cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geologic and Economic Criteria for Siting Clean-Coal Facilities in the Texas Gulf Coast, USA

The Texas Gulf Coast (TGC) contains the greatest number of favorably co-located CO2 sources and sinks in Texas that favor new potential clean-coal facilities. Areas in the TGC with clean-coal potential were delineated by mapping spatial linkages between coal- and lignite-bearing formations and geologic and infrastructure factors that include proximity to existing fields from mine-mouth power plants for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), length of new pipelines to transport CO2 from new clean-coal facilities to either EOR fields or to brine formations for deep storage, proximity to centers of electric load, and depth to subsurface coal for enhanced coalbed methane recovery. Other factors include thickness of brine formations for deep storage of CO2, groundwater and surface-water availability, and proximity to railroads for haulage of western U.S. coal feedstock. Geospatial analysis of maps portraying the distribution of these factors, together with data on volumes of oil recoverable from miscible CO2 flooding of oil fields, indicates that optimal areas for new clean-coal sites in the TGC are in east and southeast Texas. CO2 pipeline networks linking these sites to EOR fields are integral components of systems that can typically recover 5–50 million stock tank barrels from miscible CO2 flooding from each EOR field. Many of these fields with EOR potential (for example, Neches, Long Lake, Conroe, and Livingston) have a great potential for stacked CO2 storage, in which multiple reservoir zones can undergo EOR development and deeper zones in the field can accommodate excess CO2 from EOR operations.
Globally Optimal Estimation of Nonrigid Image Distortion

Image alignment in the presence of non-rigid distortions is a challenging task. Typically, this involves estimating the parameters of a dense deformation field that warps a distorted image back to its undistorted template. Generative approaches based on parameter optimization such as Lucas-Kanade can get trapped within local minima. On the other hand, discriminative approaches like nearest-neighbor require a large number of training samples that grows exponentially with respect to the dimension of the parameter space, and polynomially with the desired accuracy 1/?. In this work, we develop a novel data-driven iterative algorithm that combines the best of both generative and discriminative approaches. For this, we introduce the notion of a "pull-back" operation that enables us to predict the parameters of the test image using training samples that are not in its neighborhood (not ?-close) in the parameter space. We prove that our algorithm converges to the global optimum using a significantly lower number of training samples that grows only logarithmically with the desired accuracy. We analyze the behavior of our algorithm extensively using synthetic data and demonstrate successful results on experiments with complex deformations due to water and clothing.
Games of hide and seek: Race, gender and drag in the crying game and the birdcage

This article argues that contemporary film drag has become the vehicle for the revival of race and gender stereotypes, a blackface for the nineties, camouflaged by drag's new status as a “subversive” performance. The logic of masking and unmasking that drag promotes lends itself to a double bluff, wherein the masks worn reveal rather than conceal the politics of the performance. Through a reading of The Crying Game and The Birdcage, I elucidate the mechanics of this double bluff and suggest how it challenges a simple labeling of performance as either true or false. This argument invites reconsideration of how ideology operates. Borrowing from Poe's classic story of the purloined letter, I indicate ways in which genres of the obvious may derive their power from assumptions, post‐Foucault, that oppressive ideologies are intelligent, self‐effacing and hard to detect.
Ionic conductivity in glasses: A Monte-Carlo study of ordered and disordered one-dimensional models

Abstract Ionic conductivity in ordered and disordered one-dimensional lattice gas models has been investigated using a Monte-Carlo simulation technique. Two one-dimensional lattices have been investigated: (a) an ordered array of deep and shallow potential wells and (b) a disordered array of the same two types of potential wells. An interesting influence of disorder on activation has been observed based upon the Arrhenius plots of the ionic conductivity. The activation energy for the disordered arrangement of sites is lower than that for the ordered one. This result is in agreement with the experimentally-observed increase of activation energy for β-eucryptite upon proceeding from the glassy to the crystalline state, and arises from decreased ion-ordering in the disordered potential. Effects of ion-ion correlations in one-dimensional systems are also discussed and these provide a simple physical interpretation of the charge correlation factor, f c .
The impact of interference from a covert link on a data link using OFDM, AMC, and hybrid ARQ

This paper shows the impact of interference generated by a covert link on the data link layer of a packet based (infrastructure) wireless network. Infrastructure networks employ orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), adaptive modulation and coding (AMC), and hybrid auto-repeat-request (HARQ) to allow them to achieve higher data rates and increase capacity.
Peripheral reactions induced by a 2.1-GeV/nucleon 12C beam on a C target using a simple combinatorial model.

Recently acquired data on peripheral reactions induced by a /sup 12/C beam at 2.1 GeV/nucleon on a C target have been used to create a distribution of exclusive yields (''mass patterns'') in which the charge of detected fragments is ignored and the data supplemented by (presumed) missing nucleons. A simple multinomial expression using probabilities obtained from inclusive mass yields gives a satisfactory account of the revised data.
Advances in Si-Ge-Sn materials science and technology

SiGeSn-based optical materials are synthesized on silicon and designed to undergo indirect-to-direct bandgap transitions via strain engineering and composition tuning across the IR range. These provide enabling buffer-layer technologies for integration of semiconductors with Si.
Automatic title generation for spoken broadcast news

In this paper, we implemented a set of title generation methods using training set of 21190 news stories and evaluated them on an independent test corpus of 1006 broadcast news documents, comparing the results over manual transcription to the results over automatically recognized speech. We use both F1 and the average number of correct title words in the correct order as metric. Overall, the results show that title generation for speech recognized news documents is possible at a level approaching the accuracy of titles generated for perfect text transcriptions.
A Probabilistic Approach for Determining the Component’s Dimension Under Fatigue Loadings

Due to inherent scatters in fatigue test data, the P-S-N curves are normally used to describe material fatigue behaviors. For probabilistic component’s design under fatigue loadings, the component’s dimension should be treated as a random variable because every dimension is certainly with a dimension tolerance. In this design scenario, it is difficult to determine the component’s dimension under fatigue loadings by using the P-S-N curves because stress levels are unknown and random variables. In this paper, a probabilistic approach is presented to build a generic probabilistic design equation which is governed by random variables related to material fatigue behaviors, component conditions and fatigue loadings. The generic probabilistic design equation can be used to determine component’s dimension with a given reliability. One example is presented for explaining the approach in details.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Arms Transfers, Military Balances, and Interstate Relations: Modeling Power Balance Versus Power Transition Linkages

Do arms transfers that widen (or narrow) gaps in military capabilities between rival importers lead to cooperation or conflict? Three fuzzy systems models are developed and tested to assess the imp...
Exceptionally stable, redox-active supramolecular protein assemblies with emergent properties

The designed assembly of proteins into well-defined supramolecular architectures not only tests our understanding of protein-protein interactions, but it also provides an opportunity to tailor materials with new physical and chemical properties. Previously, we described that RIDC3, a designed variant of the monomeric electron transfer protein cytochrome cb562, could self-assemble through Zn(2+) coordination into uniform 1D nanotubes or 2D arrays with crystalline order. Here we show that these 1D and 2D RIDC3 assemblies display very high chemical stabilities owing to their metal-mediated frameworks, maintaining their structural order in ≥90% (vol/vol) of several polar organic solvents including tetrahydrofuran (THF) and isopropanol (iPrOH). In contrast, the unassembled RIDC3 monomers denature in ∼30% THF and 50% iPrOH, indicating that metal-mediated self-assembly also leads to considerable stabilization of the individual building blocks. The 1D and 2D RIDC3 assemblies are highly thermostable as well, remaining intact at up to ∼70 °C and ∼90 °C, respectively. The 1D nanotubes cleanly convert into the 2D arrays on heating above 70 °C, a rare example of a thermal crystalline-to-crystalline conversion in a biomolecular assembly. Finally, we demonstrate that the Zn-directed RIDC3 assemblies can be used to spatiotemporally control the templated growth of small Pt(0) nanocrystals. This emergent function is enabled by and absolutely dependent on both the supramolecular assembly of RIDC3 molecules (to form a periodically organized structural template) and their innate redox activities (to direct Pt(2+) reduction).
A new species of Moaciria (Nematoda, Heterakidae) and other helminths in the red Mawatta frog, Hylophorbus cf. rufescens (Anura, Microhylidae) from Papua New Guinea

Moaciria moraveci sp. nov. (Nematoda, Heterakidae) from the large intestine of Hylophorbus cf. rufescens from Papua New Guinea is described. Moaciria moraveci sp. nov. represents the 9th species assigned to the genus and the 5th from the Australo-Papuan region. It is distinguished from congeners by the distribution pattern of the caudal papillae of the male, spicule length and vulvar position.
Image restoration for the Hubble Space Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope image quality was degraded significantly as a result of the spherical aberration in the primary mirror. Repairs made during the first servicing mission have restored HST's optical performance to the original design specifications. This paper examines not only how effective image restoration has been for the data from the first three and a half years of the mission, but also demonstrates the applicability of the same deconvolution algorithms to postservicing mission images. A variety of well-known image restoration techniques, such as Wiener filters, Richardson-Lucy, Jansson-van Cittert, CLEAN, and maximum entropy, have been applied to HST imaging with reasonable success. However, all techniques have been hampered by incomplete knowledge of the point spread function and the space variance of the point spread function (PSF) in the Wide Field/Planetary Camera, HST's most frequently used imager. After the servicing mission, the COSTAR-corrected Faint Object Camera acquires a space-variant PSF. Restoration is further complicated by time variance of the PSF resulting from both long-term and short-term (orbital period) changes in focus, problems which are not likely to be ameliorated by the servicing mission. Thus, it will be important to continue the efforts in modeling the HST optical system and apply deconvolution methods in order to attain the best scientific results from the telescope.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Paternalism: medical or otherwise.

Abstract While the practice of medicine is ideally suited for the expression of paternalism, outside of the age-appropriate parent-child relationship, such expression is clearly inappropriate. Previous publications concerning medical paternalism fail to consider the deep psychosocial roots of paternalism. As a result, there is no differentiation between appropriate physician attitudes of parental concern and inappropriate, uncounscious paternalism. Psychoanalysis, as a paradigmatic method of treatment, focuses on distinguishing inappropriate, transference-countertransference attitudes, from realistic physician and patient expectations. It is not paternalistic to empathically withold information from patients. Rather, this is sensible and skillful medical practice. What is unconscionable, is a ‘father knows best’ physicianly attitude which is chronically and inappropriately applied and justified. This is poor patient care and clearly unethical.
Flat or fat? Inferior vena cava ratio is a marker for occult shock in trauma patients.

Abstract Background Identification of occult shock (OS) or hypoperfusion is critical in the initial management of trauma patients. Analysis of inferior vena cava (IVC) ratio on computed tomography (CT) scan has shown promise in predicting intravascular volume. We hypothesized that a flat IVC is a predictor of OS and associated with worse outcomes in major trauma patients. Materials and methods We performed a 1-y retrospective analysis of our level 1 trauma center database to identify all major trauma activations that underwent evaluation with a CT scan of the torso, arterial blood gas, and serum lactate. A flat IVC was defined as a transverse-to-anteroposterior ratio ≥2.5 at the level of the suprarenal IVC. OS was defined as a base deficit ≥4.0 in the absence of hypotension (systolic blood pressure ≤90 mm Hg). Results Two hundred sixty-four patients were included, of which 52 had a flat IVC. Patients with a flat IVC were found to have a higher injury severity score, lactate, and base deficit compared with patients with a fat IVC. Flat IVC patients also required greater amounts of fluids (P Conclusions A flat IVC on CT is an accurate marker for OS in major trauma victims and may help stratify patients who require more aggressive resuscitation, monitoring, and support.
Accuracy of localization of prostate lesions using manual palpation and ultrasound elastography

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of detecting tumor location and size in the prostate using both manual palpation and ultrasound elastography (UE). Methods: Tumors in the prostate were simulated using both synthetic and ex vivo tissue phantoms. 25 participants were asked to provide the presence, size and depth of these simulated lesions using manual palpation and UE. Ultrasound images were captured using a laparoscopic ultrasound probe, fitted with a Gore-Tetrad transducer with frequency of 7.5 MHz and a RF capture depth of 4-5 cm. A MATLAB GUI application was employed to process the RF data for ex vivo phantoms, and to generate UE images using a cross-correlation algorithm. Ultrasonix software was used to provide real time elastography during laparoscopic palpation of the synthetic phantoms. Statistical analyses were performed based on a two-tailed, student t-test with α = 0.05. Results: UE displays both a higher accuracy and specificity in tumor detection (sensitivity = 84%, specificity = 74%). Tumor diameters and depths are better estimated using ultrasound elastography when compared with manual palpation. Conclusions: Our results indicate that UE has strong potential in assisting surgeons to intra-operatively evaluate the tumor depth and size. We have also demonstrated that ultrasound elastography can be implemented in a laparoscopic environment, in which manual palpation would not be feasible. With further work, this application can provide accurate and clinically relevant information for surgeons during prostate resection.
Effect of Break Temperature on Quality of Paste, Reconstituted Juice, and Sauce Made From M-32 Tomatoes

Abstract Canned and frozen tomato pastes of 26% solids were made from M-32 tomatoes at canning ripeness. It was observed that the break temperature affects the quality of the pastes when reconstituted into juices or sauces. Pastes preheated at 64.4°C were higher in total acidity than those at 100 and 104.4°C. This was attributed to the formation of pectic, oligouronic, and galacturonic acids at 64.4°C. The enzymic actions of polygalacturonase (PG) and pectin esterase (PE) cause the formation of oligouronic acids in tomato products. Pectin retention in pastes was greatly influenced by the break temperature. The samples made at high break temperature (104.4°C) were highest in pectin retention and consistency. The juice reconstituted from canned paste was lower in consistency than the corresponding frozen sample of same break temperature. The addition of 0.8% sodium chloride in the juice decreased the consistency due to the decrease in hydration of cellulose, pectin, proteins and other polymers. Heat inactivation of enzymes at 100°C during maceration stopped undesirable biochemical changes, and hence yielded a more stable frozen product.
AN ANTHOCYANIN RECOVERY SYSTEM FROM GRAPE WASTES

A new anthocyanin recovery system from grape wastes based on tartaric acid-methanol extraction followed by controlled precipitation of excess tartaric acid as potassium hydrogen tartrate is described. An artificial gape drink colored with the anthocyanin extract thus prepared was found to be acceptable.
On selecting a subset which contains all populations better than a control

Let π1…, πk denote k(≥ 2) populations with unknown means μ1 , …, μk and variances σ1 2 , …, σk 2 , respectively and let πo denote the control population having mean μo and variance σo 2 . It is assumed that these populations are normally distributed with correlation matrix {ρij}. The goal is to select a subset, of populations of π1 , …, πk which contains all the populations with means larger than or equal to the mean of the control one. Procedures are given for selecting such a subset so that the probability that all the populations with means larger than or equal to the mean of the control one are included in the selected subset is at least equal to a predetermined value P∗(l/k < P∗ < 1). The goal treated here is a first step screening procedure that allows the experimenter to choose a subset and withhold judgement about which one has the largest mean. Then, if the one with the largest mean is desired it can be chosen from the selected subset on the basis of cost and other considerations. Percentage poin...
Effects of distributed generators on impedance-based fault location algorithms

Impedance-based fault locating algorithms assume a radial distribution feeder when computing the distance to a fault. With increased penetration of distributed generators (DGs) to the distribution grid, this assumption is violated. Short-circuit current to a fault comes from two sources, the utility substation and DGs. Ignoring the latter term when the fault is located downstream from DGs will adversely affect the accuracy of location estimates. Therefore, this paper aims to evaluate the impact of DGs on the accuracy of existing impedance-based fault location algorithms. The goal is to understand how different factors such as DG technology, MVA size of the DG unit, DG interconnect transformer, tapped loads, location of the fault from the DG unit, and fault resistance affect fault location in the presence of distributed generators.
Ichnofabrics and geometric configurations of Ophiomorpha within a sequence stratigraphic framework: an example from the Upper Cretaceous US western interior

Ichnofabric in the Upper Cretaceous Sego Sandstone and Anchor Mine Tongue of east-central Utah can be differentiated into two components: (1) discrete Ophiomorpha and (2) mottling and other trace fossils. The ichnofabric index method was employed to evaluate spatial variability of the ichnofabrics within depositional sequences and component systems tracts. Indices were logged for amount of bioturbation caused solely by Ophiomorpha (Oii) and that represented by all other biogenic features (Bii). Values of Oii> 1 are more pervasive in lowstand systems tracts compared to transgressive systems tracts. This is consistent with the predominance of marginal and nearshore marine, sand-dominated settings that are characteristic of lowstands, which are favourable habitats for colonization by Ophiomorpha producers. Ichnofabric index values vary both vertically and laterally within any given systems tract, reflecting differences in physical and biological parameters operating in the palaeoenvironment. These parameters include the total number and behaviours of organisms occupying the substrate, as well as substrate texture and grain size, and rates of sedimentation. The architectural style of Ophiomorpha was examined within five depositional facies: shelf, storm deposit, lower shoreface, shoreface, and estuarine. Inclinations of individual burrow elements were approximated relative to bedding planes, categorized as either vertical, inclined or horizontal, and then plotted on ternary diagrams. Based on the types of facies present, these results suggest that variations in the geometric configurations of Ophiomorpha are controlled primarily by physical energy levels, and the rate and nature of sedimentation. Results of this study have broad implications for understanding the physical factors affecting facies variability within sequences and systems tracts. When coupled with sedimentologic data, recognition of variations in the distribution of ichnofabrics and architectural style of Ophiomorpha can provide additional information useful for characterizing depositional environments, and therefore could be integrated with other basin analysis techniques to test and refine sequence stratigraphic interpretations.
Lifetime of Positronium Molecule. Study with Boys' Explicitly Correlated Gaussians

Nonadiabatic variational calculations for the positronium molecule, Ps2 = (e+e-)2, a cluster composed of two electrons and two positrons, is the subject of theoretical investigation. In particular, calculations of the two-photon annihilation rate as well as estimation of the lifetime at the nonrelativistic level of theory are presented in detail. In all calculations the nonadiabatic four-body wave function is expanded in terms of explicitly correlated Gaussian functions. The energy of the center-of-mass motion is effectively eliminated from the total nonrelativistic energy through the modified variational principle based on the internal Hamiltonian. With the wave function expanded in terms of 300 basis functions, which leads to a total energy equal to −0.515 980 au and a binding energy equal to 0.435 eV, the lifetime of the system is estimated to be 0.907 ns.
Synergism of cytoplasmic kinases in IL6-induced ligand-independent activation of androgen receptor in prostate cancer cells

IL6 is a pleiotropic cytokine which has been implicated in ligand-independent activation of androgen receptor in prostate cancer cells. Here, we present the evidence that two cytoplasmic kinases Pim1 and Etk are involved in this process. We showed that Pim1 is expressed in all prostate cancer cell lines examined. Both the expression level and the kinase activity of Pim1 are regulated by IL6 in these cells. Furthermore, we showed that IL6 downstream tyrosine kinase Etk can induce tyrosine phosphorylation of Pim1 which is correlated with its kinase activity. Mutation of the conserved Tyrosine 218 in the activation loop results in reduced kinase activity of Pim1. Interestingly, Etk can also be activated by Pim1 when they are coexpressed in prostate cancer cells, suggesting a possible positive feedback loop between Etk and Pim1. It appears that both Pim1 and Etk are required for IL6-induced activation of androgen receptor-mediated transcription in prostate cancer cells because overexpression of the kinase-deficient form of either Pim1 or Etk dramatically blocks the IL6 effect. Coexpression of the two kinases together but neither one alone is sufficient to activate ARE-containing promoter. Taken together, our data suggest a synergism of Ser/Thr kinase Pim1 and tyrosine kinase Etk in IL6 signaling and provide new insights into ligand-independent activation of androgen receptor in prostate cancer cells.
Cranial irradiation after surgical excision of brain metastases in melanoma patients

Background: Brain metastases account for 20–54% of reported deaths from melanoma. Duration and quality of survival depend on the extent of metastatic disease and response to treatment. Treatment goals are palliation of symptoms and prolongation of life. No studies have directly compared surgery alone and surgery with adjunctive cranial irradiation in patients with solitary brain metastases.
On the effect of the function of inner ear muscle on the sound injury threshold for continuing tones and noises in the guinea pig

In Erganzung fruher publizierter Ergebnisse wurde versucht, den Effekt des BOM-Tonus and der BOM-Kontraktion beim Meerschweinchen quantitativ zu erfassen. Das Untersuchungsergebnis last den Schlus zu, das der BOM-Tonus im Wachzustand and bei mittleren Larmpegeln, die sicher unterhalb der Reflexschwelle liegen, einen Mittelwert hat. In Narkose and unter d-Tubo-Curarinwirkung ist der Tonus praktisch aufgehoben. Succinylcholin fuhrt zu einer tonischen Kontraktur der BOM. Die Muskelmasse der BOM hat bei erheblicher Tonusminderung auf die Schallubertragung mittlerer Larmpegel im Mittelohr offenbar keinen Einflus mehr. Kontraktionen des M. tensor tympani haben ihren Haupteffekt auf die Schallubertragung im Mittelohr im Frequenzbereich unterhalb 600 Hz. Daneben werden auch die Frequenzen zwischen 1 and 2 kHz und von 3–6 kHz vermindert ubertragen. Manueller Zug an der Stapediussehne hatte Minderung der Schallubertragung etwa im gleichen Frequenzbereich zur Folge. Unter Berucksichtigung von aus Untersuchungen anderer Autoren bekannten Besonderheiten des BOM-Reflexes (rasches Nachlassen der Kontraktion bei Dauerton, Habituation, nennenswerter Effekt fast ausschlieslich im Tieftonbereich) kann angenommen werden, das die von uns am narkotisierten Tier gefundene kritische Belastungsschwelle des Cortiorgans durch die intakte Funktion des BOM-Reflexes fur Belastungsbedingungen, wie in unseren Versuchen (frequenz- und intensitatskonstanter Dauerton) nicht nennenswert verandert wird.
Quantitative separation and identification of quaternary ammonium bases.

A method of quantitative separation and recovery of certain quaternary ammonium bases using a Dowex 50 column is described. Carnitine can be recovered in 90% yield, betaine in 98% yield, trimethylamine oxide in 100% yield, and creatine in 90% yield. Simple paper chromatographic techniques permitting rapid identification of these compounds are discussed.
Mechanisms for Intracellular Calcium Regulation in Heart I. Stopped-Flow Measurements of Ca++ Uptake by Cardiac Mitochondria

Initial velocities of energy-dependent Ca++ uptake were measured by stopped-flow and dual-wavelength techniques in mitochondria isolated from hearts of rats, guinea pigs, squirrels, pigeons, and frogs. The rate of Ca++ uptake by rat heart mitochondria was 0.05 nmol/mg/s at 5 µM Ca++ and increased sigmoidally to 8 nmol/mg/s at 200 µM Ca++. A Hill plot of the data yields a straight line with slope n of 2, indicating a cooperativity for Ca++ transport in cardiac mitochondria. Comparable rates of Ca++ uptake and sigmoidal plots were obtained with mitochondria from other mammalian hearts. On the other hand, the rates of Ca++ uptake by frog heart mitochondria were higher at any Ca++ concentrations. The half-maximal rate of Ca++ transport was observed at 30, 60, 72, 87, 92 µM Ca++ for cardiac mitochondria from frog, squirrel, pigeon, guinea pig, and rat, respectively. The sigmoidicity and the high apparent Km render mitochondrial Ca++ uptake slow below 10 µM. At these concentrations the rate of Ca++ uptake by cardiac mitochondria in vitro and the amount of mitochondria present in the heart are not consistent with the amount of Ca++ to be sequestered in vivo during heart relaxation. Therefore, it appears that, at least in mammalian hearts, the energy-linked transport of Ca++ by mitochondria is inadequate for regulating the beat-to-beat Ca++ cycle. The results obtained and the proposed cooperativity for mitochondrial Ca++ uptake are discussed in terms of physiological regulation of intracellular Ca++ homeostasis in cardiac cells.
Research Spotlight: New analysis can better anticipate the likelihood of flood occurrence

[1] To manage freshwater resources, communities need information on how likely the volume of flow for a river or stream will equal or exceed a certain value of interest. Such information, for example, helps engineers know how much water to release into dams' spillways, guides urban planners in anticipating flash floods, and provides scientists with information on how changing precipitation patterns may influence flood frequency. Central to gaining these insights are flow duration curves (FDCs), which help to quantify the likelihood that streamflow will be greater than a specific level. Traditional period-of-record FDCs are a representation of the entire record of observation of a particular stream, whereas annual FDCs yield a picture on an annual basis. Serinaldi shows that both FDCs and annual FDCs can be complemented with confidence intervals based on a unique theoretical framework, which confirms the dual nature of the two approaches.
Macrophage degradation of LDL extracted from human aortic plaques: effect of isolation conditions.

Abstract Several laboratories have recently reported on the structural and functional characteristics of an LDL fraction isolated from atherosclerotic lesions, designated A-LDL. Given the wide variety of tissue sources and isolation conditions that have been employed, we have addressed whether several procedures currently used affect the interaction of A-LDL with macrophages, and, if so, by what mechanisms. We isolated A-LDL from human aortic plaques by ultracentrifugation and gel filtration chromatography. Although some differences in the chromatographic elution profiles on gel filtration were apparent between homogenized and nonhomogenized extracts, A-LDL isolated from the same pool of plaque minces with or without homogenization showed no differences in macrophage degradation or inhibition of this degradation by excess acetyl-LDL. A-LDL isolated from plaques obtained at surgery or at autopsy less than 12 hr after death also showed no major differences in macrophage recognition, suggesting that post-mortem changes were probably not affecting cell recognition. However, A-LDL particles underwent aggregation when subjected to concentration, when stored for periods of 2 weeks or more, or when subjected to vortexing. The aggregated A-LDL was degraded more readily by macrophages than unaggregated A-LDL, and inhibition of degradation of aggregated A-LDL by excess acetyl-LDL was less than for unagregated A-LDL. Collectively, these studies show that although post-mortem changes and tissue homogenization do not appreciably affect the interaction of A-LDL with macrophages in culture, other isolation and preparation conditions have dramatic effects which could explain some of the diversity of A-LDL metabolism reported in the literature.
Order-induced strengthening in Ni4Mo

Polycrystalline samples of Ni4Mo have been examined at various stages of isothermal ageing at 700° C. The mechanical properties were measured on initially disordered samples at various stages of the ordering process. These properties were correlated with microstructural observations such as domain size, degree of order and fracture characteristics. The correlations are rationalised in terms of a model for the ordering process and its effect on dislocation motion.
A Simplified Craniocaudal Modulated Arc Technique for Total Body Irradiation

4.1% lower than IMRT plans (p<0.05). The mean dose of right parotid, mandible and unspecified tissue for Integrated plans were 3.3%, 2.4% and 3.1% lower than VMAT plans (p<0.05). The mean MUs needed for IMRT, VMAT and Integrated plans were 2256, 507 and 1394, respectively. Conclusions: Integrated VMAT/IMRT technique significantly improved the target dose homogeneity and conformity compared with IMRT and VMAT and reduced the dose of OARs and unspecified tissue compared with IMRT with fewer MUs. Author Disclosure: N. Zhao: None. R. Yang: E. Research Grant; National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81071237). J. Wang: None.
Health literacy education and training: A student-professional collaboration

Abstract A Healthy People 2010 objective is to improve the health literacy of persons with inadequate or marginal literacy skills. We designed a nutrition education module for dietetics students that allowed learning about health literacy while teaching this information to interested practitioners. Students designed a workshop for nutritionists by conducting a learning needs assessment and then developing learning objectives, content/methods, and process/outcome objectives. Students presented interactive sessions on using literacy assessment tools and developing low-literacy education materials. Handout packets included a list of relevant literacy Web sites. Evaluations unanimously rated the workshop as excellent or good. By helping teach others, students' learning experience was enhanced. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003;103:878-880.
Bias Associated with Study Protocols in Epidemiologic Studies of Disease Familial Aggregation

The effect of selection bias has not been well evaluated in epidemiologic studies which focus on familial aggregation. The authors illustrate this type of bias for a reconstructed cohort study. With the reconstructed cohort design, cases and controls are first selected from the population and their relatives form the exposed and unexposed cohorts, respectively. The recurrence risk ratio (RRR) is calculated to assess and measure familial aggregation. The ways of utilizing information from relatives affects the estimate of RRR, and the authors show that a traditional method used in epidemiologic studies can yield a severely biased estimate of the RRR. However, this traditional approach can give approximately unbiased estimates under special conditions. A novel selection approach is proposed which yields an unbiased estimate of RRR. In conclusion, when relatives are identified through cases or controls, they should be included and counted in the study cohorts each time a case or control is selected, even if they or other family members have already been included.
Doppler velocimetry of spin and charge currents in the 2D Fermi gas

Phase-sensitive transient grating spectroscopy was used to measure the Doppler shift of light diffracted off moving spin and charge density waves, allowing complete characterization of spin and charge transport in the 2D Fermi gas.
Performance of a coherent optical PSK receiver employing optical amplification

The paper presents an optical homodyne PSK receiver with theoretical performance which is asymptotically super-quantum-limited. The receiver uses a small portion of the incoming wave to provide a coherent reference for homodyne detection. The modulation is removed from the reference using the past decisions so that the reference signal is narrowband (relative to the bandwidth of the modulated signal). This signal is then amplified using a narrow-bandwidth optical amplifier. By using this techique, a coherent reference is generated which matches the modulated wave in both phase and amplitude thus providing performance potentially 3 dB better than the quantum limit. The main advantage of this system is its improved performance in the presence of phase noise relative to previously reported optical PSK systems, while a practical limitation is the need for a narrowband optical amplifier.
Cognitive Consequences of Traditional Apprenticeship Training in West Africa.

By combining intensive ethnographic work with formal experiments, it is possible to demonstrate that a traditional form of education—apprenticeship training—does teach general problem-solving skills. An arithmetic test, anchored with problems drawn directly from tribal tailors' apprenticeship training, was administered to a sample of Vai and Gola tailors in Liberia. The tailors differ on tailoring experience and formal schooling characteristics. Both tailoring experience and schooling contribute strongly to arithmetic problem-solving success on unfamiliar problems.
Green Tobacco Sickness and Skin Integrity Among Migrant Latino Farmworkers

Background: Green tobacco sickness (GTS) affects approximately one-quarter of tobacco workers. The primary aim of this analysis is to expand existing knowledge of GTS risk factors by delineating the association of measures of skin integrity with the prevalence of GTS among Latino farmworkers. Methods: Data are from a longitudinal study of skin disease among 304 North Carolina Latino farmworkers conducted in 2005. Results: 18.4% of the farmworkers met the GTS case definition. Self-reported rash increased the odds of having GTS in the bivariate (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.21, 4.35), and multivariate analyses (OR 3.30, CI 2.17, 5.02). Self-reported itch (OR 3.54, CI 2.38, 5.24) and superficial wounds (OR 2.49, CI 1.15, 5.39) had a significant relationship to GTS in the bivariate analysis. Conclusions: These analyses extend current knowledge of GTS risk factors to include skin integrity. Farmworkers with rash and other skin conditions can protect these affected skin areas from exposure to the tobacco plant to reduce their risk of GTS.
Cleaning the laryngoscope blade

Twenty-four laryngoscope blades were bacteriologically cultured immediately following laryngoscopy and again following cleansing. They were divided into 4 groups according to the cleansing method used: Group A Warm water Group B Iodophor and detergent Group C Isopropyl alcohol Group D Autoclave
Interface-induced suppression of the Auger recombination in type-II InAs/GaSb superlattices

The temperature dependence of the nonequilibrium carriers lifetime has been deduced from the measurement of the photocurrent response in InAs/GaSb superlattices. Based on the temperature dependence of the responsivity and modeling of the transport parameters we have found that the carrier lifetime weakly depends on temperature in the high-temperature region. This indicates the temperature dependence of the Auger recombination rate with no threshold that differs it from that in the bulk material and can be attributed to the interface-induced suppression of the Auger recombination in thin quantum wells.
Will the self-tuning approach work for general cost criteria?

Abstract We expose a fundamental limitation of the self-tuning procedure for adaptive control of linear stochastic systems. Specifically, if the cost criterion measuring the performance of the unknown system is anything other than a minimum (output) variance criterion, then the procedure of estimating the unknown parameters of the linear system and then applying a control input which is optimal for the given cost criterion and the parameter estimates, will not self-tune to the optimal control law. Since our arguments are based on the analysis of an ordinary differential equation of Ljung, and since we do not, in our general context, have a proof that this O.D.E. represents the asymptotic behaviour of the system, further work is needed. An exception to the above situation is the class of systems with a large enough delay, for which self-tuning to the optimal, and indeed, convergence to the true parameters, cannot be ruled out.
From assimilation to accommodation: a developmental framework for integrating digital technologies into literacy research and instruction

This article presents a developmental framework for interpreting and understanding how new digital technologies have been integrated into literacy instruction and research, and how they might be integrated in the future. The framework borrows the concepts of assimilation and accommodation from Piaget’s classical developmental theory of learning, applying them to how individuals and groups involved in literacy instruction and research conceptualize and implement new digital technologies in their work. It is argued that assimilation and accommodation define a developmental reality that helps explain a variety of issues pertaining to new technologies in relation to literacy research and practice, such as how new technologies come to be used or not used in literacy instruction, and what research questions are asked or not asked by literacy researchers exploring the implications of new technologies for instruction. The influence of this framework on the authors’ own work and on the work of others is illustrated.
Core Excitation Spectroscopy of Stable Cyclic Diaminocarbenes, -silylenes, and -germylenes

A number of tert-butyl-substituted, cyclic, saturated and unsaturated diaminocarbene, diaminosilylene, and diaminogermylene compounds were investigated using inner shell electron energy loss spectroscopy (ISEELS) and ab initio calculations. These compounds, each of which contains a divalent group 14 element (C, Si, Ge), are of particular interest since they are stable indefinitely, and thus, they are readily accessible for detailed spectroscopic analysis. The C 1s and N 1s spectra of the hydrogenated tetravalent analogues of the saturated carbene, of di-tert-butyldiazabutadiene, and of di-tert-butyldiazabutane were also obtained to assist with spectral interpretation. Our analysis shows that there is significant π-allyl delocalization over the N−EII−N fragment in all three species. Further, in the unsaturated species there is additional aromatic delocalization. Both theory and experiment indicate that the divalent center of the carbene is qualitatively different from that in the germylenes or silylenes.
Shopping Motives for Mail Catalog Shopping

Abstract This study examines the role of functional and nonfunctional motives in influencing preferences for catalog shopping by using a mail survey conducted on a national sample of U.S. catalog shoppers. Results provide evidence supporting the influence of nonfunctional as well as functional motives on catalog patronage and indicate the importance of examining a wide variety of motives in retail patronage studies. Functional motives including perceived value, order services, and convenience were the strongest motives influencing catalog shopping for two different product classes. Several motives identified as important for catalog patronage by previous research were not as strong as these motives. In addition, two nonfunctional motives related to company responsiveness and reputation were comparable in strength to several functional motives.
A standard-like model in the four-dimensional free fermionic string formulation

Abstract We show how the Standard Model may be derived from the heterotic string with no intermediate energy scale by using the free fermionic formulation. An explicit model is presented, with the following properties: (i) The observable gauge group is SU(3)C × SU(2)L × U(1)n where n = 1 or 2, after a possible symmetry breaking at the string level. (ii) The complete massless spectrum is derived and is shown to be anomaly free apart from a single “anomalous” U(1). In the observable sector there are only three generations of chiral fermions with their superpartners. (iii) There are enough scalar doublets and singlets to break the gauge symmetry in a realistic way. (iv) All trilinear superpotential couplings have been calculated. (v) The weak hypercharge is uniquely defined, including a possible new, generation independent, U(1) symmetry, which may remain unbroken down to low energies, and prevents fast proton decay.
The role of SRY in mammalian sex determination

The gene SRY (sex determining region of the Y), located at the distal region of the short arm of the Y chromosome, is necessary for male sex determination in mammals. SRY initiates the cascade of steps necessary to form a testis from an undifferentiated gonad. The SRY gene encodes an HMG (High Mobility Group) protein which may act as a transcription factor by binding to double stranded DNA and then bending the DNA. Mutations in SRY have been identified in some subjects with 46,XY pure gonadal dysgenesis. However the role for other autosomal and X-linked genes in testis determination is evident by the presence of a normal SRY gene in the majority of females with 46,XY pure gonadal dysgenesis and the lack of SRY in a minority of males with 46,XY maleness.
Isogeometric contact analysis: Geometric basis and formulation for frictionless contact

This paper introduces an isogeometric framework for the numerical analysis of contact problems. In this approach, NURBS is utilized as basis for geometric representation and analysis. The contact surfaces and the underlying solids are parameterized in an identical paradigm. The use of NURBS geometry eliminates at the onset the geometric discontinuities induced by the traditional faceted approximation. Contact detection is carried out patch-wise, instead of element-wise, leading to an efficient and robust numerical algorithm. A strategy for smoothing sharp corners is also described. The algorithm does not rely on fillets but entails only a minor perturbation to the NURBS parameters. A variationally consistent surface-to-surface formulation is developed in the context of frictionless contact. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the performance and utility of the method.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Polyneuropathy: Duplication, Gene Dosage, and Genetic Heterogeneity

Remarkable advances have recently elucidated the molecular genetic basis of inherited peripheral neuropathies. These studies revealed a novel mutational mechanism of a large DNA duplication as a cause for a common autosomal dominant demyelinating neuropathy. A peripheral nerve myelin gene, PMP22, located within the duplication is responsible for the demyelinating neuropathy by virtue of a gene dosage effect. The identification of PMP22 and other genes involved in myelinopathies demonstrate that these diseases represent a spectrum of disorders resulting from defects in myelin structure, maintenance, and/or formation.
Diffusion-induced bubble growth in viscous liquids of finite and infinite extent

Transport models of diffusion-induced bubble growth in viscous liquids of finite and infinite extent are developed and evaluated. Results from the present study are compared with results from the often-cited papers by Amon and Denson (1984) and Arefmanesh et al (1992) and found to be in good agreement. Predictions for the bubble radius and pressure from the finite- and infinite-liquid models are compared over a range of conditions. As anticipated, predictions from the two models coincide at early stages of the growth process, and differ at late stages of the growth process when the equilibrium bubble radius Is approached for the finite-liquid model. Agreement between the two models at intermediate stages is observed only for relatively low growth rates.