cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microbial Quality of Hot‐Processed Frozen Ground Beef Patties Processed After Various Holding Times

This study was designed to determine the effect of holding time before chilling of hot-boned ground beef on microbial growth. Twenty pounds of cauck were removed from the right sides of beef carcasses immediately after slaughter, ground through a 2.5-cm plate, and held in a 10°C room. At 1, 2, 4 and 8 hr after slaughter, 5 lb were chilled to 0°C with CO2 and ground through a 0.32-cm plate. Patties were formed, frozen in a CO2 tunnel and examined for coliforms, staphylococci, psychrotrophs, and mesophiles. Results show no significant differences between the four treatments and a conventionally processed control.
Rethinking Voluntary Associations: Visions of Democracy and Communicative Practices

This article examines a set of arguments about how internal dynamics within voluntary associations influence democratic governance, in order to identify the primary divergences and patterns among these frameworks and assess whether voluntary associations are the optimal focus for the study of democratic culture. The arguments discussed present very different conclusions about whether and how associations benefit democracy, and these differences are rooted in the authors’ visions of what democracy should look like. Those who favour liberal democracy argue for strict separation, or even antagonism, between associations and the state, and do not treat membership norms as important. Those who favour social democracy argue for a cooperative relationship between associations and the state, and present the rules and norms structuring associational membership as important, though they do this in different ways. The primary associational dynamics identified by each argument cut across these categories. The article...
Selection of wavelet packet basis for rotating machinery fault diagnosis

Wavelet packets provide a library of orthonormal bases and can therefore represent a signal in many different ways. This paper presents a method to select the orthonormal basis to represent vibration signals for rotating machinery fault diagnosis. The selected basis is formed by two sets of basis functions for representation of the transients excited by localized faults and other signal components of interest, respectively. This method overcomes the limitation of the widely used Coifman and Wickerhauser's best basis algorithm in detection of transients hidden in large background vibration and is more effective in rotating machinery fault diagnosis especially in the early stage of fault development. In addition, differing from some existing studies, this method does not need training samples and is relatively easy to implement in practice. Applications in the analysis of gearbox and bearing vibration signals show that the proposed method performs better than the best basis algorithm.
Fighting for Peace in Somalia: AMISOM's Seven Strategic Challenges

This article analyzes seven strategic challenges which faced the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) between March 2007, when it first deployed to Mogadishu, and August 2012, when Somalis selected a new Federal Government to replace the existing transitional institutions. The seven strategic challenges were the initial international political context in which the mission deployed; problems of internal coordination between the mission’s component parts; the lack of a reliable local partner with which to wage a counter-insurgency campaign; problems of strategic coordination among external partners; the nature of the enemy forces facing AMISOM, principally al-Shabaab; AMISOM’s lack of relevant capabilities and resources to perform its mandated tasks; and the challenges of facilitating legitimate and effective governance structures, especially as AMISOM began to deploy outside Mogadishu from late 2011.
Efficient photosensitized energy transfer and near-IR fluorescence from porphyrin–SWNT complexes

Energy transfer from photoexcited porphyrin molecules to single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) has been experimentally detected for samples in aqueous Triton X-100 micellar suspensions. Addition of SWNTs to micelle-suspended porphyrin results in strong quenching of porphyrin fluorescence. Measurements of concentration-dependent quenching and spectra suggest that this process arises from formation of ground state non-covalent complexes between porphyrins and SWNTs. Optical excitation of the porphyrin generates characteristic near-IR emission from the SWNTs, indicating efficient energy transfer within the complexes. This energy transfer is deduced to occur through a Dexter-type electron exchange mechanism. Complexation of SWNTs with organic photosensitizers provides a novel way of uniformly exciting a wide range of nanotube structural species in polydisperse samples using only a single excitation wavelength.
Identification of a novel member of the TGF-beta superfamily highly expressed in human placenta

While conducting a gene discovery effort targeted to transcripts of the prevalent and intermediate frequency classes in placenta throughout gestation, we identified a novel member of the TGF-beta superfamily that is expressed at high levels in human placenta. Hence, we named this factor 'Placental Transforming Growth Factor Beta' (PTGFB). The full-length sequence of the 1.2-kb PTGFB mRNA has the potential of encoding a putative pre-pro-PTGFB protein of 295 amino acids and a putative mature PTGFB protein of 112 amino acids. Multiple sequence alignments of PTGFB and representative members of all TGF-beta subfamilies evidenced a number of conserved residues, including the seven cysteines that are almost invariant in all members of the TGF-beta superfamily. The single-copy PTGFB gene was shown to be composed of only two exons of 309 bp and 891 bp, separated by a 2.9-kb intron. The gene was localized to chromosome 19p12-13.1 by fluorescence in-situ hybridization. Northern analyses revealed a complex tissue-specific pattern of expression and a second transcript of 1.9 kb that is predominant in adult skeletal muscle. Most importantly, the 1.2-kb PTGFB transcript was shown to be expressed in placenta at much higher levels than in any other human fetal or adult tissue surveyed.
SU-E-J-37: Radiation Dose during Chemoembolization: A Predictive Model.

Purpose: To identify variables correlated with radiationdose during hepatic chemoembolization, quantify their individual impact, and apply these findings to build a dose prediction model.Methods: A retrospective review of 77 patients undergoing hepatic chemoembolization between 1/2010–10/2010 was performed. Variables included: Radiationdose metrics[DAP, CD, number of cone beam CT and fluoroscopy time] and clinical parameters(BMI, session number, extrahepatic embolization, lesion number, chemoembolization regimen and lobe(s) treated). CD was the primary outcome measurement used for the dosemodel. Univariate and multivariate linear regressionmodels were used to assess the association between dose metrics and predictive variables and assess the relative impact of each variable on dose. Variables were considered statistically significant at the p 5 lesions)]+[370(dox‐bead regimen)or 1618(ethiodol based regimen)]. Plots of the predicted vs actual CD were performed and the adjusted R2 for CD is 52.9%(RMSE = 697). The model is accurate at predicting 52% of the variation. When the model predicts a dosage of 1000 or 2000 mGy the actual dose interval ranges from 519–2519 mGy or 384–3616 mGy, respectively. Conclusions: Creating a radiationdose prediction model is feasible. This is the first known attempt at creating a dosemodel for image guided intervention and refinements to the model will be required to improve its accuracy. Prospective dosemodeling will become more relevant as the cost benefit analysis of radiation exposure enters the decision making process in patient care. Alda Tam: Angiodynamics Inc., research funding Joseph Steele: MedicaSafe, Inc ownership Intelliject medical ownership INTIO medical consultant/ownership Caymus Medical ownership Cayenne Medical ownership
Recent results on effects of lightning discharges on the ionosphere and the radiation belts

Lightning discharges release tremendous amount of energy (up to 109 Joules) and occur much more frequently than is commonly realized (2000 thunderstorms active at any time with 40–100 flashes per second globally). While the significance of the physical effects of these discharges on the ionosphere and the radiation belt has long been debated, phenomena such a Lightning-induced Electron Precipitation (LEP), Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) and Terrestrial Gamma Ray Flashes (TGFs) continue to attract attention. In this paper, we review advances in our understanding of these phenomena realized during the last triennium and also discuss opportunities for even more significant advances presented by several upcoming international space missions to be realized in the next triennium.
Impact of the WIC Program on Food Expenditures

Participation in the WIC program tends to shift grocery expenditures in favor of more nutritious food. Dairy data show that WIC women consumed more nutrient-dense foods than non-WIC women. WIC women and their families spent significantly less on meals away from home than control families, suggesting a more efficient use of the food budget. WIC's impact on unintended recipients is negligible, while its impact on foods for WIC children is positive and highly significant. Recall data on monthly food expenditures indicate that total food expenditures and grocery expenditures did not increase as a result of program participation.
The refraction correction in light scattering

Refraction correction in photometer with cylindrical light scattering cell and detectors, describing experimental testing by mathematical and geometrical analysis
Expression and analysis of pore fluids from hardened cement pastes and mortars

Abstract A device is described that has been used for several years for expression pf pore solution from hardened portland cement pastes and mortars. Particulars with respect to the design, fabrication, and operation of such equipment are given, and methods for the analysis of the resulting small volumes of pore solutions are briefly discussed. It is believed that the compositions of the pore solutions obtained are representative of that of the bulk of the pore solution within the paste or mortar from which the solutions have been obtained.
Basic Mechanisms of Japanese Dairy Policy and Milk Market Models: A Comparison with United States Dairy Policy

Abstract The objective of this paper is to examine the similarities and differences between the dairy programs in the US and Japan and the implications of those programs for development of milk market models. The basic framework of the US and Japanese dairy policies is very similar. Price supports for milk used for manufactured dairy products, classified pricing and revenue pooling, and import quota are major components of both programs. Interesting differences in each component are also present. Price discrimination between fluid and manufacturing milk products must be accounted for in the development of models of the dairy industries in both countries.
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF SOME FLAVANONE RUTINOSIDES OF THE GRAPEFRUIT.

Abstract The 7-β-rutinosides of the flavanones naringenin, hesperetin, and isosakuranetin were isolated and identified from the segments of Texas Ruby Red grapefruit. These compounds, which are tasteless, are isomers of three bitter neohesperidosides (naringin, neohesperidin, and ponoirin) previously known to be present in grapefruit. Separation of the isomeric rutinoside and neohesperidoside pairs was accomplished by polyvinylpyrrolidone column and polyamide thin-layer chromatography.
Resource discovery in distributed digital libraries through visual knowledge navigation

In order to support users to search and browse for various resources, digital libraries are composed of discovery systems which provide user interface and information retrieve system. Recent researches in Information Retrieval have investigated different techniques through improving precision and recall to enhance the effectiveness of discovery system in digital libraries. In this paper, we present our work to enhance discovery system effectiveness with a different approach, through resource discovery based on visual knowledge navigation. In our Strand Map Services project under National Science Digital Library, we introduce the visual resource discovery system called conceptual browsing interfaces, to help educators and learners to locate, comprehend and use educational resources in digital libraries. The paper begins with a short introduction of the Strand Map Services. Then we illustrate the service architecture, the design and implementation of its major components. We will focus our discussion of how the visualization system of the Strand Map Services supports the visual knowledge navigation for distributed digital libraries. This includes the knowledge acquisition of the conceptual browsing interfaces, different knowledge representations in the system perspective and user interface perspective, visualization system modules, algorithm and Web services integration to use visual knowledge navigation to enhance resource discovery in digital libraries.
Aerosol synthesis of cargo-filled graphene nanosacks.

Water microdroplets containing graphene oxide and a second solute are shown to spontaneously segregate into sack-cargo nanostructures upon drying. Analytical modeling and molecular dynamics suggest the sacks form when slow-diffusing graphene oxide preferentially accumulates and adsorbs at the receding air–water interface, followed by capillary collapse. Cargo-filled graphene nanosacks can be nanomanufactured by a simple, continuous, scalable process and are promising for many applications where nanoscale materials should be isolated from the environment or biological tissue.
Topology of the pore-region of a K+ channel revealed by the NMR-derived structures of scorpion toxins

Abstract The architecture of the pore-region of a voltage-gated K + channel, Kv1.3, was probed using four high affinity scorpion toxins as molecular calipers. We established the structural relatedness of these toxins by solving the structures of kaliotoxin and margatoxin and comparing them with the published structure of charybdotoxin; a homology model of noxiustoxin was then developed. Complementary mutagenesis of Kv1.3 and these toxins, combined with electrostatic compliance and thermodynamic mutant cycle analyses, allowed us to identify multiple toxin-challel interactions. Our analyses reveals the existence of a shallow vestibule at the external entrance to the pore. This vestibule is ∼28−32A˚wide at its outer margin, ∼28−34A˚wide at its base, and ∼4−8A˚deep. The pore is 9–14A˚wide at its external entrance and tapers to a width of 4–5A˚at a depth of ∼5−7A˚from the vestibule. This structural information should directly aid in developing topological models of the pores of related ion channels and facilitate therapeutic drug design.
RH: A Retro-Hybrid Parser

Contemporary parser research is, to a large extent, focused on statistical parsers and deep-unification-based parsers. This paper describes an alternative, hybrid architecture in which an ATN-like parser, augmented by many preference tests, builds on the results of a fast chunker. The combination is as efficient as most stochastic parsers, and accuracy is close and continues to improve. These results raise questions about the practicality of deep unification for symbolic parsing.
Watching How Ideas Spread Over Social Media

Social media, like Twitter, have been widely used for exchanging information, opinions and emotions about events happening across the world. The authors introduce a new visualization tool for tracing the process of information diffusion on social media in real time. The design highlights the social, spatiotemporal processes of diffusion based on a sunflower metaphor whose seeds are often dispersed far away. The design facilitates an understanding of when, where and how a piece of information is dispersed for large-scale events, including campaigns and earthquakes, as a tool witnessing today’s information consumption and dispersion in the wild.
Positivity and self adjointness of the P (φ) 2 Hamiltonian

We give a new proof that the locally correct HamiltonianH(g) is self adjoint, and that the vacuum energyE(g)=inf spectrumH(g) satisfies −O(D)≦E(g), where 0≦g≦1 andD=diam.supp.g.
Neutron capture by 94,96Zr and the decays of 97Zr and 97Nb

Abstract Cross sections for radiative neutron capture have been determined for 94 Zr and 96 Zr using the activation technique with samples of naturally occurring Zr metal. The sensitivity to the correction for epithermal neutrons in the determination of small thermal cross sections is discussed, particularly in view of the variation in the resonance integral at different sites in the reactor. Gamma-ray spectroscopic studies of the decays of 97 Zr and its daughter 97 Nb have been performed, leading to improved values of the energies and intensities of the emitted γ rays, and correspondingly improved values for the energy levels and β feedings of excited states populated in 97 Nb and 97 Mo.
INTERURBAN DIFFERENCES IN BLACK HOUSING QUALITY

ABSTRACT Interurban differences in the quality of black housing are best explained by income-related and supply factors. Social class and household structure are not important independent predictors. Significant associations of housing quality with crowding and age of housing indicate that racial discrimination distorts the supply of housing available to black households. The size of communities mitigates the effects of discrimination; large black communities have better housing than small ones.
Preservice Teachers’ Exploration of Children’s Alternative Conceptions: Cornerstone for Planning to Teach Science

Investigation involving children’s understandings of scientific concepts have been a dominant area of research in science education over the last 2 1/2 decades. One fruitful outcome of these studies is to alert teachers to difficulties in learning science. Although this information is commendable in highlighting their existence, not much is presented on how to deal with the alternative conceptions. It is generally believed that teachers tend to teach the way they were taught, and breaking this cycle requires different emphasis on pedagogy in teacher education. The focus of this article is on preservice teachers’ experiences in a science education course as they explore the importance of children’s alternative conceptions and in using such knowledge to make decisions about teaching.
Color de-rendering using coupled dictionary learning

Consumer-level digital cameras typically post-process raw captured image data to produce enhanced visually appealing output RGB images. Post-processing operations include color gamut compression, tone mapping and other non-linear color corrections. However, raw image data is needed for many computer vision applications such as photometric stereo, shape from shading, and color constancy. Recovering raw image data from RGB images is complicated by the high non-linearity of the post-processing operations. In this paper, we propose a coupled dictionary scheme to model the relationship between the raw and RGB color image spaces of consumer cameras. Dictionary learning is regularized by sparsity constraints on feature representation. As well, we explore a more elaborate variant of coupled dictionary schemes that models the feature coupling more accurately. We test the proposed dictionary learning schemes on many commercial camera datasets. Our experimental results show accurate recovery of raw image data that looks visually indistinguishable from the ground truth.
Integrated simulation and emulation platform for cyber-physical system security experimentation

There is a pressing need to evaluate both cyber- and physical systems together and holistically for a rapidly growing number of applications using simulation and emulation in a realistic environment, which brings realistic attacks against the defensive capabilities of CPS (Cyber-Physical System). Without the support from appropriate tools and run-time environments, this assessment process can be extremely time-consuming and error-prone, if possible at all. In this paper, we present iSEE - integrated Simulation and Emulation platform for security Experimentation, as a "software supporting research infrastructure used for cyber security research and development". iSEE allows for the concurrent modeling, experimentation and evaluation of CPS that range from a fully simulated to a fully implemented system. iSEE has two major components: 1) modeling environment for system specification and experiment configuration and 2) run-time environment that supports experiment execution. iSEE employs the Model-Integrated-Computing (MIC) approach, which explicitly uses models throughout the experiment environments and integrates them at the domain-specific model level. The run-time environment of iSEE integrates Matlab and the DETERlab testbed to support realistic assessment of CPS on real distributed networking environments in its early design phase, before a fully implemented system is available. At run time, iSEE provides time synchronization and data communication and coordinates the execution of the security experiment across simulation and emulation platforms.
The dependence of the lipid bilayer membrane: buffer partition coefficient of pentobarbitone on pH and lipid composition.

Abstract 1 The membrane/buffer partition coefficient of [14C]-pentobarbitone has been determined as a function of the lipid composition of bilayer membranes. 2 A new technique based on ultrafiltration gave comparable results to conventional techniques but required less time for equilbration. 3 The membrane/buffer coefficient was independent of pentobarbitone concentration in the range studies. 4 The apparent partition coefficient varied with pH and was a linear function of the degree of dissociation of pentobarbition. 5 Both the charged and uncharged forms of pentobarbitone partitioned into the membrane, the latter to a much greater extent than the former. 6 At low pH the highest partition coefficient observed was in egg phosphatidylcholine bilayer membranes. 7 Incorporation of cholesterol or phosphatidic acid into phosphatidylcholine membranes greatly reduced the partition coefficient. 8 High pressures do not greatly change these partition coefficients.
A study of turbidity in hypertriglyceridemic specimens

Abstract A study is presented that will investigate the role of severe turbidity in the form of hypertriglyceridemia on spectrophotometric measurements in solutions. The aim is to see if such measurement parallels the effect of turbidity on densitometry of electropherograms and thin-layer chromatography plates as well as with reflectometry of reactions for clinically important molecules in biological fluids such as serum. If this solution study does not parallel measurement in solid mixtures, it seems reasonable to ask how variably diminished light relates to turbidity and how absorbance increases affect the measurements in a scattering medium. The principle of additivity in spectrophotometry would also be important in order for corrective blanking to be effective. Thus, the factors of a constant turbidity but with variable absorbances, the potential attendant ability to scatter light, decreasing in rising systems and increasing in regressing systems along with the principle of additivity in spectrophotometry can be studied in this proposed investigation for solution measurement as compared to densitometry and reflectometry.
Characterization of the shear stress regulation of CD18 surface expression by HL60-derived neutrophil-like cells

Shear stress-induced cleavage of cell surface CD18 integrins is reported to be part of an anti-inflammatory control mechanism that minimizes neutrophil activity in the blood under physiologic conditions. The cysteine protease, cathepsin B (catB), has been implicated in this mechanoregulatory mechanism, but its molecular dynamics remain to be elucidated. Moreover, attempts to do so using molecular approaches are hindered by the limited ex vivo life span of primary neutrophils. As an alternative, we explored the potential use of HL60-derived neutrophilic cells as a transfectable culture model that exhibits a shear-induced CD18 cleavage response comparable to primary neutrophils. HL60 cells were differentiated into neutrophil-like cells (dHL60-NCs) and exposed to laminar shear stress ([Formula: see text] for 10 min). Based on cytometric analyses, sheared cells cleaved CD18 and CD11a, but not CD11b, integrins. Treatment of cells with E64 or doxycycline prior to and during shear exposure inhibited CD18, but only attenuated CD11a, cleavage. Neither aprotinin nor pepstatin affected shear-induced CD18 or CD11a cleavage. Notably, dHL60-NCs expressed minimal catB. Thus, multiple cysteine proteases in addition to catB may cleave CD18 on sheared leukocytes. In fact, our findings indicate that multiple non-cysteine proteases also participate in the shear-related cleavage of CD11/CD18 heterodimers. Finally, shear-induced cleavage of CD18 and CD11a by dHL60-NCs was inhibited by fMLP concentrations of at least [Formula: see text]. Collectively, our findings indicate that shear-induced CD11/CD18 cleavage is phenotypic of neutrophilic cells, including those derived from HL60 cells. Moreover, our results verify shear stress as a key anti-inflammatory stimulus for neutrophils under physiologic conditions.
Teambuilding across healthcare professions: the ELDER project.

Abstract Background The key to ensuring quality care for older adults is a nursing workforce that collaborates across professions and provider levels (Wright M.C., Phillips-Bute, B.G., Petrusa, E.R., Griffin, K.L., Hobbs, G.W., & Taekman, J.M. (2008). Assessing teamwork in medical education and practice: Relating behavioural teamwork ratings and clinical performance. Med Teach , 29, 1-9). Purpose To improve communication and teamwork among interprofessional health care providers (HCPs) by using innovative teambuilding activities over three years. Methods Participants: 97 multi-disciplinary HCPs from five long term or home care agencies in an underserved region of New England. Participants attended six interactive sessions focused on teambuilding skills through the use of role play, case studies, games, exercises and teambuilding strategies. The J. A. Hartford Foundation's (John A. Hartford Foundation. (2001). The John A. Hartford Foundation Geriatric Interdisciplinary Team Training (GITT) Program. Available at: http://www.nygec.org/index.cfm?section_id=26&sub_section_id=18&page_id=98) Geriatric Interdisciplinary Team Training (GITT) instrument and Interdisciplinary Teamwork IQ test were used to measure changes in knowledge and attitudes. Results T tests performed on matched pre/post GITT instruments ( n =26) revealed no significant change, although scores improved slightly from pre: (71%) to post test (73.3%) ( p =.39). Teamwork IQ scores also improved slightly though not significantly. Qualitative data gathered suggest that teambuilding exercises were helpful in practice and allowed for better understanding of other provider roles. Conclusions Rarely is a variety of health care disciplines invited to participate in educational opportunities together. The interprofessional small group methodology used is a replicable model with potential to overcome barriers in communication and teamwork skills.
Vestibular function in the temporal and parietal cortex: distinct velocity and inertial processing pathways

A number of behavioural and neuroimaging studies have reported converging data in favour of a cortical network for vestibular function, distributed between the temporo-parietal cortex and the prefrontal cortex in the primate. In this review, we focus on the role of the cerebral cortex in visuo-vestibular integration including the motion sensitive temporo-occipital areas i.e. the middle superior temporal area (MST) and the parietal cortex. Indeed these two neighbouring cortical regions, though they both receive combined vestibular and visual information, have distinct implications in vestibular function. In sum, this review of the literature leads to the idea of two separate cortical vestibular sub-systems forming (1) a velocity pathway including MST and direct descending pathways on vestibular nuclei. As it receives well defined visual and vestibular velocity signals, this pathway is likely involved in heading perception and rapid top-down regulation of eye/head coordination and (2) an inertial processing pathway involving the parietal cortex in connection with the subcortical vestibular nuclei complex responsible for velocity storage integration. This vestibular cortical pathway would be implicated in high order multimodal integration and cognitive functions, including world space and self- referential processing.
Independent monetary policies and social equity

Monetary policy is formulated as a game between the government and the central bank. We show that, when fiscal policy has a redistributional component, there is a conflict between optimally configured monetary policies and equality. Consequently, inflation averse governments interested in social equity will need to limit their use of fiscal policy.
Application of heat storage reservoirs to improve the performance of Brayton cycle nuclear power plants with atmospheric heat rejection

Abstract Large power plants, and in particular nuclear power plants, are wasting some 60–70% of the thermal energy produced during the conversion of heat into electricity. The favored site locations have been near an abundant source of constant temperature water (i.e. river or ocean). Sites close to rivers and the ocean, and close to consumers are difficult to find. Future sites for new power plants will likely be in remote locations and depend on atmospheric air cooling as a heat sink. One of the major drawbacks to these new sites is the daily and monthly fluctuations of the atmospheric temperature affecting the conversion efficiency of heat into electricity. The present study examines the performance improvement vs economic cost of using heat storage reservoirs to maximize the net energy output of these power plants using dry cooling towers. A case study is presented for an HTGR (high temperature gas-cooled reactor) operating on a Brayton direct closed cycle (He coolant) and located on a desert site (Blythe, California). The capacity of the HTGR in the desert environment on average is 1060 MWe without reservoir cooling. When provided with the reservoir cooling system, the capacity of the HTGR is increased to an average value of 1090 MWe. During the hottest summer month, the efficiency of the HTGR is increased from 34.24 to 35.20 during the hottest hour of the day. For this same period, the capacity is 977 MWe without reservoir cooling and is increased by 6% to 1034 MWe with reservoir cooling. Generally, the direct cycle HTGR with natural draft dry cooling towers and a reservoir cooling system is economically feasible if the future worth of the capital investment of the additional components does not exceed the revenues from the sale of the increased output. Assuming that the worth of electricity, at the bus bar, is 2 cents kWh −1 the value of the additional capital investment in equipment and maintenance could be as high as $3.6 million at a 10% return on the investment.
Crotonaldehyde Hydrogenation on Pt/TiO2and Ni/TiO2SMSI Catalysts

A kinetic and DRIFTS (diffuse reflectance FTIR) investigation of crotonaldehyde adsorption and hydrogenation was conducted over TiO2-supported Pt and Ni with the intent of gaining insight into the adsorption modes of molecules with carbonyl groups on these catalysts in the SMSI and non-SMSI states. Significant enhancement in selectivity toward crotyl alcohol was observed with each catalyst after reduction at 773 K. DRIFT spectra under reaction conditions identified crotonaldehyde species strongly adsorbed through the C=C bond and weakly coordinated through both the C=C and the C=O bonds on these catalysts after reduction at 573 K, which gave a peak at 1693 cm−1. After reduction at 773 K, an additional adsorbed species with a strong band at 1660 cm−1, indicating a significant interaction between the carbonyl group and the surface, was observed, which is presumed to be stabilized at interfacial Pt–TiOxand Ni–TiOxsites. A decrease in the surface coverage of this species paralleled a drop in selectivity to crotyl alcohol with time on stream. After reduction at 573 K, decarbonylation occurred during the initial few minutes on stream to create adsorbed CO on Pt/TiO2in addition to carbon deposition, but these reactions were significantly suppressed after reduction at 773 K, presumably due to a TiOxoverlayer which covers part of the Pt surface and breaks up the ensembles of Pt atoms required for these reactions.
Prophet regions and sharp inequalities for p th absolute moments of Martingales

Abstract Exact comparisons are made relating E|Y0|p, E|Yn−1|p, and E(maxj≤n−1 |Yj|p), valid for all martingales Y0,…,Yn−1, for each p ≥ 1. Specifically, for p > 1, the set of ordered triples {(x, y, z) : x = E|Y0|p, y = E |Yn−1|p, and z = E(maxj≤n−1 |Yj|p) for some martingale Y0,…,Yn−1} is precisely the set {(x, y, z) : 0≤x≤y≤z≤Ψn,p(x, y)}, where Ψ n,p (x, y) = xψ n,p ( y x ) if x > 0, and = an−1,py if x = 0; here ψn,p is a specific recursively defined function. The result yields families of sharp inequalities, such as E( max j≤n−1 |Y j | p ) + ψ n,p ∗ (a) E |Y 0 | p ≤ aE |Y n−1 | p , valid for all martingales Y0,…,Yn−1, where ψ n,p ∗ is the concave conjugate function of ψn,p. Both the finite sequence and infinite sequence cases are developed. Proofs utilize moment theory, induction, conjugate function theory, and functional equation analysis.
Structural Characteristics and Piezoelectric Properties of Electrospun Piezoelectric nanofibers

This paper reports the development and characterization of PZT nanofibers with average diameters ranged from 50 to 150 nm for various sensing and actuation applications. PZT nano fibers have been developed by sol-gel electrospinning process. Both randomly distributed and uniaxially aligned PZT fibers were obtained from the sol-gel solution with viscosity modified by polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). The diameters of the nano fibers can be further reduced or controlled for different applications. The morphology and structure of the nanofibers were examined with SEM, TEM and XRD. We used two-step process to anneal the electrospun fibers and XRD confirmed that pure perovskite phase was formed after the as-spun fibers being annealed at about 650°C. TEM results showed that the grain size of the fibers was about 10 nm. Microelectromechanical (MEMS) based micro-fabrication technologies were used to assist the development of the nano-fibers in designing the test samples, depositing and patterning the electrodes, and also testing the performance of the nano fibers. Different approaches have been explored to fabricate the uniaxially aligned nano fibers. SEM results showed that partial aligned PZT nano-fibers were obtained on the pre-patterned substrats. Interdigitated Electrodes were evaporated on the partial aligned fibers by using shadow mask. Hysteresis curve of the nano piezoelectric fibers was also obtained, however further tests are still needed to get accurate measurement. The obtained PZT nanofibers have promising application potentials in designing and enabling micro and nano devices.
Accurate Analytic Static and Dynamic Polarizabilities for H - via the Asymptotic Approximation

Accurate closed analytic expressions for certain properties of ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ that strongly depend on the long-range tail of its wave function are given. These properties are $〈{{\mathcal{r}}_{1}}^{n}+{{\mathcal{r}}_{2}}^{n}〉$, the static electric multipole polarizabilities, and the dynamic dipole polarizability. From the last, the ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ photodetachment cross section is calculated and the simple but accurate result obtained by Armstrong is recovered. The only assumption made is that the exact wave function can be replaced by its rigorous asymptotic form, for the purpose of calculating these properties. No model potentials or arbitrary cutoffs are introduced. The results for the dipole polarizabilities agree to better than 5% with the extensive recent calculations of Chung. For $〈{\mathcal{r}}_{1}^{n}+{\mathcal{r}}_{2}^{n}〉$, $n\ensuremath{\ge}2$, the formula obtained agrees to within 0.5% with values obtained from large calculations. For all these quantities, the Hartree-Fock results are far inferior.
Formation of carbon-poor regions during pre-bainitic transformation

Abstract The existence of carbon-poor regions during the incubation period of the bainitic transformation is confirmed. The formation of carbon-poor regions is thermodynamically possible. The experimental results support the shear mechanism of bainitic formation.
Using data to improve surrogate consent for clinical research with incapacitated adults.

Current practice relies on surrogates to enroll incapacitated adults in research. Yet, it is unclear to what extent this practice protects adults who have lost the ability to consent for themselves. To address this question, we conducted two literature searches to identify articles which report empirical data on three issues central to protecting adults who have lost the ability to consent: (1) adults’ willingness to participate in research should they lose the ability to consent; (2) adults’ willingness to allow a surrogate to make research decisions for them; and (3) the extent to which surrogates’ enrollment decisions are consistent with their charges’ preferences and values. These searches identified 21 articles, representing 20 distinct datasets. The data indicate that many adults are willing to participate in research should they lose the ability to consent, and many are willing to allow their family members to make research decisions for them if they become incapacitated. The data also raise concern that surrogates may be making research enrollment decisions that, in some cases, are inconsistent with their charges’ preferences and values. These findings suggest that modifications to current practice should be considered to better protect adults who have lost the ability to consent. One option would be to require, in addition to surrogate permission and subject assent, sufficient evidence that enrollment is consistent with the individual’s preferences and values.
The comparative utility of three types of behavioral units for interaction analysis

This study considers types of units of interactive behavior by contrasting time units and two kinds of natural units, utterances and thought units. An empirical investigation into comparative reliabilities and data distributions obtained when employing time units, utterances, and thought units on the same set of transcripts is reported. Generally, both the thought and utterance units possess the greatest utility for interaction analysis research, although each generates a data distribution different from the other.
The effect of dietary omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acid supplements on serum fatty acid concentrations in renal dialysis patients: Implications for immune response

Abstract •Objective: To alter the serum fatty acid and immunoglobulin concentrations of renal dialysis patients by supplementation of omega-3, -6, or -9 fatty acids during a 6-week period. •Design: Randomized before-and-after-supplementation trial. •Setting: Three dialysis centers in the Dallas, TX, methopolitan area. •Patients: Thirty-five maintenance hemodialysis patients were chosen. Subjects were identified for inclusion in the study by the following criteria: concentrations of triglycerides ( 1.70 mmol/L [150 mg/dL]) and cholesterol ( 4.66 mmol/L [180 mg/dL]), absence of insulin-dependent diabetes, and absence of liver disease. •Interventions: Patients were supplemented daily with either 3g of omega-3 MaxEPA (Seven Seas Health Care, Hull, England), 3g of omega-6 fatty acid cottonseed oil, or omega-9 fatty acid (10% of caloric intake) pecan oil. The control group received no treatment. •Main outcome measures: Fasting serum samples were obtained on days 0, 21, and 42 to determine serum concentrations of eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), docosahexanoic/myristic acids (DHA/MYR), arachidonic acid (AA), linolenic acid (LNA), linoleic acid (LA), oleic acid (OA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin M (IgM). •Results: Twenty-eight subjects completed the study. Within the MaxEPA-supplemented (N = 5) and pecan oil-supplemented (N = 8) groups, serum EPA concentrations were significantly higher at days 21 and 42 than at day 0. Within the cottonseed oil-supplemented group (N = 8), serum EPA concentration was significantly higher at day 21 than at days 0 and 42. The serum concentrations of AA were significantly lower in the MaxEPA-supplemented and pecan oil-supplemented groups at day 21 and 42 than at day 0. No significant change was shown in serum DHA/MYR, LNA, LA, or OA concentrations from day 0 to day 42. There existed no significant difference in serum IgG, IgA, or IgM concentrations for the duration of the study. •Conclusions: Omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acid supplements exert different effects on serum fatty acid concentrations in renal dialysis patients. These results support findings in the literature indicating that fatty acid metabolite profiles may be manipulated by diet. In turn, immune response may be altered through manipulation of eicosanoid production. Because of a compromised immune status, renal dialysis patients may be the best population for this type of research, and a comparison of such subjects with healthy volunteers is warranted.
Retroperitoneal access for transperitoneal laparoscopy in patients at high risk for intra-abdominal scarring.

ABSTRACT Background and Purpose: Adhesions from prior extensive open abdominal surgery can make initial transperitoneal access for laparoscopy hazardous. An alternative to open port placement is a ...
Structure-activity relationships for inhibition of cysteine protease activity and development of Plasmodium falciparum by peptidyl vinyl sulfones.

The Plasmodium falciparum cysteine proteases falcipain-2 and falcipain-3 appear to be required for hemoglobin hydrolysis by intraerythrocytic malaria parasites. Previous studies showed that peptidyl vinyl sulfone inhibitors of falcipain-2 blocked the development of P. falciparum in culture and exerted antimalarial effects in vivo. We now report the structure-activity relationships for inhibition of falcipain-2, falcipain-3, and parasite development by 39 new vinyl sulfone, vinyl sulfonate ester, and vinyl sulfonamide cysteine protease inhibitors. Levels of inhibition of falcipain-2 and falcipain-3 were generally similar, and many potent compounds were identified. Optimal antimalarial compounds, which inhibited P. falciparum development at low nanomolar concentrations, were phenyl vinyl sulfones, vinyl sulfonate esters, and vinyl sulfonamides with P2 leucine moieties. Our results identify independent structural correlates of falcipain inhibition and antiparasitic activity and suggest that peptidyl vinyl sulfones have promise as antimalarial agents.
Motivational drivers that fuel employees to champion the hospitality brand

Abstract Many hospitality organizations have recognized the significance of having strong brands in the marketplace. Given that customers’ brand experiences are greatly affected by frontline service employees, it is crucial that service employees are capable and motivated to transform brand promises into brand realities. This study seeks to build on the emerging Internal Brand Management (IBM) research, by examining employees’ internal drive to go above and beyond their formal job requirement to benefit the brand. Based on motivation theories and the empirical data from 202 hotel employees, we examined the impact of employees’ pro-brand motivation (an internal motivation that is engendered from extrinsic stimuli) and their intrinsic motivation to work on their brand performance. In particular, we identified two significant motivational drivers for employees’ pro-brand motivation namely, employee perceived brand meaningfulness and employee perceived brand value fit. Based on the synergy between employee pro-brand motivation and intrinsic motivation to work, we further proposed an Employee Brand Motivation Matrix reflecting four types of employee motivation that underpins the rationale for employee brand performance. Organizations can use this matrix as a diagnostic tool to segment their workforce, gaining a true appreciation for the extent to which their workforce is willing and able to champion the brand.
The islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase-related protein, implicated in diabetes, is a glycoprotein embedded in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane.

The islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase-related protein (IGRP) has no known catalytic activity, but is of interest because it is the source of the peptide autoantigen targeted by a prevalent population of pathogenic CD8+ T cells in non-obese diabetic mice. To better understand the potential roles of this protein in diabetes mellitus, we examine the subcellular localization and membrane topography of human IGRP. We show that IGRP is a glycoprotein, held in the endoplasmic reticulum by nine transmembrane domains, which is degraded in cells predominantly through the proteasome pathway that generates the major histocompatibility complex class I-presented peptides.
A study of the factors which affect technology transfer in a multilocation multibusiness unit corporation

Twenty-four persons from ten GTE organizations conducted a study to determine what factors affected the transfer of technology from GTE Laboratories to GTE business units. The group agreed on a definition of, and model for, technology transfer. Twenty-one examples were analyzed to identify factors facilitating and factors inhibiting the process. They are categorized by the nature of the research to be transferred, the characteristics of the receiving organization, the characteristics of the giving organization, and the nature of the communications between the organizations. The findings are turned into transfer checklists: one for management in the receiving organization, and one for management in the giving organization. In the process, it became clear that: technology transfer is the transfer of knowledge; business strategy affects the likelihood of success in a transfer; culture, particularly the reward system, influences technology transfer; and, technical, management, and time gaps can inhibit the transfer process. Some of these points are included in a conceptual decision model which addresses whether a proposed transfer is likely to be successful. As a result of the study, the authors believe that those who have responsibility for managing transfer are more aware of the factors which influence it and that successful transfer depends on the stability of management objectives.