cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Normative Data for Macular Thickness by High-Definition Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (Spectralis)

Purpose To establish normative data for the macular thickness by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in subjects with no known retinal disease. Design Prospective, observational study in an academic institutional setting. Methods Fifty subjects (age range, 20 to 84 years) with no known retinal disease, best-corrected visual acuity 20/20, and normal intraocular pressure were enrolled. The subjects were divided into 3 age groups: group 1 included subjects 20 to 40 years of age; group 2 included subjects 41 to 60 years of age; and group 3 included subjects 61 years of age and older. All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination to rule out any retinal diseases or glaucoma. All the OCT scans were performed by a single operator, and data obtained from the right eyes were analyzed by default, unless the right eye did not meet the inclusion criteria, and then data from left eyes were analyzed (n = 4). Central point thickness (CPT) and retinal thickness (RT) in 9 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) subfields, including central subfield (CSF), were analyzed. Statistical analyses were carried out using the analysis of variance. Results Overall, the mean CPT was 227.3 ± 23.2 μm, and mean CSF was 270.2 ± 22.5 μm. Among the ETDRS subfields, the outer nasal quadrant had the maximum thickness (mean ± standard deviation, 339.5 ± 16.9 μm). The RT did not show significant difference with age ( P = .62) or with gender ( P = .1). However, there was a suggestion of significant difference in RT of Black subjects as compared with White subjects ( P = .007) in the present study. Conclusions Normative values for macular thickness in otherwise healthy eyes were measured to be 227.3 μm (CPT) and 270.2 μm (CSF) using commercially available Spectralis SD-OCT. Based on the data, the present study proposes the guidelines for normal CSF thickness to be 315 μm for future studies using macular thickness measurements with Spectralis SD-OCT (Heidelberg Engineering, Vista, California, USA).
College Men's Perceived Likelihood to Perpetrate Sexual Aggression

This study implemented a prospective design to explore the relationship between college men's perceived likelihood to perpetrate sexual aggression and their perpetration of sexual aggression over a three-month interim (N = 414). Compared to men's report of their likelihood to use physical force to obtain sex play or sexual intercourse, college men reported higher levels of perceived likelihood to use arguments or pressure to obtain sex play or sexual intercourse as well as drugs and alcohol to obtain sexual intercourse. Prospective analyses revealed that the majority of men who perpetrated sexual aggression over the follow-up period indicated that they were at some risk to do so at the pretest assessment. Implications for sexual assault prevention programming are discussed.
Neointimized gore-tex graft for ureteral prosthesis in the dog

Abstract Objectives To determine the feasibility of replacing a ureteral segment with a neointimized Gore-Tex graft. Methods . Seven adult mongrel dogs underwent a two-stage operative procedure. The first procedure involved arterializing the graft to stimulate spread of a luminal neoendothelium by transmural capillary growth. Eight weeks after the initial procedure, a segment of the ipsilateral ureter was replaced with a segment of the neointimized graft. Results Histologic evaluation of a portion of the graft removed during the second procedure demonstrated transmural neocapillary ingrowth in all grafts; however, there was no neoendothelial growth on the luminal surface. In 5 dogs the graft was occluded with blood clot and was not suitable for a ureteral prosthesis. In 2 dogs the graft was patent and was successfully incorporated into the urinary system. After 1 year of observation, both of these dogs maintained a patent ureter and had no evidence of hydronephrosis on intravenous urogram. Conclusions These data demonstrate that a Gore-Tex graft can be used as a ureteral prosthesis in the dog. The importance of preliminary arterialization, however, remains to be determined.
Liver stiffness is associated with risk of decompensation, liver cancer, and death in patients with chronic liver diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background & Aims Liver stiffness measurement (LSM), using elastography, can independently predict outcomes of patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs). However, there is much variation in reporting and consistency of findings. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between LSM and outcomes of patients with CLDs. Methods We performed a systematic review of the literature, through February 2013, for studies that followed up patients with CLDs prospectively for at least 6 months and reported the association between baseline LSM and subsequent development of decompensated cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as mortality. Summary relative risk (RR) estimates per unit of LSM and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the random effects model. Results Our final analysis included 17 studies, reporting on 7058 patients with CLDs. Baseline LSM was associated significantly with risk of hepatic decompensation (6 studies; RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03–1.11), HCC (9 studies; RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05–1.18), death (5 studies; RR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.05–1.43), or a composite of these outcomes (7 studies; RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.16–1.51). We observed considerable heterogeneity among studies—primarily in the magnitude of effect, rather than the direction of effect. This heterogeneity could not be explained by variations in study locations, etiologies and stages of CLD, techniques to measure liver stiffness, adjustment for covariates, or method of imputing relationship in the meta-analysis. Conclusions Based on a meta-analysis of cohort studies, the degree of liver stiffness is associated with risk of decompensated cirrhosis, HCC, and death in patients with CLDs. LSM therefore might be used in risk stratification.
Harmonic motion imaging in abdominal tumor detection and HIFU ablation monitoring: A feasibility study in a transgenic mouse model of pancreatic cancer

Harmonic motion imaging (HMI) is a radiation force-based elasticity imaging technique that tracks tissue harmonic displacements induced by periodic ultrasonic radiation force to assess tissue stiffness. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of HMI in pancreatic tumor detection and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment monitoring. The HMI system consisted of a focused ultrasound transducer (FUS), which generated periodic radiation force to induce harmonic tissue motion at 50 Hz, and a diagnostic ultrasound transducer, which detected the axial tissue displacement within the targeted region using 1D cross-correlation of acquired radiofrequency signals of ultrasound echoes. For pancreatic tumor detection, HMI displacement images were generated for pancreatic tumors in transgenic mice and healthy pancreases of wild-type mice. For pancreatic tumor ablation monitoring, FUS was used to induce HIFU thermal ablation and tissue motion at the same time, allowing HMI monitoring without interrupting tumor ablation. All pancreases were excised immediately after sonication for histological evaluation. The obtained HMI displacement images showed a high contrast between normal and malignant tissue. The HMI monitoring of HIFU ablation displayed consistent pancreatic stiffening after 2 min ablation, and the formation of thermal lesions was confirmed by the histological analysis. This study demonstrated for the first time the feasibility of HMI in pancreatic tumor detection and HIFU ablation monitoring. It was also the first application of a radiation-force based imaging technique in abdominal tumor HIFU treatment monitoring.
The transcription factor NF-κB: control of oncogenesis and cancer therapy resistance

Abstract Discovered in 1986 as a DNA binding activity that recognized the immunoglobulin light chain intronic enhancer, NF-κB has been studied intensively for its role in controlling expression of genes involved in immune and inflammatory function [1] , [2] . However, more recently, NF-κB has been implicated in controlling cell growth and oncogenesis. The link between NF-κB and cancer stems, in part, from the fact that this transcription factor is capable of inducing gene products that control proliferative responses and that suppress apoptotic cascades, such as those induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF), expression of oncoproteins, and genotoxic stress. This latter observation is likely to be important in developing new approaches aimed at improving the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy.
Peroral cholecystoscopy with electrohydraulic lithotripsy for treatment of symptomatic cholelithiasis in end-stage liver disease (with videos)

Background Patients with end-stage liver disease have an increased risk of symptomatic gallstone disease, as well as complications associated with cholecystectomy. We hypothesized that peroral transpapillary cholecystoscopy with electrohydraulic lithotripsy of gallbladder stones is technically feasible and beneficial in patients who are high operative risks. Design Observational, descriptive. Patients Patients with Child's class C cirrhosis and with gallstone symptoms who were awaiting liver transplantation. Interventions Gallbladder stenting, dilation of the cystic duct, cholecystoscopy, electrohydraulic lithotripsy, ursodiol therapy. Main Outcome Measurements Gallbladder access and visualization, stone clearance, symptom relief, and complications. Results The gallbladder wall and stones were adequately visualized. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy achieved stone clearance after two sessions. Mild postprocedure pancreatitis occurred after the first treatment. The patient remained symptom free, stent free, and stone free until a liver transplantation, which was performed 25 months later. Limitations Proof of concept performed in a single patient. Conclusions Peroral transpapillary cholecystoscopy is technically feasible. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy of gallbladder stones under direct vision can achieve stone clearance. Patients with cirrhosis who are awaiting transplantation and other high-risk surgical candidates with symptomatic gallstone disease may benefit from this treatment option. Studies to assess the efficacy and safety of this novel technique are needed before routine clinical use can be recommended.
A path for coevolution of recombinational DNA repair, transposition, and the common nucleotides.

Homologous genetic recombination is required for recombinational DNA repair, is involved in the successful segregation of chromosomes at cell division, and contributes to the generation of genetic diversity in all organisms. Whereas recombination is a key enabling mechanism in the continuing evolution of life on earth, it is widely believed to have originated in bacteria or their progenitors as a DNA repair Ž process Dougherty, 1955; Maynard Smith, 1978; Bernstein et al., 1985, 1988; Crow, 1988; Ghiselin, 1988; Maynard Smith, 1988; Potter and Dressler, 1988; Cox, 1991, 1993; Clark and Sandler, 1994; . Michod, 1995; Kuzminov, 1996 . A scenario is presented here for the stepwise development of very early recombinational DNA repair systems, the presumed antecedents of the homologous genetic recombination systems found today in all organisms. The scheme is built in part on functional constraints imposed on nucleic acid structure by a requirement for recombinational repair. These constraints may Ž . have helped to establish the GAT U C constellation of nucleotides as the standard components of nucleic
Determination of the Substrate Specificity of Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase TULA-2 and Identification of Syk as a TULA-2 Substrate

TULA-1 (UBASH3A/STS-2) and TULA-2 (p70/STS-1) represent a novel class of protein-tyrosine phosphatases. Previous studies suggest that TULA-2 is sequence-selective toward phosphotyrosyl (Tyr(P)) peptides. In this work the substrate specificity of TULA-1 and -2 was systematically evaluated by screening a combinatorial Tyr(P) peptide library. Although TULA-1 showed no detectable activity toward any of the Tyr(P) peptides in the library, TULA-2 recognizes two distinct classes of Tyr(P) substrates. On the N-terminal side of Tyr(P), the class I substrates contain a proline at the Tyr(P)−1 position, a hydrophilic residue at the Tyr(P)−2 position, and aromatic hydrophobic residues at positions Tyr(P)−3 and beyond. The class II substrates typically contain two or more acidic residues, especially at Tyr(P)−1 to Tyr(P)−3 positions, and aromatic hydrophobic residues at other positions. At the C-terminal side of Tyr(P), TULA-2 generally prefers acidic and aromatic residues. The library screening results were confirmed by kinetic analysis of representative peptides selected from the library as well as Tyr(P) peptides derived from various Tyr(P) proteins. TULA-2 is highly active toward peptides corresponding to the Tyr(P)-323 and Tyr(P)-352 sites of Syk, and the Tyr(P)-397 site of focal adhesion kinase and has lower activity toward other Tyr(P) sites in these proteins. In glycoprotein VI-stimulated platelets, knock-out of the TULA-2 gene significantly increased the phosphorylation level of Syk at Tyr-323 and Tyr-352 sites and to a lesser degree at the Tyr-525/526 sites. These results suggest that Syk is a bona fide TULA-2 substrate in platelets.
An efficient multiple protein structure comparison method and its application to structure clustering and outlier detection

Despite many years of research, comparing multiple protein structures simultaneously (multiple structure comparison) is still a challenging problem. Most of the previous studies have focused on similarities among subsets of residues (or atoms) from a group of proteins (local structure alignment) by minimizing some similarity scores based on root mean square deviation (RMSD) of the aligned residues. In this paper, we designed a novel mathematical and statistical framework for multiple global structure comparison (MGSC). Under this framework, a formal geodesic distance is defined for any pair of protein structures and a mean structure can be estimated for a group of protein structures. The multiple structure comparison is then conveniently performed by comparing each individual structure with the mean structure. The formal distance facilitates consistent and accurate clustering of protein structures. An efficient clustering algorithm was designed based on the developed method. Probability models can be built for groups of protein structures and used in hypothesis testing. A robust outlier detection algorithm was designed to illustrate the potential applications of the framework.
Memories of reward events and expectancies of reward events may work in tandem

A common assumption is that expectancies of reward events in instrumental tasks are established on the basis of Pavlovian conditioning. According to the tandem hypothesis, tested in the four runway investigations reported here employing rats, memories of reward events may serve as the conditioned stimuli eliciting expectancies. In Experiments 1–3, rats were trained under a schedule of partial reward (P), which did not produce increased resistance to extinction, and subsequently shifted to consistent reward (C). According to the tandem hypothesis, the shift to the C schedule should result in increased resistance to extinction if, as hypothesized, under the P schedule the memory of reward, SR, came to elicit the expectancy of nonreward,EN. This hypothesis was confirmed under a variety of conditions. It was shown that increased resistance to extinction could not be attributed to the P schedule alone, to the rats receiving two schedules, P and C, to stimuli other than SR eliciting EN, or to the rats forgetting reward-produced memories when expecting nonreward (Experiment 4). It was shown that the tandem hypothesis could explain the divergent findings obtained in prior studies employing a shift from P to C as well as in the present study.
Radionuclide Migration: Laboratory Experiments with Isolated Fractures

Laboratory experiments examining flow and element migration in rocks containing isolated fractures have been initiated at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Techniques are being developed to establish simple fracture flow systems which are appropriate to models using analytical solutions to the matrix diffusion-flow equations, such as those of I. Neretnieks [I. Neretnieks, Diffusion in the Rock Matrix: An Important Factor in Radionuclide Retardation? J. Geophys. Res. 85, 4379 (1980).] These experiments are intended to be intermediate steps toward larger scale field experiments where it may become more difficult to establish and control the parameters important to nuclide migration in fractured media. Laboratory experiments have been run on fractures ranging in size from 1 to 20 cm in length. The hydraulic flow in these fractures was studied to provide the effective apertures. The flows established in these fracture systems are similar to those in the granite fracture flow experiments of Witherspoon et al. [P.A. Witherspoon, J.S.Y. Wang, K. Iwai, and J.E. Gale, Validity of Cubic Law for Fluid Flow in a Deformable Rock Fracture, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory report LBL-9557 (October 1979).] Traced solutions containing {sup 85}Sr and {sup 137}Cs were flowed through fractures in Climax Stock granite and welded tuff (Bullfrogmore » and Tram members, Yucca Mountain, Nevada Test Site). The results of the elutions through granite agree with the matrix diffusion calculations based on independent measurements of K/sub d/. The results of the elutions through tuff, however, agree only if the K/sub d/ values used in the calculations are lower than the K/sub d/ values measured using a batch technique. This trend has been previously observed in chromatographic column experiments with tuff. 5 figures, 3 tables.« less
Lens Mounting Techniques

This paper reviews a variety of techniques used for securing lenses in their mechanical surrounds and for the design of those surrounds so as to ensure proper function of the assembled parts in the intended environment. Mounting arrangements for individual lenses and for combinations of lenses are described briefly. The treatment progresses from simple, low-precision designs to more complex and higher precision versions. Component sizes considered here range from a few centimeters to tens of centimeters in diameter. Techniques for analyzing glass-to-metal interface designs to determine their adequacy when exposed to varying environmental conditions are summarized.
Single gene mutants tolerant to NaCl in the fern Ceratopteris: Characterization and genetic analysis

Abstract NaCl-tolerant mutants of the fern Ceratopteris richardii Brongn. were isolated using a whole plant selection procedure in vitro. Two mutants, HaN10 and HaN16, showed enhanced spore germination and gametophytic growth compared to the wild type in the presence of 75–150 mM NaCl. Genetic analysis indicated a single nuclear gene as the basis of inheritance in both mutants. These mutants provide a means of examining mechanisms of osmoregulation and the development of salt tolerance in higher plants.
Spectroscopy With Visible And Far-Infrared Lasers

A discussion of several spectroscopic techniques using two lasers for semiconductor impurity studies is presented. The frequency of one laser is in or near the visible and the other in the far-infrared (10 to 100 microns). The second infrared laser offers several possibilities for spectroscopy in addition to the usual laser properties of high intensity, monochromaticity, and coherence. For example, an infrared laser frequency can be selected which is resonant with or near a donor, acceptor, or exciton (intrinsic or bound) binding energy in a semiconductor. The infrared laser then provides an intense and very precise probe, the effect of which may be studied in the fluorescence or absorption spectra produced by the visible laser. This might be compared to a temperature dependent fluorescence study, with the difference being that a broad thermal effect is replaced by a sharp photodissociative or optical pumping effect produced by the infrared laser. This has application to learning the role of specific impurities in recombination in devices such as an LED.© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Use of Refractory Metals as High Temperature Structural Materials

The use of refractory metals as high temperature structural materials has been limited in the past because of the rapid oxidation and low creep strength of the metals. Recently, a number of advances have been made in which alloying additions have improved these properties. This paper reviews these advances in the Cr-Ta and Nb-Si systems. Further needs for improvement are also described.
Attributions of female college students to variations in pupil size

Ratings were obtained from 246 female college students to the full-face photographs of a male and female peer. For each model, the photographs had been retouched to provide a continuum of pupil sizes (i.e., small, moderately large, and large). Consistent with a limited literature, a significant inverse linear trend was observed between pupil size and the positiveness of the like-sex ratings. The relationship between pupil size and the positiveness of the cross-sex ratings was an unanticipated inverted U-shaped curve. The significance of these data for the pupil size/nonverbal communication literature was discussed.
A Prospective Study of False-Positive Diagnosis of Micrometastatic Cells in the Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Colorectal Cancer

Sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM) with multilevel sections (MLS) and cytokeratin immunohistochemistry (CK-IHC) of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) upstages 15–20% of patients (pts). False-positive SLNs occur in breast cancer due to mechanical transport of cells during mapping procedures, or to pre-existing benign cellular inclusions. Our prospective study evaluated whether colorectal mapping procedures alone caused false positives. A total of 314 pts underwent SLNM with blue dye. Ninety of the pts underwent a second mapping in normal bowel away from the primary tumor. The first 1–5 blue nodes near the primary tumor were marked as SLNs; those near the second injection site were marked as nontumor SLNs (nt-SLNs). All SLNs and nt-SLNs were evaluated by MLS and CK-IHC. Of 314 pts, 30 had benign tumor and 284 had invasive cancer. SLNM was successful in 274/284 (96.5%) invasive cancer pts, with 728 SLNs identified. Forty-six of the 274 pts (16.8%) had low-volume metastasis in 57 SLNs: 31 pts (11.3%) had 38 SLNs with micrometastasis (>0.2 mm, ≤2 mm), while 15 pts (5.5%) had 19 SLNs with isolated tumor cells (≤0.2 mm). For 100 pts with second SLNM (70/90 pts successfully mapped with 102 nt-SLNs), or with SLNM of benign pathology (30/30 pts successfully mapped with 88 SLNs), there were no false positives in any of 190 nodes (P < 0.001). No false positives due to mechanical transport of cells or to benign cellular inclusions were identified in 190 lymph nodes from 100 patients with SLNM in benign bowel.
RF photonics: Status, challenges and opportunities

RF photonics has long been recognized as a key enabling technology for wideband antenna front-ends. RF photonic front-end processors have always provided bandwidth, but recent advances have shown dynamic range at high sensitivity as well. Continued advances in broadband link/processor performance as well as cost reduction are needed to maintain advantage over competing electronic front-end solutions. As photonics begin to creep into RF system architectures, more processing functionality can be expected. Until that time comes, RF photonics will remain a niche antenna technology along transmit and receive RF chains.
Maturation and conversion ofLiriodendron tulipifera somatic embryos

Embryogenic suspension cultures of the hardwood forest tree yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) have the potential to produce millions of plantlets. However, low conversion frequencies limit the realization of this potential. Using 4 embryogenic yellow-poplar lines, we first tested the ability of somatic embryos, selected for their similarity to mature zygotic embryos, to convert to plantlets, then tested physical and chemical treatments for their effects on promoting maturation of somatic embryos and subsequent plantlet production. Embryos selected based on resemblance to mature zygotic embryos and transferred to a hormone-free basal medium without casein hydrolysate (CH) produced plantlets at a frequency of 63%. Populations of synchronized somatic embryos were obtained by repeated fractionation of liquid medium-cultured proembryogenic masses (PEMs) on stainless steel sieves. These fractionated embryos failed to mature properly when cultured in liquid basal medium, however. Development of embryos cultured in basal medium supplemented with 5×10−7 M abscisic acid (ABA) was slowed and embryos appeared to mature properly, with separated cotyledons and little precocious germination. However, ABA-treated embryos only rarely converted to plantlets, possibly due to residual effects of the ABA. PEMs fractionated on sieves, transferred to filter paper and placed on solidified basal medium gave a 60–70% synchronous population of mature embryos 10–12 days following plating. Mature embryos transferred to basal medium without CH converted at a frequency of 72%. The percentage of all embryos differentiating from PEMs on filter paper that formed plantlets was 32%.
Trying to like Sam Shepard: Or, the Emperor's New Dungarees

Smith compares Eric Bentley's assessment of Eugene O'Neill's prominence in 1952 with Sam Shepard's current problematic critical reception and considers his early acclaim in the light of four characteristics peculiar to American drama: the contested “Americanness” predicated on male angst, the need for a figurehead for the canon, the concomitant need to insist on playwriting as a masculine enterprise, and the generic tyranny of realism. Smith concludes that though some critics have accused Shepard of a drift into realism, Shepard is primarily an experimental writer and that his current diminished status ironically can be attributed to Mamet's rise as a realist.
PERIODIC ORBITS IN THE 3:2 ORBITAL RESONANCE AND THEIR STABILITY

Periodic orbits in the external 3:2 orbital resonance are investigated in the context of the planar, elliptic restricted three-body problem. Differential continuation is employed to determine the location of such orbits. Their stability and periods of libration around them are also computed. Stable, nearly circular orbits for hypothetical small bodies are found in extrasolar planetary systems having a giant planet on a very eccentric orbit. These orbits cross the orbit of the giant planet, but the 3:2 orbital resonance keeps them safely apart in a configuration analogous to that of Neptune and Pluto.
Asymptotic distribution of local medians

Abstract The estimation of the regression function r(x)=E[Y|X=x] is very important because of its wide applications. Local median estimators with fixed bandwidth and random bandwidth are established and investigated. The limiting distribution of the estimators proposed in the paper is shown to be normal. The random fields are assumed to satisfy general mixing conditions.
Effects of benzo(a)pyrene on friend viral leukemogenesis in b10sjf1 mice.

AbstractA single intraperitoneal injection of benzo(a)pyrene (BP) given 1, 2, or 3 days before an ip injection of Friend leukemia virus (FLV) significantly increased the leukemogenic effect of the virus in B10SJF1 mice. These hybrids are the offspring of C57BL/10 females and SJL/J males and are highly resistant to FLV leukemogenesis when the virus is injected alone.
Cervicovaginal fistula presenting during miscarriage

Cervicovaginal fistula is a recognized complication of induced mid-trimester termination of pregnancy, but more recently it has also been recognized as representing a complication of prior cervical cerclage. We report the ultrasound findings of prolapse of the amniotic sac through a cervicovaginal fistula in a woman with prior cervical cerclage. A woman with cervical incompetence and prior failed McDonald cerclage presented for prophylactic Shirodkar cerclage. Before the procedure, transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a live intrauterine pregnancy at 14 weeks' gestation. Upon further ultrasound examination, the amniotic sac appeared to protrude through the posterior wall of the cervix into the vaginal vault. Pelvic examination verified prolapse of the amniotic sac through a cervicovaginal fistula. The patient underwent an uncomplicated dilatation and evacuation. Women with a history of cervical cerclage are at risk for the development of cervicovaginal fistula, the detection of which is important to prevent potential morbidity.
New insights in the polarization resistance of anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells with La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 cathodes

Abstract In this study, the polarization resistance of anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) with La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSCF) cathodes was investigated by I–V sweep and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy under a series of operating voltages and cathode environments (i.e. stagnant air, flowing air, and flowing oxygen) at temperatures from 550 °C to 750 °C. In flowing oxygen, the polarization resistance of the fuel cell decreased considerably with the applied current density. A linear relationship was observed between the ohmic-free over-potential and the logarithm of the current density of the fuel cell at all the measuring temperatures. In stagnant or flowing air, an arc related to the molecular oxygen diffusion through the majority species (molecular nitrogen) present in the pores of the cathode was identified at high temperatures and high current densities. The magnitude of this arc increased linearly with the applied current density due to the decreased oxygen partial pressure at the interface of the cathode and the electrolyte. It is found that the performance of the fuel cell in air is mainly determined by the oxygen diffusion process. Elimination of this process by flowing pure oxygen to the cathode improved the cell performance significantly. At 750 °C, for a fuel cell with a laser-deposited Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC) interlayer, an extraordinarily high power density of 2.6 W cm−2 at 0.7 V was achieved in flowing oxygen, as a result of reduced ohmic and polarization resistance of the fuel cell, which were 0.06 Ω cm2 and 0.03 Ω cm2, respectively. The results indicate that microstructural optimization of the LSCF cathode or adoption of a new cell design which can mitigate the oxygen diffusion limitation in the cathode might enhance cell performance significantly.
Measuring the decoherence of a quantronium qubit with the cavity bifurcation amplifier

Dispersive readouts for superconducting qubits have the advantage of speed and minimal invasiveness. We have developed such an amplifier, the cavity bifurcation amplifier (CBA), and applied it to the readout of the quantronium qubit. It consists of a Josephson junction embedded in a microwave on-chip resonator. In contrast with the Josephson bifurcation amplifier, which has an on-chip capacitor shunting a junction, the resonator is based on a simple coplanar waveguide imposing a predetermined frequency and whose other rf characteristics such as the quality factor are easily controlled and optimized. Under proper microwave irradiation conditions, the CBA has two metastable states. Which state is adopted by the CBA depends on the state of a quantronium qubit coupled to the CBA's junction. Due to the megahertz repetition rate and large signal to noise ratio, we can show directly that the coherence is limited by $1∕f$ gate charge noise when biased at the ``sweet spot''---a point insensitive to first order gate charge fluctuations. This architecture lends itself to scalable quantum computing using a multiresonator chip with multiplexed readouts.
Effects of alcohol on kindled seizure thresholds in rats.

Abstract Seizures were kindled in the amygdala and ventral hippocampus of rats until a stage 5 (clonic convulsion) was elicited. Stage 5 thresholds were then determined. Animals were then injected with either saline, or a 600 mg/kg, or 1600 mg/kg dose of 25% ethanol. The effect of each of these injections on seizure thresholds was assessed. The 1600 mg/kg dose caused a significant elevation in both AD and motor seizure thresholds, relative to the 600 mg/kg dose and saline, which did not differ. The elevation of seizure thresholds was significantly greater for animals with seizures kindled in the ventral hippocampus.
Responses to incomprehensible humor

Abstract Humor may fail for many reasons and the ways in which this happens are just beginning to be explored. Bell, 2009a , Bell, 2009b used an unfunny joke to elicit responses in order to describe reactions that an attempt at humor receives when the joke is not appreciated. The present paper adopts those methods to explore responses to a joke that failed because it was not understood by the recipient. A total of 278 responses were elicited using a joke that was impossible for most hearers to comprehend without explanation. The most common reactions included non-verbal responses, explicit expressions of non-understanding (e.g. “I don’t get it”), laughter, silence, and repetition of the punch line. Significant differences were found in examining the responses by the sociolinguistic variables of gender and social relationship, but not age.
Maximizing the effective use of school time by teachers and students

Abstract The effectiveness of an instructional-learning management system designed to minimize the “time needed” for students to complete a specified number of learning tasks and to maximize the “opportunity” for the individual students to complete the tasks is investigated. The results support a number of hypotheses about the role instructional design can play in achieving the goal of making more effective use of the teacher's and the student's school time.
Gram Negative Bacteria Inhibition by Lactic Acid Culture and Food Preservatives on Catfish Fillets during Refrigerated Storage

Treating catfish fillets with sodium acetate (SA) and/or potassium sorbate (PS), with or without lactic culture (Lactococcus lactic spp. cremoris ATCC 19257 grown in 20% milk solids) was studied at 4°C. Gram negative bacterial (CVT) counts on crystal violet tetrazolium chloride agar, pH, and sensory evaluation of fillets were assessed over time. Treatment with the combination of 0.50% SA, 0.25% PS with 2.50% lactic acid culture (LC) and, also, 0.50 to 1.00% SA alone completely inhibited growth for 6 days at 4°C. After 12 days, counts with this treatment and the 1.00% SA increased ∼1.3 and 1.2 log cycles, respectively. The antimicrobial effects did not appear to be due to pH values. The combination of 0.50% SA and 0.25% PS with 2.50% LC, or 1.00% SA, alone, improved catfish odor and appearance during 13 days storage.
A simplified approach to M-estimation with application to two-stage estimators

Abstract This paper presents a simple version of the theory of M-estimation. It is argued that the theory is immediately applicable to almost all estimation schemes employed by econometricians. It is further argued that the great overlooked benefit of the theory is that is provides almost automatic asymptotic results, e.g., probability limits and asymptotic covariances. Thus one need not be a theoretical econometrician to invent and use specially tailored estimators. To illustrate its use the theory is applied to a variety of theoretical and applied problems. Particular attention is paid to two-stage estimators.
Evaluation of Northern Hemisphere natural climate variability in multiple temperature reconstructions and global climate model simulations

The detection of anthropogenic climate change in observations and the validation of climate models both rely on understanding natural climate variability. To evaluate internal climate variability, we apply spectral analysis to time series of surface air temperature (SAT) from nine coupled general circulation model (GCM) simulations, three recent global paleotemperature reconstructions, and Northern Hemisphere (NH) instrumental records. Our comparison is focused on the NH due to the greater spatial and temporal coverage and validation of the available NH temperature reconstructions. The paleotemperature reconstructions capture the general magnitude of NH climate variability, but not the precise variance and specific spatial, temporal, or periodic signals demonstrated in the instrumental record. The models achieved varying degrees of success for each measure of variability analyzed, with none of the models consistently capturing the appropriate variability. In general, the models performed best in the analysis of combined mean annual land and marine variability. D 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
A retrospective study on the course and outcome of fetal ventriculomegaly

Abstract Objective To evaluate the outcomes associated with fetal ventriculomegaly. Materials and methods Reports of women who underwent ultrasound scanning between 18 and 36 weeks of gestation during the period from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2010, were reviewed. According to the defined severity of ventriculomegaly of affected fetuses, the women were divided into the following groups: (1) mild ventriculomegaly (Group A); (2) moderate ventriculomegaly (Group B); and (3) severe ventriculomegaly (Group C). The women were classified into the "gray zone" group if the fetal lateral ventricle measured between 7 mm and Results A total of 41 cases were recruited for this analysis. Four (9.8%) cases had an abnormal karyotype. Twelve women (29.3%) opted for termination of pregnancy. Of the 29 women who delivered, 56.1% ( N = 23) were from Group A, 14.6% ( N = 6) were from Group B, and none was from Group C. All children in Group A had normal neurological development. Three children in Group B had normal neurological development, whereas the other three had neurologic deficits. A total of 432 cases were classified into the "gray zone" group. Of these cases, 2.8% ( N = 12) progressed to ventriculomegaly. Conclusion Cases of isolated and mild ventriculomegaly without additional structural anomalies or chromosomal aberrations had good prognoses. However, the parents of fetuses with moderate or severe ventriculomegaly should be counseled regarding related risks. If the ventricular size of the fetus falls within the "gray zone", at least one additional exam in the third trimester should be performed, for early detection of ventriculomegaly and other related abnormalities. It is important to make the parents of these fetuses aware of these risks, from a medico-legal point of view.
Specifying and checking method call sequences of Java programs

In a pre and postcondition-style specification, it is difficult to specify the allowed sequences of method calls, referred to as protocols. The protocols are essential properties of reusable object-oriented classes and application frameworks, and the approaches based on the pre and postconditions, such as design by contracts (DBC) and formal behavioral interface specification languages (BISL), are being accepted as a practical and effective tool for describing precise interfaces of (reusable) program modules. We propose a simple extension to the Java Modeling Language (JML), a BISL for Java, to specify protocol properties in an intuitive and concise manner. The key idea of our approach is to separate protocol properties from functional properties written in pre and post-conditions and to specify them in a regular expression-like notation. The semantics of our extension is formally defined and provides a foundation for implementing runtime checks. Case studies have been performed to show the effectiveness our approach. We believe that our approach can be adopted by other BISLs.
Component Diagnosis and Life Span Estimation for Optimal Replacement

ABSTRACT The functions of monitoring, failure diagnosis, and estimation of remaining operable lifetime of process components must be performed in an integral manner, such that the overall system productivity is maximized. Plant components include sensors (measurement devices) and field devices such as controllers, valves, pumps, motors and other equipment. Some recent advances in monitoring and diagnosis of plant components, and approaches for their lifespan prediction, are presented in this article. Examples of applications to operating process systems are discussed.
In situ study of defect migration kinetics in nanoporous Ag with enhanced radiation tolerance

Defect sinks, such as grain boundaries and phase boundaries, have been widely accepted to improve the irradiation resistance of metallic materials. However, free surface, an ideal defect sink, has received little attention in bulk materials as surface-to-volume ratio is typically low. Here by using in situ Kr ion irradiation technique in a transmission electron microscope, we show that nanoporous (NP) Ag has enhanced radiation tolerance. Besides direct evidence of free surface induced frequent removal of various types of defect clusters, we determined, for the first time, the global and instantaneous diffusivity of defect clusters in both coarse-grained (CG) and NP Ag. Opposite to conventional wisdom, both types of diffusivities are lower in NP Ag. Such a surprise is largely related to the reduced interaction energy between isolated defect clusters in NP Ag. Determination of kinetics of defect clusters is essential to understand and model their migration and clustering in irradiated materials.
Zero waste in Los Angeles: Is the emperor wearing any clothes?

Abstract This article asks how effectively and to what extent contemporary urban solid waste management systems can effect sustainable materials use. To assess this we first trace the origins of waste management in the U.S., identify the existing federal regulatory framework, and examine trends in waste generation and composition. We then describe waste management in Los Angeles, California, including identifying the city's waste management objectives and current programs, a long-range “zero waste” planning process, and an overhaul of waste collection and processing infrastructure currently underway. We find that, although aggressive, Los Angeles’ efforts to achieve zero waste are insufficient for addressing resource conservation challenges. The main reasons for this are continued reliance on waste management approaches that have proven inadequate to address the increasing complexity of solid waste and limited data quantifying and characterizing waste generation patterns. The paper concludes by suggesting that addressing resource conservation in the U.S. will require renewed federal leadership as well as redoubled local efforts to improve waste flow accounting.
Synthetic Allergen Design Reveals The Significance of Moderate Affinity Epitopes in Mast Cell Degranulation

This study describes the design of a well-defined homotetravalent synthetic allergen (HTA) system to investigate the effect of hapten–IgE interactions on mast cell degranulation. A library of DNP variants with varying affinities for IgEDNP was generated (Kd from 8.1 nM to 9.2 μM), and 8 HTAs spanning this range were synthesized via conjugation of each DNP variant to the tetravalent scaffold. HTAs with hapten Kd < 235 nM stimulated degranulation following a bell-shaped dose response curve with maximum response occurring near the hapten Kd. HTAs with hapten Kd ≥ 235 nM failed to stimulate degranulation. To mimic physiological conditions, the percent of allergen specific IgE on cell surface was varied, and maximum degranulation occurred at 25% IgEDNP. These results demonstrated that moderate hapten–IgE affinities are sufficient to trigger mast cell degranulation. Moreover, this study established the HTA design as a well-defined, controllable, and physiologically relevant experimental system to elucidate the ...
Unusual structural motif in a zwitterionic Fe(II) complex of a tetradentate phosphine

The reaction of meso-DPPEPM (DPPEPM = bis(diphenylphosphino-ethylphenylphosphino)methane) with one equivalent of FeBr2 in tetrahydrofuran generates a zwitterionic compound [FeBr(κ2-DPPEPM)(κ3-DPPEPM-FeBr3)] (1). Compound 1 exhibits an unusual bonding arrangement with two meso-DPPEPM ligands and one bromide coordinated to a single Fe(II) center. One of the DPPEPM ligands binds to iron in a κ2 mode via two central phosphorus atoms, leaving the terminal phosphines dangling. The second DPPEPM binds through three phosphines, whereas the fourth one coordinates to the iron center of an external FeBr3− unit. A 1 : 2 reaction of FeBr2 and meso-DPPEPM in tetrahydrofuran generates [FeBr(κ2-DPPEPM)(κ3-DPPEPM)]Br ([2]Br) in which the positive charge on the pseudo-octahedral unit is balanced by free Br− as opposed to the phosphine-bound FeBr3− in 1. The compound [2]PF66 was obtained from [2]Br and TlPF6. Solution structures for 1, [2]Br and [2]PF66 were assigned on the basis of 31P NMR. For all three compounds the data are consistent with five phosphorus atoms bound to the metal.
The interactive effects of climate, life history, and interspecific neighbours on mortality in a population of seed harvester ants

Fifteen years of census data from a population of the red harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex barbatus), 5 years of census data from populations of Aphaenogaster cockerelli and Myrmecocystus mimicus at the same site, and long- term precipitation data from a nearby weather station were used to examine how nearest interspecific neighbours, climate, and life history influence P. barbatus colony mortality. 2. It was found that more P. barbatus colonies die followingdry summers than followingwet summers, but there is no relationship between the establishment of new colonies and rainfall. 3. Aphaenogaster cockerelli, but not M. mimicus, nearest neighbours influence P. barbatus colony mortality in some years and for some ages. 4. The effects of nearest A. cockerelli neighbours are usually most severe follow- ingdry summers, when resource availability is reduced.
Assessing the Impact of Urban Growth on Flooding with an Integrated Curve Number-Flow Accumulation Approach

Abstract This paper presents a GIS-based analytical flooding model that integrates a widely used Curve Number method with the concepts of flow direction and flow accumulation. Simulated runoff depths and flood stage elevations for 1980 and 1992 in the Mill Creek watershed, an urban stream in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA were compared. Results show strong spatial connection between urban growth and increased runoff and flood stage elevation, which indicates that rapid urban growth, a process of expansion of urban area and conversion of farm land to paved areas, has contributed to higher risk of flooding. Therefore, strategies and policies that address flooding problems must take a watershed approach
Teaching Creativity in the Marketing Curriculum.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a relatively consolidated and heuristic framework that educators can use to implement the teaching of creativity in the classroom. Toward this goal, the paper provides a review of what the marketing education literature has accomplished in the area of creative pedagogy, namely, including brief summaries of the various methodologies and tactics that have been employed. The larger MAP (metaphor, analogy, preinventive form) Model is presented, with component submodels discussed, the purpose of which is to provide additional guidance to instructors who wish to teach creativity within their courses. Two creative assignments requiring application of this model are described, including a rubric for scoring the assignments. Student scores on these creative assignments spanning six consecutive semesters in the principles of marketing course are presented and compared with other student learning outcomes. The conclusions are that given a minimal amount of class time devoted t...