cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probability of afternoon precipitation in eastern United States and Mexico enhanced by high evaporation

Moisture and heat fluxes from the land surface to the atmosphere form a critical nexus between surface hydrology and atmospheric processes, particularly those relevant to precipitation. Although current theory suggests that soil moisture generally has a positive impact on subsequent precipitation, individual studies have shown support both for 1‐4 and against 5‐7 this positive feedback. Broad assessment of the coupling between soil moisture and evapotranspiration, and evapotranspiration and precipitation, has been limited by a lack of large-scale observations. Quantification of the influence of evapotranspiration on precipitation remains particularly uncertain. Here, we develop and apply physically based, objective metrics for quantifying the impacts of surface evaporative and sensible heat fluxes on the frequency and intensity of convective rainfall during summer, using North American reanalysis data. We show that high evaporation enhances the probability of afternoon rainfall east of the Mississippi and in Mexico. Indeed, variations in surface fluxes lead to changes in afternoon rainfall probability of between 10 and 25% in these regions. The intensity of rainfall, by contrast, is largely insensitive to surface fluxes. We suggest that local surface fluxes represent an important trigger for convective rainfall in the eastern United States and Mexico during the summer, leading to a positive evaporation‐ precipitation feedback.
Searching for diverse, cooperative populations with genetic algorithms

In typical applications, genetic algorithms (GAs) process populations of potential problem solutions to evolve a single population member that specifies an 'optimized' solution. The majority of GA analysis has focused on these optimization applications. In other applications (notably learning classifier systems and certain connectionist learning systems), a GA searches for a population of cooperative structures that jointly perform a computational task. This paper presents an analysis of this type of GA problem. The analysis considers a simplified genetics-based machine learning system: a model of an immune system. In this model, a GA must discover a set of pattern-matching antibodies that effectively match a set of antigen patterns. Analysis shows how a GA can automatically evolve and sustain a diverse, cooperative population. The cooperation emerges as a natural part of the antigen-antibody matching procedure. This emergent effect is shown to be similar to fitness sharing, an explicit technique for multimodal GA optimization. Further analysis shows how the GA population can adapt to express various degrees of generalization. The results show how GAs can automatically and simultaneously discover effective groups of cooperative computational structures.
Studies on Covalently Linked Porphyrin−C60 Dyads: Stabilization of Charge-Separated States by Axial Coordination

The effect of axial ligation on the photoinduced charge separation and charge recombination of a series of covalently linked porphyrin−C60 dyads is investigated. Toward this, meso-tetraphenylporphyrin and its zinc(II) derivative are functionalized at the ortho or para positions of one of the aryl groups to bear a fulleropyrrolidine entity through a flexible ethylene dioxide bridge to probe the effect of intramolecular electron transfer phenomena. In o-dichlorobenzene, 0.1 M (TBA)ClO4, the synthesized dyads exhibit seven one electron reversible redox reactions within in the potential window of the solvent and the measured redox potentials and UV−visible absorption spectra reveal charge−transfer interactions between the electron donor, porphyrin, and the electron acceptor, fullerene entities. The geometric and electronic structures of the dyads probed by ab initio B3LYP/3-21G(*) methods also revealed the existence of charge−transfer interactions. The excited state photochemical events are monitored by both ...
Improved method for transfer of FEA results to optical codes

A method for transfer of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) results to the optical design program CODE V 1 has been developed, although the method can be readily adapted to other optical design codes that support Zernike surfaces. This method is an improvement in many ways over the methods used in commercial codes written to perform this data transfer. The method assumes the surface nodal displacements are purely in the direction of the sag (z-axis) at the radial location of the displaced node point. This eliminates the approximations necessary when transferring the deformations as pseudo-interferograms, and eliminates the approximations made in the ray tracing of interferograms. Special techniques have been included to remove the inaccuracies introduced in the FEA program. The method has been validated on a series of test cases.
NONPLANAR COUPLINGS IN THE TRIPLE-REGGE VERTEX.

Recently zeros have been found at ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{V}(0)=2\ensuremath{\alpha}(t)\ensuremath{-}1,2\ensuremath{\alpha}(t)\ensuremath{-}2,\dots{}$ in the triple-Regge vertex involving ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{V}(0)\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}(t)\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}(t)$. Such zeros were found both in a dual-resonance model and in certain classes of Feynman graphs. We have examined this question in a model of nonplanar Feynman graphs and found zeros at ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{V}(0)=2\ensuremath{\alpha}(t)\ensuremath{-}2,2\ensuremath{\alpha}(t)\ensuremath{-}4,\dots{}$ but not at ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{V}(0)=2\ensuremath{\alpha}(t)\ensuremath{-}1,2\ensuremath{\alpha}(t)\ensuremath{-}3,\dots{}$. In particular, the zero involving the triple-Pomeranchukon coupling at $t=0$ is not present.
The Antimodel as a Theoretical Concept

(1963). The Antimodel as a Theoretical Concept. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 197-205.
Improving energy benchmarking with self-reported data

Energy benchmarking for buildings has become increasingly important in government policy and industry practice for energy efficiency. The questions of how energy benchmarking is currently conducted, and how it might be improved using rapidly growing quantities of self-reported data, are examined. A case study of commercial office buildings in New York City demonstrates how the rapid growth in self-reported data presents both new opportunities and challenges for energy benchmarking for buildings. A critique is presented for the scoring methodology and data sources for Energy Star, one of the largest and most successful benchmarking certification schemes. Findings from recent studies are examined to illustrate how this certification currently works in the marketplace. Self-reported building energy data are rapidly growing in Portfolio Manager (the user interface to Energy Star) due to mandatory energy benchmarking laws, and can be used to improve Energy Star's current scoring methods. These self-reported da...
Crumpling: A look inside the creases

What exactly happens inside a crumpled sheet? New simulations, taking into account that the sheet can't pass through itself, reveal that crumpled sheets are more rigid than one might have guessed.
Delayed debulking of free muscle flaps for aesthetic contouring debulking of free muscle flaps

Abstract Although denervated muscle and myocutaneous free flaps atrophy over a period of time, when used for surface coverage they may remain bulky, resulting in a less than optimal aesthetic result. With the availability of a number of donor sites, soft tissue defects can often be reconstructed with like tissue in a single stage. Even though the goal of all plastic surgeons is to achieve a good cosmetic result, special circumstances might dictate that need take precedence over form. We have had six cases where a bulky muscle was used to achieve well vascularised coverage. After wound closure had been successfully accomplished, a secondary debulking procedure was performed safely for a final acceptable aesthetic result.
Recoilless fraction of cobalt-doped magnetite

Abstract Hydrothermally-synthesized Fe 3− x Co x O 4 ( x = 0–0.9) samples were analyzed by transmission Mossbauer spectroscopy in order to determine the recoilless fraction of the tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) sites as a function of the cobalt content x . Our results provided direct evidence for the presence of the Co substitution in the B sublattice, which was found to be accompanied by a systematic increase of the hyperfine field at these sites. The recoilless fractions of the two sublattices were determined using our recently-developed dual absorber method. The recoilless fraction of the tetrahedral sites is practically constant, while that of the octahedral sites steadily decreases with increasing the Co content. These results tend to suggest that only the iron lattice participates in the recoilless process.
Intraperitoneal administration of methylene blue attenuates oxidative stress, increases peritoneal fibrinolysis, and inhibits intraabdominal adhesion formation

Background Mounting evidence indicates that postoperative oxidative stress may be linked to decreased fibrinolytic activity and, subsequently, the development of intraabdominal adhesions. The goal of this study was to determine if methylene blue, a highly redox active dye that has been shown to inhibit adhesion formation (1) acts as an antioxidant in the postoperative peritoneum, and (2) subsequently affects fibrinolytic activity. Materials and methods Intraabdominal adhesions were surgically induced in rats receiving methylene blue (30 mg/kg) or vehicle (sterile water) intraperitoneally at surgery. At 24 h and 7 d following surgery, adhesion formation, oxidative stress, and peritoneal fibrinolytic activity were assessed. Results Methylene blue did not affect adhesion formation at 24 h, but did induce a >50% regression in adhesions after 7 d ( P P P Conclusions Methylene blue acts as an antioxidant in this experimental system and may reduce intraabdominal adhesion formation by enhancing peritoneal fibrinolytic activity following surgery.
Gas-Particle Flow Within a High Temperature Solar Cavity Receiver Including Radiation Heat Transfer

A study has been made of the flow of air and particles and the heat transfer inside a solar heated, open cavity containing a falling cloud of 100-1000 micron solid particles. Two-way momentum and thermal coupling between the particles and the air are included in the analysis along with the effects of radiative transport within the particle cloud, among the cavity surfaces, and between the cloud and the surfaces. The flow field is assumed to be two-dimensional with steady mean quantities. The PSI-Cell (particle source in cell) computer code is used to describe the gas-particle interaction. The method of discrete ordinates is used to obtain the radiative transfer within the cloud. The results include the velocity and temperature profiles of the particles and the air.
Synergistic cytotoxic actions of cisplatin and liposomal valinomycin on human ovarian carcinoma cells.

We have previously shown that the toxicity of valinomycin (VM), a membrane-active agent with antineo-plastic activity, can be dramatically reduced with no loss of the antitumor efficacy of the drug by incorporating it into liposomes. In the present study, we investigated the interaction betweencis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (CDDP) and VM in terms of in vitro cytotoxicity to human ovarian tumor cells. Using the MTT assay and analyzing the data using the median-effect principle, we showed that synergistic cytotoxic interactions exist between CDDP and VM in their liposomal form. The degree of cytotoxic synergism was influenced by the duration of drug exposure and the dose ratio. The cellular accumulation of platinum by ovarian cells at 37°C was slightly higher after exposure to VM as compared with controls; however, it is not clear that this accounts for the cytotoxic synergism. These results suggest that the combination of liposomal VM and CDDP may have merit as a form of localized drug delivery for the treatment of ovarian cancer disseminated within the peritoneal space.
Progress toward hormonal therapy of gastrointestinal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The authors discuss ongoing research to determine the mechanisms by which peptide hormones regulate growth of gastrointestinal cancer and ways in which this information might be used to develop noncytotoxic therapy. SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Approximately 100,000 people die of cancer of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract each year. Surgery is curative only when the tumor is localized. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have limited efficacy for locally advanced or widespread disease. Various peptide hormones regulate the growth of these tumors. As for breast and prostate cancer, the growth regulatory effect of these hormones is being studied as a potential mechanism of hormonal therapy. CONCLUSION: Gut peptide hormones regulate the growth of GI malignancies through all-specific receptors and signal transduction pathways. Interruption or modification of these growth regulatory mechanisms may lead to specific noncytotoxic therapy. In combination with surgical extirpation, such hormonally based treatment may be curative of advanced GI cancer.
Novel approach to aminocarboranes by mild amidation of selected iodo-carboranes.

A mild protocol for the palladium-catalyzed Buchwald−Hartwig amidation of icosahedral carboranes is described. Employing 2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′-(N,N-dimethylamino)biphenyl (1) as a ligand and K3PO4 as a base, benzamide, trifluoroacetamide, acetamide, and formamide were coupled to a series of mono- and di-iodo carboranes furnishing the respective carborane derivatives in good to excellent yields. Subsequent base-mediated saponification of the trifluoroacetamide derivatives was shown to provide the free aminocarboranes. The structures of N-(1,7-dicarba-closo-dodecaboran-9-yl)benzamide (8a), N-(1,7-dicarba-closo-dodecaboran-9-yl)trifluoroacetamide (8b), N-(1,12-dicarba-closo-dodecaboran-2-yl)benzamide (10a), N-(1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboran-9-yl)benzamide (12a), N-(1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboran-9-yl)acetamide (12c), N-(1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboran-9-yl)formamide (12d), N-(1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboran-3-yl)benzamide (13a), N,N′-(1,7-dicarba-closo-dodecaboran-9,10-diyl)dibenzamide (15a), and N,N′-(1,7-di...
Saturated Models of Universal Theories

Abstract A notion called Herbrand saturation is shown to provide the model-theoretic analogue of a proof-theoretic method, Herbrand analysis, yielding uniform model-theoretic proofs of a number of important conservation theorems. A constructive, algebraic variation of the method is described, providing yet a third approach, which is finitary but retains the semantic flavor of the model-theoretic version.
African American consent and nonconsent cases: are there significant differences?

Background—Previous research has examined the differences in organ donation consent rates between African Americans and other racial/ethnic groups. However, there is limited examination of whether differences exist between African American families that consent and those that do not.Objective—To examine if there are significant differences between African American families that consent to donation compared to those that do not.Methods—A random sample of 120 African American potential donor cases from an academic medical center between 1997 and 2004 were included in this study. Variables of interest included next-of-kin relationships, family interactions, knowledge of donor wishes, family initiation of the donation discussion, and satisfaction with the donation process.Results—The data include 32 consent and 88 nonconsent cases. Compared to nonconsent cases, consent cases differed significantly in next-of-kin knowledge of donor wishes, frequent involvement of parents, and infrequent involvement of spouses....
Plasma citrulline as surrogate marker of intestinal inflammation in pediatric and adolescent with Crohn's disease: preliminary report.

Purpose Several researchers have found that plasma citrulline could be a marker of reduced enterocyte mass. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between plasma citrulline and bowel inflammation and/or disease location in pediatric and adolescent Crohn’s disease (CD) patients.
Protection of Suckling Mice from the Heat-Stable Enterotoxin of Escherichia coli by Human Milk

Human milk contained a factor or factors that protected suckling mice from lethal fluid loss due to Escherichia coliheat-stable toxin. This protective effect was present through­ out lactation. The factor was heat stable, acid and alkali stable (pH 2 and 12), and of low molecular weight. Ion-exchange chromatography indicated that it was uncharged at neutral pH. The factor was insensitive to proteinase K digestion and partitioned in the aqueous phase in 2:1 (vol/vol) chloroform-methanol. Acid hydrolysis (2 N HCl at 100 C for 3 hr) destroyed the protective effect. Neither an amino acid mix simulating human milk nor lactose in phosphate-buffered saline was protective. These data indicate that the protective factor in human milk is neither a lipid nor a protein but appears to be a carbohydrate. Human milk appears to protect suckling infants from the development of gastroenteritis; however, few protective substances other than specific anti­ bodies have been identified in human milk. This study was undertaken to determine whether human milk contains protective factors against heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) of Escherichia coli and to characterize these factors.
Developmental Interactions for Business Students: Do They Make a Difference?

Internships, mentoring, and collaborative projects are three forms of developmental interactions that students can use to acquire knowledge, gain advice, and get support to guide them through the t...
A “front tracking” finite element study on change of phase interface stability during solidification processes in solutions

Abstract A new numerical method was developed which uses “front tracking” finite elements for the solution of multidimensional transient heat and mass transfer diffusion equations during solidification processes in binary alloys or solutions. The method can cope with irregular geometrical domains and irregular, transient, solid-liquid interface geometrical morphologies. The method was employed in a study on the morphological stability of a solid-liquid interface, during transient solidification in a solution in a finite domain. The stability was studied by imposing (a) a numerical perturbation on the temperature boundary conditions and (b) a concentration perturbation on the solid-liquid interface. The analysis has shown that under similar conditions the interface is stable to temperature perturbations and conditionally unstable to concentration perturbations. An explanation of the results was presented in terms of transient heat and mass transfer processes during solidification.
A modification of Sugeno integral describes stability and smoothness of fuzzy control

Sugeno discovered a natural fuzzy analogue of the classical integral. The Sugeno integral has many interesting applications. It is reasonable to expect that the Sugeno integral can be used in all application areas where classical integrals are used, and in many such areas it is indeed useful. Surprisingly, however, it has never been used in fuzzy control, although in traditional control, the classical integral is one of the main tools. It is even more surprising because fuzzy control is one of the main applications of fuzzy systems theory, probably its most deeply-researched and widely applied area. In the paper, we explain why the original Sugeno integral has not been used in fuzzy control, and how we can modify this notion so that it will lead to useful applications: namely, it will provide numerical characterization of stability and smoothness of fuzzy control strategies.
A Survey of Acoustic Telemetry

Acoustic telemetry from underwater submersibles and sensors has been pursued ever since it was recognized that the ocean could support signal transmission. While it has been evident that some form of communication is possible, the ocean has proved to be a distressingly difficult medium in which to achieve high data rates. High data rate transmission requires a wide bandwidth which is severely constrained in the ocean because of the absorption of high frequency energy. Moreover, the ocean is a very reverberant environment with both time and frequency spreading of signals; this further limits data transmission rates. The net effect of the bandwidth and reverberation constraints has led to either acoustic telemetry systems with low data rates or to the use of tethered systems. Over the years, various forms of acoustic communication systems have been developed. These have included direct AM and SSB for underwater telephones, FM for sensor data, FSK and DPSK for digital data, and parametric sonars for narrow beam systems. As offshore operations have increased, several other systems have been proposed and/or built to respond to particular needs. In this paper, we review the underwater channel and the limitations that it imposes upon acoustic telemetry systems. We then survey some of the systems that have been built (excluding military systems) and indicate how they use various communication system principles to overcome these limitations.
Double the Units: How Increasing the Number of Advertisements while Keeping the Overall Duration of Commercial Breaks Constant Affects Radio Listeners

Recently, a major radio station ownership group pressured the advertising industry to transition the accepted unit of advertising from the 60-second commercial to 30-second spots. This transition shows signs of being successful, and it is now possible for stations to play twice as many individual ad units while keeping the overall duration of commercial breaks constant. This within-subjects experiment tests the effects of such a circumstance on variables including listener cognitive effort, arousal, attitudes, and memory. Results suggest that breaks with more ad units lead to cognitive disengagement, increased duration estimates for the ad breaks, and more negative attitudes compared to ad breaks with fewer units.
Physiological Arousal, Affect and Interpersonal Attraction:

The interrelationships among adjectival descriptions, self-reported affect generated by these descriptions, physiological arousal, and attraction responses were studied in the present design. The r...
WHY WOULD A PSYCHIATRIST WORK IN A BANK

This is the most common question I have been asked since the announcement of my appointment to the World Bank. This paper provides a brief history of the development of the Bank, its role in social development, population health and health service delivery, and the reasons behind its recent interest in mental health.
Performance analysis of the RAID 5 disk array

While the processor and memory performance of computers continues to improve, I/O performance has remained relatively constant. Strategies to achieve better I/O performance than current disk systems have been investigated to address the growing I/O bottleneck. One effort is the RAID (Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks) Level 5 disk array. RAID 5 offers increased parallelism of I/O requests through the disk array architecture and fault tolerance through rotated parity. Although RAID 5 offers the promise of improved I/O performance, such gains must be quantified. Accurate analytical modeling can be used to quantify and predict the I/O request response time for different workloads. While previous analytical models to calculate the I/O request response time have been constructed, they often rely upon simplifying assumptions or computational bounds, which are accurate for certain values of the possible workload parameters. This paper presents an analytical performance model to compute the mean steady state response time of a RAID 5 I/O request under a transaction-processing workload. By carefully considering individual disk accesses, the arrival process of disk requests, and correlation between disk requests, an accurate model for a wide range of the workload parameters is developed. >
Recent Issues Regarding rWG, rWG, rWG(J), and rWG(J):

A recent article by Lindell and Brandt raised two concerns regarding the use of James, Demaree, and Wolf’s interrater agreement indices rWG and rWG(J). First, they noted that the multi-item rWG(J) equation is mathematically equivalent to inserting rWG into the Spearman-Brown prophecy formula and questioned whether applying a formula developed for a reliability index was also appropriate for an agreement index. Second, they questioned the appropriateness of James et al.’s suggestion of replacing obtained negative values of rWG with zeros. This article addresses these concerns by demonstrating that rWG(J) can be derived independently from the Spearman-Brown prophecy formula and that negative values of rWG can be avoided by reparameterizing the structural equation underlying the data when there is systematic disagreement between subgroups of raters.
MUTATION RATES FOR ENZYME AND MORPHOLOGICAL LOCI IN BARLEY (HORDEUM VULGARE L.)

ABSTRACT Spontaneous mutation rates were estimated by assaying 84,126 seedlings of a highly homozygous barley line (isogenic line 2025) for five enzyme loci. No mutants were observed in 841,260 allele replications. This result excludes, at probability level 0.95, a spontaneous mutation rate larger than 3.56 x 10 -6 /locus/gamete/generation for these enzyme loci. Isogenic line 2025 also was scored for mutants at four loci governing morphological variants. No mutants were observed in 3,386,850 allele replications which indicates that the upper bound for the mutation rate for these loci is 8.85 x 10 -7 . It was concluded that, even though spontaneous mutation has been important in creating variability in the barley species at the loci scored, the rate is too low to have much affect on the short-term dynamics of barley populations.
2D divertor design calculations for the national high-power advanced torus experiment

The national high-power advanced torus experiment is a concept for a new facility to address the FESAC theme of ‘taming the plasma-material interface’. This concept exploits the compactness and excellent access provided by low aspect ratio to achieve a high ratio of exhaust power to major radius in order to study the integration of high-performance, long-pulse plasmas with a reactor-relevant high heat flux plasma boundary. Predictions of the scrape-off-layer plasma characteristics are presented, as calculated with the 2D edge modeling code SOLPS. Calculations in a variety of magnetic geometries indicate that very high levels of divertor heat flux can be expected, with peak values far in excess of the power handling capabilities of presently-used materials. Possible methods to reduce the heat flux to acceptable levels are discussed.
Modularity after the Crash

In "Managing in the Age of Modularity," which was written in June 1997 and appeared in the Harvard Business Review, we proposed that a new technological phenomenon, the modular design of complex computer systems, caused the emergence of a large modular cluster of firms and markets in the computer industry. We went on to say that "managing" in this "modular environment" was different from managing a large, hierarchical corporation of the type that had emerged in the early 20th Century. The events of the past four years, especially the dot.com bubble and crash, have caused us to reflect critically on both our theory and the related managerial recommendations. In this invited paper, with full benefit of hindsight, we revisit the questions: do the benefits of modularity and the modular cluster form of organization justify the costs? If so, when and why? And what do managers need to know to be effective in a modular environment?
Functional Dichotomy of Dendritic Cells following Interaction with Leishmania braziliensis: Infected Cells Produce High Levels of TNF-α, whereas Bystander Dendritic Cells Are Activated to Promote T Cell Responses

Leishmania braziliensis infections are often associated with exaggerated immune responses that can sometimes lead to severe disease associated with high levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α. To explore the role played by dendritic cells (DCs) in these responses, we characterized DCs that were exposed to L. braziliensis. We found that DCs cultured with L. braziliensis parasites up-regulated DC activation markers and produced IL-12 and TNF-α. However, not all DCs in the culture became infected, and an analysis of infected and uninfected DCs demonstrated that the up-regulation of activation markers and IL-12 production was primarily confined to the uninfected (bystander) DCs. Further studies with Transwell chambers and parasite fractions indicated that the activation of bystander DCs was mediated by a soluble parasite product, in a type 1 IFN- and MyD88-independent, but TNF-α-dependent fashion, and that the activated DCs were more efficient at presenting Ag than control DCs. In contrast, L. braziliensis-infected DCs failed to up-regulate activation markers, but exhibited a dramatic enhancement in their ability to produce TNF-α in response to LPS as compared with uninfected DCs. These findings uncover a dual role for DCs in L. braziliensis infection: T cell activation by bystander DCs due to enhanced Ag-presenting capacity following exposure to soluble parasite products, and increased production of TNF-α by infected cells that may contribute to the local control of the parasites, but concomitantly induce immunopathology.
Hydrodeoxygenation of microalgae oil to green diesel over Pt, Rh and presulfided NiMo catalysts

The catalytic characteristics, activity and selectivity of 1% Pt/Al2O3, 0.5% Rh/Al2O3 and presulfided NiMo/Al2O3 catalysts have been investigated in the hydrodeoxygenation of microalgae (Nannochloropsis salina) oil to produce green diesel in a microreactor. Coke accumulation decreased in the order NiMo > Pt > Rh. The amount of formed coke over NiMo increased with reaction duration, while no on-stream time dependence was found over Pt and Rh. Rhodium was found to be very active for CH4 production via hydrocracking at its freshly reduced state. The activity and selectivity of all three investigated catalysts were positively affected by increased reaction pressure, temperature, H2/oil ratio and residence time. The selectivity of NiMo for the hydrodehydration (DHYD) route was changed to a hydrodecarbonylation/hydrodecarboxylation (DCO/DCO2) route at a reduced H2/oil ratio and residence time, while the selectivity of Pt and Rh for the DCO/DCO2 route was not affected by the reaction conditions. The highest hydrocarbon yield, 76.5%, was obtained over 1% Pt (310 °C, 500 psig, 1000 SmL mL−1 gas/oil ratio, 1.5 s residence time), which is 13.8% higher than that over NiMo (360 °C, 500 psig, 1000 SmL mL−1 gas/oil ratio, 1 s residence time). The 50 °C decrease in the reaction temperature for Pt indicates possible energy saving via heat supply.
Polymerization of methyl methacrylate by catalyzed peroxide decomposition without applied heat

The exotherm for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate was monitored by a simple thermal technique to gain useful information about the effect of several factors on the polymerization rate and the degree of completion. All reactions were begun at room temperature (24°C) and no external heating was provided. Initiation was by decomposition of benzoyl peroxide (and mixtures with lauroyl peroxide) catalyzed by the accelerator N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine. Specific factors examined were peroxide and accelerator levels, sample size, peroxide combinations, and crosslinking agents. The results are discussed in terms of the stoichiometry of the initiator system; the balance of heat generation, heat capacity, and heat loss; and the autoacceleration effect.
Ergonomics in bronchoscopy: is there a need for better design or a change in the work environment?

The field of conventional bronchoscopy has undergone a paradigm shift over the last decade. The ability to visualize peribronchial structures in real time has increased the diagnostic and therapeutic scope of flexible bronchoscopy. Ultrasound engineering and the development of a probe with an interface capable of sound wave transmission, has led to the development of a new procedure, endobronchial ultrasound, which has been widely adapted, both throughout the USA and worldwide [1]. Similarly, techniques such as electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy, autofluorescence bronchoscopy, optical coherence tomography and other interventional procedures, including bronchial thermoplasty, cryotherapy, brachytherapy, balloon dilatation and stent are increasingly being adopted at large academic centers [2]. Flexible bronchoscopy is an effective alternative to rigid bronchoscopy in treating distal airway lesions and less advanced malignant lesions [3]. The emphasis with all of these procedures is to reduce procedurerelated complications and improve patient comfort. However, the additional physical strain and exposure to cumulative trauma on the person actually performing the procedure is often overlooked. The prolonged nature of the procedures combined with unusual postures can result in overuse injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, epicondilitis, neck sprain, shoulder pain and DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis. These injuries may be common in bronchoscopists performing a high number of these procedures. Minimal research has been carried out in this regard, and the available data to measure the magnitude of this problem are scarce.
Gallstone Pancreatitis: A Prospective Study on the Incidence of Cholangitis and Clinical Predictors of Retained Common Bile Duct Stones

Objective: The aim of this study was to define the incidence of cholangitis in gallstone pancreatitis, in the absence of cholangitis, to identify the clinical predictors of persistent common bile duct (CBD) stones at endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) or at intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). Methods: A total of 122 consecutive patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis were prospectively evaluated for the presence of CBD stones as determined by elective ERCP or IOC. Urgent ERCP was restricted to patients with concomitant cholangitis. APACHE II scores and serial laboratory data were obtained. Results: Four (3%) patients had cholangitis and all underwent urgent ERCP successfully. Eighteen (15%) patients without cholangiogram were excluded. The remaining 100 patients underwent elective ERCP or IOC on a mean of hospital day 6.8. Twenty-one (21%) patients had persistent CBD stones. Univariate analysis detected significant differences in serum total bilirubin, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase levels between patients with and without persistent CBD stones. On multivariate analysis, serum total bilirubin on hospital day 2 was the best predictor of CBD stones. A serum total bilirubin level > 1.35 mg/dl had a sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 63%. Age, gender, mean APACHE II score, amylase, and presence of CBD dilation on ultrasound were not predictive of CBD stones. Conclusion: In patients with gallstone pancreatitis, 1) cholangitis is uncommon, and 2) the best clinical predictor of persistent CBD stones is serum total bilirubin on hospital day 2.
PIK3CAH1047R Accelerates and Enhances KRASG12D-Driven Lung Tumorigenesis

KRAS-activating mutations drive human non-small cell lung cancer and initiate lung tumorigenesis in genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models. However, in a GEM model of KRAS(G12D)-induced lung cancer, tumors arise stochastically following a latency period, suggesting that additional events are required to promote early-stage tumorigenic expansion of KRAS(G12D)-mutated cells. PI3Kα (PIK3CA) is a direct effector of KRAS, but additional activation of PI3'-lipid signaling may be required to potentiate KRAS-driven lung tumorigenesis. Using GEM models, we tested whether PI3'-lipid signaling was limiting for the promotion of KRAS(G12D)-driven lung tumors by inducing the expression of KRAS(G12D) in the absence and presence of the activating PIK3CA(H1047R) mutation. PIK3CA(H1047R) expression alone failed to promote tumor formation, but dramatically enhanced tumorigenesis initiated by KRAS(G12D). We further observed that oncogenic cooperation between KRAS(G12D) and PIK3CA(H1047R) was accompanied by PI3Kα-mediated regulation of c-MYC, GSK3β, p27(KIP1), survivin, and components of the RB pathway, resulting in accelerated cell division of human or mouse lung cancer-derived cell lines. These data suggest that, although KRAS(G12D) may activate PI3Kα by direct biochemical mechanisms, PI3'-lipid signaling remains rate-limiting for the cell-cycle progression and expansion of early-stage KRAS(G12D)-initiated lung cells. Therefore, we provide a potential mechanistic rationale for the selection of KRAS and PIK3CA coactivating mutations in a number of human malignancies, with implications for the clinical deployment of PI3' kinase-targeted therapies.
Survey of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the Tombigbee National Forest in Mississippi

A survey of Formicidae was conducted in the Tombigbee National Forest (Ackerman Unit) in Winston and Choctaw Counties, Mississippi. Collections were made with pitfall traps from 15 March 1999 to 6 March 2000 and with other collecting methods on various dates from the spring of 2002 through the fall of 2004. A total of 27 genera and 72 species representing 7 subfamilies are reported from the Tombigbee National Forest. Seven new state records are given, as well as records of several rare and uncommon species. Habitat and microhabitat information are given for each species. The Tombigbee National Forest (Ackerman Unit) covers an area of 15,972 hectares and lies in the adjacent counties of Choctaw, Winston, and Oktibbeha in east-central Mississippi. The majority of the Tombigbee National Forest is found in the North Central Plateau Physiographic Region of the state with only a few hectares found in an edge of the Flatwoods Region. The topography varies from the nearly flat floodplains of the Noxubee River and its tributaries to very dissected hills and steep ravines, with elevations ranging 91-183 m. Whereas slopes are well drained, low lying areas may be inundated seasonally. Springs and seeps occur sporadically throughout this region. The soils are typically acid to neutral and are mostly clays, sandy clays, or occasionally gravelly clays. The landscape of the Tombigbee National Forest is dominated by a mixture of deciduous trees and pines with a few cleared areas, power-line cuts, and roads. Upland areas include a variety of oaks (Fagaceae: Quercus spp.) and hickories (Juglandaceae: Carya spp.) mixed with loblolly pine (Pinaceae: Pinus taeda L.), and some shortleaf pine (P. echinata Miller). The trees typically seen on ravine slopes and their bases and near smaller streams are a variety of oaks, hickories, cucumber magnolia (Magnoliaceae: Magnolia acuminata L.), tulip poplar (Magnoliaceae: Liriodendron tulipifera L.), beech (Fagaceae: Fagus grandifolia Ehrhart), and sweetgum (Hamamelidaceae: Liquidambar styraciflua L.) (McDaniel, 1992). The Mississippi Entomological Museum (MEM) conducted a survey of ants in the Tombigbee National Forest (Ackerman Unit) from March 1999 through the fall of 2004 to document species present in the National Forest and to give habitat and nesting information about species found there. This survey adds to earlier formicid surveys done in Mississippi by Marion Smith (1924a, b, c, 1927, 1928a, b, 1931, 1932). Since Smith's time, there have been many additions to the state's formicid fauna due to changes in taxonomy, the availability of newer collecting techniques, and the introduction of exotic species.
Real-Time Captioning for Improving Informed Consent: Patient and Physician Benefits.

Background and Objectives New methods are needed to improve physicians’ skill in communicating information and to enhance patients’ ability to recall that information. We evaluated a real-time speech-to-text captioning system that simultaneously provided a speech-to-text record for both patient and anesthesiologist. The goals of the study were to assess hearing-impaired patients’ recall of an informed consent discussion about regional anesthesia using real-time captioning and to determine whether the physicians found the system useful for monitoring their own performance. Methods We recorded 2 simulated informed consent encounters with hearing-impaired older adults, in which physicians described regional anesthetic procedures. The conversations were conducted with and without real-time captioning. Subsequently, the patient participants, who wore their hearing aids throughout, were tested on the material presented, and video recordings of the encounters were analyzed to determine how effectively physicians communicated with and without the captioning system. Results The anesthesiology residents provided similar information to the patient participants regardless of whether the real-time captioning system was used. Although the patients retained relatively few details regardless of the informed consent discussion, they could recall significantly more of the key points when provided with real-time captioning. Conclusions Real-time speech-to-text captioning improved recall in hearing-impaired patients and proved useful for determining the information provided during an informed consent encounter. Real-time speech-to-text captioning could provide a method for assessing physicians’ communication that could be used both for self-assessment and as an evaluative approach to training communication skills in practice settings.
The Ratio of D-T to D-D Reactions as a Measure of the Fuel Density-Radius Product in Initially Tritium-Free Inertial Confinement Fusion Targets

It is proposed that the ratio of deuterium-tritium (D-T) to neutron producing deuterium-deuterium (D-D) reactions (RDT/RDD) be used as a diagnostic of the fuel density-radius product (〈ρR〉) for ini...
Sexual Assault Resource Availability on Texas Higher Education Campuses: A Web Site Content Analysis

Sexual assault prevention and response remains a high priority for U.S. higher education institutions. Indeed, federal legislation and a recent White House task force have reiterated the importance of protecting college students from victimization during their tenure in postsecondary education. Informed by Eisenberg, Lechner, Frerich, Lust, and Garcia's (2012) content analysis, the current study uses a modified College Resources and Sexual Health (CRaSH) inventory to examine the status of 74 Uniform Crime Reports–reporting higher education institutions in Texas. Doing so assesses prevention, resources, response, and aftercare for victims of sexual assault. Findings demonstrate a primary reliance on target-hardening strategies, health clinics, and law enforcement responses, often to the neglect of advocacy, crisis intervention, and educational programs. Directions for research are discussed, and best practices in programming implementation to augment existing strategies are suggested.
Demosthenes as Text: Classical Reception and British Rhetorical History

ABSTRACTBritish rhetorical theorists demonstrate a persistent interest in Demosthenes, but their interpretations of his significance reflect different understandings of rhetoric. This article uses reception theory to illuminate how British depictions of Demosthenes at different moments in history reflect writers’ values and rhetorical aims. The focus on Demosthenes as a model of rhetorical prowess becomes particularly important for nineteenth-century British theorists who conceive of rhetoric as an individualistic display of linguistic virtuosity. Viewing Demosthenes through the lens of reception history reveals the inherent instability of a disciplinary history that is not only shaped by important figures, but also constructs those figures in ways that reflect shifting scholarly values.
Dynamic Acid/Base Equilibrium in Single Component Switchable Ionic Liquids and Consequences on Viscosity.

The deployment of transformational nonaqueous CO2-capture solvent systems is encumbered by high viscosities even at intermediate uptakes. Using single-molecule CO2 binding organic liquids as a prototypical example, we present key molecular features that control bulk viscosity. Fast CO2-uptake kinetics arise from close proximity of the alcohol and amine sites involved in CO2 binding in a concerted fashion, resulting in a Zwitterion containing both an alkyl-carbonate and a protonated amine. The population of internal hydrogen bonds between the two functional groups determines the solution viscosity. Unlike the ion pair interactions in ionic liquids, these observations are novel and specific to a hydrogen-bonding network that can be controlled by chemically tuning single molecule CO2 capture solvents. We present a molecular design strategy to reduce viscosity by shifting the proton transfer equilibrium toward a neutral acid/amine species, as opposed to the ubiquitously accepted zwitterionic state. The molecu...
Distribution of high risk osteoporosis populations and its relation with common chronic diseases in Jiangsu Province

Objective To understand characteristics of high-risk osteoporosis populations distribution in Jiangsu Province; to study its relation with common chronic diseases;to provide basis for taking intervention measures.Methods Multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used to select community residents aged 40~69in 3cities of Jiangsu Province as survey subjects.Face to face questionnaires using One-minute Osteoporosis Risk Test by International Osteoporosis Foundation was employed for screening of high-risk populations.Descriptive analysis and non-conditional logistic regression analysis were used to analyze results.Results Self-reported osteoporosis rate was 2.3%,while detection rate of high-risk populations was 44.0%,both rates increased with age(χ 2 self-reported rate=11.4,χ 2 detetion rate=134.36,P0.05).Self-reported osteoporosis rate was higher in female than that in male(χ2=4.11,P0.05),while detection rate of high-risk populations was higher in male than that in female(χ2=96.65,P0.05).Osteoporosis patients had the highest self-reported rate of all kinds chronic diseases, followed by high-risk populations.Non-conditional logistic regression analysis showed that osteoporosis patients and high-risk populations had significantly high risks of hypertension,dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases,OR was 1.158~1.412. Conclusion Detection rate of osteoporosis high-risk populations was high;it is related to common chronic diseases.Early screening and intervention programs should be conducted on basis of current comprehensive prevention and control network for chronic diseases.
Effects of analgesia of fentanyl on the preterm infants during mechanical ventilation

Objective To examine the analgesic effect and the safety of fentanyl on preterm infant who was on mechanical ventilation for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome(NRDS).Methods Premature infants were randomly assigned into two groups.The trial group(n=30) received fentanyl.The control group(n=30) received a volume-matched placebo infusion.The Neonatal Pain,Agitation and Sedation Scale(N-PASS) was used to assess the infants′ behavior,and serum cortisol level was measured.Ventilator parameters(peak inspiratory pressure and rate,FiO2),duration of mechanical ventilation,days to reach full enteral feeding,length of stay in hospital,and incidence of grade 3 or 4 intraventricular hemorrhage(IVH) were recorded.Results The N-PASS scores and serum cortisol level of the fentanyl treated infants were lower than that of the placebo control group.Peak inspiratory pressure(PIP) in the trial group was higher than that of the control group.Days to reach full enteral feeding in the trial group were also significantly prolonged.There were no significant differences in the duration of mechanical ventilation,length of stay in hospital,and the incidence of severe IVH in two groups.Conclusion Fentanyl can significantly reduce the physical stress and N-PASS scores in preterm infants during mechanical ventilation for NRDS.However,fentanyl treatment leads to higher ventilator settings and longer time to reach full enteral feeding.