cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The adoption of agricultural innovations: A review

Abstract This paper reviews the theoretical and empirical literature on the adoption of agricultural innovations during the last decade and the impact of policy interventions promoting technology adoption. The analysis of the final stage of the Green Revolution technology diffusion cycle reveals that the agroclimatic environment is the most significant determinant of locational differences in adoption rates. The linkage between micro-adoption and the aggregate diffusion process needs to be more firmly established to achieve a clearer understanding of diffusion patterns. Several studies showed that the impact of policy interventions to promote technology adoption depends on the type of technology, market structure, and the nature and duration of the policy intervention.
Cortical Surface Thickness as a Classifier: Boosting for Autism Classification

We study the problem of classifying an autistic group from controls using structural image data alone, a task that requires a clinical interview with a psychologist. Because of the highly convoluted brain surface topology, feature extraction poses the first obstacle. A clinically relevant measure called the cortical thickness has shown promise but yields a rather challenging learning problem --- where the dimensionality of the distribution is extremely large and the training set is small. By observing that each point on the brain cortical surface may be treated as a "hypothesis", we propose a new algorithm for LPBoosting (with truncated neighborhoods) for this problem. In addition to learning a high quality classifier, our model incorporates topological priors into the classification framework directly --- that two neighboring points on the cortical surface (hypothesis pairs) must have similar discriminative qualities. As a result, we obtain not just a label { + 1, i¾? 1} for test items, but also an indication of the "discriminative regions" on the cortical surface. We discuss the formulation and present interesting experimental results.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN REASONS FOR DRINKING AND NOT DRINKING: ASSOCIATION WITH DRINKING LEVELS AND ALCOHOL-RELATED CONSEQUENCES

Fifty-nine male and 65 female high school students were interviewed in the winter of 1995. These students verbally expressed their reasons for drinking or not drinking and shared their experiences with alcohol-related outcomes. The reasons given for drinking were then evaluated to see whether they were associated with A) usual blood-alcohol concentration achieved per typical sitting, and B) alcohol related consequences typically experienced by two gender group. Results indicate that both gender groups very often named as reasons for their drinking such as things as fitting in with peers and having fun. Drinking for fun was associated with high blood-alcohol concentrations among both gender groups; drinking to experiment was related to low blood-alcohol concentrations among female respondents. Male heavy drinkers said they drank to alleviate boredom. When usual blood-alcohol concentration was controlled, some reasons cites by the respondents predicted particular kinds of alcohol-related problems
Three-dimensional mixture simulations of flow over dynamic rippled beds

[1] A three-dimensional mixture theory model for flow and sediment transport in the seafloor boundary layer, SedMix3D, simulated the flow over and the resulting sediment entrainment and evolution of rippled beds. SedMix3D treats the fluid-sediment mixture as a continuum of varying density and viscosity with the concentration of sediment and velocity of the mixture simulated by the Navier-Stokes equations coupled with a sediment flux equation for the mixture. Model validation was performed by comparing simulated time-dependent flow quantities and bulk flow statistics with measurements obtained in the laboratory under scaled forcing conditions. Two-dimensional planes extracted from a three-dimensional simulation were compared to observations made using planar Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) in a laboratory flume. The simulated results of time-averaged velocities and time-dependent quantities of vorticity and swirling strength were in good agreement with the observations. The model was used to analyze the three-dimensionality of vortex formation and ejection produced by oscillatory flow over vortex ripples, a process that cannot be observed in the laboratory with planar PIV measurements. The three-dimensional simulated results showed that the swirling strength varied significantly in the cross-flow direction, indicating that the vortices formed and dissipated non-uniformly due to random fluctuations. Subsequently, an order of magnitude difference in offshore sediment flux was observed using two different methods to calculate sediment fluxes (spatially averaging and at a point). The results suggest that while a two-dimensional plane may be sufficient to examine the general hydrodynamics over ripples, three-dimensional analysis is necessary for a complete understanding of sediment transport.
Reflection from a Lossy, One-Dimensional Ocean Sediment Model

The interplay of random layering, small attenuation and refraction is studied in the context of an idealized one-dimensional model of ocean sediments. Appropriate scalings are defined and the Fokker-Planck equation for the reflection coefficient is asymptotically analyzed.
Inverted Meckel’s Diverticulum Simulating Pedunculated Polyp as a Lead Point for Ileoileal Intussusception in a Child

A 2-year-old girl presented with one day history of abdominal distension, bilious vomiting and not passing stool. There was no preceding history of significant illness. The patient was vitally stable. Abdomen was distended with tenderness on right side. Digital rectal examination revealed an empty rectum. Abdominal radiograph showed air fluid levels. Ultrasound of abdomen gave an impression of intussusception. Laboratory investigations were within normal limits. Patient was managed with intravenous fluids, prophylactic antibiotics, nasogastric decompression, and analgesics. Exploratory laparotomy was performed within 3 hours of presentation that revealed an ileoileal intussusception which was manually reduced. A polyp like pedunculated growth was palpable at about 30 cm proximal to ileocecal valve. An enterotomy was performed for polypectomy; however, the pedunculated growth had a pale tissue at the tip giving a suspicion of heterotopic tissue.
Teaching Vocabulary to English Language Learners by Michael F. Graves, Diane August, & Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez

Learning about new ways to deliberately and explicitly expand the vocabulary knowledge of English learners is of interest to teachers regardless of content area. Until now, however, teacher-friendl...
Validation of a spatial model used to locate fish spawning reef construction sites in the St. Clair–Detroit River system

Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) populations have suffered precipitous declines in the St. Clair–Detroit River system, following the removal of gravel spawning substrates and overfishing in the late 1800s to mid-1900s. To assist the remediation of lake sturgeon spawning habitat, three hydrodynamic models were integrated into a spatial model to identify areas in two large rivers, where water velocities were appropriate for the restoration of lake sturgeon spawning habitat. Here we use water velocity data collected with an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) to assess the ability of the spatial model and its sub-models to correctly identify areas where water velocities were deemed suitable for restoration of fish spawning habitat. ArcMap 10.1 was used to create raster grids of water velocity data from model estimates and ADCP measurements which were compared to determine the percentage of cells similarly classified as unsuitable, suitable, or ideal for fish spawning habitat remediation. The spatial model categorized 65% of the raster cells the same as depth-averaged water velocity measurements from the ADCP and 72% of the raster cells the same as surface water velocity measurements from the ADCP. Sub-models focused on depth-averaged velocities categorized the greatest percentage of cells similar to ADCP measurements where 74% and 76% of cells were the same as depth-averaged water velocity measurements. Our results indicate that integrating depth-averaged and surface water velocity hydrodynamic models may have biased the spatial model and overestimated suitable spawning habitat. A model solely integrating depth-averaged velocity models could improve identification of areas suitable for restoration of fish spawning habitat.
Quantification of aortic stiffness across the cardiac cycle using magnetic resonance elastography

Background The measurement of arterial stiffness has long been a reliable method of determining the severity and risk involved with many cardiovascular diseases [1]. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), a non-invasive MRI-based technique, has recently been applied to measure aortic stiffness [2]. The aim of this study is to determine MRE-derived shear stiffness (μMRE) of the abdominal aorta over the cardiac cycle.
Electrical Resistivity of Liquid $\hbox{Ge}_{2} \hbox{Sb}_{2}\hbox{Te}_{5}$ Based on Thin-Film and Nanoscale Device Measurements

The electrical resistivity of liquid Ge2Sb2 Te5 (GST) is obtained from dc-voltage measurements performed on thin GST films as well as from device-level microsecond-pulse voltage and current measurements performed on two arrays (thicknesses: 20 ± 2 nm and 50 ± 5 nm) of lithographically defined encapsulated GST nano-/microwires (length: 315 to 675 nm; width: 60 to 420 nm) with metal contacts. The thin-film measurements yield 1.26 ±0.15 mΩ·cm (thicknesses: 50, 100, and 200 nm); however, there is significant uncertainty regarding the integrity of the film in liquid state. The device-level measurements utilize the melting of the encapsulated structures by a single voltage pulse while monitoring the current through the wire. The melting is verified by the stabilization of the current during the pulse. The resistivity of liquid GST is extracted as 0.31 ± 0.04 and 0.21 ±0.03 mΩ·cm from 20- and 50-nm-thick wire arrays.
Safety of testosterone use in women

Female sexual desire appears to be in part androgen dependent, which has lead to the use of testosterone in women for low libido. Despite this benefit, the long-term safety of testosterone as a hormone replacement or therapy has not been well established. Side effects of testosterone therapy include mild and reversible acne and hirsuitism, as well as changes to the lipid profile with oral, but not transdermal testosterone. Short-term studies, up to 2 years, have shown that for serum plasma testosterone levels at the upper portion or slightly above the reference range for reproductive-aged women, testosterone does not increase the risk of hepatotoxicity, endometrial hyperplasia, or behavioral hostility. No adverse cardiovascular effects including changes in blood pressure, blood viscosity, arterial vascular reactivity, hypercoagulable states, and polycythemia have been shown. Data is mixed with outcomes of breast cancer risk, with some experimental studies suggesting a decrease in estrogen-induced breast epithelial proliferation with low dose testosterone. Additionally, models of superphysiologic testosterone levels, such as polycystic ovarian disease, have not shown an increased risk of breast cancer. As with all hormone therapy in postmenopausal women, testosterone therapy should be individualized and requires that each woman weigh the risk and benefits. Nevertheless, only long-term safety studies will provide conclusive evidence as to testosterone safety in women.
Research Note: Contracting State Mental Hospital Systems

The predominant approach to contracting state mental hospital systems has been to close individual hospitals. Such a policy creates conflict between state government and the affected workers and communities. Closing of hospitals has been motivated by an implicit assumption on the part of state policy-makers that there are increasing returns to scale in mental hospitals. The bulk of empirical evidence suggests that returns to scale are constant. Thus, in many cases one may forego the political conflict inherent in closing hospitals by shrinking them with no loss in economic efficiency.
Irisin levels correlate with energy expenditure in a subgroup of humans with energy expenditure greater than predicted by fat free mass.

Abstract Objective Obesity is a result of chronic overconsumption of calories relative to the amount of energy expended. While fat free mass can account for ~ 80% of the variance in energy expenditure, there is still considerable variability in energy requirements between individuals that cannot be explained. We hypothesized that responsiveness to the recently discovered myokine, irisin, which has been touted to increase energy expenditure via activation of brown adipocytes in rodents and possibly humans, may explain some of the variability in energy expenditure. Materials/methods Post-menopausal women ( n = 17) spent 24-h in a whole room indirect calorimeter. During the study day, subjects remained sedentary and consumed meals tailored to their energy requirements. Plasma irisin, leptin and adiponectin were measured in samples taken from each subject. Results Our results suggest that in general, irisin levels do not correlate with 24-h energy expenditure, however, for a subpopulation irisin levels and energy expenditure are highly correlative. Conclusion Irisin may help explain some of the observed variability in individual energy requirements that cannot be accounted for by fat free mass. Therefore, interventions designed to increase irisin action may prove to be promising avenues for the treatment of obesity.
GRAY FOX RESPONSE TO BAITS AND ATTRACTANTS FOR ORAL RABIES VACCINATION

Rabies is a widespread zoonosis that recently reached epidemic proportions in gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) in central Texas. The objectives of this study were to determine bait and attractant preferences among captive gray foxes, to determine the behavioral responses of gray foxes to selected bait-attractant combinations, and to evaluate baits as a delivery mechanism of oral rabies vaccines. Trials were conducted to determine bait preferences of captive gray foxes to selected baits and attractants. Tested baits consisted of a polymer-bound cube made of either dog food meal or fish meal, a polymer-bound cylinder made of dog food meal, and a wax-lard cake that was enhanced with marshmallow or chicken flavoring. Attractants were additives to baits that exuded sweet, sulfurous, fruity, fatty, cheesy, honey, and fishy odors and flavors. Captive gray foxes (n = 31) exhibited a preference for marshmallow wax cakes and polymer dog food baits with a lard interior and granulated sugar exterior. However, gr...
Dependence Properties of Generalized Liouville Distributions on the Simplex

Abstract Compositional data arise naturally in several branches of science, including chemistry, geology, biology, medicine, ecology, and manufacturing design. Thus the correct statistical analysis of this type of data is of fundamental importance. Prior to the pioneering and extensive work of Aitchison, the Dirichlet distribution provided the parametric model of choice when analyzing such data. But Aitchison and others have since pointed out that the Dirichlet distribution is appropriate only for modeling compositional vectors that exhibit forms of extreme independence. Aitchison developed his logistic normal classes partly in response to this shortcoming. Unfortunately, Aitchison's logistic normal classes do not contain the Dirichlet distribution as a special case. As a result, they exhibit interesting dependence structures but are unable to model extreme independence. The generalized Liouville family is studied in this article. This family, which contains the Dirichlet class, is shown to contain densit...
Modeling the transport and optical properties of smoke aerosols from African savanna fires during the Southern African Regional Science Initiative campaign (SAFARI 2000)

[1] We investigate the transport and optical properties of smoke aerosols from southern Africa using an offline three-dimensional aerosol transport model. We use Sun photometer retrieved particle size distributions and monthly mean satellite-derived smoke emissions as input parameters. We find that using these observations in our model allows us to reproduce the measured optical properties collected during the Southern African Regional Science Initiative campaign (SAFARI 2000). In particular, we find day-to-day oscillations in the simulated aerosol optical thickness (AOT) similar to Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) retrievals, suggesting that variations in aerosol loading are controlled more by transport processes than fluctuations in smoke emissions. We also find that the simulated AOT, Angstrom exponent, and single scattering albedo compare well to AERONET. The model and satellite observations from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) also show that the dominant transport of smoke plumes over Africa was westward during September 2000. However, the satellite observations show higher AOT values than our model over the Atlantic Ocean. These higher values observed by the satellites may be a result of poor single scattering assumptions and the contamination by subpixel clouds in the retrievals. However, the monthly mean smoke emissions may also be too low, resulting in low simulated AOT values. We also find discrepancies between MODIS and MISR, which limit our ability to use the satellite data to validate our model. Our work suggests strategies for improving the treatment of smoke aerosols from African biomass burning in climate and microphysical models.
Estimation of Soil Water Balance Components Using an Iterative Procedure

NOTE Quantifying the hydrologic balance at high temporal resolution is necessary to evaluate fi eld-scale management eff ects on soil water storage. Our objective was to develop and evaluate a hybrid procedure to estimate drainage, infi ltration, and evaporation based on changes in plot-scale soil water storage on a Pullman clay loam. Soil water contents were monitored in 2005 at 0.5-h intervals on 12 plots instrumented with time-domain refl ectometry probes at 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, and 0.3 m depths, and weekly using a neutron moisture meter to a depth of 2.3 m in 0.2-m increments. During periods in August 2005 when either a plane of zero fl ux existed or when a wetting front penetrated into an upper soil layer at ?0.24 m, changes in soil water storage were used to iteratively fi t hydraulic parameters to estimate soil water fl uxes into and out of the control volume. Predicted hydraulic conductivities were not signifi cantly diff erent (p = 0.471) from hydraulic conductivities calculated using the iterative method during three other months in 2005 and yielded drainage rates that diff ered by less than 0.05 mm d −1 as compared to calculated changes in storage below the plane of zero fl ux. By considering the delayed response of water content measurements to precipitation inputs, cumulative infi ltration and evaporation throughout a month with 103-mm precipitation could be estimated from the measured changes in soil water storage with expected uncertainties of ± 5 mm. Th e proposed procedure permits the indirect estimation of soil water balance components useful for comparing plot-scale treatments and overcomes some of the diffi culties associated with weighing lysimeter and meterological approaches.
Gene therapy to protect haematopoietic cells from cytotoxic cancer drugs.

One of the most important complications of cancer chemotherapy is the toxic effect that the drugs have on normal tissues — particularly the bone marrow. Several gene-therapy vectors have been developed with the aim of expressing drug-resistance genes specifically in bone-marrow stem cells, so protecting them from chemotherapeutics. The feasibility of this approach has been established in animal model systems, and recent advances in the design of gene-therapy vectors offer promise for future clinical applications.
Beam profile measurements using nonimaging gamma optics

Abstract High energy photons produced from bremsstrahlung foils, Compton scattering or beamstrahlung from high energy e+e− collisions can be used to measure beam profiles using nonimaging optics. We describe the method and its limitations (resolution, backgrounds etc.), as well as the apparatus required to implement it. Data from a low energy test run is described as well as other possible applications, such as a 250 + 250 GeV linear collider and possible experiments with existing beams.
PEMFC cathode catalyst contamination evaluation with a RRDE-methyl methacrylate

Abstract This study was undertaken to provide insight into the mechanism of methyl methacrylate (MMA) contamination on the cathodes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The effect of various concentrations of MMA on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was investigated using a rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE). The adsorption of MMA on the Pt/C electrode leads to a reduction in the electrochemical surface area (ECSA) and a decrease in the mass activity of the ORR. Increasing the MMA concentration causes an increase in its coverage on Pt and a decrease in the ORR mass activity. At high MMA concentration (0.1 M), the O2 transportation is also affected, resulting in a large decrease in the diffusion limiting current. For all of the MMA concentrations measured, a shift in the ORR reaction pathway from a 4-electron to 2-electron mechanism is observed, as indicated by the increase in the H2O2 production on the ring. Using the RRDE measurements and the Levich plots, the total charge transfer number is confirmed to decrease from 4 for the clean electrode to lower values due to the increase in the H2O2 side reactions. The shift in the reaction pathway is hypothesized to be caused by the inhibition of dual adsorption of the O2 molecules, due to steric hindrance induced by MMA adsorption on the Pt/C electrode. Tafel evaluation indicates a continuous increase in the slope with an increase in the MMA concentration, which indicates that the passage of electrons for the ORR at the electrode surface is altered by the adsorption of MMA. A recovery effect was also investigated and a water rinsing process was used to recover the electrode. Only a partial recovery was obtained with a water rinse followed by potential cycling over the same potential range as the initial ECSA measurements. The unrecovered performance is attributed to MMA remnants on the catalyst surface, which can be removed by potential cycling over a wider potential range with a larger anodic potential limit.
Effect of smoking on survival and morbidity in patients randomized to medical or surgical therapy in the coronary artery surgery study (CASS): 10-Year follow-up

Abstract Objectives. The goal of this study was to ascertain how continued cigarette smoking or smoking cessation related to long-term survival and morbidity in patients with established coronary artery disease managed with medical therapy or coronary bypass surgery. Background. Although the association of cigarette smoking with coronary artery disease is well established, the morbidity and mortality associated with smoking behavior in patients with such disease receiving medical or surgical therapy are less well established. Methods. The 780 patients randomized to medical therapy or coronary bypass surgery in the Coronary Artery Surgery Study (CASS) were subgrouped according to smoking behavior during a mean 11.2-year follow-up interval. Comparisons between smokers and nonsmokers were accomplished by univariate and Cox time-dependent multivariate analyses. Results. Survival at 10 years after entry into the study was 82% among 468 patients who reported no smoking during follow-up (nonsmokers) compared with 77% among the 312 smokers (p = 0.025). Survival was 80% among those who smoked at entry but stopped (quitters) versus 69% among those who continued smoking (p = 0.025). For patients who smoked at baseline and were randomised to bypass surgery, survival at 10 years was 84% among quitters and 68% among nonquitters (p = 0.018); the difference in survival between quitters (75%) and nonquitters (71%) was less among those randomized to medical therapy (p = NS). Among those who smoked at baseline, continued smoking increased the relative risk of death by 1.73. After 10 years, smokers, in comparison with nonsmokers, were less likely to be angina free and more likely to be unemployed and had more activity limitation and more hospital admissions (primarily for chest pain, heart attack, cardiac catheterization, peripheral vascular surgery and stroke). Conclusions. Thus, among patients with documented coronary artery disease, continued cigarette smoking may result in decreased survival—especially among those undergoing bypass surgery. Moreover, smokers have more angina, more unemployment, a greater limitation of physical activity and more hospital admissions.
Vibration detection by the macula neglecta of sharks.

Abstract 1. 1. Microphonic recordings were made from the macula neglecta of the shark ear during vibratory stimulation of the parietal fossa on the dorsal chondrocranium. 2. 2. It is shown that the most direct path for vibration to the inner ear is through this fossa and the associated posterior vertical canal. 3. 3. The macula neglecta is a sensitive vibrational detector and may possibly be involved in underwater sound detection.
Regulation of Protein Kinase Cθ Function during T Cell Activation by Lck-mediated Tyrosine Phosphorylation

Protein kinase C theta (PKCtheta) is a novel Ca(2+)-independent PKC isoform, which is selectively expressed in skeletal muscle and hematopoietic cells, especially T cells. In T cells, it colocalizes with the T cell antigen receptor (TCR).CD3 complex in antigen-stimulated T cells and is involved in the transcriptional activation of the interleukin-2 gene. In the present study, we report that PKCtheta is tyrosine phosphorylated in Jurkat T cells upon TCR.CD3 activation. The Src family protein-tyrosine kinase, Lck, was critical in TCR-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of PKCtheta. Lck phosphorylated and was associated with the regulatory domain of PKCtheta both in vitro and in intact cells. This association was constitutive, but it was enhanced by T cell activation, with both Src-homology 2 and Src-homology 3 domains of Lck contributing to it. Tyrosine 90 (Tyr-90) in the regulatory domain of PKCtheta was identified as the major phosphorylation site by Lck. A constitutively active mutant of PKCtheta (A148E) could enhance proliferation of Jurkat T cells and synergized with ionomycin to induce nuclear factor of T cells activity. However, mutation of Tyr-90 into phenylalanine markedly reduced (or abolished) these activities. These results suggest that Lck plays an important role in tyrosine phosphorylation of PKCtheta, which may in turn modulate the physiological functions of PKCtheta during TCR-induced T cell activation.
Electric-field tuning of magnetoelectric properties in Metglas/piezofiber composites

The tunability of magnetoelectric (ME) properties by applied dc electric field (E) was systematically investigated for a laminate composite consisting of Metglas, Pb(Zrx Ti1–x)O3 fiber, and interdigitated electrodes. The ME coefficients and equivalent magnetic noise were found to be dependent on E. This dependence is attributed to variations in the magnetic properties. The dielectric properties and noise charge density were relatively invariant to E. A 1.3× improvement in the ME coefficient was obtained at the Villari point under E = 300 V/mm relative to E = 0 V/mm. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Overview of clinical research design

Purpose. Basic concepts and terminology of clinical research design are presented for new clinical investigators. Summary. Clinical research, research involving human subjects, can be described as either observational or experimental. The findings of all clinical research can be threatened by issues of bias and confounding. Biases are systematic errors in how study subjects are selected or measured, which result in false inferences. Confounding is a distortion in findings that is attributable to mixing variable effects. Uncontrolled observation research is generally more prone to bias and confounding than experimental research. Observational research includes designs such as the cohort study, case–control study, and cross-sectional study, while experimental research typically involves a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The cohort study, which includes the RCT, defines subject allocation on the basis of exposure interest (e.g., drug, disease-management program) and follows the patients to assess the outcomes. The case–control study uses the primary outcome of interest (e.g., adverse event) to define subject allocation, and different exposures are assessed in a retrospective manner. Cross-sectional research evaluates both exposure and outcome concurrently. Each of these design methods possesses different strengths and weaknesses in answering research questions, as well as underlying many study subtypes. Conclusion. While experimental research is the strongest method for establishing causality, it can be difficult to accomplish under many scenarios. Observational clinical research offers many design alternatives that may be appropriate if planned and executed carefully.
Hydrogen adsorption on metal-organic framework (MOF-5) synthesized by DMF approach

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), especially MOF-5, are believed to be promising new porous materials for hydrogen adsorption. A comparative study of material synthesis, characterization and hydrogen adsorption was performed to examine the effects of different synthesis conditions on crystal structure, pore textural property and hydrogen adsorption performance of MOF-5 materials. Three MOF-5 samples synthesized with dimethyl formamide (DFM) as solvent and slightly different procedures have shown similar phase structure and chemical composition, diverse crystal structures, varying pore textural properties and different hydrogen adsorption performance. It was established from the experimental results that higher order of crystallinity in the MOF-5 materials generates better adsorbents with larger crystal size, higher specific surface area, uniform pore size distribution (PSD), larger hydrogen adsorption capacity and faster hydrogen diffusion rate in MOF-5 adsorbents. The best MOF-5 sample synthesized in this work (MOF-5(γ)) has a Langmuir specific surface area of 1157 m2/g; it can adsorb 0.5 wt.% of hydrogen at 77 K and 800 mmHg; and results in hydrogen diffusivity inside MOF-5 crystal of 2.3 × 10−9 cm2/s. The density functional theory reasonably predicts the presence of mesopores and macropores in all three MOF-5 samples synthesized in this work.
VOLUNTEERS, NIMBYs, AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: DILEMMAS OF DEMOCRATIC PRACTICE

The principle of environmental equity constitutes a challenge to local autonomy and democratic practice. Community protest is sometimes hailed as an expression of local autonomy, sometimes derided as NIMBYism. To disentangle these issues we must reexamine environmental justice in light of the distinction between distributional and procedural justice. A search for just procedures for distributing environmental burdens represents an unnecessarily truncated view. Procedural equity entails democratic participation not only with regard to distribution but in prior decisions affecting production of costs and benefits. Two brief case studies illustrate the possibility of reconciling environmental equity with local autonomy. Geographers concerned with environmental inequity might turn from mapping the distribution of burdens to mapping power relations between local communities and the structures producing those burdens.
Gas-phase modeling of homogeneous boron/oxygen/hydrogen/carbon combustion

Abstract Boron has practical applications as an advanced fuel in propulsion systems due to its high energy content. The combustion of boron in the presence of hydrocarbon fuels is a complex problem involving heterogeneous particle oxidation followed by gas-phase kinetics of the volatilized boron species. In this study, we have modeled the high-temperature gas-phase combustion chemistry of the B/O/H/C system. We have examined the effects of recent experimental gas-phase kinetic measurements of several of the critical reaction rates and theoretical thermodynamic and transition state calculations on the previous model of boron combustion. Additional reactions that critically affect the combustion efficiency are identified for future experimental and theoretical study. The role of boron oxyhydrides, which are metastable species, is discussed.
An Intelligent Visualization Agent for simulation-based decision support

The IVA (Intelligent Visualization Agent) system can serve as a data-driven "visualization agent" for simulation environments. Using event expressions defined in a significant-event language, it extracts data of interest from very large data sets, and can modify the simulation based on detected events. A knowledge-based data mapping process helps create the most useful type of visualization to intelligently display the retrieved data.
(Not) Hearing Optional Subjects: The Effects of Pragmatic Usage Preferences

Abstract Previous research has shown that usage preferences (non-categorical constraints on the distribution of syntactic structures) shape many grammatical alternations. In the present study, we show that usage preferences also influence which alternant listeners report hearing when presented with acoustically degraded input. We investigated the English expletive/null subject alternation in sentences such as “(It) seems like things are going well.” We hypothesized that this alternation is shaped by pragmatic constraints: sentences with null (zero) subjects tend to express immediate judgments, i.e., judgments that the speaker has just formed at utterance time. A corpus study supported this hypothesis, revealing that the relative frequency of zero sentences is higher in temporally immediate (i.e., present tense) sentences than in non-immediate (i.e., past tense) sentences. A speech restoration experiment demonstrated that listeners are sensitive to this constraint. In that study, participants listened to short dialogues that varied with respect to immediacy, concluding with a sentence with an acoustically distorted expletive subject. Participants reported hearing zero sentences more often in immediate contexts. The results suggest that usage preferences influence what listeners think they are processing.
Transient flow characteristics in an idealized bronchial bifurcation

Abstract A numerical analysis is presented which predicts the transient fluid flow behavior in an idealized bronchial bifurcation. Numerical solutions to the Navier-Stokes equations are obtained for oscillatory two-dimensional flow in a branched channel to illustrate some of the transient characteristics of respiratory flow. The respiratory flow curve was examined where inspiratory flow was ending and expiratory flow was commencing. Transient solution corresponding to Reynolds numbers varying from 4 to 48.8 for both inspirational deceleration and expirational acceleration were obtained. Separation of flow was observed as deceleration in the inspiratory portion of the cycle occurred with a return towards normal flow as acceleration in the expiratory portion of the cycle commenced. Localized disturbances indicated areas where particle deposition would occur. Analysis of the transient pressure-flow relationship is also presented.
Infective endocarditis after body art: a review of the literature and concerns.

Abstract Purpose Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but dangerous complication of tattooing and body piercing in adolescents and young adults 15–30 years of age, with and without congenital heart disease (CHD). Because body art, including tattooing and piercing, is increasing and IE cases continue to be reported in the literature, a longitudinal assessment of IE and body art cases is important to examine for trends. Methods A 22-year (1985–2007) longitudinal electronic Medline and Scopus review of all published cases of IE and body art was conducted. Results In all, 22 specific cases of IE spanning 1991–2007 have been reported that were associated with piercing the tongue (seven), ear lobes (six), navel (five), lip (one), nose (one), and nipple (one), and reported in one heavily tattooed person; other general IE cases have also been mentioned. Twelve cases were in females, and one patient died; nine of these individuals had CHD. Twenty-one cases have been published in the 10 years from 1997–2007. Conclusions Although there is no denominator to assess the real risk, this review provides more evidence of IE and body art concerns, and should stimulate further discussion regarding IE antibiotic prophylaxis. It is believed that IE is triggered by normal flora at the body art site, microorganism colonization around the jewelry, or by a localized site infection that stimulates episodes of transient bacteremia (commonly caused by staphylococi) and then seeds various areas of the heart. Frequently in such cases the mitral or aortic valves need to be replaced. For individuals with CHD who want body art, prophylactic antibiotic regimens have been suggested since 1999. Millions of tattoos and body piercings are done yearly, and more IE cases are therefore suspected. An international electronic repository of body art complications would provide better documentation. Body art procurement for many persons in this age group is a matter of "when, not if"; thus proactive, frequent, targeted educational strategies for adolescents and artists practicing body art are suggested.
Changes in tonsils and adenoids in children with posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder: Report of three cases with early involvement of waldeyer's ring

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is an infrequent complication of transplantation in children, and this report emphasizes the value of tonsil and adenoid biopsy in the early management of this potentially life threatening condition. In all three cases biopsy specimens of tonsils and adenoids were diagnostic of polymorphic diffuse B-cell hyperplasia (PBCH). Immunophenotyping showed no immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain restriction, although immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene rearrangement was monoclonal in two cases. Despite an absence of serological evidence for acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, EBV was detected in all cases by semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for EBV DNA, by in situ hybridization for EBV mRNA (EBER), and by immunoperoxidase for EBV latent membrane protein (LMP). All three patients were treated with reduced immunosuppression and acyclovir and are well (19, 28, and 28 months' follow-up) with no recurrence. Children without previous EBV exposure may develop PTLD localized to the tonsils/adenoids, and biopsy specimens of these tissues may permit early diagnosis and clinical intervention. Despite monoclonal gene rearrangement in two cases, overall features were not indicative of malignancy. Strong association with EBV is helpful in confirming the diagnosis of PTLD and is consistent with initial presentation in the tonsils/adenoids.
Binary Connectives Functionally Complete by Themselves in S5 Modal Logic

This paper answers affirmatively the open question of Massey [1] concerning the existence of binary connectives functionally complete by themselves in two-valued truth tabular logic, i.e. in the modal theory S5. Since {∼, ⊃, ◊} is a functionally complete set of connectives (Massey [1, § 4]), the following definitions show that the binary operator ф, the semantics of which is given below, is functionally complete by itself: It is left to the reader to verify, by means of complete sets of truth tables (see Massey [1, §§ 1 and 3]), that the foregoing definitions are correct.
Dinosaur and turtle tracks from the Laramie/Arapahoe formations (Upper Cretaceous), near Denver, Colorado, USA

Abstract A large slab showing more than two dozen dinosaur footprints discovered in the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Laramie or Arapahoe Formation near Denver, Colorado, represents the first significant find of dinosaur tracks in the greater Denver metropolitan area in more than a decade. The tracks are all of tridactyl bipeds and appear to be mainly attributable to theropod dinosaurs, although some may be attributed to ornithopods. The track-bearing slab is undoubtedly the highest concentration and best preserved example of small dinosaur tracks ever discovered in the Laramie Formation, and adds significantly to our understanding of the range of size and shape of small bipedal tracks in the Denver area during the latest Cretaceous. At another site, small vertebrate tracks attributed to turtles were recently discovered. They consist of very short wide tracks with deep claw impressions.
The distribution coefficient on neodymium and lutetium in Czochralski grown Y3Al5O12

Abstract The distribution coefficient for neodymium and lutetium in Czochralski grown Y3Al5O12 are reported as 0.180 and 1.38, respectively. The invariance of the calculated values of k with growth rate would suggest that the reported values are the equilibrium distribution coefficients. Plotting the ionic volumes of Nd+3 and Lu+3 versus k yielded a straight line from which the distribution coefficients for other tripositive rare earths can be derived.
Le débat sur la flexibilité du marché du travail en Inde: une contribution théorique

Resume Le debat sur la flexibilisation du marche du travail indien porte notamment sur l'autorisation administrative de licenciement pour les entreprises de plus de 100 salaries. Le plaidoyer en faveur de sa suppression (ou de l'elevation du seuil) est etaye par Basu, Fields et Debgupta (2009). L'auteur conteste leur argumentation theorique en faveur de l'embauche et du licenciement au gre de l'employeur, avec libre signature d'un contrat, et demontre que leur conclusion politique est logiquement insoutenable, meme dans le cadre de leur modele. Le plaidoyer pour la flexibilisation du marche du travail et la liberte contractuelle s'en trouve infonde.
Effect of fin spacing on convection in a plate fin and tube heat exchanger

Abstract We examine the influence of fin spacing on the over-tube side of a single-row fin-tube heat exchanger through flow visualization and numerical computation. The distance between fins is nondimensionalized by the tube diameter. If this parameter is small, the flow is Hele-Shaw; as it is increased, a horseshoe vortex is formed just upstream of the tube; a separated region is then developed behind the tube; this becomes larger and eventually communicates with the fluid downstream of the heat exchanger. A peak in the Nusselt number occurs at the horseshoe vortex. In the wake region the Nusselt number is very small but increases when there is fluid exchange with that downstream. The ratio of the overall Nusselt number per unit length to the nondimensional pressure drop is found to show a maximum.
An in vitro rearing system for the propagation of the ectoparasitoid Catolaccus grandis

An experimental ‘closed’ rearing system, where egg and larval manipulations were eliminated, was developed for the in vitro rearing of Catolaccus grandis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) Burks, an important ectoparasitoid of the cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman. In this rearing model, n-hexane (a synthetic ovipositional stimulant for this parasitoid), was smeared on the Parafilm® cover of a modified rearing chamber (a Multiwell®) tissue culture plate) to induce the deposition of uncontaminated eggs, on the inner side of this waxy membrane, and on or around an agar retained diet that had been dispensed into the individual chamber wells. When the efficiency of the in vitro rearing system was compared to the current in vivo rearing method for this species, the duration of the life cycle was significantly shorter in parasitoids reared in vivo, but this difference was less than one day (17.8 vs 17.1 days, respectively). On the other hand, the number of eggs laid in the in vitro rearing chamber during a 4 h period was c. 2.5 times greater than in the conventional in vivo rearing apparatus, and adult yields were c. 25% greater when using the in vitro closed rearing method. Male to female ratios were c. 1:9 when reared in vitro as compared to 1.0:1.5 for those reared in vivo. There were no apparent adverse effects of this in vitro rearing system on the parasitoid's general behavior and reproduction after two consecutive generations.
A custodial symmetry for the cosmological constant in the effective theories of four-dimensional superstrings☆

Abstract We discuss supersymmetry breaking in the effective supergravity theories of four-dimensional N = 1 superstrings. Improving a recent suggestion, we introduce a superpotential modification that describes spontaneous supersymmetry breaking with vanishing cosmological constant and Str M 2 = 0 at any minimum of the tree level potential. We prove that in a class of models there are classical minima at which also Str f ( M 2 = 0 for any function f . In particular, the whole one-loop cosmological constant vanishes. We propose a new boson-fermion symmetry of the spectrum, relating the graviton and the “dilatino”, which explains these remarkable properties.
Diagnosing interstitial cystitis in women with chronic pelvic pain

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index and Problem Index as a screening tool for interstitial cystitis, and to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for interstitial cystitis in women with chronic pelvic pain. METHODS: Forty-five women scheduled to undergo laparoscopy for chronic pelvic pain were recruited. Women were questioned about lower urinary tract symptoms, administered the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index and Problem Index, and rated pain symptoms on a 0–10 visual analogue scale. Cystoscopy with hydrodistension and bladder biopsy was performed at the time of laparoscopy. Interstitial cystitis was diagnosed if women had a combination of: 1) urgency, 2) frequency or nocturia, and 3) positive cystoscopic findings. RESULTS: Seventeen women (38%) were diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. A score of 5 or more on the Symptom Index had 94% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI] 71%, 99.8%) and 93% negative predictive value (95% CI 68%, 99.8%) in diagnosing interstitial cystitis. On multivariable analysis, an elevated Symptom Index score of 5 or more (odds ratio [OR] 9.4; 95% CI 1.01, 88.1) and an elevated dyspareunia score of 7 or more (OR 5.5; 95% CI 1.10, 27.1) were risk factors for interstitial cystitis. CONCLUSION: In our sample of women with chronic pelvic pain, the prevalence of interstitial cystitis was 38%. The Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index was a useful screening tool. Independent risk factors for the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis were an elevated Symptom Index score and an elevated dyspareunia pain score. For women with chronic pelvic pain, screening for interstitial cystitis should be performed.
Charge-Regulated Spontaneous, Reversible Self-Assembly of the Carboxylic Acid-Functionalized Hydrophilic Fullerene Macroanions in Dilute Solution

Fullerene molecule covalently functionalized with 12 carboxylic acid groups on its periphery was synthesized, and its solution behavior was explored. The functionalized fullerene molecules behave as hydrophilic macroions in polar solvents by showing strong attractions with each other mediated from their counterions and consequently self-assembling into single-layer, hollow, spherical blackberry-type structures in solvents with moderate polarity. The fullerene molecules are not touching with each other in the assemblies, and the assembly size can be tuned by changing the polarity of the solvents. More importantly, the transition between the self-assembly and the disassembly of the macroions can be easily achieved by changing temperature. The discovery confirms that the semirigid clusters demonstrate the unique solution behavior of macroions and open up a new way to assemble fullerene into functional materials and devices.