proliferation. The appearance of developmental signals during hyperplasia supports the hypothesis that reactivation of developmental signaling plays a role in the hyperplasic reaction to inflammation and suggests that there may be a conserved link between inflammatory signaling and canonical developmental pathways.
Protocols for the use of a portable hyperbaric chamber for the treatment of high altitude disorders

Descent remains the definitive treatment for high altitude illness. However, in alpine settings of over 8000 ft, immediate evacuation is often impossible. A portable, lightweight (7 kg) hyperbaric bag has been devised capable of withstanding a pressure of 2 psi. The author investigated the optimal period of treatment in the bag to achieve resolution of symptoms and to prevent recurrence. Observations were recorded in Pheriche, Nepal at 13 920 ft. At this altitude, inflation of the bag to 2 psi effects a descent to 8400 ft. Dramatic improvements were seen in victims with symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and cerebral edema (HACE). AMS, HAPE and HACE patients required time frames of 2, 4, and 6 h respectively to provide resolution of symptoms without complications or deterioration. The author advocates the hyperbaric bag as an effective adjunct and temporizing measure in the treatment of HAPE and HACE.
Spin polarized lasers

The ability to dynamically switch between orthogonal polarization states in spin-polarized semiconductor lasers with the bias current, which are otherwise difficult to predict, stabilize, or control [1], offers a novel and elegant technique for secure communication in a lightwave network. Other envisaged applications include reconfigurable optical interconnects, study of vitamins and asymmetric photochemical synthesis. Spin-polarized lasers also promise reduced threshold current [2], enhanced emission intensity and optical communication with enhanced bandwidth. For practical purposes the lasers have to be electrically injected and operate at high temperatures. To this end we have investigated the properties of quantum well and quantum dot spin vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (spin-VCSELs).
Epidermotropic Mucinous Adenocarcinoma Arising at Mucocutaneous Stomal Anastomosis Site

Polypoid lesions arising at ileostomy sites are uncommon and include inflammatory polyps related to prolapse and neoplastic polyps. Primary mucinous adenocarcinoma arising at an ileostomy site is rare and usually occurs in longstanding ulcerative colitis. An 82-year-old woman presented with an erythematous 1.5 cm polyp at the mucocutaneous junction of her ileostomy. Her history is significant for a cystectomy with ileal loop 23 years earlier for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. She had no prior history of ulcerative colitis. Histologically, a polypoid lesion was produced by variable-sized cystic spaces filled with mucin and lined by columnar epithelium with goblet cells. The epithelial cells demonstrated cytological atypia and occasional mitotic figures were observed. Smaller neoplastic glands infiltrated the dermis and scattered, multiple epidermotropic foci were noted. We present an unusual case of a primary mucinous adenocarcinoma with multiple epidermotropic foci arising at an ileostomy site in a patient without a known history of ulcerative colitis. Primary mucinous adenocarcinoma arising at an ileostomy site is a rare occurrence described primarily in the gastrointestinal literature but could easily be unrecognized by a dermatopathologist. Knowledge of this phenomenon may prove helpful in arriving at the correct diagnosis.
The Convergent Topos in Characteristic p

The purpose of this note is to investigate some of the foundational questions concerning convergent cohomology as introduced in [?] and [?], using the language and techniques of Grothendieck topologies. In particular, if X is a scheme of finite type over a perfect field k of characteristic p and with Witt ring W, we define the “convergent topos (X/W)conv,” and we study the cohomology of its structure sheaf OX/W and of KX := Q ⊗ OX/W. Since the topos (X/W)conv is not noetherian, formation of cohomology does not commute with tensor products, and these are potentially quite different.
The Relationship Between Continuous Identity Disturbances, Negative Mood, and Suicidal Ideation.

OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between continuous identity and a measure of depression, anxiety, and stress as well as suicidal ideation using 2 validated measures of continuous identity. METHOD A total of 246 subjects recruited from the Amazon Mechanical Turk subject pool who completed a full survey in November 2014 were included in the analyses. Stress, anxiety, and depression severity were measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Continuous identity was measured with the Venn continuous identity task and the me/not me continuous identity task. RESULTS Multiple regression analyses revealed continuous identity disturbances were significantly associated with depressed mood (R (2) = 0.37, P < .01). Continuous identity also predicted suicide severity, even after controlling for demographic factors, negative life events, and depressed mood. Additionally, predictive discriminant analysis revealed continuous identity, depression severity, and negative life events correctly classified 74.1% of participants into high and low suicide risk groups. CONCLUSION Lack of continuous identity predicted both depression and suicidality severity. Integration of perceived identities may be a worthwhile goal for behavioral interventions aimed at reducing depressed mood and suicidality.
Cleavage of folates during ethanol metabolism. Role of acetaldehyde/xanthine oxidase-generated superoxide.

Although folate deficiency and increased requirements for folate are observed in most alcoholics, the possibility that acetaldehyde generated from ethanol metabolism may increase folate catabolism has not been previously demonstrated. Folate cleavage was studied in vitro during the metabolism of acetaldehyde by xanthine oxidase, measured as the production of p-aminobenzoylglutamate from folate using h.p.l.c. Acetaldehyde/xanthine oxidase generated superoxide, which cleaved folates (5-methyltetrahydrofolate greater than folinic acid greater than folate) and was inhibited by superoxide dismutase. Cleavage was increased by addition of ferritin and inhibited by desferrioxamine (a tight chelator of iron), suggesting the importance of catalytic iron. Superoxide generated from the metabolism of ethanol to acetaldehyde in the presence of xanthine oxidase in vivo may contribute to the severity of folate deficiency in the alcoholic.
Application Investigation of the Antioxidants and Light Stabilizers in Powder Coatings

In this article, light stabilizers and antioxidants are introduced. Application of stabilizers and antioxidants in powder coatings is also studied respectively. The mechanisms for inhibiting or delaying the film optical / thermal oxidation rate are further illustrated.
Determination of 19 organochlorine and pyrethroid pesticides in fruits and vegetables by capillary gas chromatography

Objective:To determine the pesticide multi-residues in fruits and vegetables effectively,a rapid and sensitive capillary gas chromatography method has been established for the determination of 19 organochlorine and pyrethroid pesticides in fruits and vegetables.Methods:The pesticide residues in the samples were extracted with acetonitrile and then the extracts concentrated with steam of nitrogen and cleaned up by Florisil solid phase extraction column.Extracts were separated by HP-5(30 m×0.53 mm×0.88 μm) capillary column and detected by electron-capture detector.Results:The recoveries obtained from fruits and vegetables samples were in the ranges of 76.2%～115.6%,with relative standard deviations of 4.81%～9.82%.Conclusion:This method is quick,accurate,sensitive and can meet with the fast analysis of pesticide multi-residues in fruits and vegetables.