cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combined Electrochemical and Photovoltaic Studies of the Galena-Electrolyte Interface

The electrophysical changes of a galena electrode undergoing forced and open-circuit reactions have been studied using electrochemical measurements with simultaneous measurements of the surface photovoltage (SPV). These measurements have provided some insight into the relationship between surface reactions, the accompanying changes in the stoichiometry of the electrodes, and the surface potential. Measurements are reported for both polished galena surfaces and for fresh surfaces produced by in situ cleavage under 0.1 M sodium tetraborate. The SPV results indicate that at the rest-potential, the surface potential of degenerate n-type and slightly p-type galena is large and negative, corresponding to an electron-deficient or hole-rich space charge. During reduction, the apparent flat-band potential occurs at -0.42 V (SeE) for the p-type and at -0.65 V for the n-type electrode. The SPV measurements on cleaved surfaces indicate the surface potential is zero at cleavage. They also show the progressive development of a negative surface potential with subsequent open-circuit oxidation. The results are interpreted using a model based on associating lead vacancies with acceptor-like surface states and sulfur vacancies with donor-like surface states, and assuming densities dependent on past electrochemical treatment.
A History of Grounding and Earthing Practices in the United States: Part 1: A Discussion of How the Earth Has Been Used for Electrical Conduction Through the 1920s

The 270-year history of using the earth as an electrical conductor for man-made electricity is detailed in this article. For the first 140 years of man-made electricity, scientists and engineers used earth, the surface of the terrestrial ball we live on, as a conductor to return the continuous flowing electric current back to the source. Edison realized that using the earth as an electrical conductor presented a health hazard to humans and animals. For a brief quarter of a century, it was not used as a conductor for continuously flowing man-made electricity. In hindsight, one could reach the conclusion that the lack of knowledge of man-made electricity allowed what seemed to be the correct action at the time, but what would later prove to be harmful to the human race and other animals. The fascinating history of using the earth for conducting man-made electricity illuminates a bright future.
Optimization for factorized quantities in perturbative QCD

Abstract Perturbative calculations of factorized physical quantities, such as moments of structure functions, suffer from renormalization- and factorization-scheme dependence. The application of the principle of minimal sensitivity to “optimize” the scheme choices is reconsidered, correcting deficiencies in the earlier literature. The proper scheme variables, RG equations, and invariants are identified. Earlier results of Nakkagawa and Niegawa are recovered, even though their starting point is, at best, unnecessarily complicated. In particular, the optimized coefficients of the coefficient function C are shown to vanish, so that C opt = 1 . The resulting simplifications mean that the optimization procedure is as simple as that for purely-perturbative physical quantities.
Student reactions to nuclear education

Some recent studies suggest that nuclear education does not inspire fear, and that some political beliefs are more subject to change than others. But more research is needed on the effects of different methods and content.
How do the perceptions of natural hazards influence migration decisions among ethnic minority farmers? Insights from coastal Bangladesh

Abstract In many parts of the world, natural hazards caused by global environmental change is redefining human's relationship with nature. Ethnic minorities who are often at the margin of the society, in most cases bear the largest scars of those adverse consequences. In Bangladesh, which is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world, the situation is not much different. Despite various hazard exposures and vulnerability, there are very few discussions how ethnic minority farmers are coping with recurring natural hazards in the country. Using the theoretical arguments of social vulnerability to climate change and empirical insights from coastal Bangladesh, this chapter highlights to what extent the perceptions of natural hazards influence the migration decisions among ethnic farmers in coastal Bangladesh. Findings suggest that migration decisions are often complex and influenced by various social, economic, political, and structural aspects, in addition to recurring nature of natural hazards.
Diarrhea outbreak associated with corona virus in adult goats

Coronaviruses have been demonstrated to infect a wide a variety of hosts and have an affinity for the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Adult diarrheal outbreaks in cattle and horses have been associated with coronaviruses. Coronavirus has not been previously reported as a significant pathogen in goats. The purpose of this study was to describe the demographics, clinical and fecal PCR results of an outbreak of diarrhea in adult goats associated with a coronavirus (CoV).
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Tympanostomy Tube Placement.

ObjectiveTo evaluate how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected tympanostomy tube placement and practice patterns.Study DesignA retrospective review of billing data.SettingA ...
Multi-Timescale Simulation of Non-Spinning Reserve in Wholesale Electricity Markets

Non-spinning reserve (NSR) represents an ancillary service that is intended to help power systems recover from unexpected contingencies. Many innovative methods to size NSR have been proposed in the literature. To evaluate their performance in terms of system reliability and economics, NSR allocation and deployment are needed in power market simulation models. This paper presents a multi-timescale market simulation to examine the allocation of NSR in wholesale electricity markets. Specifically, we develop a set of unit commitment (UC) and economic dispatch (ED) models and place emphasis on the simulation of thermal units over a variety of timescales. The performance of the models are evaluated with a synthetic power system that is built on the footprint of the Texas power market. The multi-timescale forecasts of load, wind, and solar power are aligned with the real-world Texas market timeline. By applying NSR requirements generated from a baseline and a dynamic sizing method, the results indicate that the dynamic method can significantly reduce the penalty cost associated with reserve shortage, though the total cost is slightly increased due to greater production cost.
Natural Law and the American Republic

The paper reviews the natural law foundations of the American Republic and the struggle to perfect the liberty and justice of the American Republic. The paper then considers the rise of legal positivism and the decline of the American Republic and calls for a return to the natural law principles of the Founding Fathers.
Subunit structure and transmembrane signaling of the erythropoietin receptor.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the advances in the erythropoietin receptor (EPO-R), derived from the cloning of the murine EPO-R complementary DNA (cDNA). First, in vitro studies have shown clearly that EPO does not have a role in commitment of the pluripotent stem cell to the erythroid lineage. Accordingly, molecular studies have shown that transcriptional activation of the EPO-R gene occurs only after commitment and only after expression of the erythroid transcription factor. Second, the anemia strain of friend virus in erythroblast system demonstrates that EPO is a viability agent for erythroblasts. Accordingly, the EPO-R, expressed in Ba/F3 cells, confers EPO dependence on these cells, whereas the cells do not differentiate in response to EPO. Finally, in vitro culture has shown that erythroid cells have altered EPO sensitivity, depending on their stage of differentiation. Accordingly, the recent identification of a serine-rich negative regulatory domain of the EPO-R could provide a clue to the cellular control of EPO sensitivity during erythroid differentiation.
Apportionment of Direct Taxes: The Glitch in the Center of the Constitution

Article I requires that "direct taxes" be apportioned among the states according to population, counting slaves at 3/5ths of a person. Apportionment arose under the Articles of Confederation, when the only way Congress would raise taxes was by requisitions telling each state to pay a quota. Apportionment was brought into the Constitution as a not very important part of the trading between the slave states and the nonslave states over votes in the House of Representatives. The original meaning of "direct tax" was very broad. Congress was to have the broad power to tax people and transactions "directly" that had been reached under the requisition system only ?indirectly.? Most usages contemporaneous with adoption define "direct taxes" to include every tax, except for the custom duties. Sometimes "excise taxes" were excluded from "direct taxes," but "excise tax" was meant very narrowly, referring most importantly to the "whiskey tax." The difficulty with a broad definition of "direct tax" is that apportionment is an absurd requirement, in a way the Founders did not see. Apportionment of a consumption tax requires, for instance, the tax rates on Mississippi consumption be twice the tax rates on Connecticut consumption. Mississippi is poorer and has less tax base over which to apportion her quota, so the tax rates have to be higher. Article I also requires tax rates be uniform among states and apportionment is inconsistent with uniform rates, except for a tax that is the same amount per person. Commentators and Courts have tried to find narrower definitions for "direct tax" to avoid apportionment. This article recommends candor and a functional definition, defining "direct taxes" as only those that can be apportioned consistent with a uniform rate. The argument in Pollock v. Farmer's Loan and Trust (and echoed by Charles Beard and Owen Fiss) that apportionment was adopted to protect accumulated wealth from tax has no historical foundation. The original purpose of the apportionment formula was to allocate tax according to a formula, population, that would be an administrable proxy to reach the wealth of a state. Apportionment did not arise as a Bill of Rights issue. Apportionment among states mandates draconian and unequal rates on the individual level and so can not be justified as a protection for individuals.
CONTEXTUALIZING TECHNOLOGY USE

This paper presents a contextualized analysis of the ways that organizers did and did not use Internet-enabled communication technologies in an organizing context in which material inequality was a prominent focus: a local homeless movement. Few studies on ICTs and social movements have taken seriously the very real material inequalities that structure technology use. While all movements include participants that either do not have access to ICTs or choose not to use them based on organizing contexts, these participants have been systematically excluded from analysis in the rush to understand how a narrow technological elite think, feel, and act in relation to ICTs. This paper draws on a communication-oriented participant observation of three overlapping campaigns to examine the communication practices employed by both housed and unhoused organizers: a campaign to ‘Stop the Sweeps’ of urban homeless encampments, a direct action tent-city project aimed at providing emergency shelter for up to 1,000 people ...
Electrocatalytic reactions in organized assemblies: Part I. Reduction of 4-bromobiphenyl in cationic and non-ionic micelles

Abstract Electrocatalysis in micelles enables difficult redox reactions of non-polar substrates to be done in aqueous media, and may lead to altered kinetics compared to isotropic solvents. Herein we report quantitative reduction of 4-bromobiphenyl (4-BB) to biphenyl in cationic micelles (0.1 M cetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide, CTAB) by electrochemically generated anion radicals of 9-phenylanthracene (9-PA). In addition to electrocatalysis of the reduction of 4-BB, the reaction involves micellar catalysis of the forward electron transfer between 4-BB and the anion radical of 9-PA. Compartmentalization of reactants in a hydrophobic aggregate phase at the electrode increases the effective rate constant for the forward electron transfer from 300 M− s− in DMF to about 107M−1 s−1 in 0.1 M CTAB. Contrary to DMF, in which the above reaction is rate determining, decomposition of the 4-BB anion radical product of this step exerts kinetic influence on voltammetric curves in CTAB. The positive surface potential of the aggregate and hydrophobic interactions stabilize the 9-PA anion radical against side reactions so that it can react with aggregate-bound 4-BB. Conversely, in non-ionic micelles of Igepal, competition between debromination of substrate and decomposition of the 9-PA anion radical diminished yields of biphenyl greatly.
Hardware problems encountered in solar heating and cooling systems

Numerous problems in the design, production, installation, and operation of solar energy systems are discussed. Described are hardware problems, which range from simple to obscure and complex, and their resolution.
Megaloblastic Anemia Characterized by Microcytosis: Imerslund-Grasbeck Syndrome With Coexistent α-Thalassemia

Imerslund-Grasbeck syndrome is a hereditary autosomal recessive condition of selective vitamin B 12 malabsorption in the terminal ileum, resulting in chronic megaloblastic anemia. 1,2 The purpose of this report is to describe a child with coincident Imerslund-Grasbeck syndrome and α-thalassemia, who also had a vitamin B 12 -sensitive microcytic anemia. CASE REPORT When R.S. was 15 months of age his mother reported that progressive anorexia and lethargy had developed. There was no history of chronic diarrhea, vomiting, frequent infections, or pica; there was no family history for blood dyscrasias. R.S. was a black boy who weighed 8.3 kg (less than the fifth percentile); his length was 74 cm (less than the fifth percentile), and his head circumference was 45 cm (second percentile).
Teachers' Reported Transition Practices for Children Transitioning into Kindergarten and First Grade:

A national sample of kindergarten teachers reported their use of transition practices for young children with special needs. Teachers most frequently reported sending letters to parents after school started and arranging visits to 1st-grade classrooms. The least frequently reported transition practices were home visits and meetings to discuss the kindergarten to first grade transition. Reported use of transition practices were similar for teachers with and without children with special needs in their class. However, teachers with children with special needs in their class generally reported using more individual transition practices before school started and arranging meetings to coordinate personnel. Findings are discussed in terms of adherence to legislation and recommended practice for children with special needs.
Coarctation of the Aorta in the Adolescent and Adult: Echocardiographic Evaluation Prior to and Following Surgical Repair

The combination of two-dimensional and continuous-wave (CW) Doppler echocardiographic imaging forms the cornerstone of diagnostic imaging in pre- or postoperative coarctation of the aorta. Because of the frequent association of other congenital heart defects, e.g., bicuspid aortic valve, a segmental imaging approach with multiple image planes should be used. CW Doppler examination from the suprasternal notch should be utilized to assess the degree of obstruction at the coarctation site in all patients. This enhances diagnostic sensitivity. CW Doppler examination can also be applied throughout exercise. Such application allows detection of relative degrees of aortic obstruction following surgical repair of coarctation that may only manifest at elevated levels of cardiac output, e.g., exercise. It aids in the identification of individuals with exercise related systolic hypertension following "successful" coarctectomy and provides a rationale for treatment with beta blockade. The methodology for applying this relatively new technique is discussed.
The Next Link in the Chain Reaction: Symbolic Racism and Obama's Religious Affiliation†

Objectives. During the 2008 presidential election, questions about Barack Obama’s religious affiliations spread rapidly over the Internet and became a regular story in the national news. Despite Obama’s repeated testimony that he is a Christian, surveys indicated that a sizeable portion of the public believed that he was a Muslim, while others indicated that they were “unsure” of his religious allegiances. We evaluate the extent to which racial attitudes played a role in how the public viewed Obama’s religious affiliations. Methods. We used nationally representative surveys conducted by the Pew Foundation and a state-level survey conducted in Arkansas. Results. Our findings suggest that attitudes about Obama’s religious affiliation were significantly influenced by symbolic racism. Conclusions. These findings suggest that the American public dialogue about racial politics has evolved in recent years to include religious denominations.
Modelling the Dynamic Dependence Structure in Multivariate Financial Time Series

. The dependence structure in multivariate financial time series is of great importance in portfolio management. By studying daily return histories of 17 exchange-traded index funds, we identify important features of the data, and we propose two new models to capture these features. The first is an extension of the multivariate BEKK (Baba, Engle, Kraft, Kroner) model, which includes a multivariate t-type error distribution with different degrees of freedom. We demonstrate that this error distribution is able to accommodate different levels of heavy-tailed behaviour and thus provides a better fit than models based on a multivariate t-with a common degree of freedom. The second model is copula based, and can be regarded as an extension of the standard and the generalized dynamic conditional correlation model [Engle, Journal of Business and Economics Statistics (2002) Vol. 17, 425–446; Cappiello et al. (2003) Working paper, UCSD] to a Student copula. Model comparison is carried out using criteria including the Akaike information criteria and Bayesian information criteria. We also evaluate the two models from an asset-allocation perspective using a three-asset portfolio as an example, constructing optimal portfolios based on the Markowitz theory. Our results indicate that, for our data, the proposed models both outperform the standard BEKK model, with the copula model performing better than the extension of the BEKK model.
Dynamic crushing of aluminum foams: Part II - Analysis

Abstract Part II of this study uses micromechanically accurate foam models to simulate and study the dynamic crushing of open-cell foams. The model starts as random soap froth generated using the Surface Evolver software to mimic the microstructure of the foams tested. The linear edges of the cellular microstructure are “dressed” with appropriate distributions of solid to match those of ligaments in the actual foams and their relative density. The ligaments are modeled as shear-deformable beams with variable cross sections discretized with beam elements in LS-DYNA, while the Al-alloy is modeled as a finitely deforming elastic–plastic material. The numerical contact algorithm of the code is used to model ligament contact and limit localized cell crushing. The quasi-static and all dynamic crushing experiments in Part I are simulated numerically. The models are shown to reproduce all aspects of the crushing behavior including the formation and evolution of nearly planar shocks, the force acting at the two ends, the shock front velocity, the strain in the crushed material behind the shock, and the energy absorbed. The transition to shock behavior is rather gradual. At speeds 20 m/s and lower all aspects of the crushing replicate the quasi-static behavior. Between 20 and 40 m/s inertial effects start to become apparent with a gradual increase in the stress and strain at the proximal end. Shocks were found to occur above impact speeds of 40–50 m/s. Models were also crushed at constant velocities up to 200 m/s. Different representations of the Hugoniot were calculated and are shown to reinforce the experimentally generated ones in Part I. This includes the linearity of the shock-impact velocities Hugoniot, the asymptotic increase with impact velocity of the strain in the crushed region, and the quadratic increase of the proximal stress with velocity. The results also confirmed that the stress ahead of the shocks is at the level of the limit stress of the quasi-static crushing response.
A discrete systems approach to cardinal spline Hermite interpolation

Abstract A cardinal spline Hermite interpolation problem is posed by specifying values, and m − 1 derivatives, m ⩾ 1, at uniformly spaced knots tk; it may be solved by means of a generalized spline function w(t) (a standard spline function when m = 1), piecewise a polynomial of degree n − 1 = 2m + p − 1, p ⩾ 0, with w(j)(t) continuous across the knots for j = 0, 1, 2, … , m + p − 1. The problem is studied here for p > 0 in the context of an (m + p)-dimensional system of linear recursion equations satisfied by the values of the m-th through m + p − 1-st derivatives of w(t) at the knots, whose homogeneous term involves a p × p matrix A . In the case m = 1 we relate the characteristic polynomial of A and certain controllability notions to the standard B-spline and we proceed to show how systems-theoretic ideas can be used to generate systems of basis splines for higher values of m.
Adaptor-Dependent Degradation of a Cell-Cycle Regulator Uses a Unique Substrate Architecture

In Caulobacter crescentus, the ClpXP protease degrades several crucial cell-cycle regulators, including the phosphodiesterase PdeA. Degradation of PdeA requires the response regulator CpdR and signals a morphological transition in concert with initiation of DNA replication. Here, we report the structure of a Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain of PdeA and show that it is necessary for CpdR-dependent degradation in vivo and in vitro. CpdR acts as an adaptor, tethering the amino-terminal PAS domain to ClpXP and promoting recognition of the weak carboxyl-terminal degron of PdeA, a combination that ensures processive proteolysis. We identify sites on the PAS domain needed for CpdR recognition and find that one subunit of the PdeA dimer can be delivered to ClpXP by its partner. Finally, we show that improper stabilization of PdeA in vivo alters cellular behavior. These results introduce an adaptor/substrate pair for ClpXP and reveal broad diversity in adaptor-mediated proteolysis.
Drawing-in Effect on Perception of Beats in Multimedia

聴覚的情報と視覚的情報を同時に視聴するマルチメディアコンテンツにおける「ビート」に注目し、音楽的ビートが映像的ビートの知覚に及ぼす局所的な引き込み効果を提唱した。これを解析・検証するための新しい心理学実験システムを制作し、被験者テストによる実験・評価を行った。あわせて、コンピュータを用いた心理学実験で重要となる、システムのレイテンシ(遅延)について検討・考察した。具体的には、従来から進めてきたComputer Music関係の研究を受け継ぎ、新しいモデルを提唱し実験的に検証するために、(1)新しい視点での「ビート」概念の定義、(2)実験に適した映像素材の検討と制作、(3)実験に適した音楽素材と被験者インターフェースの開発と映像系との同期制御、(4)被験者の音楽経験など個人的要因によるばらつきへのシステム対応(チューニング)、(5)システムのレイテンシの検討と心理学的影響の考察、(6)実験データの効果的な可視化、などの新しいアプローチを行った。
A Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) comparison of 3-Lump and 4-Lump kinetic models for predicting gasoline, light gases and coke yield in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) riser

In this study a comparison of 3-lump and 4-lump kinetic models predicting the yield of gasoline, light gases and coke in FCC riser has been done. Commercial CFD software with K-epsilon turbulence model is used to investigate the reactions occurrence between fluid and solids in a fluidized bed. An important feature of this model is that its kinetics includes partial differential equations. This provides accurate predictions of product yields in the FCC riser. In this simulation different process variables such as temperature and feed rate are changed to investigate the effect on product yields. Time accurate transient problem is solved with the prediction of yield profiles of gas oil, gasoline, light gas and coke. The output curves demonstrate the breaking of heavy hydrocarbon in the presence of catalyst. An approach proposed in this study shows good agreement with the experimental and numerical data available in literature.
NDWI--a normalized difference water index for remote sensing of vegetation liquid water from space.

The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) has been widely used for remote sensing of vegetation for many years. This index uses radiances or reflectances from a red channel around 0.66 μm and a near-IR channel around 0.86 μm. The red channel is located in the strong chlorophyll absorption region, while the near-IR channel is located in the high reflectance plateau of vegetation canopies. The two channels sense very different depths through vegetation canopies. In this article, another index, namely, the normalized difference water index (NDWI), is proposed for remote sensing of vegetation liquid water from space. NDWI is defined as (ϱ(0.86 μm) − ϱ(1.24 μm))(ϱ(0.86 μm) + ϱ(1.24 μm)), where ϱ represents the radiance in reflectance units. Both the 0.86-μm and the 1.24-μm channels are located in the high reflectance plateau of vegetation canopies. They sense similar depths through vegetation canopies. Absorption by vegetation liquid water near 0.86 μm is negligible. Weak liquid absorption at 1.24 μm is present. Canopy scattering enhances the water absorption. As a result, NDWI is sensitive to changes in liquid water content of vegetation canopies. Atmospheric aerosol scattering effects in the 0.86–1.24 μm region are weak. NDWI is less sensitive to atmospheric effects than NDVI. NDWI does not remove completely the background soil reflectance effects, similar to NDVI. Because the information about vegetation canopies contained in the 1.24-μm channel is very different from that contained in the red channel near 0.66 μm, NDWI should be considered as an independent vegetation index. It is complementary to, not a substitute for NDVI. Laboratory-measured reflectance spectra of stacked green leaves, and spectral imaging data acquired with Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) over Jasper Ridge in California and the High Plains in northern Colorado, are used to demonstrate the usefulness of NDWI. Comparisons between NDWI and NDVI images are also given.
Energy Efficient Supply Boosted Comparator Design

This paper presents a new mixed-signal design technique called supply boosting technique (SBT) and the design of an energy efficient, sub-1 V supply boosted comparator (SBC) in a standard complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. The selected CMOS process does not allow sub-1 V operation with a wide input range due to high threshold voltage (high-VTH) of MOS transistors (+0.8 V/−0.9 V). Despite this, the proposed comparator operates sub-1 V supply voltages with input common mode voltage larger than 60% of supply voltage by utilizing a supply boosting technique. The measured power consumption of the supply boosted comparator for 1 V supply was 90 nW and speed was 6500 conversions per second, resulting in 14 pJ per conversion energy efficiency.
Introduction to the special section on runtime verification

Runtime verification is a relatively recent area of research that concentrates on checking system execution against formally specified behavioral properties. Primary research directions in runtime verification include logics for monitoring, online checking algorithms, extraction of observations necessary for checking, and reduction of checking overhead. This article gives a brief overview of runtime verification research.
Some transparent immiscible liquid pairs

This report identifies 121 transparent immiscible liquid pairs that have properties compatible with optical instrumentation based on laser-induced fluorescence. Physical data such as specific gravity, index of refraction, viscosity, flash point, and toxicity were found in the literature. Compatibility with Plexiglas (PMMA), contact angles of the internal meniscus on glass and PMMA, meniscus formation times, and clearing times were measured. A useful noninvasive technique for determining interfacial tensions is explained and used. Some dependence of interfacial tension on molecular structure is found.
Inference for the Mean Residual Life Function via Empirical Likelihood

In addition to the distribution function, the mean residual life (MRL) function is the other important function which can be used to characterize a lifetime in survival analysis and reliability. For inference on the MRL function, some procedures have been proposed in the literature. However, the coverage accuracy of such procedures may be low when the sample size is small. In this article, an empirical likelihood (EL) inference procedure of MRL function is proposed and the limiting distribution of the EL ratio for MRL function is derived. Based on the result, we obtain confidence interval/band for the MRL function. The proposed method is compared with the normal approximation based method through simulation study in terms of coverage probability.
The practice of “approximate original contour” in the central Appalachians. I. Slope stability and erosion potential

Abstract Surface mining for coal disturbed hundreds of thousands of hectares in the Appalachians by the mid-1970s. The mined landscape created by typical “shoot-and-shove” mining methods during this era led to severe water-quality and land-use problems. Enacted in 1977, the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) required that all mining spoil be stabilized and returned to “approximate original contour” (AOC) wherever possible. This requirement is controversial in the steeply sloping Appalachian (U.S.A.) mining region. The major goal of this research was to objectively evaluate the long-term slope stability and potential erosivity of central Appalachian AOC landforms. Many AOC backfills in this region face long-term stability problems. The major factors leading to backfill instability are: (1) excessively steep and/or convex fill configurations; (2) excessive seepage leading to loss of fill strength; and (3) inaccurate estimation of spoil shear strength parameters and fill safety factors. Slope failures may occur both within and beyond the five-year bond release period mandated by SMCRA. Steeply sloping siltstone spoils are particularly prone to erosion losses, and rapid revegetation is essential for the stabilization of AOC slopes. Widespread implementation of alternative landforms which utilize hollow fills for excess spoil disposal while still eliminating the highwall would greatly reduce the potential for slope failures and erosion by reducing total backfill slope areas and lengths.
Spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of failed back surgery syndrome

A significant number of patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery do not obtain pain relief. Such patients with chronic low back or lower extremity pain may be difficult to treat. A frequent component of therapy is the use of spinal cord stimulation to help control pain. With careful patient selection, many patients can achieve reasonable levels of pain relief. We review recent clinical reports, including prospective and randomized studies, that demonstrate up to three quarters of patients implanted with a spinal cord stimulator for the treatment of failed back surgery syndrome may benefit from its use. This technology must not be indiscriminately applied. Careful patient selection and a period of trial stimulation are vital to the successful use of spinal cord stimulation as treatment for chronic pain.
Tweaking the Four-Component Model.

By maintaining that moral functioning depends upon four components (sensitivity, judgment, motivation, and character), the Neo-Kohlbergian account of moral functioning allows for uneven moral development within individuals. However, I argue that the four-component model does not go far enough. I offer a more accurate account of moral functioning and uneven moral development. My proposal retains the account of sensitivity, divides the judgment component into a theorizing component and a reasoning component, and eliminates the motivation and character components.
#57 Perchlorate dosage on thyroid – laboratory confirmation of occupational epidemiology findings

Abstract PURPOSE: Perchlorate is known to affect the thyroid by blocking the uptake of iodine at the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) receptor site of the basolateral membrane of the thyroidal cell in a dose-response manner. A previous occupational study of employees at a plant where perchlorate was manufactured examined for the level at which iodine uptake inhibition in chronically-exposed workers was sufficient to cause a reduction in the free thyroxine index (FTI). The data analysis predicted a 10% inhibition at an exposure of about 45 mg/day and demonstrated no effect on FTI at occupational exposures of about 35, 11, 4, and 1 mg/day. METHODS: The occupational exposures were a mixture of inhalation, ingestion, and possibly dermal routes. The dosages had been modeled based on urine perchlorate levels across one work shift with airborne exposures measured. The laboratory studies were conducted using measured oral dosages in drinking water for a two-week period with determination of radio-active iodine uptake before, during, and following exposure period. Thyroid function tests and urine and serum concentrations of perchlorate and iodine were also determined. RESULTS: Laboratory studies demonstrated a significant 38% inhibition of iodine uptake at 10 mg/day and a non-significant 10% inhibition at 3 mg/day (Lawrence 2000, 2000b). Another laboratory conducted studies at doses of about 35, 7, 1.4, and 0.5 mg/day and found iodine inhibition rates of 67%, 45%, 16%, and 2% (not significant) (Greer et al., 2002). Neither free thyroxine index nor free thyroxine levels were affected at any laboratory exposure level. Log-linear extrapolation of the data indicated that an exposure level slightly below 0.5 mg/day perchlorate would be below the threshold level for iodine uptake inhibition in these populations. CONCLUSION: An occupational health study found no adverse effect on thyroid hormone (FTI) at exposures of about 1, 4, 11, and 35 mg/day perchlorate, a chemical known to inhibit iodine uptake. Measurement of iodine uptake inhibition at similar levels showed that the uptake inhibition threshold was just below 0.5 mg/day and that adverse effects on thyroid hormone (FTI) were not seen with exposures equivalent to 67% inhibition. Thus, a range of iodine uptake inhibition at which thyroxine level appears not to be adversely affected is indicated.
Geographical research and the problem of variant place names in digitized books and other full-text resources

Geographical research often involves searching for place names in full-text resources, such as digitized books. Place names often have variants, resulting in many different names for a single geographical place, a problem that can lead to missed results in full-text searches for place names. The problem occurs because full-text search engines merely match words in the search box with words in online documents, leaving place–name variants unsearched. This paper describes how relevant resources can be missed due to this problem and describes the different sources of place–name variation. Finally, the paper describes some solutions to the place–name variation problem in full-text searching.
Grand unification and light color-octet scalars at the LHC

We study the properties and production mechanisms of color-octet scalars at the Large Hadron Collider. We focus on the single production of both charged and neutral members of an (8,2){sub 1/2} doublet through bottom-quark initial states. These channels provide a window to the underlying Yukawa structure of the scalar sector. Color-octet scalars naturally appear in grand unified theories based on the SU(5) gauge symmetry. In the context of adjoint SU(5) these fields are expected to be light to satisfy constraints coming from unification and proton decay, and may have TeV-scale masses. One combination of their couplings is defined by the relation between the down-quark and charged-lepton Yukawa couplings. Observation of these states at the LHC gives an upper bound on the proton lifetime if they truly arise from this grand unified theory. We demonstrate that TeV-mass scalars can be observed over background at the LHC using boosted top-quark final states, and study how well the scalar Yukawa parameters can be measured.
Ontogeny of two-way avoidance in male and female rats.

In Experiment I, 17-, 21-, 36-, 51-, 90-, and 200-day-old male and female rats were given a single session of 100 two-way avoidance (TWA) trials. In the 2nd experiment, males and females of these ages and 15 and 28 days of age that were obtained from a different source, weaned at a later age, and housed differently received TWA training. Results of both studies showed that avoidance of 15-, 17-, and 21-day-old rats is low, but avoidance increases from 21 to 51 days of age. Avoidance of 95- and 200-day-old animals was generally lower than 51-day-old rats. No significant gender differences appeared until 90 days of age; at this age avoidance of males was lower than females. In Experiment III, CS intensity was varied and the US intensity was lower than that used in Experiments I and II. Avoidance of 21- and 90-day-old rats was higher with a more intense CS, but 21-day-olds were still lower than adults. Avoidance of 17-day-old rats was not affected by CS intensity.
A modified random-effect procedure for combining risk difference in sets of 2×2 tables from clinical trials

Meta-analyses of sets of clinical trials often combine risk differences from several 2 × 2 tables according to a random-effects model. The DerSimonian-Laird random-effects procedure, widely used for estimating the population mean risk difference, weights the risk difference from each primary study inversely proportional to an estimate of its variance (the sum of the between-study variance and the conditional within-study variance). Because those weights are not independent of the risk differences, however, the procedure sometimes exhibits bias and unnatural behavior. The present paper proposes a modified weighting scheme that uses the unconditional within-study variance to avoid this source of bias. The modified procedure has variance closer to that available from weighting by ideal weights when such weights are known.We studied the modified procedure in extensive simulation experiments using situations whose parameters resemble those of actual studies in medical research. For comparison we also included two unbiased procedures, the unweighted mean and a sample-size-weighted mean; their relative variability depends on the extent of heterogeneity among the primary studies. An example illustrates the application of the procedures to actual data and the differences among the results.
Erythrocyte uropophyrinogen decarboxylase activity in porphyria cutanea tarda: A study of 40 consecutive patients

We measured uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD) activity in erythrocyte lysates obtained from 40 consecutive patients with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) without selection for family history. Enzyme determinations indicated that 28% of the patients had abnormally decreased UROD activity in erythrocytes; this finding did not always correlate with family history. Two siblings with PCT and normal erythrocytic, but abnormally decreased hepatic UROD activities, were encountered. This finding suggests that familial PCT may occur not only with decreased erythrocyte UROD activity, but also with a normal UROD activity in erythrocytes.
Photosystem II reactions in oxidant-treated chloroplast fragments.

Abstract Treatment of Photosystem II fragments with the oxidant K2IrCl6 destroys approximately 50% of the bulk chlorophyll and results in fragments that are twofold enriched in P680 (the Photosystem II reaction-center chlorophyll) and cytochrome b559. The fragments retain a fully competent reaction center, as evidenced by P680 photooxidation and subsequent reduction in a back reaction with the primary electron acceptor ( t 1 2 = 5 ms at 25 dgK). The K2IrCl6-treated fragments contain no photoactive or chemically detectable C-550 and do not exhibit any variable fluorescence. These results imply that the Photosystem II primary electron acceptor is unaffected by oxidant treatment. It therefore may be concluded that neither C-550 nor the fluorescence quencher, Q, functions as the primary electron acceptor of Photosystem II.
Influence of spectral quality on the growth response of intact bean plants to brassinosteroid, a growth‐promoting steroidal lactone. I. Stem elongation and morphogenesis

The growth response of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. ‘Pinto′) plants treated with 5 μg of brassinosteroid (BR) in the bean second-internode assay was measured in a controlled environment under 3 radiation sources: cool white fluorescent (CWF), far-red (FR) fluorescent and incandescent (INC) lamps. Growth comparisons were made under equal levels (90 μmol s-1 m-2) of photosynthetic photon flux density provided by CWF or INC lamps and equal levels of far-red (28 W m-2, 700–800 nm) radiation provided by the same INC or FR lamps. Treatment of the second internode with BR produced a sequential increase in elongation, curvature, and swelling under normal bioassay conditions (CWF lamps), as observed previously with brassins. In addition, BR induced marked splitting of the treated internode provided that ample photosynthate was available. Spectral quality had a differential effect on internodal elongation. Under CWF lamps, internodes, 6 days after BR-treatment, were 2–3 times longer than those of controls; under INC or FR lamps they were 30–60% shorter than those of controls. In all cases, BR-treatment greatly stimulated accumulation of photosynthate in the treated internode, as indicated by fresh and dry weights and stem diameter measurements. This suggests a possible mobilization role for BR in the intact plant. Brassinosteroid also partially overcame the natural inhibitory effects of CWF radiation on stem elongation.
Tbx1 and Brn4 regulate retinoic acid metabolic genes during cochlear morphogenesis

In vertebrates, the inner ear is comprised of the cochlea and vestibular system, which develop from the otic vesicle. This process is regulated via inductive interactions from surrounding tissues. Tbx1, the gene responsible for velo-cardio-facial syndrome/DiGeorge syndrome in humans, is required for ear development in mice. Tbx1 is expressed in the otic epithelium and adjacent periotic mesenchyme (POM), and both of these domains are required for inner ear formation. To study the function of Tbx1 in the POM, we have conditionally inactivated Tbx1 in the mesoderm while keeping expression in the otic vesicle intact. Conditional mutants (TCre-KO) displayed malformed inner ears, including a hypoplastic otic vesicle and a severely shortened cochlear duct, indicating that Tbx1 expression in the POM is necessary for proper inner ear formation. Expression of the mesenchyme marker Brn4 was also lost in the TCre-KO. Brn4-;Tbx1+/-embryos displayed defects in growth of the distal cochlea. To identify a potential signal from the POM to the otic epithelium, expression of retinoic acid (RA) catabolizing genes was examined in both mutants. Cyp26a1 expression was altered in the TCre-KO, while Cyp26c1 showed reduced expression in both TCre-KO and Brn4-;Tbx1+/- embryos. These results indicate that Tbx1 expression in the POM regulates cochlear outgrowth potentially via control of local retinoic acid activity.
Cathodic Prevention Distribution in Partially Submerged Reinforced Concrete

Abstract Cathodic polarization to elevate the corrosion threshold (“cathodic prevention”) was implemented with commercial Zn bulk anodes on laboratory columns to simulate a reinforced concrete marine system. Both a detailed computational model and another simplified, less computational intensive model of the polarization distribution in the laboratory columns were formulated and yielded results in reasonable agreement with the experiment. The simplified model was applied to predict cathodic prevention throwing power on field scale structures for a variety of plausible conditions. The calculations suggest that with an immersed anode useful levels of cathodic prevention may be reasonably expected, even under conservative assumptions, in the area immediately above high tide where conditions are otherwise very severe.
Effect of the serotonin antagonist ketanserin on the hemodynamic and morphological consequences of thrombotic infarction.

The effect of the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) antagonist ketanserin on the remote hemodynamic consequences of thrombotic brain infarction was studied in rats. Treated rats received an injection of 1 mg/kg ketanserin 30 min before and 1 h following photochemically induced cortical infarction. Local CBF (LCBF) was assessed autoradiographically with [14C]iodoantipyrine 4 h following infarction, and chronic infarct size was documented at 5 days. Thrombotic infarction led to significant decreases in LCBF within noninfarcted cortical regions. For example, mean LCBF was decreased to 63, 55, and 65% of control (nontreated normal rats) in ipsilateral frontal, lateral, and auditory cortices, respectively. In rats treated with ketanserin, significant decreases in LCBF were not documented within remote cortical areas compared with controls. In contrast to these hemodynamic effects, morphological analysis of chronic infarct size demonstrated no differences in infarct volume between treated (27 ± 3 mm3) and n...
Language origin accounts: was the gesture in the beginning?:

Human beings have long been intrigued by questions about language precedence and the origins of language. Accounts abound, from diverse-cultures, of concerted efforts to answer these questions. In ...
Dressed and Eviscerated Meat Yields from Chickens at Twelve Weeks of Age

Abstract MANY processors and breeders believe that certain strains and crosses differ in yield of eviscerated (ready-to-cook) poultry. Should such differences exist, it becomes important to determine the breeding methods by which meat yields may be increased. Limited data for broilers and fryers have been given in reports by Jull and Maw (1923); Vernon (1923); Lowe (1941); Jull, Phillips and Williams (1943) and probably others. Dressed yield in these reports varied from 85 to 90 percent of the live weight, and evisceration yields varied from 67 to 75 percent. Much of the differences between observers may be due to differences in methods of processing the chickens. The larger percentage yields given in these reports were usually for the larger birds. Several reports are available on the weights of body parts and percentage yields in terms of edible meat. In addition to those cited previously, Mitchell, Card and Hamilton (1926 Mitchell, Card and Hamilton (1931) have . . .
Acoustic emission in a composite copper NbTi conductor

Abstract Acoustic emission generated in a composite copper multifilamentary NbTi conductor has been measured. Its source appears to be dissipation associated with the Lorentz force induced flux motions. It is demonstrated that acoustic emmision transducers can be used to detect a superconducting-to-normal transition.