cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyocholic acid as internal standard for quantitation of human fecal bile acids

After hyocholate is added to a fecal homogenate, the bile acids are extracted, purified by thin-layer chromatography, and quantitated by gas–liquid chromatography as methyl ester trifluoroacetates on QF-1 columns.
Quantifying recreation use values from removing dams and restoring free-flowing rivers: A contingent behavior travel cost demand model for the Lower Snake River

[1] A travel cost demand model that uses intended trips if dams are removed and the river restored is presented as a tool for evaluating the potential recreation benefits in this counterfactual but increasingly policy relevant analysis of dam removal. The model is applied to the Lower Snake River in Washington using data from mail surveys of households in the Pacific Northwest region. Five years after dam removal, about 1.5 million visitor days are estimated, with this number growing to 2.5 million annually during years 20–100. Using the travel cost method model estimate of the value of river recreation, if the four dams are removed and the 225 km river is restored, the annualized benefits at a 6.875% discount rate would be $310 million. This gain in river recreation exceeds the loss of reservoir recreation but is about $60 million less than the total costs of the dam removal alternative. The analysis suggests this extension of the standard travel cost method may be suitable for evaluating the gain in river recreation associated with restoration of river systems from dam removal or associated with dam relicensing conditions.
Dichloro(norbornadiene)platinum(II): a comparison with dichloro(cyclooctadiene)platinum(II).

The crystal structure of the title compound, (bi­cyclo­[2.2.1]­hepta-2,5-diene)­di­chloro­platinum(II), [PtCl2(C7H8)], has been determined from single-crystal X-ray analysis. The coordination sphere about the Pt atom is pseudo-square planar, with shorter Pt—C distances than in the corresponding di­chloro­(cyclo­octa­diene)­platinum(II) complex.
On the likelihood of non-terrestrial artifacts in the Solar System

Abstract Extraterrestrial technology may exist in the Solar System without our knowledge. This is because the vastness of space, combined with our limited searches to date, implies that any remote unpiloted exploratory probes of extraterrestrial origin would likely remain unnoticed. Here we develop a probabilistic approach to quantify our certainty (or uncertainty) of the existence of such technology in the Solar System. We discuss some possible strategies for improving this uncertainty that include analysis of moon- and Mars-orbiting satellite data as well as continued exploration of the Solar System.
The Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of bone marrow disorders that affect mostly the elderly and have a variable probability of progression to acute leukemia. The diagnosis of MDS rests largely on a critical morphologic review of blood and bone marrow slides, with careful correlation with other clinical and essential laboratory data, including cytogenetics. This article discusses the epidemiology and clinical and pathologic features of MDS and pertinent diagnostic and prognostic classifications, with a brief overview of treatment options. Other considerations in the differential diagnosis are also briefly outlined.
Response of pulmonary stretch receptors to shifts of functional residual capacity.

Abstract The response of slowly adapting pulmonary stretch receptors (PSRs) to sustained elevations of functional residual capacity (FRC) was investigated in spontaneous breathing anesthetized cats. A subatmospheric pressure was produced around the thorax and abdomen to increase FRC by approximately one tidal volume (V T ) for up to 60 min. During eupneic breathing the PSR frequency (f PSR ) was closely related to changes in transpulmonary pressure (P TP ), bu occasionally hysteresis was observed in the f PSR - P TP relationship. Elevation of FRC caused most phasic PSRs to discharge continously for a few breaths before returning to a phasic discharge pattern. During the shift in FRC there were increases in mean f PSR , peak f PSR and PSR firing threshold which were sustained throughout the period of elevated FRC. PSRs that normally showed discharges at FRC similarly increased their mean and peak firing rates. For all PSRs the y-intercept ( f PSR at P TP = 0) of the f PSR - P TP relationship was decreased but the sensitivity of the PSRs as defined by Δf PSR /ΔP TP was not changed until the period of elevated FRC exceeded 30 min. Thereafter, PSR sensitivity tended to decline. There results suggest that PSRs undergo some modification of their discharge parameters during prolonged elevation of FRC.
A derivative-free algorithm for a class of infinitely constrained problems

This paper presents a derivative-free algorithm, based on local variations and phase I-phase II methods of feasible directions for solving optimization problems with distributed constraints. Such constraints normally arise in the transcription of engineering design specifications.
Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Imaging: State of the Art

The introduction of a variety of ultrasound contrast agents has a significant impact on the utilization of diagnostic ultrasound in many clinical settings. This article is intended to provide an overview of the principles behind ultrasound contrast agents along with contrast-specific imaging techniques and a review of their current and potential clinical applications. Ultrasound contrast agents have dramatically improved the sensitivity and specificity of current ultrasound diagnoses and have the potential of expanding the already broad range of ultrasound applications. Future improvements in imaging techniques combined with new developments of contrast agents will make ultrasound an even more powerful diagnostic modality.
Methods of Sexing and Sex Ratios of the Southern Pine Beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimm

Several criteria for determining the sex of the southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimm., were investigated. The combination of the prominence of the frontal tubercles and depth of frontal groove was 100% accurate and was chosen as the best criterion. Data on sex ratios at different points in the beetle's life history are given.
Target Position Localization in a Passive Radar System Through Convex Optimization

This paper proposes efficient target localization methods for a passive radar system using bistatic time-of-arrival (TOA) information measured at multiple synthetic array locations, where the position of these synthetic array locations is subject to random errors. Since maximum likelihood (ML) formulation of this target localization problem is a non-convex optimization problem, semi-definite relaxation (SDR)-based optimization methods in general do not provide satisfactory performance. As a result, approximated ML optimization problems are proposed and solved with SDR plus bisection methods. For the case without position errors, it is shown that the relaxation guarantees a rank-one solution. The optimization problem for the case with position errors involves only a relaxation of a scalar quadratic term. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithms outperform existing methods and provide mean square position error performance very close to the Cramer-Rao lower bound even for larger values of noise and position estimation errors.
Enzymatic modification of evening primrose oil : Incorporation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Immobilized lipase SP435 fromCandida antaractica was used as a biocatalyst for the modification of the fatty acid composition of evening primrose oil by incorporating n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Transesterification (ester-ester interchange) was conducted in organic solvent or without solvent, with EPA ethyl ester (EEPA) as the acyl donor. Products were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). After 24-h incubation in hexane, the fatty acid composition of evening primrose oil was markedly changed to contain up to 43% EPA. The amount of 18:2n−6 PUFA was reduced by 32%, and the saturated fatty acid content was also reduced. The effects of incubation time, molar ratio, enzyme load, and reaction medium on mol% EPA incorporation were also studied. Generally, as the incubation time (up to 24 h), molar ratio, and enzyme load increased, EPA incorporation also increased. Evening primrose oil, containing EPA and γ-linolenic acid (18:3n−6) in the same glycerol backbone, was successfully produced and may be more beneficial for certain applications than unmodified oil.
Altered glucose regulation of insulin biosynthesis in insulinoma cells: mouse beta TC3 cells secrete insulin-related peptides predominantly via a constitutive pathway

The effects of glucose on insulin gene expression and proinsulin biosynthesis, processing, and secretion were studied in mouse beta TC3 cells, an established insulinoma cell line derived from transgenic mice carrying a hybrid insulin promotor-simian virus-40 tumor antigen. The level of insulin mRNA was maintained at high levels by culture in 11 mM glucose, but essentially disappeared after 48 h of culture without glucose. The rate of insulin biosynthesis in beta TC3 cells was also dependent on glucose concentration over periods of 24 or 48 h (but not during 3 h) of stimulation. Insulin biosynthesis decreased about 50% after 24 h and about 85% after 48 h of incubation without glucose. When beta TC3 cells were incubated without glucose for 48 h, the rate of conversion of proinsulin to insulin was decreased compared to that at 11 mM glucose. Insulin secretion was sustained by medium glucose and also exhibited a much lower threshold for maximal stimulation; 2-deoxyglucose uptake decreased about 50% after 48 h of incubation without glucose. Studies on the secretion of newly synthesized proinsulin/insulin revealed that up to 80% of the total cellular pool of labeled proinsulin was released during a 60-min chase compared to only 10% of labeled insulin. The release of immunoreactive insulin (IRI) during the chase period was stimulated by forskolin and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate 1.6- and 10-fold, respectively. However, the release of newly synthesized proinsulin was insensitive to these secretagogues. It is concluded that 1) as in normal islets, glucose influences the steady state levels of proinsulin mRNA in beta TC3 cells; 2) the rate of proinsulin biosynthesis reflects only the level of insulin mRNA; translational control is absent; 3) cellular conversion of proinsulin to insulin is up-regulated by glucose as in normal rat islets; 4) newly synthesized proinsulin is released predominantly via a constitutive, rather than a regulated pathway, in contrast to normal beta-cells.
1987 ampacity tables-demystifying the myths

The major change in the National Electrical Code method of calculating the ampacity rating of conductors affects every segment of the electrical industry. The history and background of the development of the principles of calculating the load capabilities of conductors are presented. The limitations of the earlier works and obstructions to accepting the all-inclusive formula are detailed. >
History of Science through Koyré's Lenses

Abstract Alexandre Koyre was one of the most prominent historians of science of the twentieth century. The standard interpretation of Koyre is that he falls squarely within the internalist camp of historians of science—that he focuses on the history of the ideas themselves, eschewing cultural and sociological interpretations regarding the influence of ideologies and institutions on the development of science. When we read what Koyre has to say about his historical studies (and most of what others have said about them), we find him embracing and championing this Platonic view of his work. Ultimately I think this interpretation of Koyre's history of science is lopsided and in need of correction. I claim, rather, that a careful reading of Koyre's work suggests that a tension exists between internal and external methodological considerations. The external considerations stem from Koyre's commitment to the unity of human thought and the influence he admits that the ‘transscientifiques’ (philosophy, metaphysics, religion) have on the development of science. I suggest in conclusion then, that if we are to put a philosophical label on his work, rather than ‘Platonist’, as has been the custom, ‘Hegelian’ makes a better fit.
A multicopper oxidase-related protein is essential for insect viability, longevity and ovary development

Typical multicopper oxidases (MCOs) have ten conserved histidines and one conserved cysteine that coordinate four copper atoms. These copper ions are required for oxidase activity. During our studies of insect MCOs, we discovered a gene that we named multicopper oxidase-related protein (MCORP). MCORPs share sequence similarity with MCOs, but lack many of the copper-coordinating residues. We identified MCORP orthologs in many insect species, but not in other invertebrates or vertebrates. We predicted that MCORPs would lack oxidase activity due to the absence of copper-coordinating residues. To test this prediction, we purified recombinant Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle) MCORP and analyzed its enzymatic activity using a variety of substrates. As expected, no oxidase activity was detected. To study MCORP function in vivo, we analyzed expression profiles of TcMCORP and Anopheles gambiae (African malaria mosquito) MCORP, and assessed RNAi-mediated knockdown phenotypes. We found that both MCORPs are constitutively expressed at a low level in all of the tissues we analyzed. Injection of TcMCORP dsRNA into larvae resulted in 100% mortality prior to adult eclosion, with death occurring mainly during the pharate pupal stage or late pharate adult stage. Injection of TcMCORP dsRNA into pharate pupae resulted in the death of approximately 20% of the treated insects during the pupal to adult transition and a greatly shortened life span for the remaining insects. In addition, knockdown of TcMCORP in females prevented oocyte maturation and, thus, greatly decreased the number of eggs laid. These results indicate that TcMCORP is an essential gene and that its function is required for reproduction. An understanding of the role MCORP plays in insect physiology may help to develop new strategies for controlling insect pests.
Inhibition of enzymatic degradation of RNA by bound calcium and magnesium

Abstract 1. The effect of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ on bovine pancreatic ribonuclease (ribonucleate pyrimidine-nucleotido-2′-transferase (cyclizing), EC 2.7.7.16) activity was reinvestigated with highly polymerized yeast RNA at I 0.11 and pH 7.0. Both Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ had an inhibitory effect at concentrations of 0.01 mM to 10.0 mM. At the point of 50% enzyme inhibition, Ca 2+ was about 50 times more effective than Mg 2+ on a mole per mole basis. 2. Both Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ are competitive inhibitors of ribonuclease. Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ appear to inhibit the initial nonhydrolytic action of ribonuclease. 3. Ca 2+ binding to RNA was estimated by measuring the decrease at 470 mμ when RNA was added to a Ca 2+ -murexide solution at pH 7.0. Over a concentration range of 0.01 mM to 10.0 mM, Ca 2+ binding increased to about one Ca 2+ bound for every 3 nucleotide pairs at 3 mM Ca 2+ and decreased markedly at higher Ca 2+ concentrations. 50% enzyme inhibition occurred when one Ca 2+ was bound for every 40 nucleotide pairs.
Relationship between isotopic reversibility and futile cycles in isolated rat liver parenchymal cells.

Abstract Evidence is presented for isotopic flow between glucose and glucose-6P and between fructose-6P and fructose 1,6diP during gluconeogenesis. Inhibitors of glucokinase (glucosamine, 2-deoxyglucose) inhibit the isotopic counterflow. Transaldolase exchange is ruled out by using hexoses labeled in the top half of the molecule.
Rigidity and polynomial invariants of convex polytopes

We present an algebraic approach to the classical problem of constructing a simplicial convex polytope given its planar triangulation and lengths of its edges. We introduce polynomial invariants of a polytope and show that they satisfy polynomial relations in terms of squares of edge lengths. We obtain sharp upper and lower bounds on the degree of these polynomial relations. In a special case of regular bipyramid we obtain explicit formulae for some of these relations. We conclude with a proof of the Robbins conjecture on the degree of generalized Heron polynomials.
Tobacco and Psychiatric Dual Disorders

Smoking is a leading cause of morbidity and premature mortality in the United States. The relationship between tobacco smoking and several forms of cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic lung disease, and other medical diseases is well recognized and accepted. Recent epidemiological studies are now focusing on the link between tobacco use and psychiatric diseases. Experts now suggest that in the differential diagnosis of "smoker," depression, alcohol dependence, and schizophrenia are highest on the list. Studies are also focusing on the role of secondhand tobacco exposure, either in utero or during childhood, in the risk of dual disorders. Prenatal exposure may alter gene expression and change the risk for a variety of life-long psychiatric diseases, e.g., ADD/ADHD, antisocial personality disorders, substance use disorders, and major depression. Considerable time and effort have been devoted to studying the link between smoking and depression and also schizophrenia. We will focus on less well-studied areas in tobacco use and psychiatric dual disorders (including eating disorders), prenatal and early childhood secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, and the relationship to the genesis of these dual disorders.
Accelerated mRNA decay in conditional mutants of yeast mRNA capping enzyme

Current models of mRNA decay in yeast posit that 3' deadenylation precedes enzymatic removal of the 5' cap, which then exposes the naked end to 5' exonuclease action. Here, we analyzed gene expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells bearing conditional mutations of Ceg1 (capping enzyme), a 52 kDa protein that transfers GMP from GTP to the 5' end of mRNA to form the GpppN cap structure. Shift of ceg1 mutants to restrictive temperature elicited a rapid decline in the rate of protein synthesis, which correlated with a sharp reduction in the steady-state levels of multiple individual mRNAs. ceg1 mutations prevented the accumulation of SSA1 and SSA4 mRNAs that were newly synthesized at the restrictive temperature. Uncapped poly(A)+ SSA4 mRNA accumulated in cells lacking the 5' exoribonuclease Xrn1. These findings provide genetic evidence for the long-held idea that the cap guanylate is critical for mRNA stability. The deadenylation-decapping-degradation pathway appears to be short-circuited when Ceg1 is inactivated.
Production rates for the stardust mission target: 81P/Wild 2

Abstract We observed 81P/Wild 2 from February 01 to June 01, 1997, during five observing runs spaced roughly 1 month apart straddling perihelion 1997 May 06.6. A considerable volume of spectroscopic data was collected and is analyzed in the present paper. In units of 10 25 molecules/s the following gas production rates were measured: H 2 O, 1500; CN, 3.3; NH 2 , 4.0; C 2 , ≤0.9. Emissions by C 2 appear to be present in our data but this is not certain. The gas production stayed relatively constant throughout our observation period but the dust production as measured by Afρdropped from 564 to 311 cm. Comparison with other comets in our sample shows that Wild 2 is a Borrelly-type comet depleted in C 2 , but with average to slightly high NH 2 abundance. Our imaging data indicate noticeable coma activity around February 01 followed by relatively constant outgassing. Our V + R magnitudes are compared with visual data and their different behavior is discussed and explained. The comet's visual magnitude brightness dependence shows a steep 25 log r H dependence, indicating a mature crust.
The snapshot index: an I/O-optimal access method for timeslice queries

Abstract We present an access method for timeslice queries that reconstructs a past state s(t) of a time-evolving collection of objects, in O ( sol log b n + ¦s(t)¦ b ) I/O's, where ¦s(t)¦ denotes the size of the collection at time t, n is the total number of changes in the collection's evolution and b is the size of an I/O transfer. Changes include the addition, deletion or attribute modification of objects; they are assumed to occur in increasing time order and always affect the most current state of the collection (thus our index supports transaction-time.) The space used is O ( n b ) while the update processing is constant per change, i.e., independent of n. This is the first I/O-optimal access method for this problem using O ( n b ) space and O (1) updating (in the expected amortized sense due to the use of hashing.) This performance is also achieved for interval intersection temporal queries. An advantage of our approach is that its performance can be tuned to match particular application needs (trading space for query time and vice versa). In addition, the Snapshot Index can naturally migrate data on a write-once optical medium while maintaining the same performance bounds.
Factors explaining the adoption and impact of LEED-based green building policies at the municipal level

The number of green buildings certified under voluntary, third-party rating systems has been growing, as has the number of jurisdictions that require or incentivise such certification. In this paper, we use logistic and linear regression to demonstrate that for all cities in the US with population greater than 50,000, there is a statistically significant relationship between the presence of a municipal green building policy and the number of registered green buildings (those still under construction), but not the number of certified buildings. We present very strong evidence that the presence of a policy is indeed leading to more green buildings, rather than demographic or other factors.
Resonant orbitals in fluorinated epitaxial graphene

Fluorinated epitaxial graphene has potential applications in organic electronics. We present the calculation results by means of first-principles density-functional-theory for various fluorination patterns. Our results indicate that semi-fluorinated graphene conformations follow the same energetic order as the corresponding hydrogenated graphene counterparts. The distinctive electronic properties between semi-hydrogenated graphene and semi-fluorinated graphene are attributed to the polar covalent C-F bond in contrast to the covalent C-H bond. The partial ionic character of the C-F bond results in the hyperconjugation of C-F σ-bonds with an sp(2) network of graphene. Resonant orbitals stabilize the stirrup conformation via the gauche effect. Resonant orbitals also lead to electron doping of the sp(2) network and enhanced excitonic effect. The implications of resonant-orbital-induced doping for the electronic and magnetic properties of fluorinated epitaxial graphene are discussed.
An analysis of mental health research with American Indian youth

A comprehensive search and review of literature, documents, publications and other material written since 1970, relevant to American Indian mental health research, was completed in order to generate a list of research and of training needs. A content analysis of this literature enabled a synthesis which describes important biopsychosocial issues faced by American Indian communities, gaps in past and current research efforts, specific problems in past research, and recommendations in each of these areas with regards to future research possibilities and needs. The portion of the analysis presented in this paper deals with American Indian infants, preschoolers, children and adolescents. In order of presentation, the specific issue domains dealt with include: otitis media, fetal alcohol syndrome, abuse and neglect, failure-to-thrive/autism/enuresis, which are examined together (early development) in terms of research gaps; and neurosensory disorders/developmental disabilities/handicapping conditions/school-related problems, foster care and adoption, self-concept/identity, conduct disorders/delinquency, drug and alcohol use, and suicide and depression, which are examined (school-age children and adolescents) in relation to research gaps and needs.
Exercise 2-dimensional echocardiography

To assess the feasibility and reproducibility of exercise 2-dimensional (2-D) echocardiography for quantitating left ventricular size and performance, 25 patients with angina pectoris due to severe coronary artery disease and 10 normal subjects were studied before and after the administration of nitroglycerin. In 18 (72%) of the 25 patients, suitable biapical 2-D echocardiograms for quantitative analysis were recorded during upright bicycle exercise. Left ventricular volume (Simpson's rule), ejection fraction (EF), and wall motion score (10 segments graded 0 to 3, normal to dyskinetic) were measured at rest, and at peak exercise (control), 30 minutes later at rest, after nitroglycerin at rest, and at peak exercise. EF increased during control exercise in the normal subjects from 57 ± 16 to 71 ± 22% (p 0.05 units) during exercise occurred after nitroglycerin administration. The wall motion score increased significantly in the patients during control exercise, from 2.6 ± 3.4 to 5.6 ± 4.5, but was less at maximal exercise after nitroglycerin (3.4 ± 4.0, p
Expression and deletion analysis of an Arabidopsis SUPERMAN-like zinc finger gene

Abstract Zinc finger proteins play an important role in growth and development in animal systems, and undoubtedly the same important role is also true for plants. In the present study we have analyzed the expression of a single zinc finger SUPERMAN- like gene, designated AtZFP11 in Arabidopsis and its ectopic expression in tobacco. The AtZFP11 gene was found to be expressed in flowers, axillary meristems, roots and stems of Arabidopsis by RT-PCR, although it was below detection level using conventional RNA blots. No expression was observed in leaves. No Arabidopsis plant over-expressing the AtZFP11 gene was recovered. Ectopic expression of the AtZFP11 gene in tobacco resulted in abnormal tobacco plants that were dwarfed, had abnormal leaf morphology, flowered early and most of the plants were sterile. A GFP fusion protein with N-terminal portions of the protein showed that the amino acids adjacent to the zinc finger domain determine the nuclear localization of the AtZFP11 protein. Deletion of the leucine rich region similar to other ERF transcriptional repression domains at the carboxyl terminus resulted in transgenic plants that were no different from wild-type.
Abuse Characteristics among Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors in Therapy: A Gender Comparison

Abstract Objective: The goal of this investigation was to examine similarities and differences in childhood sexual abuse (CSA) characteristics between men and women survivors in outpatient psychotherapy utilizing a substantial sample size of men, while examining an extensive range of abuse characteristics. Method: Abuse characteristics of 48 men from an outpatient treatment program for adult survivors of CSA in a university-based community mental health center were compared with those of 257 women from the same program. Data on abuse history were collected at admission or as soon thereafter as possible using a structured clinical interview with established reliability. Results: Women were significantly more likely to have been sexually abused by a family member. Men were significantly more likely to report having oral sex performed upon them. Otherwise, no significant gender differences not attributable to anatomical differences (e.g., vaginal vs. anal intercourse) were found. Conclusions: The findings suggest that very few differences exist in the nature and extent of CSA reported by men and women. Thus CSA perpetrated on boys appears largely comparable in nature and extent to that committed against girls.
Exact solution in an external magnetic field of Ising models with three-spin interactions

The three-spin interaction Hamiltonian ${\mathcal{H}}^{(3)}\ensuremath{\equiv}\ensuremath{-}{J}_{3}\ensuremath{\Sigma}{〈\mathrm{ijk}〉}^{}{s}_{i}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{j}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{k}\ensuremath{-}H\ensuremath{\Sigma}{i}^{}{s}_{i}\ensuremath{-}{H}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\Sigma}{j}^{}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{j}$ (the $s$ and $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ spins belong to different sublattices) is solved for some two-dimensional lattices by a generalized star-triangle transformation. The ${H}^{\ensuremath{'}}=0$ internal energy, specific heat, and magnetization are explicitly calculated, and the singularity structures of other functions (e.g.$x$ are studied. Although the actual critical-point exponents remain the same as for systems with two-spin interaction, the three-spin interaction gives rise to different amplitude and background terms. In particular, the ${H}^{\ensuremath{'}}=0$ magnetization is nonzero for all finite $T$, because of the lack of spin-reversal symmetry; the diameter is seen explicitly to have an energy singlularity, with critical exponent $1\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}$.
Life History and Identity.

This article uses the life history method to chronicle the challenges of a low-income, first-generation student en route to college. The paper addresses three questions: how Manuel navigates college and related topics such as roommates, family, and money; how he creates social networks; and how he works with adults such as teachers and administrators. These questions help demonstrate how a student’s identity changes during the first year of college and how social capital functions in his life. The goal of the article is to further our understanding about social capital and the role it plays in the identity formation of an adolescent.
Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy Measurement Of Cerebral Hemodynamics And Oxygen Metabolism During Anesthesia-Induced Burst Suppression In Rats

The mechanism of burst suppression, a spontaneous neural activity arising pathologically or from anesthesia, was studied by determining the cerebral rate of metabolic oxygen during EEG bursts with near-infrared and diffuse correlation spectroscopy.
The inverse problem for transversely isotropic media

Abstract The problem of finding the elastic parameters of a transversely isotropic, layered, elastic medium is considered using plane-wave reflection data, for a normally incident P wave and SH waves incident at arbitrary angles. It is shown that, unlike the isotropic case, this information is not enough to completely determine the elastic parameters of a transversely isotropic medium. The data provides three relations between four of the elastic parameters that come into consideration and can be used to find three of the parameters if the fourth one is known. The proposed construction of the elastic parameters is tested for synthetic data, with and without noise.
Iraqi Kurdistan: challenges of autonomy in the wake of US withdrawal

In August 2010, the United States officially ended the combat mission of its military forces in Iraq and withdrew all but 50,000 of its troops from the country. Iraqi Kurds now contemplate the implications of the looming withdrawal of the remaining 50,000, scheduled for the end of 2011. While Arab–Kurdish relations in Iraq face the risk of serious deterioration, the US military withdrawal will probably not greatly affect the internal politics of Kurdistan. Given the de facto autonomy the region has enjoyed since 1991 and the Kurds’ resulting experience with self-rule, Iraqi Kurdistan never suffered from the post-2003 security and political vacuums plaguing the rest of the country. As a result, no more than a few hundred coalition troops were stationed in Iraqi Kurdistan (and no coalition casualties have occurred there since 2003), with governance and security remaining completely in the hands of the Kurdish authorities. While important centrifugal tendencies do exist in Iraqi Kurdistan and are discussed here, the region will most likely continue to deal with Baghdad and the rest of the outside world with the united voice it cultivated after 2003. US civilian personnel and advisers will also remain in Iraq after the military withdraws, which offers the possibility of assisting Iraqi Kurdistan to overcome obstacles in order to achieve better, more transparent governance. A continuing American diplomatic engagement in Iraq also offers the possibility of helping Kurdistan further institutionalize its autonomy vis-a-vis Baghdad and neighbouring states.
Mathematical Model of a Photocatalytic Fiber-Optic Cable Reactor for Heterogeneous Photocatalysis

A basic mathematical model to describe the degradation of a single compound in a fiber-optic bundled array photocatalytic batch reactor (OFR) using a Langmuir−Hinshelwood kinetic expression is developed. An empirical global quantum efficiency, φ_(global), that incorporates reaction parameters such as the absorbed light intensity, intrinsic rate constants, concentration of adsorbed reactants, and reaction intermediates is used as a fitting parameter. An empirical term to describe the radiation field within the coated fiber is derived experimentally and normalized by the photocatalyst particle concentration within the fiber optic coating to account for the inverse relationship observed between absorbed light intensity and reaction quantum efficiency. Results of the mathematical model are compared to experimental data generated in an OFR for the photocatalytic oxidation of 4-chlorophenol (4CP), pentachlorophenol (PCP), and dichloroacetate (DCA). The global quantum efficiency, φglobal, was found to be independent of absorbed light intensity. Calculated kinetic profiles are in excellent agreement with experimental observation.
Body dissatisfaction and eating disorders in a sample of gay and bisexual men

Men’s body image issues have a number of manifestations and gay men are at particular risk for body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. This study sought to examine body image and disordered eating as they relate to demographics, conceptions of masculinity, external motivations for fitness, and internalized homophobia in a sample of New York City gay and bisexual men. Higher body dissatisfaction scores were associated with external motivations for working out and older age. Eating disorder scores were positively correlated with more frequent and longer exercise sessions, and states of anxiety, depression, ambivalence, and concerns about the perceptions of others, all in regard to a gay or bisexual orientation. Findings are discussed with implications for researchers and health care providers.
Inhibition of microsporidian spore germination

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites that are increasingly recognized as significant causes of disease in AIDS patients. Gordon Leitch, Govinda Visvesvara and Qing He here describe the deployment of the microsporidian spore infection apparatus, the polar filament, and show how this may be a useful site for chemotherapeutic interdiction of the infections caused by these parasites.
TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF CARBONITRIDE COATINGS FORMED ON TITANIUM BY THERMODIFFUSION CARBONITRIDING

We have studied the tribological properties of VT14 titanium alloy with carbonitride coatings formed by the contact and noncontact method and binary (oxide and nitride) coatings. In the case of the contact method, specimens are saturated in a graphite backfill, and in the case of the noncontact method, specimens are located above it. We have investigated the wear resistance of a “titanium disk–bronze block” friction pair in AMH-10 hydraulic fluid under a load to 3 MPa on a friction path to 15 km. It has been established that coatings based on ternary interstitial compounds (titanium carbonitrides) provide a higher wear resistance than that of coatings based on binary interstitial compounds (titanium nitrides and oxides).
NARSTO critical review of photochemical models and modeling

Abstract Photochemical air quality models play a central role in both schentific investigation of how pollutants evlove in the atmosphere as well as developing policies to manage air quality. In the past 30 years, these models have evolved from rather crude representations of the physics and chemistry impacting trace species to their current state: comprehensive, but not complete. The evolution has included advancements in not only the level of process descriptions, but also the computational implementation, including numerical methods. As part of the NARSTO Critical Reviews, this article discusses the current strengths and weaknesses of air quality models and the modeling process. Current Eulerian models are found to represent well the primary processes impacting the evolution of trace species in most cases though some exceptions may exist. For example, sub-grid-scale processes, such as concentrated power plant plumes, are treated only approximately. It is not apparent how much such approximations affect their results and the polices based upon those results. A significant weakness has been in how investigators have addressed, and communicated, such uncertainties. Studies find that major uncertainties are due to model inputs, e.g., emissions and meteorology, more so than the model itself. One of the primary weakness identified is in the modeling process, not the models. Evaluation has been limited both due to data constraints. Seldom is there ample observational data to conduct a detailed model intercomparison using consistent data (e.g., the same emissions and meteorology). Further model advancement, and development of greater confidence in the use of models, is hampered by the lack of thorough evaluation and intercomparisons. Model advances are seen in the use of new tools for extending the interpretation of model results, e.g., process and sensitivity analysis, modeling systems to facilitate their use, and extension of model capabilities, e.g., aerosol dynamics capabilities and sub-grid-scale representations. Another possible direction that is the development and widespread use of a community model acting as a platform for multiple groups and agencies to collaborate and progress more rapidly.
Exploratory Design Study on Reactor Configurations for Carbon Dioxide Capture from Conventional Power Plants Employing Regenerable Solid Sorbents

Preliminary commercial designs were carried out for a fluidized bed as a CO2 adsorber and a moving bed as a CO2 regenerator. Reverse engineering methodology was employed on the basis of a commercial 500 MW supercritical PC power plant whereby the boundaries required for a particular reactor design and configuration could be set. Employing the proposed moving bed for regenerator is, however, not promising because of poor heat transfer, evolution of CO2 during regeneration, and high pressure drop when small particles are used. If regeneration kinetics is as slow as reported in tens of minutes, the bed height can be quite high and the reactor can be quite costly. In its place, a so-called assisted self-fluidization bed with embedded heat transfer surface was proposed. Theoretically, there is no reason why the fluidized bed cannot be successfully designed and operated both as an adsorber and a regenerator under proper adsorption and regeneration kinetics. Recent publications, where fluidized beds, circulating...
Electromigration of Charged Polystyrene Beads Through Silicon Nanopores Filled With Low Ionic Strength Solutions

In this work we present preliminary results demonstrating the influence of electrical double layer overlap on the electromigration of polystyrene beads (PSB) through an array of 25 cylindrical nanopores. Each of the cylindrical nanopores of the array used in this study is 360nm long with a diameter of 90nm. We observe frequent Coulter events for solutions of higher ionic strength and absence of Coulter events at low ionic strength solution. At higher ionic strengths, the electric double layers in the nanopore are thin and ion transport through the nanopore follows the bulk behavior of the ionic solution. For solutions of lower ionic strength, the electric double layers are comparable to the nanopore dimensions and start to overlap, suggesting surface charge interaction with the polystyrene beads that pass through the nanopore. The work continues towards detailed statistical analysis of the characteristic events observed for different concentrations.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Uncertainty in N/G ratio in early reservoir development

Abstract Early uncertainties about global reservoir parameters are, possibly, the most consequential from an investment point of view and for the reservoir feasibility. One such important parameter is the global net-to-gross ( N / G ) or pay-to-nonpay ratio, which conditions estimate of the original oil in place (OOIP). How the N / G estimate is obtained is very much case-specific, but it remains an estimate and its uncertainty should be assessed. This paper proposes a general methodology for such early uncertainty assessment; the methodology is based on the concept of bootstrap or spatial resampling from stochastic simulation of, e.g., the facies spatial distribution. The resampling results provide a measure of uncertainty. The resampling paradigm allows also evaluating the reduction of uncertainty that would be brought by additional wells: it suffices to sample the “simulated” data corresponding to these additional wells. An example case study is presented.
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in a combination gene therapy strategy for head and neck cancer.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Gene therapy offers a new approach for treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study examined the effectiveness of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in combination gene therapy strategy against HNSCC in an orthotopic mouse model. Study Design: Experimental animal research. Methods: Established tumors were treated with recombinant adenovirus constructs containing the genes for murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (Ad-mGM-CSF), murine interleukin 2 (Ad-mIL-2), or herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (Ad-tk). Results: The combination of Ad-mGM-CSF or Ad-mIL-2 and Ad-tk resulted in significantly greater reduction in tumor size versus other treatment groups or control subjects. There was no statistical significance between the triple combination of Ad-mGM-CSF, Ad-mIL-2, and Ad-tk versus Ad-mIL-2 and Ad-tk at 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. There was no tumor reduction seen from Ad-mGM-CSF alone and no additional benefit seen from Ad-mGM-CSF combinations in long-term follow-up studies. The greatest cytotoxic T-lymphocyte and natural killer cell activity occurred in the combination Ad-mIL-2 and Ad-tk groups with and without Ad-mGM-CSF. Conclusion: Results suggest that the additional mGM-CSF did not enhance the immunogenicity of the HNSCC. Optimal activation of T lymphocytes may require additional co-stimulatory molecules to stabilize the interaction of the T lymphocyte and antigen presenting cell. The presence of major histocompatibility complex Class II may increase CD4 + T-cell mediated immunogenicity and augment therapeutic antitumor immune responses in combination with tk, mIL-2, and mGM-CSF.
Contribution of pumped hydro storage to integration of wind power in Kenya: An optimal control approach

Abstract This paper investigates the benefit of optimally integrating wind power in Kenya with pumped hydro storage. The approach includes development of an optimal control strategy to deploy paired wind and pumped hydro storage resources, for the Lake Turkana Wind Power project. The stochastic model, which maximizes expected revenue over the planning horizon, is developed taking into the consideration the structure and running of the Kenya electricity market. The 300 MW Lake Turkana Wind Power wind farm is simulated using wind speed data from Marsabit, which is in close proximity to the Lake Turkana region. From the simulation of the wind farm, we find that the daily pattern exhibited by the wind speeds, does not match the average daily load pattern. Pumped hydro storage reduces the systems total power output shortage by 46%. This approach to operation could alleviate the significant economic burden of the take-or-pay purchase agreement that led to the removal of financial backing of the project by the World Bank. The use of pumped hydro storage in conjunction with the wind farm is also found to increase the expected daily revenue of the wind farm by over ten thousand dollars.
Estimating Track Capacity Based on Rail Stresses and Metal Fatigue

This paper describes a framework to evaluate the structural capacity of railroad track to train-induced loads. The framework is applied to estimate structural performance in terms of allowable limits for crosstie spacing. Evaluation of the load-carrying capacity of track is conducted by examining the state of stress in the rail. Rail stresses are estimated by superimposing the contributions from different sources: (1) live-load stresses, (2) thermal stresses, and (3) residual stresses. Rail bending and thermal stresses are calculated based on assuming that the rail behaves as a beam supported by a linear elastic foundation. The classical beam on elastic foundation analysis is modified in the present work to account for crosstie spacing that exceeds the limits of the classical theory. Finite element methods are used to develop an amplification factor on the bending moment calculated from beam on elastic foundation theory, which is applied when the spacing between crossties becomes discrete and the foundation support is no longer considered as continuous. The rail stress analysis is then used in conjunction with a failure criterion based on the formation and growth of internal defects in rail due to the repeated passage of wheels, i.e. metal fatigue. A similar methodology was applied in previous work to estimate allowable limits for rail head wear in terms of vertical head-height loss and gage-face side wear. Moreover, allowable limits estimated from this methodology are inherently linked with the frequency of rail testing to detect internal rail head defects and mitigate the likelihood of accidents from broken rails. The analyses described in this paper depend on various assumptions regarding operational, structural and environmental factors. These factors include vehicle weight, train speed, rail size, foundation modulus, temperature differential (i.e. difference between the rail temperature and the stress-free or neutral temperature), and rail test interval (i.e. tonnage between rail tests). Sensitivity studies are conducted to examine the relative effect of these factors on the estimation of maximum free span between effective ties. In addition, results from applying the methodology described in this paper are compared to the limits specified in the current track safety regulations.© 2011 ASME
MIS capacitance and derivative of capacitance, with application to nonparabolic band semiconductors☆

Abstract Theoretical capacitance ( C - V ) and derivative of capacitance ( C ′- V ) curves for an MIS structure with a semiconductor having a nonparabolic conduction band and a parabolic valence band are calculated for single level trap, uniform and nonuniform surface state distributions. The Kane model is used to describe the nonparabolic conduction band. The effects of varying the hole effective mass, Kane matrix element, temperature, surface state densities (both donor and acceptor types), and the degeneracy factors for the surface states is examined. The computed results are based on Hg 0·8 Cd 0·2 TeZnS device parameters.