cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Planning car-lite neighborhoods: Does bikesharing reduce auto-dependence?

Abstract Bike enthusiasts argue that bikesharing programs can be an important element of sustainable mobility planning in the urban cores of large metropolitan areas. However, the objective long-term impact of bikesharing on reducing auto-dependence is not well-examined, as prior studies have tended to rely on self-reported subjective mode substitution effects. We use a unique longitudinal dataset containing millions of geo-referenced vehicle registrations and odometer readings in Massachusetts over a six-year period - the Massachusetts Vehicle Census - to examine the causal impact of bikesharing on various metrics of auto-dependence in the inner core of Metro Boston. The difference-in-differences (DiD) framework is extended to accommodate spatial spillover effects with the inclusion of a spatial autoregressive lag leading to the spatial DiD (SpDiD) model. We also account for seasonal variation in bikeshare operations, where several stations are shut down for the winter months, by setting up a dynamic treatment definition. We find that a new bikeshare station reduces vehicle ownership per household by 2.2%, vehicle miles traveled per person by 3.3%, and per-capita vehicular GHG emissions by 2.9%. We also find strong evidence to support the use of bikesharing as a first/last-mile connector to mass transit. Auto-dependence reductions are around 10% (more than thrice as high as average) where bikeshare connections to transit stations are less than one kilometer long. Finally, we find that vehicle ownership reductions are almost immediate and last up to a year, while vehicle use and emission reductions are lagged over 1.5 years. These sizeable and measurable auto-substitution effects do support some of the claims of bikesharing advocates. These findings are especially important in the post-COVID-19 era, as cities strive to counter the pandemic-inspired safety skepticism about non-car travel.
The X-ray spectral and variability properties of typical radio-loud quasars

We present X-ray spectral and long-term variability analyses of an unbiased sample of 361 optically selected radio-loud quasars (RLQs) utilizing sensitive serendipitous X-ray data from the Chandra and XMM-Newton archives. The spectral and temporal properties of RLQs are compared with those of radio-quiet quasars (RQQs) matched in $L_\mathrm{2500A}$ and $z$. The median power-law photon index ($\Gamma$) of RLQs is $1.84^{+0.01}_{-0.01}$, which is close to that of matched RQQs ($1.90^{+0.02}_{-0.01}$). No significant correlations between $\Gamma$ and radio-loudness, $L_\mathrm{x}/L_\mathrm{x,rqq}$ (the X-ray luminosity over that expected from the $L_\mathrm{x}$-$L_\mathrm{uv}$ relation for RQQs), redshift, or Eddington ratio are found for our RLQs. The stacked X-ray spectra of our RLQs show strong iron-line emission and a possible Compton-reflection hump. The intrinsic X-ray variability amplitude is $\approx40$% for RLQs on timescales of months-to-years in the rest frame, which is somewhat smaller than for the matched RQQs ($\approx60$%) on similar timescales, perhaps due to the larger black-hole masses and lower Eddington ratios in our RLQ sample. The X-ray spectral and variability results for our RLQs generally support the idea that the X-ray emission of typical RLQs is dominated by the disk/corona, as is also indicated by a recent luminosity correlation study.
THE IMPACT OF RETURN MIGRATION TO MEXICO

Hundreds of thousand of Mexicans leave their country each year for the United States. Almost half these migrants return to Mexico within twelve months. Using a sample of working-aged males from (MxFLS) we find that being a return migrant aects the probability of employ- ment. In states along the US border return migrants are less likely to be employed and those in the Central and Capital areas more likely. But these eects disappear when we correct for the fact that factors that determine migration also aect employment.
Determination of grain-size distribution function using two-dimensional Fourier transforms of tone-pulse-encoded images

Microstructural images may be tone pulse encoded and subsequently Fourier transformed to determine the two-dimensional density of frequency components. A theory is developed relating the density of frequency components to the density of length components. The density of length components corresponds directly to the actual grain size distribution function from which the mean grain shape, size, and orientation can be obtained.
Comparative Analysis of the Normal Working Area in the Horizontal Plane

The normal working areas in the horizontal plane as developed by Farley and Squires were compared, in terms of one-handed, two-handed and total normal working areas and front and side ranges of the normal working areas, for the general male, female and combination of male and female operators and the individual male and female operators for the 5th, 50th and 95th percentiles. Squires' method provided a considerable gain in the one-handed, two-handed and total normal working areas and the front range of the normal working area for all types of operator population and resulted in a relatively small loss in the side range of the normal working area in all but one instance. In consideration to the dynamic nature of the arm, while the hand sweeps an arc in the normal working area in the horizontal plane and the stated overall gain in the normal working area, Squires' method should be used in preference to the most frequently employed Farley's method.
Knowing is half the battle

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the idea that action makes knowledge more consequential for being deemed an emergent leader among peers. The authors hypothesized that mastery of teamwork knowledge has a stronger relationship with advancement potential when combined with a strong propensity to work toward collective success (i.e. greater action). Design/methodology/approach – The authors tested the hypothesized interaction with moderated path analysis of data from two field studies on team-based trainees in a military leadership-development program. Findings – The findings suggest that to be deemed an exceptional leader among one’s peers, an individual must have both relevant expertise and a propensity to use that expertise to the benefit of others. Either of these attributes matters more when combined with a great deal of the other, such that they are interdependent rather than independent. Practical implications – Informed by the findings, the authors discuss several ways for organizati...
Zusammenfassung und Empfehlungen

Umweltmanagementsysteme sind in der chemischen Industrie weit verbreitet. Mit den branchenspezifischen Ansatze des Responsible Care Programms gehen sie oft weit uber den reinen Umweltbereich hinaus und beziehen auch Sicherheits- und Gesundheitsaspekte mit ein. Weitere aktuelle Trends des Umweltmanagements in der chemischen Industrie sind die Integration des Qualitatswesens sowie die Betrachtung von Umweltkosten- und Shareholder Value Optimierungen durch proaktiven Umweltschutz.
Don't Like the Picture, Change the Frame: The Effects of Framing and Cognitive Ability on Risky Choice

This paper identifies the effect a perceived up-front cost has on subsequent risky choice of older Americans. When respondents are faced with outcome alternatives framed in an up-front cost and no up-front cost domain, we observe variation in the respondents’ required outcomes based on the order in which the two domains are presented. We provide evidence that among respondents with lower cognitive ability, losses need not be realized to affect subsequent risky choice, and that an up-front cost lowers the willingness to take risk in a future period. Implications for annuitization demand are discussed.
Groundwater seepage into northern San Francisco Bay: Implications for dissolved metals budgets

[1] Nonconservative excesses of dissolved metals in northern San Francisco Bay indicate that there are internal sources of metals within the bay. We quantified groundwater seepage and bioirrigation rates in this area to determine their roles in transporting dissolved metals from benthic sediments to surface waters. We deployed seepage meters and collected sediment, pore water, and bottom water samples at three sites. We determined seepage rates from seepage meters and modeled the transport of water through the sediment using pore water data to constrain rates of diffusion, advection, and bioirrigation. A groundwater flow model incorporating sediment physical properties and local topography constrains more regional seepage estimates. The seepage meters indicate upflow rates from 7 to 56 cm yr−1 in March and April 1999 with some large (≤50 cm yr−1) daily fluctuations that greatly exceed predictions based on sediment physical properties and tidally induced pore pressure variations. During this period, results from modeling pore water chemical data are consistent with a small bioirrigation rate (<1.5 × 10−7 s−1) relative to values determined for southern San Francisco Bay, and an average groundwater upwelling speed of 15 cm yr−1. The speed and direction of flow changed throughout the year, with best fits to the data ranging from 20 cm yr−1 upflow to 34 cm yr−1 downflow and averaging 4 cm yr−1 upflow. Confidence intervals (95%) are about ±10 cm yr−1 for this method, yet the range of acceptable seepage rates for temporally successive periods only overlap in one of four cases, suggesting that temporal variability can be discerned from potential artifacts. Groundwater flow modeling suggests that the seepage rates determined at our sites represent ∼45% of the average seepage rate for the area, applying one consolidation and permeability relationship to all sediments. If we apply these approximations to all of northern San Francisco Bay, benthic fluxes of dissolved metals to the surface waters could account for a relatively large amount (≤60%) of the unknown sources of dissolved cobalt and a relatively small amount (≤4%) of the unknown sources of dissolved silver, cadmium, copper, nickel, and zinc. More focused groundwater discharge or elevated metals concentrations are required to have a larger impact on trace element budgets in this setting.
The effect of a controlled frequency breath holding training program on running economy among elite college swimmers.

THE EFFECT OF A CONTROLLED FREQUENCY BREATH HOLDING TRAINING PROGRAM ON RUNNING ECONOMY AMONG ELITE COLLEGE SWIMMERS Patrick Sims December 4, 2014 Running economy (RE) is the amount of oxygen consumed while running at a submaximal intensity. Along with aerobic capacity (VO2max), RE is an important predictor of running performance. Little research has investigated changes in RE with restricted breathing training [i.e. controlled breath-holding (CFB)] during exercise. RE may improve ~6% amongst a novice swimming cohort through CFB training, but this has not been established in elite swimmers. The purpose was to further establish that CFB training (16 sessions of 12 x 50-m with ~15 seconds rest between each 50-m, using only ~2 breaths per 50-m) can improve RE in 25 elite college swimmers. CFB training did not alter RE. The day-to-day variability in RE (mL/kg/km), energy cost (kcal/kg/km), and VO2max (L/min) was between 2.4 – 3.4%. There was no association between RE (range = 182 to 224 mL/kg/min) and 200 yard freestyle swimming performance (range = 104 to
The evolution of interconnection technology at IBM

Advances in interconnection technology have played a key role in allowing continued improvements in integrated circuit density, performance, and cost. ibm contributions to interconnection technology over approximately the last ten generations of semiconductor products are reviewed. the development of a planar, back-end-of-line (beol) technology, used in ibm dram, bipolar, and cmos logic products since 1988, has led to a threefold increase in the number of wiring levels, aggressive wiring pitches at all interconnection levels, and high-leverage design options such as stacked contacts and vias. possible future beol technologies are also discussed, with emphasis on the use of higher-conductivity wiring and lower-dielectric-constant insulators. it is expected that their use will result in higher performance and reliability. applications include future, lower-power devices as well as more cost-effective, higher-performance versions of present-day designs.
Hydrolysis in the absence of bulk water 2. Chemoselective hydrolysis of nitriles using tetrahalophthalic acids

Abstract The reaction of nitriles with tetrafluorophthalic or tetrachlorophthalic acid gives carboxylic acids in good yield. The reaction is chemoselective in that the nitrile functionality can be hydrolyzed in the presence of ester groups.
No holy grail for puberty

How does the brain initiate puberty? A new study suggests that neither the cells producing nor the cells receiving the neuromodulator kisspeptin are required for puberty and that the latter may even be dispensable for adult fertility.
Fast, reproducible measurement of the vascular input function in mice using constrained reconstruction and cardiac sampling.

Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI is often used to assess response to therapy in small animal models of cancer. Rigorous quantification of DCE-MRI data using common pharmacokinetic models requires dynamic determination of the concentration of contrast in tumor tissue and in blood. Measurement of the blood concentration, or vascular input function, requires high temporal resolution and is prone to distortion due to flow and partial volume artifacts when measured in local blood vessels. We have developed a strategy for robust measurements of the VIF in mice that uses a constrained reconstruction algorithm to enable sampling from the left ventricle of the heart. The feasibility of the algorithm and its resistance to cardiac motion are demonstrated in vivo and through numerical simulations. VIF sampling is interleaved with slices dedicated to tumor coverage to yield a fast VIF sampling period (81ms) that is decoupled from the temporal resolution of tumor data (3.9s). The algorithm provides results that agree with fully encoded measurements in the slowly varying component of the VIF to within a 4% rms signal difference. Analysis of a parametric representation of VIFs measured in a population of mice showed a significant reduction in variations observed within subjects (from 5% to 585 over four parameters; p < 0.05) and a reduction in variations between subjects (from 19% to 62%) when using this technique. Preliminary dynamic measurements in an orthotopic xenograft model of anaplastic thyroid cancer reveal a decrease in the variation of pharmacokinetic parameters between mice by a factor of two.
Middle School Students Need More Opportunities to Read across the Curriculum.

Abstract Independent reading in the content areas is essential for advancing students’ literacy growth through the grades. Middle school students, in particular, profit from opportunities to engage in actual reading and, simultaneously, to be supported from an appropriate structure. Specifically, they need substantial time to read, frequent immersion in a variety of texts, easy access to balanced classroom libraries to support in-school and at-home reading, active participation in drama-based activities, and interesting contexts for learning word meanings. These and other sources of support increase the effectiveness of independent reading across the curriculum by helping middle school students not only improve their reading, but also enjoy reading as a lifetime activity.
International risk sharing during the globalization era

. Though financial globalization should improve international risk sharing, empirical support is lacking. We develop a simple welfare-based measure that captures how far countries are from the ideal of perfect risk sharing. Applying it to data, we find some evidence that international risk sharing has improved during globalization. Improved risk sharing comes mostly from the convergence in rates of consumption growth among countries rather than from synchronization of consumption at the business cycle frequency. Meme si la mondialisation devrait ameliorer le partage international du risque, on n’en a pas de confirmation empirique. Les auteurs developpent une mesure simple fondee sur le niveau de bien-etre pour determiner a quelle distance les divers pays se trouvent de l’ideal du parfait partage du risque. Grâce a cette mesure, on trouve que le partage international du risque s’est ameliore avec la mondialisation. Cette amelioration vient surtout de la convergence des taux de croissance de la consommation des divers pays plutot que de la synchronisation de la consommation a la frequence du cycle d’affaires.
Patterns of instructional-design factors prompting reflective thinking in middle-school and college level problem-based learning environments

Reflective-thinking skills are important in problem-based learning environments as they help learners become deeply engaged in learning. The literature suggests several instructional-design factors (e.g., environment, teaching methods, scaffolding tools) that may prompt reflection in learners. However, it is unclear whether these factors differ based on age or developmental stage. The results of this study indicate that middle-school students perceive the learning environment factor as more important to prompting their thinking, while college students perceive the scaffolding methods factor as more important. While the elements clustered into two factors, most college students disagreed with their helpfulness in prompting reflective thinking, a finding opposite to that obtained for middle-school students. Different patterns were also found between learners’ perceptions of the most helpful elements within each factor. Based on these results, suggestions are given for designing developmentally and age-appropriate PBL learning environments that support reflective thinking.
9β,19-Cyclosterol Analysis by 1H and 13C NMR, Crystallographic Observations, and Molecular Mechanics Calculations

Using modern NMR techniques, including COSY, HOHAHA, 2D J spectrum, NOESY, HETCOR and HMBC, determination of 13C T1 spin−lattice relaxation times, and molecular modeling, permitted the full assignment of all 1H and 13C chemical shifts and geminal and vicinal coupling constants of cycloartenol. Stereochemical assignments related to the solution conformation of cycloartenol established unambiguously the nucleus assumes a flat structure and the side chain orients preferentially into a “right-handed” conformation, i.e., 20α-H atom is in front and opposing (in a 1,3-diaxial relationship with) the C18 angular methyl group thereby positioning C22 to the right of C20 (H20 trans oriented to H17) in the usual view of the molecule. The crystal structures of two naturally occurring 9β,19-cyclopropylcycloartenol metabolites, 4-normethylcycloartenol and 4,4-dinormethylcycloartenol, have also been determined and found to possess a three-dimensional shape similar to that of cycloartenol. The biosynthetic implications of ...
Influence of Sex and Social Class on Occupational Preference and Perception

Middle-class boys and lower-class girls expressed a significantly greater preference for white collar and professional occupations than lower-class boys or middle-class girls. Differences in occupational perception were found between middle- and lower-class boys. Occupations perceived by middle-and lower-class girls did not differ significantly in status.
Intervention effects on negative affect of CPS-referred children: Results of a randomized clinical trial

Exposure to early adversity places young children at risk for behavioral, physiological, and emotional dysregulation, predisposing them to a range of long-term problematic outcomes. Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) is a 10-session intervention designed to enhance children's self-regulatory capabilities by helping parents to behave in nurturing, synchronous, and non-frightening ways. The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed in a randomized clinical trial, with parents who had been referred to Child Protective Services (CPS) for allegations of maltreatment. Parent-child dyads received either the ABC intervention or a control intervention. Following the intervention, children from the ABC intervention (n=56) expressed lower levels of negative affect during a challenging task compared to children from the control intervention (n=61).
Psychotherapy of Self-Criticism in a Case of Mixed Anaclitic-Introjective Depression

>> In this case study, the year-long psychotherapy of a depressed and self-critical 34-yearold women is described. Her depression was conceptualized as a “mixed” anaclitic and introjective type according to the model of Sidney Blatt. Anaclitic depression involves a preoccupation with the integrity of interpersonal relatedness (e.g., issues of dependency and abandonment), whereas introjective depression involves a preoccupation with autonomy and self-esteem (e.g., self-criticism and feelings of worthlessness). Given the potentially destructive nature of self-criticism, the therapist systematically confronted the patient’s use of this trait in a supportive manner. Changes in the patient’s functioning were assessed at the beginning and at the end of treatment using the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition) Global Assessment of Functioning Scale. After 1 year of psychotherapy combining both cognitive and psychodynamic interventions, the patient evidenced significant changes in both anaclitic and introjective personality dimensions and showed significant improvements in adaptive functioning.
Adenoviral-mediated p53 transgene expression sensitizes both wild-type and null p53 prostate cancer cells in vitro to radiation.

Abstract Purpose/Objective: The effect of adenoviral-mediated p53 transgene expression on the radiation response of two human prostate cancer cell lines, the p53 wild-type LNCaP and p53 null PC3 lines, was examined. The objective was to determine if this vector sensitizes cells to radiation independently of their p53 status. Methods and Materials: A recombinant adenovirus-5 vector (RPR/INGN 201, Introgen Therapeutics, Houston, TX) containing a CMV promoter and wild-type p53-cDNA (Ad5-p53) was used to facilitate p53 transgene expression. A multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 10–40 viral particles per cell was used, based on Ad5/CMV/lacz infection and staining for the β-galactosidase reporter gene product. Clonogenic assays were performed to evaluate the degree of sensitization to radiation of viral-transduced cells compared with irradiated nontransduced controls. The relative efficacy of these treatments to induce apoptotic cell death was determined using the TUNEL assay. Results: The delivery of Ad5-p53 (10 MOI) reduced control plating efficiency from 36.5% to 0.86% in the LNCaP cell line and from 75.1% to 4.1% in the PC3 cell line. After correcting for the effect of Ad5-p53 on plating efficiency, the surviving fraction after 2 Gy (SF2) of gamma-irradiation was reduced over 2.5-fold, from 0.187 to 0.072, with transgene p53 expression in the LNCaP cell line. Surviving fraction after 4 Gy (SF4) was reduced over 4.5-fold, from 0.014 to 0.003, after Ad5-p53 treatment. In the PC3 cell line, Ad5-p53 (40 MOI) reduced SF2 over 1.9-fold from 0.708 to 0.367, and SF4 over 6-fold from 0.335 to 0.056. In both the LNCaP and PC3 cell lines, the combination of Ad5-p53 plus radiation (2 Gy) resulted in supra-additive apoptosis (∼20% for LNCaP and ∼15% for PC3 at 50 MOI), above that seen from the addition of the controls; control vector Ad5-pA plus RT (0.15% for LNCaP and 1.44% for PC3), Ad5-p53 alone (28.6% for LNCaP and 21.7% for PC3), RT alone (0% for LNCaP and 0.23% for PC3), or Ad5-pA alone (0.1% for LNCaP and 0.29% for PC3). Conclusion: The clonogenic survival and apoptosis data demonstrate that p53 transgene expression sensitizes human prostate adenocarcinoma cells in vitro to irradiation. As this effect was observed in both the p53 wild-type LNCaP and p53 null PC3 lines, radiosensitization was independent of p53 status.
Nutrient limitations on microbial respiration in peat soils with different total phosphorus content

The effects of phosphate and ammonium additions on microbial respiration were determined using three peat soils with similar total N content (25–38 g kg−1) and different total P (TP) content: low (231 mg P kg−1), intermediate (385 mg P kg−1), and high (1.473 g P kg−1). These soils, obtained from Everglades National Park, Florida, had been formed predominantly from the partial decomposition of sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense). Soil respiration was measured by gas chromatography. Amendment of the soils with 0–100 mm PO4 or NH4 resulted in changes in the C-to-nutrient ratio that ranged from 4 to 2042 for C:P and 11.5 to 14.1 for C:N. Kinetic parameters for soil respiration were obtained by fitting the data to a kinetic model that describes soil C mineralization as the sum of an exponential decay function for readily mineralizable C and a zero-order decay function for stable C. Estimates of the zero-order rate constant for endogenous respiration in unamended soil samples increased with TP content of the soil (in mmol CO2 kg−1 d−1): low TP (36–40) < intermediate TP (49–52) < high TP (107–114). Addition of phosphate stimulated the respiration rate of the low and intermediate TP soil, but had no effect on the rate of soil respiration of the high TP soil. Ammonium additions inhibited soil respiration in the low and intermediate TP soils at most concentrations tested; the rate of respiration was inversely proportional to the amount of NH4 added. Addition of ammonium to the high TP soil stimulated respiration. Microbial respiration in the low and intermediate TP soils is limited by P availability, whereas N appears to limit respiration in the high TP soil. These results suggest that P pollution may have a marked, long-term effect on microbial respiration in organic soils with low TP content.
Pseudorabies in Feral Swine in the United States, 2009–2012

Although pseudorabies virus can affect a wide range of mammalian and avian hosts, swine are the only natural hosts of the virus. The US commercial swine industry obtained pseudorabies-free status in 2004, which was important because of the economic value of domestic swine production; however, feral swine remain competent hosts and represent a constant threat for reintroducing the virus into the commercial industry. To better assess feral swine infection status, we collected 8,498 serum samples from feral swine across the United States between 1 October 2009 and 30 September 2012. Of these, 18% were antibody positive in 25 of 35 states where samples were collected, indicating that transmission risk is widespread.
And I am Part of the Greatness Twelve Black Elderly Women and Men Decry Their Urban Community’s Reality

In a southern town, 12 senior citizens attending a multipurpose community center, discuss their community when it was in its heyday. It is located in an inner city area where crime and unemployment are now high and prospects for the future low. Through oral histories, the seniors voice concern about safety issues, interlopers, and those who have invaded their community, and they give suggestions on how to address the current demise. The histories were collected by undergraduate students at a local university and are excerpted on the following pages.
Perceived Best Practices for Faculty Training in Distance Education

Student learning style differences have been widely researched in both traditional face-to-face and online learning environments Irani, Scherler & Harrington, 2003;Steinbronn, 2007; Williamson & Watson, 2007; Ugur, Akkoyunlu & Kurbanoglu, 2001. After conducting a literature review of adult student learning styles and teaching method analysis, it became apparent that there was not a significant difference in academic performance for students with differing learning styles whether they attended face-to-face or online classroom environments. What was not clearly indicated though, from the review of the literature, was what were the perceived best practices for online teaching from the perspective of experienced distance educators and whether the instructors' perceived learning style was incorporated in training programs to assist faculty to teach online. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative pilot study is to determine the perceived best practices to train faculty to teach in an online environment and how individual instructors' perceived learning style can be incorporated within best practices to foster competence on an individual instructor level. This study also analyzes faculty resistance to distance education and how transformative learning theory may play a role in overcoming this resistance.
Synthesis and characterization of mitoQ and idebenone analogues as mediators of oxygen consumption in mitochondria

Analogues of mitoQ and idebenone were synthesized to define the structural elements that support oxygen consumption in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Eight analogues were prepared and fully characterized, then evaluated for their ability to support oxygen consumption in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. While oxygen consumption was strongly inhibited by mitoQ analogues 2-4 in a chain length-dependent manner, modification of idebenone by replacement of the quinone methoxy groups by methyl groups (analogues 6-8) reduced, but did not eliminate, oxygen consumption. Idebenone analogues 6-8 also displayed significant cytoprotective properties toward cultured mammalian cells in which glutathione had been depleted by treatment with diethyl maleate.
Effect of lactic acid on growth and butanediol production by Klebsiella oxytoca

Production of 2,3-butanediol byKlebsiella oxytoca was enhanced in the presence of low levels (<8 g/l) of added sodium lactate. Cell growth was inhibited, however, and essentially stopped above 15 g/l added lactate. Levels of by-products (acetic acid and ethanol) were also higher. With 3 g/l lactate and an initial glucose level of 98 g/l, butanediol concentration and productivity increased 164% with 98% utilization of glucose. With high glucose concentration (219 g/l), addition of 2.64 g/l lactate after the growth phase resulted in 81 g/l butanediol, with a productivity of 0.65 g/l/h and 71% glucose utilization.
Isotope Studies of Photocatalysis: Dual Mechanisms in the Conversion of Anisole to Phenol

The partial TiO2-mediated photocatalytic degradation of anisole has been studied using isotopically labeled substrates and comparisons to Fenton and hν/H2O2 chemistry. An H/D isotope selectivity of 2.7 is observed for hydrogen abstraction from the methyl group in all cases. An 18O tracer study shows that anisole is simultaneously converted to phenol by both ipso attack and degradation of the methyl. The isotope selectivity for hydroxylation of anisole is reported to be about 1.3 under all conditions. This is attributed to an O2-dependent competition along the reaction pathway that can be avoided by use of benzoquinone instead of O2 as an electron acceptor with TiO2. Under those conditions, the H/D isotope selectivities are between 0.9 and 1.0, as would be expected for inverse secondary kinetic isotope effects.
Zebrafish fgf3 and fgf8 Encode Redundant Functions Required for Otic Placode Induction

Members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family of peptide ligands have been implicated in otic placode induction in several vertebrate species. Here, we have functionally analyzed the roles of fgf3 and fgf8 in zebrafish otic development. The role of fgf8 was assessed by analyzing acerebellar (ace) mutants. fgf3 function was disrupted by injecting embryos with antisense morpholino oligomers (MO) specifically designed to block translation of fgf3 transcripts. Disruption of either fgf3 or fgf8 causes moderate reduction in the size of the otic vesicle. Injection of fgf3-MO into ace/ace mutants causes much more severe reduction or complete loss of otic tissue. Moreover, preplacode cells fail to express pax8 and pax2.1, indicating disruption of early stages of otic induction in fgf3-depleted ace/ace mutants. Both fgf3 and fgf8 are normally expressed in the germring by 50% epiboly and are induced in the primordium of rhombomere 4 by 80% epibloy. In addition, fgf3 is expressed during the latter half of gastrulation in the prechordal plate and paraxial cephalic mesendoderm, tissues that either pass beneath or persist near the prospective otic ectoderm. Conditions that alter the pattern of expression of fgf3 and/or fgf8 cause corresponding changes in otic induction. Loss of maternal and zygotic one-eyed pinhead (oep) does not alter expression of fgf3 or fgf8 in the hindbrain, but ablates mesendodermal sources of fgf signaling and delays otic induction by several hours. Conversely, treatment of wild-type embryos with retinoic acid greatly expands the periotic domains of expression of fgf3, fgf8, and pax8 and leads to formation of supernumerary and ectopic otic vesicles. These data support the hypothesis that fgf3 and fgf8 cooperate during the latter half of gastrulation to induce differentiation of otic placodes.
Neutron electric form factor

The electric form factor of the neutron is calculated within the framework of a simple vector-meson-dominance model where certain additional constraints are also applied.
Expressing and exploiting concurrency in networked applications with aspen

This paper presents Aspen, a high-level programming language thattargets both high-productivity programming and runtime support formanaging resources needed by a computation. Programs in Aspen arerepresented as directed graphs, where the edges are well-definedunidirectional communication channels and the nodes are instances of computational modules that process the incoming data. The resulting representation of a program closely resembles a flow chart describing the flow of computation in a server application and exposing the communicationat a high level of abstraction. This strategy for program composition naturally allows parallelism and data sharing to be factored out of the core computational logic of a program, facilitating a division of labor between parallelism expertsand application experts and also easing code development and maintenance. Aspen automatically and transparently supports task-level parallelism among module instancesand data-level parallelism across different flows in an application or, in some cases, across different work items within a flow. Aspen automatically and adaptively allocates threads to modules according to the dynamic workload seen at those modules.Aspen is tested using a web server and a video-on-demand (VoD)server. Both servers are compared to serverapplications coded in other languages (such as C, C++, and Java). The Aspen programs achieve the same functionality despiteusing 54--96% fewer lines of user code. Nevertheless, the Aspen version always performs competitively, with performance that is always similar to or better than previous web server implementations and that sees never more than a 10% performance degradation in the VoD server. On the other hand, some work loads see superior performance with Aspen: Aspen's runtime thread allocation strategy allows the video-on-demand server to support up to 36% more simultaneous 1 Mbps video streams than a hand-tuned C++ version.
Function of human FcγRIIA and FcγRIIIB

Fc gamma RIIA (CD32), a conventional type I transmembrane protein, and Fc gamma RIIIB (CD16B), which has a glycan phosphatidylinositol (GPI) membrane anchor, are both expressed on human neutrophils. Although some details remain to be elucidated, signaling following crosslinking of Fc gamma RIIA requires the activation of tyrosine kinases of both Src-family kinases and Syk, resulting in tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc, phospholipase C gamma isozymes, and a [Ca2+]i transient. Ligation of neutrophil Fc gamma RIIIB triggers a [Ca2+]i transient, and degranulation, although probably not ADCC or an oxidative burst. However, the mechanism for signal transduction by Fc gamma RIIIB, which lacks a transmembrane domain, is not known. Fc gamma RIIA and Fc gamma RIIIB appear to synergize with each other, leading to suggestions that the GPI-anchored Fc gamma RIIIB utilizes the Fc gamma RIIA signaling apparatus. The relevance of proposed specialized membrane domains enriched in GPI-anchored proteins, sphingomyelin and glycolipids to the signaling properties of Fc gamma RIIIB likewise remains to be explored.
Comparison among the methods for hydrogen peroxide measurements to evaluate advanced oxidation processes : Application of a spectrophotometric method using copper (II) ion and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the range of several tens to several hundreds of micromoles per liter is usually added to the process water in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). In this study, a spectrophotometric method using copper(II) ion and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (DMP) for measuring H2O2 concentration was compared with other methods [i.e., spectrophotometric methods using titanium oxalate and N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPD) and a fluorometric method using p-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid (POHPAA)]. Particular attention was paid to sensitivities and effects of coexisting substances. The most sensitive method was the fluorometric method, followed in order by DPD, DMP, and the titanium oxalate colorimetric method; their detection limits in 1-cm cells were 0.16, 0.77, 0.80, and 29 μM, respectively. Therefore, the DMP method was found to be reasonably sensitive when applied to AOPs. Also, the DMP reagent is commercially available, and the absorbance of Cu(DMP)2+, a reaction product of the DMP meth...
Some Perspectives to Define and Model Reliability Using Fuzzy Sets

This article proposes a new framework to model the reliability for a component or system using the theory and methods of fuzzy sets.
Modeling and Simulation in Geotechnical Engineering for Interactive Design and Analysis with Finite Element Methods

This paper illustrates the author experience in modeling and simulating the process of construction through various projects in Indonesia and overseas. The predictions include the stresses (normal stress, shear stress, bending force) induced by the interactions of those materials in construction process, displacements as a result of gravity force or construction loads, development of pore water pressures in the soil pores and their effects on the stability. Landslide occurrences and seismic wave propagations can also be modelled. Overall the paper point out the importance of modeling and simulation as interactive analysis and design process.
The Gender Income Gap and the Role of Education.

Education is thought to be the pathway to success for disadvantaged groups. Given that young women now match or surpass men's educational achievements on many measures, how do they fare in terms of equal earnings? Would further educational changes matter for closing any existing gap? Analyzing data from the National Educational Longitudinal Survey, the author found that college-educated men in their mid-20s already earn, on average, about $7,000 more per year than do college-educated women. The findings suggest that this gap would still be substantial–about $4,400 per year–if women and men had similar educational credentials, scores on standardized tests, fields of study, and degrees from colleges of similar selectivity. Although women's gains in education may have been central to narrowing the gender gap in income historically, gender differences in fields of study continue to disadvantage women. Moreover, gender differences in work-related factors are more important than are educational differences for ...
Evaluation of fat sources on cholesterol and lipoproteins using pigs selected for high or low serum cholesterol.

At approximately 8 weeks of age, four-way cross (Chester White×Landrace×Large White×Yorkshire) pigs (n=24) were selected based on genetically high (H) or low (L) serum cholesterol levels—12 from each genetic group—to determine the relationship between genetics, fat source, and sex class on plasma cholesterol, growth, carcass characteristics, and cholesterol and lipid content of muscle and adipose tissues. Boars and gilts, six each from the two genetic groups, were assigned randomly to one of three dietary treatments for 46 days. A standard grower diet was modified to include beef tallow (T), corn oil (CR) or coconut oil (CC), and the pigs were given ad libitum access to feed. Cholesterol was added to each diet to ensure the diets contained the same amount of cholesterol. Except for the plasma lipids, there were no differences between boars and gilts at the initial evaluation or at the end of the treatment; therefore, sex means were pooled for statistical analyses. Body weight was unaffected by diet on days 18, 29 or 46. Blood samples were taken on days 1, 29, and 46 via the anterior vena cava. Plasma total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) concentrations were greater in the H than L groups (overall TC in H and L pigs=150 and 124 mg/dl, respectively, and LDL in H and L pigs=105 and 76 mg/dl, respectively). Pigs fed diets containing saturated fats had greater TC and LDL than pigs fed unsaturated fats (TC=165, 149, and 126 mg/dl for T, CC, and CR diets, respectively, and LDL=108, 88, and 77 mg/dl for T, CC, and CR diets, respectively). There were significant time×gene×sex interactions for both TC and LDL yielding subtle differences in the response of the sexes from the two genetic groups over time. Pigs were slaughtered on day 46, and carcass data were collected. There were no differences in fat at the first rib, 10th rib, last rib, or last lumbar vertebra, but differences (P <0.05) were found between genetic groups for M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle area (H=21.0±0.8 cm2, L=18.1±1.0 cm2) and USDA muscle score (H=2.1±0.1, L=1.7±0.1). There were no genetic or diet effects for cholesterol content of pre-rigor or post-rigor LTL muscle. Neither genetics nor dietary treatment affected the cholesterol content of the adipose tissue. There were no differences in fat percentage between genetic groups for muscle or adipose tissue. There were differences (P <0.05) in total lipid content among the dietary treatments for the pre-rigor (T=6.0±0.6%, CC=4.3±0.3%, CN=3.9±0.5%) and post-rigor (T=6.4±0.9%, CC=4.1±0.3%, CN=5.0±0.4%) LTL. Cholesterol accretion in muscle and adipose tissues of growing pigs was not influenced by source of fat in the diet or by their genetic propensity for high or low plasma cholesterol.
A micromachined elastomeric tip array for contact printing with variable dot size and density

We report a flexible and versatile microcontact printing process using a micromachined elastomeric PDMS (poly-dimethylsiloxane) stamp with two-dimensional arrays of pyramidal tips. The PDMS stamp was molded from a bulk-etched single-crystalline silicon master. By changing the contact pressure, arrayed dot patterns with different dot sizes (from submicron to a few microns) were obtained controllably with one single PDMS stamp. Variable density of dot patterns was also achieved in a 'step-print' manner by conducting multiple printing on a transitional stage. This technique is expected to be useful in many nano- and biotechnology applications, including single cell and neuron studies.
Automated Edman degradations: studies with a large sequencer cup and high-speed drive.

The major limitations with the current methodology employed in the automated Edman degradation of polypeptides and proteins is the progressive increase in overlap of penultimate amino acid residues during degradation and the appearance of new amino-terminal amino acid residues resulting from nonspecific cleavage of peptide bonds during acid cleavage. These limitations have been significantly reduced with automated degradations performed on a modified Beckman 890B sequencer equipped with a large reaction cup (75% increase in surface area), high speed drive (1800/3600 rpm), and cold trap attached to the high vacuum pump. Automated Edman degradations performed with the modified Beckman sequencer on apomyoglobin and bovine parathyroid hormone were of higher repetitive yield, and the individual steps in the sequence contained significantly less overlap and nonspecific background of amino acids due to acidolysis. Degradations with the modified sequencer on apomyoglobin were routinely performed for 65–70 cycles, and 2 to 20 mg of protein was efficiently sequenced with the large reaction cup. With the new modified sequencer, a single degradation can be extended further down the protein chain, and large as well as small proteins can be degraded. This improved system will facilitate the structural analysis of polypeptides and proteins and will reduce the necessity for extensive cleavage of proteins for overlapping peptide fragments.
On the role of alloy composition and processing parameters in nanocluster formation and dispersion strengthening in nanostuctured ferritic alloys

Abstract An extensive experimental study characterizing the sequence of events that lead to the formation of a very high density of Y–Ti–O solute nanoclusters (NC) in mechanically alloyed, hot isostatically pressed ferritic stainless steels is reported. Yttria dissolves in the Fe–14Cr–3W(0.4Ti) powders during mechanical alloying. The dissolved Y and O, and when present Ti, subsequently precipitate during hot consolidation. The number densities and volume fractions of the NC decrease, and their radii increase, with increasing consolidation temperature. The NC form at 850 and 1000 °C in milled alloys containing Y, both with and without Ti additions. The presence of Ti refines the NC, and both Ti and high milling energy are necessary for the formation of NC at the highest consolidation temperatures of 1150 °C. However, the precise structure and composition of the NC are not well understood. Indeed, their character varies, depending on the alloy composition and processing variables.
Putting “Positive” and “Psychology” In Perspective: The Role of Indian Psychology

Rao (this issue) offers a trenchant critique of the field of positive psychology. He clearly shows the way positive psychology, as it has been thus far considered, is clearly a product of a Westernized psychology. He goes further though and proposes that some of the limitations of positive psychology might be addressed by considering the insights of Indian indigenous psychology. In this commentary I suggest that these limitations of positive psychology can be fruitfully framed by considering the nature of the self and the nature of the positive or good that any understanding of positive psychology must presuppose.