cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Failed Swallows on High-Resolution Manometry Independently Correlates With Severity of LPR Symptoms

Summary Background Abnormal esophageal motility is prevalent in gastroesophageal reflux disease patients; however, its relationship with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptom severity remains unclear. Altered esophageal transit may contribute to LPR symptoms. We aimed to examine the relationship between reflux symptom index (RSI), a validated questionnaire for LPR symptoms, and abnormal esophageal motility on high-resolution manometry (HRM). Methods A total of 133 consecutive patients (55.9 ± 14.6 years, 69.9% female) with suspected LPR referred for HRM and multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH study (MII-pH) at a tertiary center from March 2015 to October 2017 were included. RSI questionnaire was prospectively collected prior to motility testing. Authors analyzing HRM and MII-pH were blinded to RSI findings. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t test or Pearson's correlation (univariate) and general linear regression (multivariable). Results Mean RSI was higher among patients with ineffective esophageal motility than those with normal motility (23.7 vs 18.6, P = 0.01). Significant positive correlation was found between RSI and percent failed swallows (R2 = 0.21, P = 0.03), but not percent weak swallows. On multivariable analysis, percent ineffective (failed or weak) swallows was significantly associated with RSI (β-coefficient: 0.072, P = 0.05) after controlling for age, gender, BMI, smoking, prior PPI use, and reflux on MII-pH. When analyzed separately, percent failed swallows (β-coefficient: 0.095, P= 0.02), but not percent weak swallows, independently predicted higher RSI. Conclusions Ineffective swallows, particularly failed swallows, are independently associated with higher RSI in patients with suspected LPR, even after controlling for reflux on MII-pH. Esophageal dysmotility may play a role in suspected LPR symptoms independent of reflux. HRM should be routinely considered in evaluating these patients.
Group-Based Parent Education Intervention for Nonresident Fathers:

Research indicates that children with involved fathers fare better than children with disengaged fathers. In response, 4 Your Child provides fatherhood-specific parent education and solution-focuse...
TIJA Forum on Replication: An Overview

I provide a framework that will help evaluate the value of for replication studies. I then provide a discussion of the fourm papers.
Questions to guide assessment of artificial intelligence systems against human performance

This chapter takes a step back from the project, reviewing practical issues around the assessment of artificial intelligence (AI) that must guide the next phase of research. It provides guidance for setting up a general analytical framework for assessing AI capabilities with regard to human skills. Questions are centred around three main issues. First, the chapter looks at how the various parameters of measurement depend on the objectives of the assessment. Second, it examines selection of tests for comparing AI and human skills. Third, it discusses selection and training of raters. The chapter concludes with a summary of issues considered in planning the study.
Demographic and Economic Consequences of Conflict

Kugler, Tadeusz et al. (2012) Demographic and Economic Consequences of Conflict. International Studies Quarterly, doi: 10.1111/isqu.12002 © 2012 International Studies Association Research on conflict traditionally focuses on its initiation, duration, and severity, but seldom on its consequences. Yet, demographic and economic recovery from the consequences of war lasts far longer and may be more devastating than the waging war. Our concern is with war losses and post-war recovery leading to convergence with pre-war performance. To test this proposition, we choose the most severe international and civil wars after 1920. We find that all belligerents recover or overtake demographic losses incurred in war. Economic assessments differ. The most-developed belligerents recover like a “phoenix” from immense destruction in one generation. For less-developed societies, the outcomes are mixed. The less-developed belligerents recover only a portion of their pre-war performance. The least-developed societies suffer the most and fall into lasting poverty traps. The overlapping generation growth model accounts for such differences in recovery rates based on pre-war performance challenging arguments from Solow’s neoclassical growth perspective. Our results imply that foreign aid is incidental to the post-war convergence for the most-developed societies, can prompt recovery for the less-developed societies, and is not effective—unless it is massive and sustained—for the least-developed societies. World War II may provide a poor guide to current post-war challenges in Iraq and in Afghanistan.
Molecular markers of cancer in cartilaginous fish: immunocytochemical study of PCNA, p‐53, myc and ras expression in neoplastic and hyperplastic tissues from free ranging blue sharks, Prionace glauca (L.)

Archival formalin-fixed tissues from wild-caught adult blue sharks, Prionace glauca (L.), were used for immunocytochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), two oncoproteins from the oncogenes c-myc and pan-ras, and a protein product from the tumour suppressor gene p-53. All sharks were caught during summer months between 2000 and 2006 by recreational fishermen off the USA coast in the northwestern Atlantic. The sharks were necropsied on landing and selected organ samples were collected into elasmobranch formalin and processed for paraffin embedding and light microscopy. Paraffin-embedded sections from collected tissue were both stained with haematoxylin and eosin and processed by immunocytochemical techniques using antibodies raised against the PCNA, p-ras, c-myc and p-53 proteins. The lesions examined in this study included two well differentiated adenomatous gastric polyps, a testicular capsular mesothelioma, a gingival fibropapilloma with elements of ameloblastoma, three liver tumours, two pericardial fibropapillomas and six cases of proliferative serositis (pericarditis and peritonitis). Normal and hyperplastic tissues from blue sharks, and human neoplastic tissues served as negative and positive controls, respectively. We detected upregulation of PCNA in many neoplastic, one dysplastic and in some hyperplastic lesions, and positive p-ras and c-myc signals in some of the neoplastic lesions. None of the examined tissues showed positive p-53 signalling. This is the first literature report on immunocytochemical detection of molecular markers of cancer in sharks and in fish of the class Chondrichthyes.
Proceedings of the NASA Laboratory Astrophysics Workshop

This report is a collection of papers presented at the 2006 NASA Workshop on Laboratory Astrophysics held in the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) from February 14 to 16, 2006. This workshop brings together producers and users of laboratory astrophysics data so that they can understand each other's needs and limitations in the context of the needs for NASA's missions. The last NASA-sponsored workshop was held in 2002 at Ames Research Center. Recent related meetings include the Topical Session at the AAS meeting and the European workshop at Pillnitz, Germany, both of which were held in June 2005. The former showcased the importance of laboratory astrophysics to the community at large, while the European workshop highlighted a multi-laboratory approach to providing the needed data. The 2006 NASA Workshop on Laboratory Astrophysics, sponsored by the NASA Astrophysics Division, focused on the current status of the field and its relevance to NASA. This workshop attracted 105 participants and 82 papers of which 19 were invited. A White Paper identifying the key issues in laboratory astrophysics during the break-out sessions was prepared by the Scientific Organizing Committee, and has been forwarded to the Universe Working Group (UWG) at NASA Headquarters. This White Paper, which represented the collective inputs and opinions from experts and stakeholders in the field of astrophysics, should serve as the working document for the future development of NASA's R&A program in laboratory astrophysics.
Variables influencing radiation exposure during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: Review of 298 treatments

Retrospective review of 298 extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) treatments was undertaken to determine the factors which influence radiation exposure during ESWL. Fluoroscopy time averaged 160 seconds (3-509), and the average number of spot films taken per patient was 26 (5-68). The average stone burden was 19.3 mm (3-64). Average calculated skin surface radiation exposure was 17.8 R per treatment. Radiation exposure increased with increasing stone burden and patient weight. Stones treated in the ureter resulted in a higher average patient radiation exposure than for renal stones (19 R vs 16 R), even though the average size of these ureteral stones (11.3 mm) was significantly less than the mean. However, type of anesthetic (general or regional) used was not a significant factor. Operator training, experience, and familiarity with radiation physics should significantly decrease the amount of imaging time and consequent patient radiation exposure during ESWL.
Testing of Cooling Module Component for Frontal Impact and Sensor Modeling Development

This paper discusses the development of a component test methodology for testing a cooling module including radiator, condenser and trans. cooler and the CAE model development. A series of light truck/SUV cooling module component tests were conducted to obtain their characteristics as inputs for frontal impact and sensor modeling development. First, the cooling module component CAE sub-model was developed using soft springs along with fine-mesh sheet metal shell elements. Then, simulated sub-model results were correlated fairly well with the test data and finally the component CAE sub-model was incorporated into a full vehicle CAE model that was used for frontal impact (NCAP) and sensor development. The results indicated that the proposed test method for cooling module components provided consistent data and the results from cooling module sub-model can be incorporated into the full vehicle CAE model for improving the quality and accuracy of CAE models.
Debunking Deficiency Theories: Evaluating Non-Traditional Attitudes and Behavior Among Residents in Poor Urban Neighborhoods

Abstract Although Oscar Lewis' (1966) Culture of Poverty thesis has been largely debunked, pathologies are still associated with residents in poor urban neighborhoods, in general, and African-American residents, in particular. Some studies challenge these views and suggest that residents often exhibit mainstream attitudes and behavior. In this study, the Urban Poverty & Family Life Survey is used to investigate life dimensions by race and neighborhood context. Results dispel common misconceptions by showing statistically and substantively insignificant differences between most variables. These findings suggest the need to re-evaluate the ways in which race and concentration effects have been examined and to evaluate a broader set of indicators to better capture the nuances of life in poor urban neighborhoods.
A Review of “Beyond Ideology: Politics, Principles, and Partisanship in the U.S. Senate”

The time between the author making the final edits to a manuscript and the reviewers evaluating that book can be tricky. The words that an author commits to months before the book comes out can som...
Pathology and general significance of fibrin deposition on lens implants

The deposition of fibrin on the intraocular lens (IOL) in two cases of failed implantation is reported. In one case the network of fibrin fibers was isolated on the surface of an IOL that also showed a clear reactive protein film populated by macrophages and giant cells. In the other case the fibrin network was closely related to sessile macrophages on the implant surface. The presence of fibrin on IOLs indicates an acute phase of increased regional vascular permeability and is clinically important.
How can proteolipids be central players in membrane fusion

Abstract Proton transport ATPases have been celebrated as rotating motors that energize membranes. Now studies of membrane fusion in yeast suggest that the hydrophobic subunits of the vacuolar ATPase participate in formation of fusion pores. This work confirms previous studies showing that membrane approximation by α-helical protein bundles is inadequate for complete intracellular fusion and reopens a debate over whether the core of the central intermediate of membrane fusion is lipidic or proteinaceous.
Animal models for the study of prostate carcinogenesis

Human prostate carcinogenesis has been viewed as a multi-step process involving progression from low histologic grade, small, latent carcinoma to large, higher grade, metastasizing carcinoma. However, recent data suggest that a variety of pathogenetic pathways may exist. The precise etiology and pathogenesis of human prostate cancer remain largely undefined. It is difficult to investigate stages in the development of human prostate cancer, but some animal models provide opportunities in this regard. Short-term treatment of rats with chemical carcinogens produces a low incidence (5-15%) of prostate cancer, provided that prostatic cell proliferation is enhanced during carcinogen exposure. Chronic treatment with testosterone also produces a low prostate carcinoma incidence. A high carcinoma incidence can only be produced by chronic treatment with testosterone following administration of carcinogens such as N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) and 3,2'-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl (DMAB). Testosterone markedly enhances prostate carcinogenesis even at doses that do not measurably increase circulating testosterone. Thus, testosterone is a strong tumor promoter for the rat prostate. All such MNU- or DMAB-initiated and/or testosterone-promoted tumors are adenocarcinomas; most originate from the dorsolateral and anterior, but not ventral, prostate lobes. These tumors share a number of important characteristics with human prostate cancer. A high frequency (70%) of activation of the K-ras gene by a G35 to A mutation occurs in these carcinomas. Another high incidence prostate carcinogenesis model, representing a different pathogenetic pathway, involves chronic administration of estradiol-17 beta to rats in combination with low-dose testosterone. The resulting carcinomas are low-grade and originate exclusively from periurethral ducts of the dorsolateral and anterior prostate. While it is unknown whether testosterone is a tumor promoter in this system, preliminary studies indicate the formation of a DNA adduct in the target tissue, which suggests that estradiol-17 beta acts as a tumor initiating agent in this system. The high incidence models mentioned earlier are adequate for the study of chemoprevention of prostatic carcinogenesis. Analysis of shifts in the relative incidence of metastasizing carcinoma, grossly apparent but not-metastasizing carcinoma, microscopic-size carcinoma, and carcinoma in situ or atypical hyperplasia may allow study of the modifying effects of potential chemopreventive agents on tumor progression in these animal models of prostatic carcinogenesis.
Alternate estimation criteria and measures of forecast accuracy

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate and illustrate the effect that alternate estimation criteria have on measured forecast accuracy. In most instances forecast evaluation criteria (error measures) differ from the model estimation criterion, the latter most often being the traditional least squares. The results suggest that forecast accuracy may be improved when criteria other than least squares are used for model estimation purposes.
Ceramic Oxygen Generators with Thin-Film Zirconia Electrolytes

Ceramic oxygen generators (COGs) based on stabilized zirconia electrolytes are being developed for oxygen generation from air and other gases, e.g., carbon dioxide. In zirconia-based COG cells, it is desirable to use thin-film electrolytes to minimize ohmic resistance losses, thus permitting reduced operating temperatures (600°–800°C vs 900°–1000°C). The tape calendering process developed by Honeywell is a simple, cost-effective process for fabrication of thin-film electrolytes supported on a substrate electrode. In combination with optimized electrodes, thin-film electrolytes allow significantly high performance in COG cells. Performance characteristics of COG cells and stacks made by tape calendering for oxygen generation from air and CO2 are discussed.
Adverse behavioral reactions in children treated with carbamazepine (Tegretol)

tion of carnitine in the picomol range, Clin Chim Acta 37:235, 1972. 12. Michell ME: Carnitine metabolism in human subjects. I. Normal metabolism, Am J Clin Nutr 31:293, 1978. 13. Coulter DL, and Allen R J" Secondary hyperammonemia: A possible mechanism for valproate encephalopathy, Lancet 1:1310, 1980. 14. Grusky JA, and Rosenberg LE: Inhibition of hepatic mitochondrial carbamylphosphate synthetase (CPS I) by acyl CoA esters: Possible mechanism of hyperammonemia in the organic acidemias, Pediatr Res 13:475, 1979. 15. Coude FX, Ravier D, Cathelineau L, Grimber G, Parvy P, and Kamoun PP: Letter to editor: A mechanism for valproateinduced hyperammonemia, Pediatr Res 15:974, 1981.
Chemical characteristics and temporal trends in eight streams of the Catskill Mountains, New York

Discharge to concentration relationships for eight streams studied by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA) Long-Term Monitoring Project (1983–89) indicate acidification of some streams by H2SO4 and HNO3 in atmospheric deposition and by organic acids in soils. Concentrations of major ions in precipitation were similar to those reported at other sites in the northeastern United States. Average concentrations of SO4 2− and NO3 − were similar among streams, but base cation concentrations differed widely, and these differences paralleled the differences in acid neutralizing capacity (ANC). Baseflow ANC is not a reliable predictor of stream acidity at high flow; some streams with high baseflow ANC (>150 Μeq L−1) declined to near zero ANC at high flow, and one stream with low baseflow ANC (<50 Μeq L−1) did not approach zero ANC as flow increased. Episodic decreases in ANC and pH during peak flows were associated with increased concentrations of NO3 − and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Aluminum concentrations exceeding 300 Μg L−1 were observed during peak flows in headwater streams of the Neversink River and Rondout Creek. Seasonal Kendall Tau tests for temporal trends indicate that SO4 2− concentrations in streamwater generally decreased and NO3 − concentrations increased during the period 1983–1989. Combined acid anion concentrations (SO4 2− + NO3 −) were generally unchanged throughout the period of record, indicating both that the status of these streams with respect to acidic deposition is unchanged, and that NO3 − is gradually replacing SO4 2− as the dominant acid anion in the Catskill streams.
Retinal disorders in preeclampsia studied with optical coherence tomography

Abstract PURPOSE: To report optical coherence tomography (OCT) of retinal disorders in preeclampsia. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: A 24-year-old woman developed hypertension (190/100 mm Hg), proteinuria, and generalized edema in the 34th week of pregnancy. Soon after undergoing a cesarean section, she noted severe impairment of vision in both eyes. RESULTS: Ten days after delivery, OCT showed a diffuse intraretinal edema that was still present but in a minor degree 2 months later. Eight months after delivery, macular edema had resolved, but the highly reflective band of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choriocapillaris was thickened with focal elevations corresponding to the Elschnig spots. CONCLUSION: In the acute phase of preeclampsia, OCT revealed a diffuse increase in macular thickness. Two months after delivery, macular edema still existed but in a minor degree. Eight months after the first examination, OCT depicted restoration of the contour of the fovea. Moreover, OCT showed the characteristic RPE focal elevations and abnormalities corresponding to the Elschnig spots.
New scleral plugs for use during vitrectomy.

We have devised two new scleral plugs for use in vitreous surgery when intraocular pressure is not maintained by the original 20-gauge plug as the incision stretches. Modification of the configuration of the heads of the plugs facilitates their identification during surgery, without hindering the surgeon's ability to handle them with scleral plug forceps.
Independence of black and white: Phase-specific adaptation

Abstract Following adaptation to a black/white rectangular-wave grating, the black and white bars of a square wave of the same period no longer appear equal. Black bars are shifted in apparent width away from the width of the black adaptation bars, and white bars appear to be shifted away from the width of the white adaptation bars. Tests with single adaptation and test bars (rather than gratings) confirm the contrast specificity of the effect—i.e. white test bars are reliably affected only by white adaptation bars. This suggests separate processing of black and white size-specific information, or phase specificity of spatial frequency channels.
Operations for stress urinary incontinence inthe United States, 1988–1992

Abstract Objectives . To determine the frequency and cost of operations for stress urinary incontinence in the United States. Methods . We reviewed data from the 1988–1992 National Hospital Discharge Surveys and the 1991 California Office of Statewide Health Planning Survey. We determined the frequency and type of surgical procedures performed for stress urinary incontinence and estimated the total direct costs of these operations in the United States. Results . From 1988 to 1992, the total number of operations for stress incontinence increased from 78,000 to over 100,000. The rate of operations increased most in women older than 65 years of age. The total direct cost for treatment of stress urinary incontinence in the United States in 1991 was about $0.5 billion. Conclusions . Operations for treatment of stress urinary incontinence are increasing in frequency in the United States. They are both more commonly performed and more costly than have been previously reported.
Economic Modelling Of Backhauling Versus New Switch Nodes

New high-density Fiber optic trunk carrier systems are drastically lowering the TRANSMISSION/SWITCHING COST RATIO. Reducing the number of switches in an existing toll network may reduce the cost of the network. Overflow growth traffic from an exhausted switch in a toll network can be hauled to a distant location to be switched, which can defer replacement of the exhausted switch, and reduce the cost of the network.
A Multinuclear ENDOR Study of the C-Cluster in CO Dehydrogenase from Clostridium thermoaceticum: Evidence for HxO and Histidine Coordination to the [Fe4S4] Center

The C-cluster of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) catalyzes the reversible oxidation of CO to form CO2. This study reports electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopy of the one-electron reduced (Cred1), the CN--inhibited, and the CO (or dithionite)-reduced (Cred2) forms of the C-cluster from Clostridium thermoaceticum CODH (CODHCt). The observed hyperfine interactions of 1,2H, 14N, 13C, and 57Fe support and extend the current Ni−X−[Fe4S4] C-cluster model in which a [Fe4S4] center is linked to a Ni ion through a unique iron, FCII. The unpaired electron spin apparently is localized on the [Fe4S4] component of the cluster, and thus the hyperfine interactions observed by ENDOR most probably reflect species associated with that component. A solvent-exchangeable proton with a maximum hyperfine coupling of A(1H) = 16 MHz is detected in the Cred1 form, but not in the CN--inhibited or Cred2 forms. The exchangeable proton is assigned to a probable solvent-derived (HxO, x = 1, 2) ligand to FCII of th...
Relationships between formaldehyde metabolism and toxicity and glutathione concentrations in isolated rat hepatocytes

Abstract The metabolism and toxicity of formaldehyde (CH2O) in isolated rat hepatocytes was found to be dependent upon the intracellular concentration of glutathione (GSH). Using hepatocytes depleted of GSH by treatment with diethyl maleate (DEM), the rate of CH2O (5.0 mM) disappearance was significantly decreased. Formaldehyde decreased the concentration of GSH in hepatocytes, probably by the extrusion of the CH2O-GSH adduct, S-hydroxymethylglutathione. Formaldehyde toxicity was potentiated in cells pretreated with 1.0 mM DEM as measured by the loss of membrane integrity (NADH stimulation of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity) and an increase in lipid peroxidation (formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive compounds). This potentiation of toxicity was both CH2O concentration-dependent and time-dependent. There was an excellent correlation between the increase in lipid peroxidation and the decrease in cell viability. L-Methionine (1.0 mM) both protected the cells from toxicity caused by the combination of 8.0 mM CH2O and 1.0 mM DEM and increased the cellular GSH concentration. The antioxidants, ascorbate, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and α-tocopherol (10, 25 and 125 μM), all exhibited dose-dependent protection against toxicity produced by 8.0 mM CH2O and 1.0 mM DEM. At toxic concentrations of CH2O (10.0–13.0 mM), administered by itself, lipid peroxidation did not increase concomitantly with the decrease in cell viability and the addition of antioxidants (125 μM) did not influence CH2O toxicity. These results suggest that CH2O toxicity in GSH-depleted hepatocytes may be mediated by free radicals as a result of the effect of CH2O on a critical cellular pool of GSH. However, cells with normal concentrations of GSH are damaged by CH2O by a different mechanism.
Indentation flaw formation and strength response of silicon nitride ceramics at low indentation loads

The configuration and the strength response of indentation flaws in silicon nitrides are described as a function of indentation loads primarily near the threshold level. Test materials under consideration include 30 vol percent SiC whisker-reinforced composite silicon nitride and similar monolithic silicon nitride. The results of strength testing show that, at indentation loads less than or equal to 1.96, a number of the specimens fail from the intrinsic flaws of the materials rather than from the indent sites, causing a distinct trend to reach a plateau, at a level corresponding to the as-received strength of the material. The ratio of the mirror constant to the fracture toughness for the composite and monolithic materials is found to be 1.44 and 1.51, respectively.
Prevalence and predictors of complications of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

Complications of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation. Introduction: Up to 6% of patients experience complications after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) of atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and predictors of periprocedural complications after RFA for AF. Methods and Results: The subjects were 1,295 consecutive patients (age = 60 ± 10 years) who underwent RFA (n = 1,642) for paroxysmal (53%) or persistent AF (47%) from January 2007 to January 2010. A complication occurred in 57 patients (3.5%); a vascular access complication in 31 (1.9%); pericardial tamponade in 20 (1.2%); a thromboembolic event in 4 (0.2%); deep venous thrombosis in 1 (<0.01%); and pulmonary vein stenosis in 1 patient (<0.01%). There were no procedure-related deaths. On multivariate analysis, female gender (OR = 2.27; ±95% CI: 1.31‐2.57, P < 0.01) and procedures performed in July or August (OR = 2.10; ±95% CI: 1.16‐3.80, P = 0.01) were independent predictors of any complication. For vascular complications, treatment with clopidogrel (OR = 4.40; ±95% CI: 1.43‐13.53, P = 0.01), female gender (OR = 3.65; ±95% CI: 1.72‐7.75, P < 0.01) and performing RFA in July or August (OR = 2.71; ±95% CI: 1.25‐5.87, P = 0.01) were independent predictors. The only predictor of cardiac tamponade was prior RFA (OR = 3.32; ±95% CI: 0.95‐11.61; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Prevalence of perioperative complications for RFA of AF is 3.5% and vascular access complications constitute the majority. The need for clopidogrel therapy should be carefully considered prior to RFA. At teaching institutions close supervision should be exercised during vascular access early in the year. Improvements in ablation technology and elimination of the need for repeat procedures may decrease the risk of pericardial tamponade. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 22, pp. 626-631, June 2011)
Economic Optimization of a Lignocellulosic Biomass-to-Ethanol Supply Chain

This paper presents an optimization study of the net present value of a biomass-to-ethanol supply chain in a 9-state region in the Midwestern United States. The study involves formulating and solving a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem. A biochemical technology is assumed for converting five types of agricultural residues into ethanol utilizing dilute acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. Optimal locations and capacities of biorefineries are determined simultaneously with biomass harvest and distribution. Sensitivity analysis is performed to elucidate the impact of price uncertainty on the robustness of the supply chain and whether or not the proposed biorefineries will be built or will fail financially after being built.
The structure of mixtures of particles generated by time-dependent flows

Abstract A computer-controlled mixing apparatus has been used to investigate the mixing of glass beads in a cylindrical vessel rotating about its axis and rocking in the vertical direction. The structures of mixtures generated in these experiments are preserved in an undisturbed state using a solidification technique. Experiments show that the motion of particles is strongly affected by end-wall effects. Mixing patterns at internal cross-sections differ significantly from patterns observed at end walls, indicating that observations at exposed surfaces are not representative of mixing processes inside the powder bed. Solidified structures are also used to compare the mixing effectiveness of different motion protocols such as varying the number of revolutions and rocking frequency. Structures generated solely by steady rotational motion exhibit very slow mixing while structures produced with simultaneous rotational and rocking motions reveal that significant mixing enhancements can be achieved when the time-periodicity of the rotational and rocking flows is disrupted.
Rocket-borne Long-Slit Ultraviolet Spectroscopy of Comet Hale-Bopp

A sounding rocket observation of comet Hale-Bopp was conducted on 1997 April 6 at 3:51 UT when the comet was at heliocentric and geocentric distances of 0.92 and 1.39 AU, respectively. The instrument was a telescope and long-slit (65 × 260''), ultraviolet (1280-1880 A) spectrograph that sampled the coma parallel to the Sun-comet line from ~105 km sunward of the nucleus to ~2 × 105 km tailward with ~6'' (6000 km) spatial resolution. Two spectral images were obtained with the slit offset 20'' and 40'' from the nucleus in the direction perpendicular to the long axis of the slit. Spatial profiles and production rates for C, O, CO, and S are presented. Modeling of the spatial profiles of CO and C emissions indicate that photodissociation of the detected CO can account for all of the C I emissions observed. The brightnesses of the strong bands of the CO Fourth Positive system and the S I λ1814 multiplet along near-nuclear lines of sight were diminished by self-absorption. A CO production rate of ~3 × 1030 molecules s-1 is derived.
Changing the Guard How Origin of New Leader and Disposition of Ex-Leader Affect Group Performance and Perceptions

Nearly all groups face a change of leaders at some point in their existence. However, there is little agreement about the impact of leadership turnover on the group or the conditions that create th...
New gas chromatographic method for the analysis of 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the brain.

Abstract A new procedure for the extraction of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and a very sensitive gas chromatographic method for the analysis of these compounds are described. 5-HT and 5-HIAA are extracted from the brain into 20% butanol in ether. The extracted compounds are silylated with trimethylsilylimidazole and analyzed gas chromatographically on a column filled with solid gaschrom-Q, 80–100 mesh, which was coated with 3 % OV-17. The method can be used over a wide range of concentrations, and amounts as little as 2.5 ng can be accurately measured. Drugs that lower or elevate the brain concentrations of 5-HT and 5-HIAA were used to test the applicability of this method. The adaptation of the extraction procedure to allow the analysis of 5-HT and 5-HIAA by filter fluorometry is also described.
Are men or women more reluctant to marry in couples sharing a non-marital birth?

In this paper I examine whether one gender is driving the “retreat from marriage” among unmarried parents. I use a sample of romantically involved unmarried parents—taken from the Fragile Families and Child Well-Being Survey—to examine whether a gender difference exists in marriage attitudes that are current-relationship specific and not relationship specific, with and without controls of current relationship quality. Using ordered logistical analysis, I find that, net of other factors, men are more positive regarding marriage and their current relationship than their female partners.
One-dimensional random walk in alternating homogeneous domains

We consider the prototypical case of a lattice that is homogeneous in the large but inhomogeneous in the small—a one-dimensional random walk with alternating homogeneous lattice fragments and appropriate boundary probabilities.The generating function for the probability distribution of being at position x after N steps is obtained. We also find various asymptotic forms and limiting distributions as a function of the step probability and the lattice fragments.
Histochemical lipid studies on Schistosoma mansoni adults maintained in situ and in vitro

Abstract Haseeb M. A. , Eveland L. K. and Fried B. 1984. Histochemical lipid studies on Schistosoma mansoni adults maintained in situ and in vitro . International Journal for Parasitology 14: 83–88. Schistosoma mansoni male and female adults were incubated at 37°C for 0.5 and 1.0 h in Earle's balanced salt solution containing 0.1% glucose and 0.5% lactalbumin hydrolysate, then examined by histochemistry and scanning electron microscopy. Histochemical analysis of cryostat sections stained with Oil Red O showed that males contain neutral lipid mainly in the parenchyma and tubercles, while females contain neutral lipid in the vitellaria. Neutral lipids are released from the tubercles of both paired and unpaired males maintained in vitro . There is evidence of in situ lipid transfer from males to blood vessel walls. Neutral lipid was not seen in females from unisexual infections. Sudan Black B staining fo total lipids is positive in tubercles, parenchyma, and vitellaria. Nile Blue Sulphate stains acidic lipids in male caecal walls. Scanning electron microscopy reveals no tegumental damage.
Utopia and Hellas basins, Mars : Twins separated at birth

[1] Using topography and gravity data as constraints, we formulate spherical harmonic thin elastic-shell models to determine the subsurface structure of the Hellas and Utopia basins. For Hellas, we show that our model is consistent with the elastic thickness results of McGovern et al. (2002, 2004). The thin elastic lithosphere at the time of formation implies that Hellas is close to isostatic. Since Utopia formed earlier, we argue that an isostatic assumption is justified for the Utopia basin before it was filled. From this supposition, we derive a system of equations that allows us to solve for the amount of fill, the prefill topography, and the amount of flexure due to the fill within the Utopia basin. An analysis of the parameter space shows that the fill density and the amount of fill is strongly dependent on the elastic thickness at the time of infilling. A thinner elastic lithosphere favors a denser fill, while a thicker lithosphere will allow for less dense material. Likewise, larger crustal thickness values lead to smaller fill density values. The presence of quasi-circular depressions, interpreted as impact craters, within the Utopia basin indicates that the majority of the material within Utopia was deposited prior to 4.04–4.11 Ga. The early timing for the deposition combined with the heat imparted by the basin forming event argues for a thinner lithosphere which could, in turn, suggest fill densities that are more consistent with a volcanic load than with pure sediment or ice-rich material. These results are supported using an alternative method of determining the amount of fill and flexure within Utopia. This model assumes that Hellas and Utopia were initially identical and that the only difference in their subsequent evolution was the addition of material in the Utopia basin. The volume of material needed to fill Utopia is immense (on the order of 50 million km3 or more). The high density obtained for the fill requires that it contain a large igneous component, the source of which is problematic. Relaxing the isostatic assumption to a reasonable degree perturbs the density bound only slightly.
Computerized analysis of antepartum fetal heart rate tracings

For several decades, visual analysis of the antepartum fetal heart rate tracing has been a primary mode of fetal surveillance despite lack of proof from randomized trials that its use leads to a reduction in perinatal mortality in high risk pregnancies. A meta-analysis of these trials offered the same conclusion. The trials were performed in the early 1980's with fetal monitors with poor signal to noise ratios and poorer testing schemes in comparison to today. Therefore the results may no longer be pertinent, however, it is unlikely that these trials will be repeated because of present medico-legal constraints. Nonetheless, the use of non-stress testing alone is an accepted mode of fetal surveillance because of associated low fetal death rates within 1 week of a normal test; 1.9 to 3.2/1000 patients tested. The expense associated with this low fetal death rate is a low positive predictive value of 25% to 50%. Interrelated with this inefficiency, is the considerable inter- and intra-observer variation in the interpretation of antepartum fetal heart rate tracings. Variation in the interpretation of antepartum fetal heart rate tracings continues to exist despite the increase in experience and knowledge of fetal heart rate monitoring and improvement in fetal heart rate monitors. The end result is a form of fetal surveillance that is of questionable value and inefficient, requiring frequent back up testing to clarify fetal condition.
Nongeometric Doppler stroke volume determination.

Abstract Accurate noninvasive measurement of cardiac output is a long-sought goal with obvious advantages. Numerous methods have yielded varying success. Recent Doppler echocardiographic studies have produced promising results. 1,2 These studies depend on geometric measurements, that is, the cross-sectional flow area of a valve or vessel. Stroke volume is then calculated as the product of the mean blood velocity by Doppler (flow velocity integral or “stroke distance”) and orifice area. Although correlations with hemodynamically measured stroke volume and cardiac output have been satisfactory, many limitations are inherent in the requirement for accurate cross-sectional flow area, including (1) changes in the flow area itself with changing cardiac output; (2) inaccurate true orifice measurement because of inaccurate edge detection by M-mode or 2-dimensional echocardiography due to poor resolution, assumption of a circular crosssection or because the functional area may be less than the measured area (seen as a halo around a color flow jet in cross-section); and (3) nonlaminar flow without a flat flow profile at the site of measurement. A method to eliminate the need for geometric measurements when measuring blood velocity at a point where flow is laminar and velocity profile flat would be advantageous. We developed a method with these characteristics and preliminary results are encouraging. We report the initial investigation of this approach. The basis of the nongeometric method is the relation: stroke volume = ejection time × ejection rate (SV = ET × ER). Thus, if the ejection time and ejection rate are known, stroke volume can be calculated. The left ventricular ejection time can be measured with precision from Doppler flow traces. 4 The ejection rate can be determined indirectly—we recently demonstrated the close relation between mean velocity calculated from the Doppler spectral envelope as blood is ejected and the volume ejection rate determined by thermodilution. 5 The latter was calculated from the relation: ejection rate = stroke volume/ejection time (LVER = SV/LVET). Of note, in the validation investigations the ejection time was determined using both the carotid pulse and the Doppler tracing independently. 5 To ensure laminar flow with a flat velocity profile, the Doppler sample volume was placed in the center of the aortic valve orifice. 6 The relation between Doppler-derived mean ejection flow velocity and thermodilution-derived volume ejection rate yielded the following regression equation 5 : y = 494x − 66 ml/s, where y is mean left ventricular volume ejection rate in ml/s and x is Doppler mean flow velocity in m/s. Thus, by measuring mean Doppler velocity at the aortic valve orifice, the regression equation yielded the left ventricular ejection rate. 5
Relating radiation-induced regional lung injury to changes in pulmonary function tests

Abstract Purpose: To determine whether the sum of radiotherapy (RT)-induced reductions in regional lung perfusion is quantitatively related to changes in global lung function as assessed by reductions in pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Methods and Materials: Two hundred seven patients (70% with lung cancer) who received incidental partial lung irradiation underwent PFTs (forced expiratory volume in 1 s and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide) before and repeatedly after RT as part of a prospective clinical study. Regional lung function was serially assessed before and after RT by single photon emission computed tomography perfusion scans. Of these, 53 patients had 105 post-RT evaluations of changes in both regional perfusion and PFTs, were without evidence of intrathoracic disease recurrence that might influence regional perfusion and PFT findings, and were not taking steroids. The summation of the regional functional perfusion changes were compared with changes in PFTs using linear regression analysis. Results: Follow-up ranged from 3 to 86 months (median 19). Overall, a significant correlation was found between the sum of changes in regional perfusion and the changes in the PFTs ( p = 0.002–0.24, depending on the particular PFT index). However, the correlation coefficients were small ( r = 0.16–0.41). Conclusions: A statistically significant correlation was found between RT-induced changes in regional function (i.e., perfusion) and global function (i.e., PFTs). However, the correlation coefficients are low, making it difficult to relate changes in perfusion to changes in the PFT results. Thus, with our current techniques, the prediction of changes in perfusion alone does not appear to be sufficient to predict the changes in PFTs accurately. Additional studies to clarify the relationship between regional and global lung injury are needed.
Radiative force from optical cycling on a diatomic molecule.

We demonstrate a scheme for optical cycling in the polar, diatomic molecule strontium monofluoride (SrF) using the ${X}^{2}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{A}^{2}{\ensuremath{\Pi}}_{1/2}$ electronic transition. SrF's highly diagonal Franck-Condon factors suppress vibrational branching. We eliminate rotational branching by employing a quasicycling $N=1\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{N}^{\ensuremath{'}}=0$ type transition in conjunction with magnetic field remixing of dark Zeeman sublevels. We observe cycling fluorescence and deflection through radiative force of an SrF molecular beam using this scheme. With straightforward improvements our scheme promises to allow more than ${10}^{5}$ photon scatters, possibly enabling the direct laser cooling of SrF.
Correlation functions of classical gases

Abstract The limit of an infinite system is investigated for the correlation functions of a classical system of particles with two-body central interaction. Analyticity properties in the activity are proved, which imply the existence of a gas phase and the convergence of the virial expansion.
MITOCHONDRIAL RNA FROM CULTURED ANIMAL CELLS II. A Comparison of the High Molecular Weight RNA from Mouse and Hamster Cells

Discrete RNA fractions sedimenting slightly slower than 18s ribosomal RNA have been found in mitochondrial preparations from both hamster (BHK-21) and mouse (L-929) cells. This RNA could be separated into two components, present in approximately equimolar amounts, by prolonged zonal centrifugation or acrylamide gel electrophoresis. The hamster components had sedimentation constants averaging 16.8 and 13.4, and molecular weights (estimated by gel electrophoresis) averaging 0.74 and 0.42 x 106 daltons. Mixed labeling experiments showed that the mouse components sedimented and electrophoresed 3–6% more slowly than the corresponding hamster components. The RNA from both cell lines resembled mitochondrial ribosomal RNA from yeast and Neurospora in being GC poor, and in addition the larger and smaller components resembled each other in base composition. These results, taken with those of other recent studies, are compatible with the idea that our high molecular weight mitochondrial RNA is ribosomal; such RNA would then constitute a uniquely small size-class of ribosomal RNA.
Ovipositional Preference and Larval Performance of the Banded Sunflower Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and Its Larval Parasitoids on Resistant and Susceptible Lines of Sunflower (Asterales: Asteraceae)

Banded sunflower moth, Cochylis hospes Walsingham, is one of the most destructive seed-feeding insect pests of sunflowers, causing significant economic yield losses in the northern Great Plains. In an attempt to understand host-plant resistance mechanisms for this pest, we field-tested, over several years, the effects of seven sunflower accessions, rated as resistant to C. hospes in previous screening trials, and a susceptible control (Par 1673-2), on the ovipositional preference and larval performance of C. hospes and its larval parasitoids. Of the resistant accessions, PI 494859 was the most preferred for oviposition, receiving a significantly greater number of eggs per head than did the susceptible Par 1673-2 in 2 of 3 yr. However, the numbers of larvae, and consequently the rate of seed infestation, found in PI 494859 heads were significantly lower than those in Par 1673-2 heads over all 3 yr. Female moths laid relatively few eggs on accessions PI 170385, 291403, and 251902, compared with on Par 1673-2, resulting in lower numbers of larvae per head and lower percentages of seed damaged. No association was observed between the concentrations of two diterpenoid alcohols or two diterpenoid acids in sunflower bracts and the numbers of eggs laid on the heads of the accessions. The number of banded sunflower moth larvae and the proportion of seeds damaged were positively correlated with kaurenoic acid concentrations and negatively correlated with kauranol concentrations. A positive association between resistance to larval feeding and parasitism was found in years 2006 and 2008, with resistant accessions having significantly greater proportions of parasitized larvae than did the susceptible Par 1673-2.