cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of bisphosphonates on endometrial cancer incidence in data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical studies have demonstrated antitumor effects of bisphosphonates. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of exposure to bisphosphonate on the incidence of endometrial cancer. METHODS: The authors used data from the National Cancer Institute’s Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial, which collected data on all cancers. In year 5, all participants were asked to complete a self-administered supplemental questionnaire (SQX) that included questions regarding bone medication use. For women without a cancer diagnosis at the time of the SQX, the authors identified whether a woman reported current or former use of a nitrogenous bisphosphonate (NBP), defined as ever-use, and compared them with women never exposed to an NBP. Women with missing information were excluded as were women who reported undergoing a hysterectomy. Incidence rates and rate ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Cox proportional hazard ratios were also calculated and adjusted for covariates. RESULTS: A total of 29,254 women were included in the current analysis; an additional 77 cases of endometrial cancer have been diagnosed since the SQX. The incidence rate for endometrial cancer among women exposed to NBPs was 8.7 per 10,000 person-years versus 17.7 per 10,000 person-years among never-exposed women (rate ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30-0.80). The effect was similar after adjusting for all the covariates in the Cox proportional hazards analysis, with a hazard ratio of 0.56 (95% CI, 0.34-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study suggest that use of NBPs may have a protective effect on the incidence of endometrial cancer. However, additional studies are needed that include other potential confounders and a larger sample. Cancer 2014;000:000-000. V C 2014 American Cancer Society.
Equilibrium mechanics of rotating systems

Equilibrium rotations of a planar kinematic chain undergoing a single degree of freedom (out of plane) rotation in a gravitational field are studied. Sharp bounds on the number of dynamic equilibria are given, and the dependence of this number on physical parameters is discussed for the special case of two-link chains and chains with identical links. The theory indicates that there will be a richer set of dynamically stable equilibria for carefully designed chains with unequal links. This is born out by laboratory experiments.
Time and Frequency Synchronization for 3GPP Long Term Evolution Systems

We study time and frequency synchronization for 3GPP long term evolution systems. A new method to generate repetitive synchronization signals is described, and a corresponding detection algorithm taking advantage of the proposed synchronization signal structure is provided. The described synchronization scheme combines the advantages of auto- and cross-correlation based detection algorithms. The performance of our approach is evaluated and compared to other existing algorithms.
Toward a theory of impact crises

In a certain sense, the impact explanation for the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous had its origin in Lamont Hall. A couple of years after I came to Lamont in 1971, I started working with another new Lamonter, Bill Lowrie, now at Eidgenossiche Technische Hochschule (ETH), Zurich, on the paleomagnetism of pelagic limestones in Italy. We went to the little medieval city of Gubbio because of the very complete section of Upper Cretaceous and Lower Tertiary limestones that is exposed in the Bottaccione Gorge, which cuts through the mountains behind the town.
Local Food Consumption Is Associated With Higher Healthy Eating Index Score

The primary objective of this study was to determine the influence of local food consumption over diet quality. Purposeful sampling was employed to recruit 186 participants in Austin, Texas. Partic...
Activation of integrins in endothelial cells by fluid shear stress mediates Rho-dependent cytoskeletal alignment.

Fluid shear stress is a critical determinant of vascular remodeling and atherogenesis. Both integrins and the small GTPase Rho are implicated in endothelial cell responses to shear but the mechanisms are poorly understood. We now show that shear stress rapidly stimulates conformational activation of integrin αvβ3 in bovine aortic endothelial cells, followed by an increase in its binding to extracellular cell matrix (ECM) proteins. The shear-induced new integrin binding to ECM induces a transient inactivation of Rho similar to that seen when suspended cells are plated on ECM proteins. This transient inhibition is necessary for cytoskeletal alignment in the direction of flow. The results therefore define the role of integrins and Rho in a pathway leading to endothelial cell adaptation to flow.
Relationships between the social networks of Swedish mothers and their children

In a sample of seventy-two Swedish mothers and their children, significant relationships between characteristics of mothers' social networks and those of their children were found. The nature and strength of the relationship varied with the marital status of the mother and the sex of the child. The greatest similarity, or isomorphism, was found between the networks of married mothers and their daughters. The greatest dissimilarity was found between single mothers and their sons. The findings suggest that the nature and degree of mothers' involvement in their own networks of support and exchange may have both facilitative and inhibitive influences on the social relations of their children. Processes suggested by the data by which mothers' network involvement may influence their children's networks include modelling, teaching, sanctioning, providing opportunities, and providing a secure base.
NEW INSIGHTS INTO THE STRUCTURE OF THE WORLD ECONOMY

The United Nations' newly completed study of purchasing power parities covering 34 countries varied in region, income level, and form of economic organization shows the systematic differences between the usual view of the structure of the world economy arising out of international comparisons based upon foreign exchange rate conversions and the structure one sees when actual prices are available. The real per capita GDP of developing countries is understated relative to developed countries when exchange rates are used in converting countries' national income accounts to a common currency, with the degree of understatement for any two countries being inversely related to the per capita income difference between them. The reason for this is that relative prices in the non-traded goods sector are lower relative to traded goods prices in low income countries. The systematic pattern observed in the 1975 data of the 34 countries has been extrapolated over time and space to get estimates of GDP for other years and countries. In the absence of detailed price data, the real shares of final expenditures devoted to particular components of the total can only be estimated as the proportion of own currency total expenditure devoted to the components. The observed differences in the pattern of prices of poor countries relative to rich for different components makes this clearly wrong for international comparisons, and in systematic ways. For example, (i) the relative price of services compared with commodities in poor countries is lower than in rich; so the apparent tendency of the share of services to rise as a country's income rises disappears when real quantities are considered; similarly, (ii) the relative price of capital goods is greater in poor countries compared with rich ones, so the difference in investment ratios out of GDP between rich and poor countries is understated.
Particulate Fractions of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Abstract Passage of gonococcal cells through a Ribi cell fractionator produced a mixture of protoplasm and cell particulates, the latter being separable in sucrose solutions. Separation of these particulates resulted in the detection of objects identified as cell walls and “plasts.” The latter objects had an average diameter of 1.00 ± 0.05 μm and consisted of spatially oriented granules surrounded by a membrane-like structure only. Cell wall structures were not observed with these plasts. Plasts were morphologically stable in distilled water and at low pH values. Although 50% more pressure was required to rupture plasts than whole cells, plast morphology was destroyed by organic solvents. Whole cell and plast morphology was examined by electron and phase microscopy, and certain correlations were made between structure and morphological stability. Cell wall antiserum reactivities were quantitatively different for plasts and cell walls. Serological reactivities of plasts were separable by sonic oscillation and differential centrifugation of the sonically treated material.
Thyroid Function Abnormalities in HIV-Infected Patients

Abnormal thyroid function test results are common among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Although the prevalence of overt thyroid disease does not appear to be significantly increased in HIV-infected patients, compared with the general population, specific patterns of abnormal thyroid function test findings are more frequently identified among HIV-infected patients. Among patients with advanced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, nonthyroidal illness (i.e., euthyroid sick syndrome) is common. During antiretroviral therapy, the prevalence of 2 generally asymptomatic conditions (subclinical hypothyroidism, which is characterized by isolated elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, and isolated low free thyroxine levels) is increased. In addition, Graves disease, which is marked by low thyroid-stimulating hormone and elevated thyroxine levels, may occur during immune reconstitution. Testing for thyroid disease among symptomatic patients should begin with measurement of the thyroid-stimulating hormone level. However, there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine thyroid screening of asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding the optimal laboratory evaluation of thyroid function; highlights the causes, presentation, and treatment of thyroid dysfunction in HIV-infected patients; and discusses the controversies regarding screening.
THE INFLUENCE OF KETAMINE INDUCTION ON POTASSIUM CHANGES AND FASCICULATIONS FOLLOWING SUXAMETHONIUM

SUMMARY Plasma potassium levels were measured during induction with thiopentone or ketamine and subsequent administration of suxamethonium. The presence and magnitude of fasciculations following suxamethonium were noted. In addition arterial blood gases and glucose levels were measured. All patients displayed a small decrease in plasma potassium levels following the induction agents and a similar rise after the muscle relaxant. The rise occurred less rapidly after the thiopentone-suxamethonium sequence, but no other major differences with respect to potassium emerged in the two groups who received suxamethonium. In the third group, who received ketamine but no relaxant, potassium levels remained below the baseline values. The incidence and degree of fasciculations following suxamethonium 1 mg/kg appeared significantly less with the ketamine induction.
Polycrystalline GeSn thin films on Si formed by alloy evaporation

Polycrystalline GeSn thin films on Si substrates with a Sn composition up to 4.5% have been fabricated and characterized. The crystalline structure, surface morphology, and infrared (IR) absorption coefficient of the annealed GeSn thin films were carefully investigated. It was found that the GeSn thin films with a Sn composition of 4.5% annealed at 450 °C possessed a desirable polycrystalline structure according to X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses and Raman spectroscopy analyses. In addition, the absorption coefficient of the polycrystalline GeSn thin films in the IR region was significantly better than that of the single crystalline bulk Ge.
The Decline of Plant Collecting in the United States: A Threat to the Infrastructure of Biodiversity Studies

Collections of plant specimens are the basic infrastructure for all studies of plant diversity, but there is concern that plant collecting is in decline. We acquired collection data from a diverse sample of 71 herbaria to test whether there is a decrease in rates of local collecting in the United States. The recorded data were the decade of collection for all specimens of nine exemplar genera from the local region of the herbarium. All analyses showed evidence of a decline in local collecting. We found that the temporal pattern of collecting varied considerably from herbarium to herbarium, but that more herbaria showed a decreasing trend than an increasing trend. The total accumulation of specimens is in decline and only 21% of the sampled herbaria reached their peaks in local collecting activity in the last 20 years. Furthermore, two thirds of the herbaria acquired fewer locally-collected specimens in the last two decades than in the prior two. These trends were consistent over all size classes of herbaria and over herbaria from all regions, though they were less severe in the Mountain region herbaria. Tests for bias indicated that our sample of herbaria was more active than typical, thus our conclusions should be considered a conservative estimate of decline.
Prospects for Agricultural Production in Latin America

Fortunately, Latin America has plentiful land and water resources for agricultural development. In the early 1970s about 81 million hectares of land were cropped in the region. This is only about 17% of the estimated total land potentially suited for crop growing in Latin America, while in the world as a whole 42% of the potential farmland is actually cultivated. In some areas, such as Mexico, a large proportion of the suitable land is already growing crops, while in others, like Brazil, only a small portion of the arable land is planted. Much of the land available for expansion is currently in remote frontier areas or is now in pasture, much of which will be freed if more technologically advanced pasture use methods are adopted. In many countries, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, large areas that could be rich cropland are used for extensive grazing.
A Study of Estrogen-Sensitive Hypothalamic Centers Using a Technique for Rapid Application and Removal of Estradiol∗:

SummaryThe effect of estrogen-tipped steel tubes has previously been studied with permanent implant methods. An improved technique makes it possible to place and remove 27-gauge estrogen-tipped tubes through a short 22-gauge “guide barrel” permanently implanted in the calvarium. The “guide barrel” is implanted and the animal allowed to recover from the effects of surgery prior to placement of the estrogen tube. Three experiments are described demonstrating the value of this technique: (i) Castrated female rats with estrogen tubes placed in the preoptic-suprachiasmatic region of the anterior hypothalamus exhibited behavioral lordosis and mating in less time than that previously described for rats with permanent tube implants. (ii) Estrogen tubes placed in the estrogen-sensitive center of the posterior hypothalamus of intact, normally cycling female rats for 7 days suppressed the return of normal vaginal cycles for 16-37 days after the tubes were removed. In previous reports with permanently implanted tubes...
Cyclic stretch disrupts apical junctional complexes in Caco-2 cell monolayers by a JNK-2-, c-Src-, and MLCK-dependent mechanism

The intestinal epithelium is subjected to various types of mechanical stress. In this study, we investigated the impact of cyclic stretch on tight junction and adherens junction integrity in Caco-2 cell monolayers. Stretch for 2 h resulted in a dramatic modulation of tight junction protein distribution from a linear organization into wavy structure. Continuation of cyclic stretch for 6 h led to redistribution of tight junction proteins from the intercellular junctions into the intracellular compartment. Disruption of tight junctions was associated with redistribution of adherens junction proteins, E-cadherin and β-catenin, and dissociation of the actin cytoskeleton at the actomyosin belt. Stretch activates JNK2, c-Src, and myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK). Inhibition of JNK, Src kinase or MLCK activity and knockdown of JNK2 or c-Src attenuated stretch-induced disruption of tight junctions, adherens junctions, and actin cytoskeleton. Paracellular permeability measured by a novel method demonstrated that cyclic stretch increases paracellular permeability by a JNK, Src kinase, and MLCK-dependent mechanism. Stretch increased tyrosine phosphorylation of occludin, ZO-1, E-cadherin, and β-catenin. Inhibition of JNK or Src kinase attenuated stretch-induced occludin phosphorylation. Immunofluorescence localization indicated that phospho-MLC colocalizes with the vesicle-like actin structure at the actomyosin belt in stretched cells. On the other hand, phospho-c-Src colocalizes with the actin at the apical region of cells. This study demonstrates that cyclic stretch disrupts tight junctions and adherens junctions by a JNK2, c-Src, and MLCK-dependent mechanism.
Intrasexual competition underlies sexual selection on male breeding coloration in the orangethroat darter, Etheostoma spectabile.

Elaborate, sexually dimorphic traits are widely thought to evolve under sexual selection through female preference, male-male competition, or both. The orangethroat darter (Etheostoma spectabile) is a sexually dichromatic fish in which females exhibit no preferences for male size or coloration. We tested whether these traits affect individual reproductive success in E. spectabile when multiple males are allowed to freely compete for a female. The quality and quantity of male coloration were associated with greater success in maintaining access to the female and in spawning as the primary male (first male to participate). On the other hand, sneaking behavior showed little correlation with coloration. Male breeding coloration in E. spectabile may therefore demonstrate how intrasexual competition can be a predominant factor underlying the evolution of male ornaments.
Sexual Orientation Moderates Online Sexual Activities

This chapter discusses the relationships between online sexual activities, sexual orientation, and sexual activities in physical space. It aims to help readers explore the possibility that online sexual activities are moderated by sexual orientation, defined here as one’s self-identification as heterosexual, bisexual, or gay or lesbian. Online sexual ‘activities include, but are not limited to, seeking information or advice about sexual health, romance and relationships, online chatting with a sexual focus, viewing erotic acts, buying erotic materials, or arranging for erotic encounters offline’ (Cooper, Scherer, & Mathy, 2001, p. 437). If this chapter were a documentary film, it might be necessary to admonish readers that anyone who requires a definition for ‘sexual behaviors in physical space’ may proceed only if accompanied by a parent or adult guardian (i.e., an ‘R’ rating by the Motion Picture Association of America). In reality, human sexual activities – whether engaged in online or in physical space – have in common a central theorem of Human Sexuality. Specifically, the brain is Homo sapiens’ primary sex organ.
Physical Layer Communications in Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are widely used in applications such as event detection, environment monitoring, target tracking, and home automation. Typically, manually deployed sensors measure environmental information, e.g., temperature, image, and wind speed, etc., and transmit noisy versions of these measurements over wireless fading channels to the local intelligent control center (ICC), in which an estimation of these state measurements is obtained and thus related control operations are conducted.
Spatio-angular consistent construction of neonatal diffusion MRI atlases.

Atlases constructed using diffusion-weighted imaging are important tools for studying human brain development. Atlas construction is in general a two-step process involving spatial registration and fusion of individual images. The focus of most studies so far has been on improving the accuracy of registration while image fusion is commonly performed using simple averaging, often resulting in fuzzy atlases. In this article, we propose a patch-based method for diffusion-weighted (DW) atlas construction. Unlike other atlases that are based on the diffusion tensor model, our atlas is model-free and generated directly from the diffusion-weighted images. Instead of independently generating an atlas for each gradient direction and hence neglecting angular image correlation, we propose to construct the atlas by jointly considering DW images of neighboring gradient directions. We employ a group regularization framework where local patches of angularly neighboring images are constrained for consistent spatio-angular atlas reconstruction. Experimental results confirm that our atlas, constructed for neonatal data, reveals more structural details with higher fractional anisotropy than the atlas generated without angular consistency as well as the average atlas. Also the normalization of test subjects to the proposed atlas results in better alignment of brain structures. Hum Brain Mapp, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The V-Girls: Feminism and the Authentic Subject after Post-structuralism

The feminist performance troupe the V-Girls satirized the conventions of academia and trends in deconstructionist, psychoanalytic, poststructuralist, and feminist thought in their three performances, “Academia in the Alps: In Search of Swiss Mis(s)” (1988-92), “The Question of Manet’s Olympia : Posed and Skirted” (1989-92), and “The V-Girls: Daughters of the ReVolution,” (1993-96). In their earliest two performances, the V-Girls simultaneously identify with and question post-structuralism, suggesting that its critique of humanism’s autonomous subject actually bolsters academics’ claim to individual mastery. By explaining away her beliefs as effects of pre-existing ideologies, the V-Girls suggest, the post-structuralist academic need not risk advancing her convictions or participating in collective action. In their final performance, the V-Girls ask if second-wave feminism provides a salvageable model of the self-identified, authentic subject ready to speak out and work collaboratively. In so doing, they also reveal overlooked parallels between the humanist and second-wave feminist conception of the subject.
Trans-Atlantic collaboration: applying lessons learned from the US CF Foundation quality improvement initiative.

Between 2002 and 2006 France launched a national cystic fibrois (CF) newborn screening program; organized a network of specialized CF care centers; and issued CF diagnostic and treatment standards. To continue to build on this success in 2007 the Cystic Fibrosis Center of Expertise for Rare Diseases (CF CERD) of Nantes-Roscoff in partnership with the French CF Society, the French CF Association (Vaincre la Mucoviscidose), and all CF center leaders from across the country agreed to pursue center-level improvement in medical outcomes for people with CF by adapting the U.S. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s (US CFF) national initiative, Accelerating the Rate of Improvement in CF Care. To launch the Program to Improve Results and Expertise in CF (le Programme d’Amelioration des Resultats et de l’Expertise en Mucoviscidose - PHARE-M), French leaders pursued mentorship and guidance from leaders at the US CFF, the Dartmouth Institute (TDI), and clinical care teams at CF centers across the U.S. The following activities enabled the Nantes-Roscoff CF CERD team members and a parent, involved with the French CF Association board and a quality engineer by training, to gain the leadership and quality improvement knowledge and skills necessary to implement the PHARE-M program: 1) regularly attending national meetings, tracking publications, and leveraging existing partnerships; 2) completing two sabbaticals to visit U.S. CF centers and enrolling in academic and professional training courses; and, 3) inviting US CFF and TDI leaders to France to meet key opinion leaders and frontline teams. The Nantes-Roscoff CF CERD team successfully adapted the US CFF’s initiative to accelerate improvement in CF care by establishing a partnership with U.S. leaders to communicate and exchange strategies and lessons learned; intentionally studying and adapting the Clinical Microsystems approach to quality improvement; and learning directly from the experience of frontline teams in the U.S. They continue to partner with U.S. leaders and are seeking to collaborate with European colleagues to continue to improve care for individuals with CF and their families across Europe.
Modeling of an energy-flexible production control with SysML

Abstract Rising and fluctuating energy prices, an increasing scarcity of fossil fuels and a high demand of electrical energy make industrial companies search for environmental friendly and sustainable solutions. Companies are interested to use renewable energies at their production site or to support the increase of renewable energy systems by adapting their energy consumption to the volatile energy supply. For these companies it is necessary to adapt their energy demand to the available and fluctuating energy supply. Therefore, energy storages, energy flexible machines and smart controls are needed. To realize smart control, electrical energy must be included into production planning and control as resource. The aim of this paper is to model an energy flexible production control by using the modeling language SysML.
Metallography and Microstructure of Metallic Artifacts

The microscopic study of the internal structure of metal objects is called metallography, and it is an essential tool used by industrial metallurgists and metal engineers even today. However, metallography is also a powerful tool for the archaeometallurgist, as it allows us to study the methods used in the casting, forging, and finishing of an artifact. Through this method, the researcher gains an understanding of the “chaine operatoire” or series of steps used by the ancient metal worker in the production of an object. Metallography can also be used to answer other important archaeometallurgical questions, such as the authenticity of an artifact (vs. a modern forgery) or whether an iron object is made from meteoritic or smelted iron.
Robotic Simulation Training

Simulation is a critical tool in minimally invasive surgery and holds similar importance in robotic surgery. In this chapter, we review the current use and promise of simulation in robotic surgery. We begin with a review of pertinent concepts in simulation. Fidelity is the accuracy of a simulation in representing a real system. The setting of the simulation creates opportunities for and controls the parameters of the simulation. Computerization has revolutionized simulation and has led to the development of virtual reality simulators for surgical training. We then discuss various levels of simulation fidelity within practical and virtual reality. Practical models include suture boards, trainer boxes, exercises in room setup, basic console use, and in vitro and cadaveric models. Virtual reality includes visual and auditory immersion which has introduced many new tools and opportunities for robotic surgical educators, researchers, and trainees. Finally, we review assessment tools used by educators to objectively and subjectively evaluate learners in simulation-based curricula and to evaluate the simulations themselves.
Risk Factors, Causes, and Costs of Hospital Readmission After Head and Neck Cancer Surgery Reconstruction.

ImportanceThirty-day hospital readmissions have substantial direct costs and are increasingly used as a measure of quality care. However, data regarding the risk factors and reasons for readmission...
Are Orthopaedic Surgeons Performing Fewer Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomies in Patients Greater Than 50 Years Old? A National Database Study.

Purpose To report the trends in arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) for degenerative meniscal tears in a large private insurance database among patients older than 50 years. Methods The Humana database between 2007 and 2015 was queried for this study. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria with degenerative meniscal tears who underwent APMs were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes, followed by Current Procedural Terminology codes. A linear regression analysis was performed with a significance level set at F Results A total of 21,759 APMs were performed between 2007 and 2015 in patients older than 50 years. Normalized data for total yearly enrollment showed a significant increase in APMs performed from 2007 to 2010 (R2 = 0.986, P = .007). The average percentage increase per year from 2007 to 2010 was 18.59%. However, there was a significant decrease in APMs performed from 2010 to 2015 (R2 = 0.748, P = .026). The average percentage decrease per year from 2010 to 2015 was 7.74%. The percentage decrease overall from 2010 to 2015 was 71.68%. No difference in statistical significance was found when age was broken into 5-year age intervals. We found a significant difference in APM based on region (P Conclusions The rate of APMs in patients older than 50 years increased from 2007 until 2010. Since 2010, the rate of APMs in patients older than 50 years has significantly decreased. These trends are likely multifactorial. Regardless of cause, it appears that the orthopaedic surgery community is performing fewer APMs in this patient population. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective database epidemiological study.
Echoing the emotions of others: empathy is related to how adults and children map emotion onto the body

Empathy involves a mapping between the emotions observed in others and those experienced in one's self. However, effective social functioning also requires an ability to differentiate one's own emotional state from that of others. Here, we sought to examine the relationship between trait measures of empathy and the self-other distinction during emotional experience in both children and adults. We used a topographical self-report method (emBODY tool) in which participants drew on a silhouette of a human body where they felt an emotional response while watching film and music clips, as well as where they believed the character in the film or performer was feeling an emotion. We then assessed how the degree of overlap between the bodily representation of self versus other emotions related to trait empathy. In adults, the degree of overlap in the body maps was correlated with Perspective Taking. This relationship between cognitive empathy and degree of overlap between self and other was also found with children (8-11 years old), even though children performed worse on the task overall. The results suggest that mapping emotions observed or imagined in other's bodies onto our own is related to the development of empathy.
Thermal hydraulic characteristics of unstable bubbling of direct contact condensation of steam in subcooled water

Abstract The study of direct contact condensation (DCC) of steam is important owing to the diverse range of DCC applications, including uses in power plants, heat exchangers, and steam ejectors. In this study, an experimental investigation was performed to study the thermal hydraulic characteristics of the DCC of steam in an unstable condensation regime. Deionized water was used as the working fluid obtained with the use of a reverse osmosis method. The experiments were performed with pool temperatures in the range of 70 to 92 °C ± 2 °C, with different steam mixture mass fluxes in the range of 5 and 64 kg/m2 s, and with a gas injection nozzle with an inner diameter of 9.525 mm. The pool temperature was measured using thermocouples, and the surface area of the bubble and the volume flow rate were evaluated with high-speed camera image acquisitions. Subsequently, image processing was used to obtain the heat-transfer coefficient and other thermal hydraulic characteristics, such as the bubble condensing frequency and the bubble centroid velocity. The calculated condensation heat-transfer coefficients were found to be 24.57–179.78 kW/m2⋅K. According to the experimental results at various boundary conditions, a unified correlation of the heat-transfer coefficient was identified at the bubbling frequency in the unstable condensation regime, regardless of the pool subcooling temperature and steam mass flux. It was also found that the characteristic frequency of the steam bubble can be determined based on the boundary conditions to allow the determination of the heat-transfer coefficient with the given boundary conditions.
Coordination promiscuity guarantees metal substrate selection in transmembrane primary-active Zn2+ pumps.

Metal selectivity in P1B-type ATPase pumps appears to be determined by amino acid motifs on their transmembrane helices. We reveal the principles governing substrate promiscuity towards first-, second- and third-row transition metals in a transmembrane Zn2+/Cd2+/Hg2+/Pb2+ P-type ATPase (ZntA), by dissecting its coordination chemistry. Atomic resolution characterization in detergent micelles and lipid bilayers reveals a “plastic” transmembrane metal-binding site that selects substrates by unique and diverse, yet defined, coordination geometries and ligand–metal distances.
Comparative Study of Intercultural Sensitivity of College Students in Two Distinctive Institutions in the U.S.

Adopting Chen and Starosta’s Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) published in 2000, this study compared intercultural sensitivity of college students in two distinctive institutions: a mid-sized ...
Cortisol reactivity and situational drug use in cocaine-dependent females.

Abstract In this double-blind study, cocaine-dependent women were administered a pharmacological stressor or placebo prior to two cue-reactivity procedures. The Inventory of Drug Taking Situations is a self-report questionnaire measuring antecedents to relapse and is comprised of three subscales: negative, positive, and temptation situational drug use. It was hypothesized that women with higher IDTS scores would have a greater cortisol response to the cue-reactivity task while receiving yohimbine versus placebo. All three subscales showed significance during the same times after yohimbine administration and immediately post-cue exposure. Our results may suggest an association between situational and physiological risk factors in this population.
Task-induced attention load guides and gates unconscious semantic interference.

The tight relationship between attention and conscious perception has been extensively researched in the past decades. However, whether attentional modulation extended to unconscious processes remained largely unknown, particularly when it came to abstract and high-level processing. Here we use a double Stroop paradigm to demonstrate that attention load gates unconscious semantic processing. We find that word and color incongruencies between a subliminal prime and a supraliminal target cause slower responses to non-Stroop target words—but only if the task is to name the target word (low-load task), and not if the task is to name the target’s color (high-load task). The task load hypothesis is confirmed by showing that the word-induced incongruence effect can be detected in the color-naming task, but only in the late, practiced trials. We further replicate this task-induced attentional modulation phenomenon in separate experiments with colorless words (word-only) and words with semantic relationship but no orthographic similarities (semantics-only). Conscious task load modulates the unconscious processing of semantic interference between an invisible prime and a visible target in a double-Stroop paradigm, providing evidence that high-level unconscious processing requires attention.
From What IS News to How Vital Is News

Who could have predicted in 2018 when we independently submitted similarly themed proposals for an MC&S special issue that we would face a 2020 pandemic that would make us all realize just how vita...
Wither Elites? The Role of Elite Credibility and Knowledge in Public Perceptions of Foreign Policy

Existing theories of foreign policy opinion formation tend to treat elites as a black-box category for members of the non-public. This misses important nuances in public perceptions of elites. We argue that elite vocation serves as an important source cue, signaling elite access to information and elite knowledge that can be brought to bear on that information. We use a survey experiment to evaluate our hypotheses comparing four types of elites: elected officials, academics, career-professionals, and members of the media. We find that, even accounting for partisanship, people still evaluate elites as knowledgeable and credible. There are also important differences in public perceptions of elites that should be accounted for in our theories of opinion formation. These findings have important implications for the en-vogue death of expertise argument as well as research on public perceptions of foreign policy and public opinion formation.
The Legal Fiction of the Lake Matchimanitou Indian School

Historians, political scientists, sociologists and lawyers, in their respective academic languages, have documented the history of the conquest of the indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere, especially those of North America. The histories end with the final dispossession of lands from Indians and their tribes. Despite more than five centuries of conquest, Indians and Indian tribes continue the struggle for survival in the modern era, while non-Indians, many of them politically and socially hostile, surround them. The stories of the conflicts that arise from the continuing interaction between Indians and non-Indians are usually told from the non-Indian perspective. As a result, Indian voices are rarely heard. As more and more Indians and Indian tribes succeed, the outcry of non-Indians demands becomes louder. This Article is a fictional narrative of an Indian tribe that founded a grade school for the purpose of educating Indian students in an all-Indian setting with an all-Indian faculty. While the school starts from modest beginnings and becomes a spectacular success, non-Indians slowly and insidiously take over the school for their own purposes and begin educating non-Indian students. This story is an allegory of the European conquest of the Western Hemisphere.
Notation and Terminology

Any ring A in this book is associative with identity 1 (for emphasis this is sometimes written as 1A). A subring has the same identity, and ring homomorphisms preserve 1s. The possibility that A= {0} is allowed. Obviously in this case, 1 = 0. If A ≠ {0}, then 1 ≠ 0; for otherwise, a = a·1 = a·0 = 0 for any a in A. If A ≠ {0} and ab = 0 implies that either a = 0 or b = 0, then A is a domain. If A ≠ {0}, and {0} and A are the only two-sided ideals of A, then A is simple. For a subset S of A, the centralizer of S in A is the subring CenA S of A defined by $$ Ce{n_A}S = \left\{ {a \in A\left| {as = sa\,for\,al} \right.l\,s \in S} \right\} $$ .
Biogenesis of Peroxisomes in Rat Liver and Candida Tropicalis

New peroxisomes form by the division of preexisting peroxisomes after the posttranslational import of newly-synthesized matrix, core and membrane proteins. This process differs from the biogenesis of mitochondria and chloroplasts in that most peroxisomal proteins are synthesized at their final sizes, without cleavable targeting peptides. Our recent results and current research directions are summarized.
Moore's Law Forever?

According to Moore9s law, the number of transistors on a chip should double in each technology generation. For more than 30 years, compliance with this law has been driven by the shrinking of transistor dimensions. But as Lundstrom explains in his Perspective, device physics and the limitations of existing materials pose restrictions on how far transistor dimensions can be reduced. Moore9s law may nevertheless survive as device engineers build layers of devices on chips or use new approaches such as molecular electronics.
Modification Of A Decwriter For The Arabic Language

countries in computer equipment that does not require translations to English. printers for Arabic, but they are expensive, and the q uality of the text is poor. Arabic uses cursive (connected) writing from right to left and each of the 28 letters has as many as four forms. the popular LA36 DEC Writer I1 t o print high quality Arabic script. The correct form of the letter is specified by a single shift key. Several designs were considered including an Intel 8035 based one, but the f inal version uses a random logic design."
Thermoplastic Matrix Composites: Finite-Element Analysis of Mode I and Mode II Failure Specimens

A finite-element analysis was conducted to evaluate the stress distributions within mode I and mode II failure specimens, assuming both isotropic and orthotropic elastic material properties. The effects of anisotropy on both the magnitude and the location of the highest stress concentration at the vicinity of the crack tip are significant. The results from modeling realistic blunt crack tip geometry and resin-rich zones imply that local variations in the microstructure strongly influence the stress state near the crack tip and therefore the measured fracture properties. In addition, the features of a viscoelastic model for thermoplastic matrices are described. This model will be used in future investigations of matrix-dominated failure phenomena.
Effects of Fish Size and Ration Level on the Growth and Food Conversion Efficiency of Rainbow Trout, Salmo gairdneri, Richardson

The growth rates of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri, which ranged in size from 0.6 to 5.2 g and were provided rations of three different sizes, were measured during a 15-day study. The relative maintenance rations (food/gram of fish at zero growth rate) decreased with increases of fish size. Consequently when fish were kept at low ration levels the growth rates and gross efficiencies of food conversion of ‘large’ fish were greater than those of ‘small’ fish. However, as ration level increased, the effects of fish size grew at the same rates or slower than small fish. With increases of ration to the highest levels (9–12%/day) gross efficiency values for large fish began to decline while those for small fish continued to increase.
The synthesis of 2-chloro-1-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazole and certain related derivatives

The synthesis of 2-chloro-1-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazole (4b) has been accomplished by a condensation of 2-chloro-1-trimethylsilylbenzimidazole (1) with 2,3,5-tri-O-acetyl-D-ribofuranosyl bromide (2) followed by subsequent deacetylation. Nucleophilic displacement of the 2-chloro group has furnished several interesting 2-substituted-1-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazoles. 1-(β-D-Ribofuranosyl)benzimidazole (5) and 1-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazole-2-thione (6) were prepared from 4b and 6 was also prepared by condensation of 2 with silylated benzimidazole- 2-thione (3). Alkylation of 6 furnished certain 2-alkylthio-1-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazoles and oxidation of 6 with alkaline hydrogen peroxide produced 1-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazole-2-one (9). The assignment of anomeric configuration for all nucleosides reported is discussed.
Obtaining and Estimating Kinetic Parameters from the Literature

This Teaching Resource provides lecture notes, slides, and a student assignment for a lecture on strategies for the development of mathematical models. Many biological processes can be represented mathematically as systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Simulations with these mathematical models can provide mechanistic insight into the underlying biology of the system. A prerequisite for running simulations, however, is the identification of kinetic parameters that correspond closely with the biological reality. This lecture presents an overview of the steps required for the development of kinetic ODE models and describes experimental methods that can yield kinetic parameters and concentrations of reactants, which are essential for the development of kinetic models. Strategies are provided to extract necessary parameters from published data. The homework assignment requires students to find parameters appropriate for a well-studied biological regulatory system, convert these parameters into appropriate units, and interpret how different values of these parameters may lead to different biological behaviors.
Growth of Pseudomonas chlororaphis on apolyester–polyurethane and the purification andcharacterization of a polyurethanase–esterase enzyme

Abstract A Pseudomonas chlororaphis was found to degrade and utilize apolyester polyurethane as a sole carbon and energy source. Polyurethane utilization by P.chlororaphis followed simple Michaelis–Menten kinetics. The K s and μ max values were 0.802 mg·ml −1 and 1.316 doublings·h −1 , respectively. The enzymes from P. chlororaphis responsible for polyurethanedegradation were found to be extracellular. Analysis of the polyurethane degrading proteins, usingnon-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, revealed three active protein bands with R f values of 0.25, 0.417 and 0.917. A polyurethane degrading enzyme was purifiedand displayed esterase activity. This enzyme was inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride andhad a molecular weight of 27,000 daltons.
Rapid T2- and susceptometry-based CMRO2 quantification with interleaved TRUST (iTRUST)

Susceptometry-based oximetry (SBO) and T2-relaxation-under-spin-tagging (TRUST) are two promising methods for quantifying the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2), a critical parameter of brain function. We present a combined method, interleaved TRUST (iTRUST), which achieves rapid, simultaneous quantification of both susceptometry- and T2-based CMRO2 via insertion of a flow-encoded, dual-echo gradient-recalled echo (OxFlow) module within the T1 recovery portion of the TRUST sequence. In addition to allowing direct comparison between SBO- and TRUST-derived venous oxygen saturation (Yv) values, iTRUST substantially improves TRUST temporal resolution for CMRO2 quantification and obviates the need for a separate blood flow measurement following TRUST acquisition. iTRUST was compared directly to TRUST and OxFlow alone in three resting subjects at baseline, exhibiting close agreement with the separate techniques and comparable precision. These baseline data as well as simulation results support the use of two instead of the traditional four T2 preparation times for T2 fitting, allowing simultaneous quantification of susceptometry- and T2-based Yv (and CMRO2) with three- and six-second temporal resolution, respectively. In 10 young healthy subjects, iTRUST was applied during a 5% CO2 gas mixture-breathing paradigm. T2-based Yv values were lower at baseline relative to susceptometry (62.3 ± 3.1 vs. 66.7 ± 5.1 %HbO2, P < 0.05), but increased more in response to hypercapnia. As a result, T2-based CMRO2 decreased from 140.4 ± 9.7 to 120.0 ± 9.5 μMol/100 g/min, a significant − 14.6 ± 3.6% response (P < 0.0001), whereas susceptometry-based CMRO2 changed insignificantly from 123.4 ± 18.7 to 127.9 ± 25.7, a 3.3 ± 9.7% response (P = 0.31). These differing results are in accord with previous studies applying the parent OxFlow or TRUST sequences individually, thus supporting the reliability of iTRUST but also strongly suggesting that a systematic bias exists between the susceptometry- and T2-based Yv quantification techniques.