cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dense Array Effects in SWIR HgCdTe Photodetecting Arrays

This paper presents results from three-dimensional quantitative modeling on dense, moderately doped [ND (NA) = 5 × 1015 cm−3] short-wave infrared (SWIR) p+n and n+p Hg1−xCdxTe double planar heterostructure photodetecting arrays with absorber x = 0.451 and cap x = 0.55. At uniform reverse bias, the competition for minority carriers between closely spaced diodes preserves densities below equilibrium levels throughout the absorber. This carrier suppression has several consequences in addition to suppressing dark current by constraining the minority-carrier gradients at each diode junction. First, the dense arrays maintain volume-average negative net radiative recombination rates (negative luminescence) roughly an order of magnitude larger than comparably biased isolated diodes. Second, the negative excess minority-carrier densities suppress the volume-average net Auger recombination rate by roughly an order of magnitude in dense n-type HgCdTe arrays compared with a single diode. Third, the long minority electron diffusion lengths in the p-type HgCdTe absorber not only suppress lateral diffusion currents, but do so in a manner that provides negative differential resistance. By suppressing intrinsic recombination rates, or lateral diffusion currents, each effect can contribute to increasing R0A products in SWIR HgCdTe dense arrays. These effects should be considered when optimizing device structures for pitch, thickness, feature size, doping, and bias points.
Mixed Messages: Validity and Ethics of Facilitated Communication

Keywords facilitated communication, autism, developmental disability, ethics Abstract I identify several factors that influence how significant mediation is for an instance of communication: dependability, accuracy, neutrality, control of output, and access to feedback. Then, I use this conceptual framework to discuss Facilitated Communication, a controversial method for communicating with people with autism or other developmental disabilities. After reviewing the history of this method, I try to assess whether it is valid and whether it is ethical by setting up and evaluating arguments offered on either side of the debate. My conclusion is that Facilitated Communication has not been shown to be valid, but that it may, under some conditions, be ethically acceptable.
A decision support system on surgical treatments for rotator cuff tears

Treatment of patients with rotator cuff tears usually starts with physical therapy, but some patients will still eventually need surgery. Ineffective physical therapy increases the time and cost of treatment and pain for patients. The quality of treatment can be improved if patients who will not respond to physical therapy are identified at an early stage. However, there is little research available to systematically help physicians make a timely decision on whether a surgical treatment is eventually needed or not. In this research, we developed a decision support system that can predict the probability of eventually needing a surgical treatment by effectively analyzing the available patients’ information at an early stage. Missing value imputation, variable selection, and classification methods are integrated in developing such a decision support system. The probability given by our model will either confirm physician's expert decision, or remind physician if there is any information ignored. This resear...
Organize your Financial Ratios Analysis with PALMS

Financial ratios are useful measures to provide a snapshot of a company's financial position. There are so many of them, making it difficult to decide and memorize which one(s) would be the most appropriate to be used for getting the overall financial picture about a company. Additionally, the interpretation of the calculated ratios plays an important role in determining the quality of the financial analysis of the company. This article presents a mnemonic formula, which is intuitively appealing, original, and innovative; serving as an aid for identifying the five most useful categories of financial ratios to obtain the overall picture of a company's financial position, the PALMS (Profitability, Asset utilization, Long-term solvency, Market value, and Short-term solvency ratios). Not only is PALMS easy to remember, it is also flexible to use and systematically intuitive to interpret. PALMS help analysts to better organize their process of analyzing a company's financial position to arrive at a comprehensive and accurate conclusion about the company.
Mapping the brainstem: floor of the fourth ventricle

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that surgical treatment of brainstem lesions carries a substantial risk of postoperative morbidity because of the risk of injuring the tightly packed cranial nerve nuclei (CNN), and neural tract s within the rhomboid fossa and brainstem. It explores that brainstem electrical stimulation for localization of motor CNN is safe and reliable. Brainstem stimulation is currently the only technique available that can identify cranial nerves (CN) motor pathways in the operative field and can guide the neurosurgeon, in where to place the incision on the brainstem. The chapter reviews that although there are no outcome studies using these techniques, it is generally considered advantageous to utilize the brainstem stimulation in these procedures, especially since the floor of the fourth ventricle is often distorted. Many neurosurgeons and neurophysiologists consider its use to be indispensable.
X-RADIATION IN DENTAL OFFICES IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA. II. DARKROOM FACILITIES AND PROCESSING TECHNIQUES.

Abstract The first portion of this article reviewed the results of a survey of dental offices in Jefferson County, Alabama, in so far as darkroom facilities and processing techniques were concerned. The discussion phase of the presentation reviewed in a detailed fashion well-established fundamentals which apply to such facilities and techniques. X-radiation must be used when needed. The onus is on the practitioner not to use radiation in a useless or wasteful fashion. When inadequate darkroom facilities or techniques result in a film of less than optimum quality, the radiation used to produce that film has been used in a partially or wholly useless and wasteful manner.
Mechanism for iron-regulated transcription of the Escherichia coli cir gene: metal-dependent binding of fur protein to the promoters.

The molecular basis for the greatly elevated expression of the cir gene (encoding the colicin I receptor) in cells unable to maintain a critical supply of intracellular iron was investigated by genetic and biochemical means. Deletion analysis of the cloned promoter region allowed delineation of sequences necessary for control of transcription initiating at the two promoters, P1 and P2. Gel retardation assays were used to demonstrate both binding of purified Fur (ferric uptake regulation) protein to the iron control region and lack of binding to DNA fragments which are not involved in cir regulation. An operator sequence spanning 43 to 47 base pairs and completely encompassing the two promoters was identified by DNase I protection experiments (footprinting), with binding occurring in a metal-dependent fashion. Thus, during iron-replete growth, Fur appears to act as a repressor of transcription by blocking formation of a DNA-RNA polymerase complex, analogous to the mechanism previously described for regulation of the aerobactin operon (V. de Lorenzo, S. Wee, M. Herrero, and J.B. Neilands, J. Bacteriol. 169:2624-2630, 1987). Characterized and putative Fur recognition sites from several genes were analyzed and classified by statistical methods. Images
EUROPE AS HOST/HOSTAGE

The legacies of European colonialism continue under the auspices of the European Union, as reflected in contemporary discriminatory policies towards immigrants from former colonies and Europe's postcommunist fringes. Across EU metropolises, the discourse of multiculturalism has become a damage-control mechanism for violence and disenfranchisement stemming from virtual political and economic apartheid. Contemporary cultural texts, including film and literature, offer productive critiques of official multicultural revisions of European national spaces, which often embrace a dehistoricized ‘unity in diversity’ slogan without comprehensively dealing with individual legacies of colonialism and neocolonial policies of the Union. Pushing liberal multiculturalism to its limits, Michael Haneke's Cache (2005) and Theo Angelopoulos's Eternity and a Day (1998) call for an ethics of hospitality to migrant ‘strangers’ which dismantles traditional European concepts of identity and political community based on filiative ...
Don't Fear the Leaker: Thoughts on Bureaucracy and Ethical Whistleblowing

In this brief Essay, I argue that rather than trying to eliminate leaks entirely, which experience demonstrates is impossible, we should instead try to channel leaks so that they provide the maximum benefit to transparency while reducing risks to national security and other secrecy concerns. I also offer some preliminary suggestions about how to accomplish this goal.
Resolvins Decrease Oxidative Stress Mediated Macrophage and Epithelial Cell Interaction through Decreased Cytokine Secretion.

Background Inflammation is a key hallmark of ALI and is mediated through ungoverned cytokine signaling. One such cytokine, interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) has been demonstrated to be the most bioactive cytokine in ALI patients. Macrophages are the key players responsible for IL-1β secretion into the alveolar space. Following the binding of IL-1β to its receptor, “activated” alveolar epithelial cells show enhanced barrier dysfunction, adhesion molecule expression, cytokine secretion, and leukocyte attachment. More importantly, it is an important communication molecule between the macrophage and alveolar epithelium. While the molecular determinants of this inflammatory event have been well documented, endogenous resolution processes that decrease IL-1β secretion and resolve alveolar epithelial cell activation and tissue inflammation have not been well characterized. Lipid mediator Aspirin-Triggered Resolvin D1 (AT-RvD1) has demonstrated potent pro-resolutionary effects in vivo models of lung injury; however, the contribution of the alveoli to the protective benefits of this molecule has not been well documented. In this study, we demonstrate that AT-RvD1 treatment lead to a significant decrease in oxidant induced macrophage IL-1β secretion and production, IL-1β-mediated cytokine secretion, adhesion molecule expression, leukocyte adhesion and inflammatory signaling.
Subsistence and Sustainability in Post‐industrial Europe: The Politics of Small‐scale Farming in Europeanising Lithuania

This article examines the marginalisation of small-scale semi-subsistence farming in the context of the European Union's sustainable development reforms as implemented in the new member countries. In documenting how small-scale farming in post-socialist Lithuania has been redefined from being a solution to the environmental and social degradation of industrialised agriculture under socialism to becoming a major obstacle in building sustainable agriculture, this case study offers a critique of sustainability as a developmental project and the asymmetrical relationships implicit in the rural development politics in Europe. Taking a historical-comparative approach, this study demonstrates that the notion of sustainability has been built on assumptions about the industrialisation and globalisation of agri-food systems that exclude alternative local forms of production, consumption and distribution. As a result, the implementation of such sustainable development policies leads to the reproduction of the industrialised agriculture and the exclusion of small-scale farmers from the vision of sustainable rural societies.
Experimental high speed CMOS image sensor system and applications

CMOS image sensors are capable of very high-speed non-destructive readout, enabling many novel applications. To explore such applications, we designed and prototyped an experimental high speed imaging system based on a CMOS digital pixel sensor (DPS). The experimental system comprises a PCB that has the DPS chip interfaced to a PC via three I/O cards supported by an easy to use software environment. The system is capable of image acquisition at rates of up to 1,400 frames/sec. After describing the DPS chip and experimental imaging system,we present two applications: dynamic range extension and optical flow estimation. These applications rely on the DPS's ability to perform non-destructive readout of multiple frames at high-speed.
Tiller Contribution to Spring Wheat Yield under Varying Seeding and Nitrogen Management

Hard red spring wheat (HRSW) (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield is comprised of the combined production of the main stem and tiller spikes. Experiments were conducted under dryland (Casselton, ND) and irrigated (Carrington, ND) conditions from 2003 to 2005 to determine tiller development and the relative contribution of main and tiller wheat spikes to final grain yield under varying cultivar, seeding rate (SR), N rate, and N timing. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a split-split plot arrangement with four replicates. Treatments consisted of a factorial combination of HRSW cultivars (Alsen and Granite), SR (2.9 and 4.2 million seeds ha -1 ), N levels (140 and 224 kg ha -1 for the nonirrigated site; 168 and 280 kg ha -1 for the irrigated site), and N timings (preplant, 2-split, and 3-split). Increased SR significantly increased stand count. The lowest SR and N level significantly increased tillers m -2 , while the 3-split N timing treatment significantly reduced tillers m -2 . Increased N level and SR significantly increased spikes m -2 , while the 3-split N treatment significantly reduced spikes m -2 . Cultivar, N level, and N timing main effects did not influence the relative contribution of the main spike and primary tillers (T1, T2, and T3) spikes to grain yield. Increasing the SR increased the proportion of yield from the main spike and decreased the proportion from the T2 spike. For environments where fewer tillers are desired, SR appears to have the largest impact on tiller numbers without negatively influencing yield.
A New Syntaxin Family Member Implicated in Targeting of Intracellular Transport Vesicles

Despite the central role vesicular trafficking occupies in protein targeting, the molecular coding of the trafficking signals and the mechanism of vesicle docking and fusion are just beginning to be understood. We report here the cloning and initial characterization of a new member of the syntaxin family of vesicular transport receptors. Syntaxin 6 is a 255-amino acid protein with two domains predicted to form coiled-coils, as well as a carboxyl-terminal membrane anchor. Syntaxin 6 is broadly expressed and localizes in the region of the Golgi apparatus. In vitro binding studies established that syntaxin 6 binds to α-soluble NSF attachment protein (α-SNAP). The sequence homology, topology, localization, and α-SNAP binding suggest that syntaxin 6 is involved in intracellular vesicle trafficking.
MO-D-L100J-06: Evaluation of An Automatic Algorithm Based On Kernel Principal Component Analysis for Segmentation of the Bladder and Prostate in CT Scans of Prostate Radiotherapy Patients

Purpose: to evaluate the performance of an automatic segmentation algorithm used to segment the prostate and bladder in CT scans of patients undergoing external beam radiotherapy.Method and Materials: A nonlinear kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) based algorithm has been developed to model the surface shapes of soft tissueorgans in the pelvis of prostate patients. A library of 25 patients, each with approximately 13 CT scans acquired during their treatment, has been manually segmented by a physician. The library is used to both train and evaluate the algorithm. In this preliminary analysis, the training sets consisted of the contours from 8 to 10 scans of a single patient. Evaluation was performed using 3 CT studies previously unseen by the system from each patient, from the beginning, middle and end of treatment. Performance was measured by comparing the volumes and center‐of‐gravity positions of the generated surfaces with those of the physician‐drawn surfaces. The prostate shapes were also compared by generating maps of the surface separation after center‐of‐mass alignment. Three models were evaluated: a prostate‐only model, a bladder‐only model, and a joint prostate‐bladder model. Results: All models demonstrate the ability to successfully segment the soft tissue structures in the majority of cases. The average ratios of the prostate and bladder overlap volumes to the references volumes for the first seven patients were found to be 0.829 and 0.868 for the prostate only and bladder only models. The joint model results are similar, the corresponding ratios being 0.853 and 0.844. Surface separations for the two models were similar, the models generally being within 1 mm of the physician‐drawn shapes at mid‐organ, and along the right and left sides. Conclusion: Preliminary results from the proposed automatic segmentation method indicate it is sufficiently accurate for radiotherapy applications.
Regulatory effect of copper on rat adrenal cytochrome P-450 and steroid metabolism

Abstract Accumulation of Cu 2+ in rat adrenal glands produced a biphasic response in concentrations of the mitochondrial cytochrome P-450 and heme which were, in turn, reflected in abnormal steroid biosynthesis and output. In the mitochondria, 1 day after Cu 2+ treatment, when the concentration of the metal ion was increased by 2- to 3-fold over the control value, a significant increase in cytochrome P-450-dependent steroid 11 β-hydroxylase activity was observed. These effects were accompanied by a nearly 85% increase in concentrations of cytochrome P-450 and heme. In addition, the activity of δ-aminolevulinate synthetase was increased by 3-fold. In those animals lipid peroxidation, assessed by measuring concentrations of conjugated dienes, was reduced to approximately 50% of the control value. However, after 7 days of Cu 2+ treatment (via a mini-osmotic pump), a significantly lowered rate of 11β-hydroxylase activity was noted, and the plasma concentration of corticosterone was also reduced significantly. Also, in the mitochondria, the concentrations of cytochrome P-450 and heme were decreased in comparison with the control values. These decreases were accompanied by elevated levels of the mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and a further increase in adrenal Cu 2+ content (5-fold). At this time, δ-aminolevulinate synthetase activity remained elevated but to a lower extent than that observed after 1 day of Cu 2+ treatment. In contrast to 11β-hydroxylase activity, the reduction in cytochrome P-450 content was not reflected in a decrease in the rate of cholesterol side-chain cleavage; rather this activity was increased in Cu 2+ -treated animals. Adrenal heme oxygenase activity was unaffected by either Cu 2+ treatment, as was the specific content of cytochrome P-450 in the microsomal fraction. The present findings suggest that the Cu 2+ -mediated regulation of cytochrome P-450-dependent steroidogenic activity in the adrenal mitochondria is predominately a reflection of the metal ion affecting heme biosynthesis and lipid peroxidation in this organ. Moreover, these actions appear to differentially affect the mitochondrial cytochrome P-450 species catalyzing different hydroxylation reactions in the adrenal steroidogenesis pathway.
Price smoothing and inventory behavior

Abstract Consider a monopolist who cannot hold inventories. He would increase price in response to a demand increase if desired sales did not increase too much, and lower it otherwise. If the former case holds for all realizations of a random demand curve, the possibility of holding inventories will lead to reduced price variability. If the latter case holds systematically, inventory holding will lead to more price variability. If the effect depends on the level of demand, we can say nothing about the consequences of inventory holding for price variability. This contrasts with the results of a number of recent papers.
21-in. technology-independent common display set (CLADS) design for rugged workstation applications

Battelle is under contract with Warner Robins Air Logistics Center to design a Common Large Area Display Set (CLADS) for use in multiple command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence applications that currently use 19-inch cathode ray tubes (CRTs). Battelle engineers have now demonstrated that the modular CLADS design is applicable to a large number of existing and future rugged workstation applications, and that the design is technology independent. Any display technology that can be packaged to meet the form, fit, and function requirements defined by the common large area display head assembly performance specification is a candidate for CLADS applications. This has already reduced the risk of CLADS development, permits life long technology insertion upgrades without unnecessary redesign, and addresses many of the obsolescence problems associated with COTS technology-based acquisition. For each platform, only the unique form and fit requirements are included in a CLADS application integration kit, while the unique functional interfaces are provided by an application video interface module. All other parts of the design are common to all CLADS installations and are therefore required in higher quantities which means lower costs. A performance specification tree lists the specifications for each of the platforms as well as the specifications for the modules used for each platform. Detailed specifications have been drafted and will be released to potential display integrators and manufacturers for review in the coming weeks. Initial USAF applications include replacements for the E-3 AWACS color monitor assembly, E-8 Joint STARS graphics display unit, and ABCCC airborne color display. Initial US Navy applications include the E-2C ACIS display. For these applications, reliability and maintainability are key objectives. The common design will reduce the cost of operation and maintenance by an estimated 3.3 million dollars per year on E-3 AWACS alone. As more platforms use CLADS, the life cycle cost savings across the armed forces increases dramatically.
Efficient formation of nitric oxide from selective oxidation of N-aryl N'-hydroxyguanidines by inducible nitric oxide synthase.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS II) efficiently catalyzes the oxidation of N-(4-chlorophenyl)N'-hydroxyguanidine 1 by NADPH and O2, with concomitant formation of the corresponding urea and NO. The characteristics of this reaction are very similar to those of the NOS-dependent oxidation of endogenous Nomega-hydroxy-L-arginine (NOHA), i.e., (i) the formation of products resulting from an oxidation of the substrate C=N(OH) bond, the corresponding urea and NO, in a 1:1 molar ratio, (ii) the absolute requirement of the tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) cofactor for NO formation, and (iii) the strong inhibitory effects of L-arginine (L-arg) and classical inhibitors of NOSs. N-Hydroxyguanidine 1 is not as good a substrate for NOS II as is NOHA (Km = 500 microM versus 15 microM for NOHA). However, it leads to relatively high rates of NO formation which are only 4-fold lower than those obtained with NOHA (Vm = 390 +/- 50 nmol NO min-1 mg protein-1, corresponding roughly to 100 turnovers min-1). Preliminary results indicate that some other N-aryl N'-hydroxyguanidines exhibit a similar behavior. These results show for the first time that simple exogenous compounds may act as NO donors after oxidative activation by NOSs. They also suggest a possible implication of NOSs in the oxidative metabolism of certain classes of xenobiotics.
Gene expression signatures of a fibroblastoid preosteoblast and cuboidal osteoblast cell model compared to the MLO-Y4 osteocyte cell model.

In the osteoblast 2T3 cell model, 326 genes significantly increase in expression as subconfluent fibroblastic 2T3 cells become confluent and cuboidal. This gene set includes BMP2/4, Dlx2/5, Runx2, Osterix and Lrp5, as well as TGFβ regulated genes. Both activated or total nuclear Smad158 and Smad2 levels increase as they become confluent, and β-catenin protein expression increases as 2T3 cells become confluent, reflecting a set of genes involved in early preosteoblast to osteoblast commitment, as observed in vitro and in vivo. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) demonstrated that this 326 dataset is very similar to several early osteoblast geneset signatures. The MLO-Y4 cell model is a well-known in vitro osteocyte model. The MLO-Y4 expression pattern was directly compared with the 2T3 osteoblast cell model. 181 genes that are highly expressed in MLO-Y4 osteocytes compared to osteoblasts were identified. Very few genes expressed in MLO-Y4 cells are found in osteocytes directly isolate from bone, suggesting that osteocyte specific gene programs most likely require the osteocytes to be embedded in the proper mineralized matrix. The MLO-Y4 dataset includes few established in vivo osteocyte markers, but does include several transcription factors such as Vitamin D receptor, Tcf7, and Irx5, whose expression was confirmed in osteocytes in vivo. Gene expression signatures in MLO-Y4 cells, as determined by functional clustering and interaction maps, suggest active prostaglandin-PKA pathways, genes involved in dendrite formation, acute/defense response pathways, TGFβ signaling, and interferon/chemokine pathways. GSEA demonstrated that MLO-Y4 expression pattern is similar to macrophages, mesenchymal fibroblasts, and early osteoblasts.
Special Considerations for Managing Food Allergies

When caring for patients with severe, multiple food allergies, special considerations are necessary for achieving the best quality of care. The most important consideration is to confirm all food allergies so that the patient does not unnecessarily restrict foods. Retest or challenge any foods with a questionable diagnosis. Second, because strict allergen avoidance remains the appropriate treatment for food allergy, provide the patient and family with adequate education about allergen avoidance and include plans for reintroduction of foods during follow-up care. Following a strict allergen avoidance diet often places the patient at nutrition risk. Another consideration includes conducting a complete nutrition assessment and monitoring for nutrient deficiencies on an ongoing basis. Food substitutions and hypoallergenic formulas and supplements are often required to meet the patient's needs. Last, consider evaluating medication ingredients as causes of persistent symptoms in extremely sensitive food allergic patients. Including the above considerations will result in food allergic patients enjoying the safest variety of foods and reaching their full growth potential.
The prehospital 12-lead electrocardiogram’s effect on time to initiation of reperfusion Therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature.

The prehospital electrocardiogram (ECG) is becoming the standard of care of suspected cardiac chest pain. We evaluated the evidence regarding the prehospital ECG and sought to quantify the reduction in time to reperfusion therapy attributable to the prehospital ECG. We conducted a systematic review and analyzed studies that were conducted in emergency medical systems relevant to providers in the United States. The papers were limited to studies that reported original data that compared prehospital ECG to no prehospital ECG groups. Four studies containing 99 patients met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of these studies revealed a difference of 24.7 (95% confidence interval, 16.7-32.7) minutes. Providers now have a quantified value of the prehospital ECG based on the best published evidence. In addition, this search showed a relatively low quality and quantity of research on the prehospital ECG.
Endotoxin triggers the expression of an inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase and the formation of peroxynitrite in the rat aorta in vivo

Abstract The free radicals nitric oxide (·NO) and superoxide (O2−) are known to react to form peroxynitrite (ONOO−), a highly reactive species. Peroxynitrite has been suggested to play an important role in the cellular damage associated with the overproduction of ·NO, but there are very limited data regarding its in vivo formation. Here we demonstrate that injection of endotoxin into rats leads to the expression of an inducible isoform of ·NO synthase (iNOS) in the thoracic aorta at 6 h and an increase in the circulating levels of nitrite/nitrate. Moreover, at the same time point, there is a marked increase in the immunoreactivity of nitrotyrosine, a marker of peroxynitrite in the aorta. The formation of nitrotyrosine was prevented by inhibiting the activity of NOS by N G - methyl - l - arginine in vivo. Our data suggest that during endotoxin shock, part of ·NO, produced following the induction of iNOS, is converted into peroxynitrite in the vicinity of large blood vessels. The demonstration of the in vivo formation of peroxynitrite at sites of ·NO overproduction may necessitate the development of novel and additional approaches for limiting or preventing ·NO-related cytotoxic or vasodilatory actions during circulatory shock.
A Family of Z-source and Quasi-Z-source DC-DC Converters

This paper presents a family of four-quadrant dc-dc converters with minimal number of switches and passive devices. These converters employ a Z-source or a quasi-Z-source network with two active switches to provide four quadrant operation which means bipolar output voltage and bidirectional current operation. Bipolar output operation can also be realized by using one active switch and a diode. They also own buck and boost characteristics when the duty cycle is changed from zero to one. At 0.5 duty cycle, these converters can output either zero or infinity voltage. Experimental results are given to demonstrate the validity and features of these circuits.
Nylon 6 nanocomposites by melt compounding

Abstract Nylon 6–organoclay nanocomposites were prepared via direct melt compounding using a conventional twin screw extruder. The mechanical properties and morphology of these nanocomposites were determined and compared to similar materials made by an in situ polymerization process. The organoclay was well exfoliated into the nylon 6 matrix when compounded with the twin screw extruder but use of a single screw extruder was far less effective. The mechanical properties of the organoclay nanocomposites were significantly increased with marginal decrease of ductility and showed much greater values than glass fiber composites.
Robust Demand Elasticities for Wine and Distilled Spirits: Meta-Analysis with Corrections for Outliers and Publication Bias*

This paper conducts a meta-analysis of price and income elasticities for wine and distilled spirits, which correct for outliers and publication bias. The sample of wine elasticities is obtained from 104 primary studies, and the sample of spirits elasticities is obtained from 111 primary studies. Robust weighted-means and meta-regressions are reported that correct for outliers, heterogeneity, heteroskedasticity, dependence, and publication bias. Compared to unweighted averages previously reported in the literature, the analysis yields less-elastic demands for both price and income. Average price elasticities obtained using cumulative meta-analysis are −0.45 for wine and −0.55 for spirits. Average income elasticities are 1.0 for both beverages. Bias due to publication selectivity is important. Country-level differences also are noted for both wine and spirits. Policy implications are discussed for pricing and taxation of alcohol beverages. (JEL Classifications: Q11, C18, I12)
Resistance to the potato nematode Heterodera rostochiensis Woll. in clones derived from Solanum vernei

Previous research had shown that the diploidS. vernei clone EBS181 contained at least two genes for resistance to the golden nematode. Resistant tetraploids obtained by backcrossing to tuberosum clones, with selection against Race A, possessed only one gene. Crosses between these tetraploids produced evidence that at least two genes exist within this set of tetraploids. Crosses between tetraploids with resistance from vernei EBS181 and tetraploids with resistance from andigena CPC1673 produced results that can be explained by one of the genes from EBS181 segregating at the same locus as the one from CPC1673.
Optimization of unsymmetric actuators for maximum panel deflection control

Bending a thin flat panel on an aerodynamic surface using piezoelectric actuators has been proposed to control phenomena such as flutter, sing divergence and transonic drag. Such smart material applications are not feasible unless actuators can produce larger panel bending deflections than are presently predicted. The objective of this study is to maximize bending deflection of a flat, rectangular panel by attaching a thin piezoelectric actuators to one side of the panel. Two optimization cases are considered: (a) the rectangular actuator is mounted in the center of the panel surface and has area and thickness as design variables; (b) the rectangular actuator is composed of two stacked layers, each having an independent design thickness and area. Studies are presented for different panel aspect ratios for simply supported and clamped (fixed) boundary conditions, and for aluminum and steel host panels. The results show that, for a simply supported aluminum panel with an aspect ratio of 1.5, the best single thickness PZT actuator has a thickness of 0.634 of the host panel and covers 64.7% of the panel. For the two layer stacked actuator, one PZT layer has a thickness ratio of 0.391 and covers 70.6% of the panel, while the other layer has a thickness ratio of 0.313 and covers only 35.7% of the panel. Both of these configurations create nearly identical panel center deflections, but the two layer design weighs slightly less. This study also indicates that formal optimization is a necessary tool for actuator design and that shaped actuators can save weight.
The growth of sickle hemoglobin polymers.

The measurement of polymer growth is an essential element in characterization of assembly. We have developed a precise method of measuring the growth of sickle hemoglobin polymers by observing the time required for polymers to traverse a photolytically produced channel between a region in which polymers are created and a detection region. The presence of the polymer is functionally detected by observing its ability to create new polymers through the well-established process of heterogeneous nucleation. Using this method, we have determined the rate constants for monomer addition to and release from polymer ends, as well as their temperature dependences. At 25°C we find k+ = 84 ± 2 mM−1 s−1 and k− = 790 ± 80 molecules/s from each end. These numbers are in accord with differential interference contrast measurements, and their ratio gives a solubility measured on individual fibers. The single-fiber solubility agrees with that measured in sedimentation experiments. The concentration dependence of the monomer addition rate is consistent with monomer addition, but not oligomer addition, to growing polymers. The concentration dependence suggests the presence of an activation enthalpy barrier, and the rate of monomer addition is not diffusion-limited. Analysis of the temperature dependence of the monomer addition rate reveals an apparent activation energy of 9.1 ± 0.6 kcal/mol.
An Excel‐based decision aid for evaluating financing alternatives and the marginal cost of capital

For agricultural businesses, managing debt capital means choosing from among myriad sources and terms for financing for inputs, machinery, equipment, and land. Providers of debt capital, including input suppliers, equipment dealers, commercial banks, and the Farm Credit System, offer differing interest rates, rebates, points and other non‐interest costs. Microsoft Excel™‐based financing decision aids were developed to help agricultural decision makers evaluate options by determining the true cost of capital from supplier financing, machinery and equipment financing, and real estate purchases. These same tools were also used as a teaching aid in senior‐level university courses in farm management and agricultural finance to reinforce agricultural cost of capital concepts.
Condensed Calculations for Evolutionary Operation Programs

Evolutionary Operation is a method for operating plant processes. Since the method is applied by plant personnel themselves as a continuing normal part of process operation it is desirable to reduce the calculations to a simple routine matter. This paper describes calculation procedures which have been found useful in these circumstances.
Experimental testing of an adaptive controller for USVs with uncertain displacement and drag

The automatic launch and recovery of an AUV from a USV presents a challenging control problem because control parameters are chosen based on the dynamics of the vehicle, which can change abruptly and significantly when an AUV is jettisoned or docked. Tight control of the vehicle state is required to conduct an underway recovery, with looser requirements for the launch. Experimental testing of an unmanned surface vehicle has been performed to evaluate the performance of several low-level controllers when displacement and drag properties are time-varying and uncertain. Variable mass and drag tests show that the vehicle is best controlled by a model reference adaptive backstepping speed and heading controller. The backstepping controller developed by Liao et. al (2010) is modified to account for an overprediction of necessary control action and motor saturation. It is shown that when an adaptive algorithm is implemented for the surge control subsystem of the modified backstepping controller, the effects of variable mass and drag are mitigated.
How Long Should We Follow the Post-transplantation Patient after Graft Loss? A Case Report of Renal Cancer in the Grafted Kidney that Occurred 16 Years after Graft Loss

Abstract Background Renal cancers commonly occur in the native kidneys of renal transplant recipients, whereas renal cancer in the grafted kidney has been reported occasionally. Renal cancer in the grafted kidney occurred 16 years after graft loss in this case, which would be a more rare case. Case Report A 60-year-old man who had a kidney transplant from his mother at the age of 31 years and had hemodialysis again because of chronic rejection from the age of 44 years had right lower abdominal pain. Computerized tomography (CT) showed tumor involvement in the grafted kidney. Positron-emission tomography–CT also showed hot spots in the liver, cervical vertebra, and costal bone. Needle biopsy for grafted kidney and liver tumors were done, and pathologic findings revealed renal cancer of grafted kidney and metastatic liver tumor. Graftectomy was done, and renal cancer was diagnosed as spindle cell carcinoma. Irradiation for cervical bone metastasis was done after the surgery. He complained of abdominal pain and eating disturbance 2 months after the surgery. CT showed a huge recurrence tumor and multiple tumor dissemination. Small intestine was involved and obstructed by the main tumor. He died of recurrence of renal cancer 3 months after the surgery. Conclusions It is reported that the rate of renal cell carcinoma in the grafted kidney was 0.19%–0.5% and it occurred at a mean of 12.6 years after renal transplantation. Herein, we report a rare case of renal cancer that occurred 29 years after renal transplantation. Long-term observation should be required for recipients who had rehemodialysis.
Nutrient and sediment concentrations and corresponding loads during the historic June 2008 flooding in eastern Iowa

A combination of above-normal precipitation during the winter and spring of 2007-2008 and extensive rainfall during June 2008 led to severe flooding in many parts of the midwestern United States. This resulted in transport of substantial amounts of nutrients and sediment from Iowa basins into the Mississippi River. Water samples were collected from 31 sites on six large Iowa tributaries to the Mississippi River to characterize water quality and to quantify nutrient and sediment loads during this extreme discharge event. Each sample was analyzed for total nitrogen, dissolved nitrate plus nitrite nitrogen, dissolved ammonia as nitrogen, total phosphorus, orthophosphate, and suspended sediment. Concentrations measured near peak flow in June 2008 were compared with the corresponding mean concentrations from June 1979 to 2007 using a paired t test. While there was no consistent pattern in concentrations between historical samples and those from the 2008 flood, increased flow during the flood resulted in near-peak June 2008 flood daily loads that were statistically greater (p < 0.05) than the median June 1979 to 2007 daily loads for all constituents. Estimates of loads for the 16-d period during the flood were calculated for four major tributaries and totaled 4.95 x 10(7) kg of nitrogen (N) and 2.9 x 10(6) kg of phosphorus (P) leaving Iowa, which accounted for about 22 and 46% of the total average annual nutrient yield, respectively. This study demonstrates the importance of large flood events to the total annual nutrient load in both small streams and large rivers.
Helping Novices Learn to Teach: Lessons from an Exemplary Support Teacher

There is growing interest in the problem of teacher induction and widespread support for the idea of assigning experienced teachers to work with beginning teachers. Still, we know relatively little...
Electronic spectroscopy of highly polar aromatics. X. Luminescence of the fluorobenzonitriles

Abstract The absorption and emission spectra of the three isomeric fluorobenzonitriles have been investigated. Quantum yields and decay lifetimes are reported for both fluorescence and phosphorescence processes. Kinetic parameters for energy-depletive processes have been generated and it is shown that this weakly polar subset of D-ϕ-A molecules exhibits most of the characteristics which are peculiar to highly polar isomeric D-ϕ-A triads.
Interplanetary shock waves and magnetospheric substorms

It is shown that substorm activity after a storm sudden commencement (SSC) depends on whether or not an interplanetary shock wave is accompanied by a large increase of the solar wind-magnetosphere energy coupling function. It has long been thought that substorm activity associated with an SSC results from sudden conversion of magnetic energy stored in the magnetotail, and that this conversion is triggered by the shock wave. However, the present result implies that the magnetospheric substorm is not a sudden conversion of stored magnetic energy, but is a direct consequence of increased efficiency of the solar wind-magnetosphere dynamo.
Lattice parameters, electron-to-atom ratios and hydrogen absorption capacities of zirconium-based friauf-laves phases

Abstract The simple relationship between lattice parameters has been considered for the cubic and hexagonal forms of the AB 2 Friauf-Laves phases. Contrary to published reports, calculation of electron-to-atom ratios (e/a) is a nonessentlal exercise in the prediction of lattice parameters. New plots of hydrogen absorption capacity (H/M) vs. e/a for pseudobinary systems Zr(B′ X B″ 1−X ) 2 , where B′ = Fe or Co, and B″ = V, Cr or Mn, have revealed a general decrease of H/M with increasing e/a, but a different threshold value of e/a for each B′.
A Common Misunderstanding about the Voigt Line Profile

In this short note, a misinterpretation of the Voigt line profile is pointed out, which is in several popular textbooks of atmospheric physics. The correct interpretation is given based on mathematical and physical arguments, as well as numerical verification.
Philosophy and Practice of Wilderness-based Experiential Learning

(2003). Philosophy and Practice of Wilderness-Based Experiential Learning. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 74, No. 8, pp. 25-27.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND PRISONER DEATHS: A CLINICAL REPORT

The conditions under which prisoners are housed has long been the subject of scholarly discourse. Rare are opportunities to inquire into situations where the environment can clearly be seen to be a problem of fatal proportions. This report considers the deaths of three inmates at the California Medical Facility, Vacaville on July 3, 1991, spotlighting the physical surroundings of their demise.
Quine's dilemma

Quine has long maintained in connection with his theses of under-determination of physical theory and indeterminacy of translation that there is a fact of the matter to physics but no fact of the matter to translation. In this paper, I investigate Quine's reasoning for this claim. I show that Quine's thinking about under-determination over the last twenty-five years has landed him in a contradiction: he says of two global physical theories that are empirically equivalent but logically incompatible that only one is trueand that they are both true. In accord with the former position, I explain Quine'ssemantical argument for the claim that there is a fact of the matter to physics but not to translation. However, Quine has apparently come to regard this position as inconsistent with his empiricistic scruples: if both theories imply all and only true observation categoricals, then in what sense could one of them be false? Quine'strivial expedient argument construes such pairs of theories as merely two true descriptions of the same world in different terms. In accord with this latter position, I suggest that Quine is left without a way to differentiate under-determination and indeterminacy. In short, Quine's contradiction poses a serious dilemma: either only one such theory is true and his empiricism is sacrificed, or both theories are true and his distinction between under-determination and indeterminacy is sacrificed.
Evolution of the structural chemistry of vanadium organodiphosphonate networks and frameworks: structural consequences of fluoride incorporation in the development of stable phases with void channels.

Hydrothermal reactions of solutions containing a vanadate source, an organodiphosphonate, an organonitrogen component, and HF (V/P/O/F) yield a series of oxyfluorovanadium−diphosphonates with charge-compensation provided by organoammonium cations or hydronium cations. While V/P/O/F networks provide the recurrent structural motif, the linkage between the layers and the details of the polyhedral connectivities within the layers are quite distinct for the five structures of this study. [H2pip][V4F4O2(H2O)2{O3P(CH2)3PO3}2] (1) (pip = piperazine) is a conventional three-dimensional (3D) “pillared” layer structure, whose V/P/O/F networks are buttressed by the propylene chains of the diphosphonate ligands. In contrast, [H2en][V2O2F2(H2O)2{O3P(CH2)4PO3}] (2) and [H2en]2[V6F12(H2O)2{O3P(CH2)5PO3}2 {HO3P(CH2)5PO3H}] (3) are two-dimensional (2D) slablike structures constructed of pairs of V/P/O/F networks sandwiching the pillaring organic tethers of the diphosphonate ligands. Despite the common overall topology, the...