cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Structure of Communication: A Network Analysis of the International Communication Association.

The structure of the discipline of Communication is examined using the frequency of joint memberships in the International Communication Association's divisions and interest groups. The results suggest that the structure is more complex than previously suggested by bibliometric research. There are at least two dimensions that differentiate the divisions/interest groups. As reported in the bibliometric literature, one is a dimension that separates the mass media and the interpersonally oriented divisions. The second differentiates the humanistic from the scientific. One method found a third dimension: theoretical to applied. Cluster analysis based on the actual number of joint memberships found three clusters: humanistic, mediated, and interpersonal. A cluster analysis that controlled for the size of the divisions/interest groups found only two: humanistic and scientific. Blockmodeling of the joint memberships identified four: humanistic, mediated, interpersonal, and information technology.
Towards the performance evaluation of 4th generation wireless communication standards: LTE versus Mobile WiMAX

Advances in wireless communication protocols and networking toward support of the next generation of mobile and radio broadband technologies have contributed to a strong competition among various telecommunication standards in particular Long Term Evolution LTE and Mobile Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access WiMAX. In this paper, we provide an in-depth comparison analysis of LTE and Mobile WiMAX at the physical PHY layer by studying the most similar PHY configuration scenarios for these two technologies. Our study includes a throughput analysis of downlink DL and uplink UL transmissions in time division duplex with the least overhead possible and different antenna schemes as well as modulation and code rates. This study also performs an overhead analysis in both protocols to provide a more in-depth understanding of the PHY layer capacity in various PHY layer configurations. Our simulation results generally show higher performance for LTE in both DL and UL transmission with 7Mbps in DL and 5Mbps in UL, when using one antenna port. However, by increasing the number of antennas for multiple-input/multiple-output configurations, the results illustrate a reduction in the performance of LTE compared to Mobile WiMAX. This arises from the increase in reference signal overhead in LTE from 4.7% in single-input/single-output SISO to 14.28% in 4×4 multiple-input/multiple-output MIMO. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Introduction to Hepatic Progenitor Cells

Normal healthy livers have highly regenerative capabilities, but diseased livers have reduced (or lack the) ability to regenerate. When hepatocytes are prevented from initiating the regenerative response due to chronic or overwhelming injury then the liver stem cell compartment is activated and gives rise to the liver progenitor cell (oval cell) population. Oval cells are bipotential cells that are capable of differentiating into either hepatocyte or biliary lineages. In this chapter, we will review several aspects of liver progenitor cells in liver regeneration including cell markers, animal models, molecular regulation, their role in fibrosis, and possible therapeutic targets.
Canine myocardial creatine kinase isoenzymes after chronic coronary artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND Creatine kinase (CK) exists as three cytosolic isoenzymes, CK-MM, CK-MB, and CK-BB, and one mitochondrial isoenzyme. Animal and human observations suggest that the CK-MB content of myocardium is dynamic and may increase in response to ischemia, but the response of the myocardial CK system to chronic coronary artery occlusion is not well-defined. METHODS AND RESULTS We measured serial changes in myocardial total CK, percent CK-MB, and percent CK-BB before and 3 weeks after coronary artery occlusion in 17 pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. Tissue biopsies were obtained from the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery myocardium, the right coronary artery (RCA) myocardium, and the circumflex coronary artery myocardium at baseline and 3 weeks after LAD occlusion (n = 6), RCA occlusion (n = 5), and no coronary artery occlusion (n = 6). Tissue samples were assayed for total CK, percent CK-MB, and percent CK-BB. Samples were also examined by electron microscopy for evidence of ischemic myopathy. Total myocardial CK activity did not change over 3 weeks. Percent CK-MB increased significantly in the tissue supplied by the occluded artery (4.1-fold in dogs with LAD occlusion and 6.7-fold in dogs with RCA occlusion). Percent CK-BB did not change. Dogs with LAD occlusion had ultrastructural evidence of myopathic fibers interspersed with normal fibers in the LAD myocardium. Dogs with RCA occlusion had no ultrastructural evidence of myopathic fibers in the RCA myocardium. CONCLUSIONS Chronic coronary artery occlusion causes a pronounced change in the canine myocardial CK system that is limited to the tissue supplied by the occluded coronary artery. These biochemical alterations do not correlate with any cellular ultrastructural changes. Myocardial CK-MB content is dynamic, varies geographically within the heart, and increases rapidly after coronary artery occlusion.
Endotoxin Activation of Macrophages Does Not Induce ATP Release and Autocrine Stimulation of P2 Nucleotide Receptors

Receptors for extracellular nucleotides (P2, or purinergic receptors) have previously been implicated in the transduction of endotoxin signaling in macrophages. The most compelling evidence has been the observation that inhibitors of ionotropic nucleotide (P2X) receptors, including periodate-oxidized ATP (oATP), attenuate a subset of endotoxin-induced effects such as activation of NF-κB and up-regulation of inducible NO synthase. We investigated whether endotoxin induces ATP release from a murine macrophage cell line (BAC1.2F5) using sensitive on-line assays for extracellular ATP. These cells constitutively released ATP, producing steady-state extracellular concentrations of ∼1 nM when assayed as monolayers of 10 6 adherent cells bathed in 1 ml of medium. However, the macrophages did not release additional ATP during either acute or prolonged endotoxin stimulation. In addition, cellular ecto-ATPase activities were measured following prolonged endotoxin activation and were found not to be significantly altered. Although oATP treatment significantly attenuated the endotoxin-induced production of NO, this inhibitory effect was not reproduced when the cells were coincubated with apyrase, a highly effective ATP scavenger. These results indicate that activation of macrophages by endotoxin does not induce autocrine stimulation of P2 nucleotide receptors by endogenous ATP released to extracellular compartments. Moreover, the data suggest that the ability of oATP to interfere with endotoxin signaling is due to its interaction with molecular species other than ATP-binding P2 receptors.
Know thy self, know thy leader: Contributions of a pattern-oriented approach to examining leader perceptions

Abstract This study investigated how patterns of traits in self and ideal leader profiles were related to one another, beyond the individual effects of each trait. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify and describe profiles of self leader and ideal leader perceptions. Four profiles for self leader perceptions (Prototypical, Laissez-Faire, Narcissistic, Anti-Prototypical) and four profiles for ideal leader perceptions (Prototypical, Laissez-Faire, Autocratic, Anti-Prototypical) were identified. Additional analyses examined the association between self and ideal leader profiles; gender, leadership self efficacy, and narcissism were added to the model as predictors of that association. Prototypical and Laissez-Faire self leaders tended to prefer an ideal leader who was similar to themselves, whereas Narcissistic and Anti-Prototypical self leaders had more diffuse preferences in ideal leaders. Gender, leadership self efficacy, and narcissism were only associated with self leader profiles. Results support, yet contribute beyond, previous findings for the similarity hypothesis.
An Efficient Synthesis of Acetylide/Trimetal/Acetylide Molecular Wires

Efficient syntheses are reported for incorporating trimetal units of the type M(3)(dpa)(4)(2+) (M = Cr, Co, Ni, and dpa = 2,2'-dipyridylamide) into polyalkynyl assemblies to give the prototypical bis-phenylacetylide complexes M(3)(dpa)(4)(CCPh)(2). Reactions of M(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2) with LiCCPh have led only to mixtures of products which cocrystallize forming materials of the composition M(3)(dpa)(4)(CCPh)(x)()Cl(2)(-)(x)(). Here we report that acetonitrile complexes [M(3)(dpa)(4)(NCCH(3))(2)](PF(6))(2) react cleanly with LiCCPh in MeCN to afford the desired target molecules in 40-60% yield and in excellent purity. Isolation of the mixed ligand complex [Co(3)(dpa)(4)(NCCH(3))(CCPh)]PF(6) has been accomplished, which suggests that these reactions are stepwise and that it will be possible to synthesize mixed acetylide complexes (i.e., M(3)(dpa)(4)(CCR)(CCR')) via this method.
Capillary electrophoresis of DNA potential utility for clinical diagnoses

The last few years have witnessed a tremendous shift in the use of capillary electrophoresis for clinical applications, particularly with DNA analysis. As a result of the large number of DNA-based clinical assays, there is an intense interest in making DNA analysis faster, less expensive and more automated. We describe the evaluation of CE-based single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and dideoxy fingerprinting (ddF) analysis for the detection of single-point mutations within a Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific amplified DNA fragment. Both were found to be capable of detecting the mutation in the resistant isolate but ddF showed the most promise with respect to specificity and ease of implementation. In addition, initial results with a CE-based sizing method is shown to be competitive and, perhaps, superior to a Southern blot analysis for the detection of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection.
Insufficient sensitivity of hemoglobin A1C determination in diagnosis or screening of early diabetic states

An International Expert Committee made recommendations for using the hemoglobin A(₁C) (A1C) assay as the preferred method for the diagnosis of diabetes in nonpregnant individuals. A concentration of at least 6.5% was considered as diagnostic. It is the aim of this study to compare the sensitivity of A1C with that of plasma glucose concentrations in subjects with early diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). We chose 2 groups of subjects who had A1C not exceeding 6.4%. The first group of 89 subjects had family histories of diabetes (MODY or type 2 diabetes mellitus) and had oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and A1C determinations. They included 36 subjects with diabetes or IGT and 53 with normal OGTT. The second group of 58 subjects was screened for diabetes in our Diabetes Clinic by fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour plasma glucose, or OGTT and A1C; and similar comparisons were made. Subjects with diabetes or IGT, including those with fasting hyperglycemia, had A1C ranging from 5.0% to 6.4% (mean, 5.8%). The subjects with normal OGTT had A1C of 4.2% to 6.3% (mean, 5.4%), or 5.5% for the 2 groups. The A1C may be in the normal range in subjects with diabetes or IGT, including those with fasting hyperglycemia. Approximately one third of subjects with early diabetes and IGT have A1C less than 5.7%, the cut point that the American Diabetes Association recommends as indicating the onset of risk of developing diabetes in the future. The results of our study are similar to those obtained by a large Dutch epidemiologic study. If our aim is to recognize early diabetic states to apply effective prophylactic procedures to prevent or delay progression to more severe diabetes, A1C is not sufficiently sensitive or reliable for diagnosis of diabetes or IGT. A combination of A1C and plasma glucose determinations, where necessary, is recommended for diagnosis or screening of diabetes or IGT.
Another Sea Pest

Invisible marine organisms episodically inflict nuisance cutaneous stings on oceanic bathers. An example is seabather's eruption, which was recently found to be produced by injuries from swarms ofLinuche unguiculatajellyfish planula larvae, off the southeast Florida Atlantic coast between midMay and mid-June.1This particular disease was thought to be caused by many forms of marine life, including coelenterates. Report of a Case. Between December 26 and 28, 1994, from Boca Raton to Pompano Beach, Fla, numerous instances of minor cutaneous stings and irritations were reported during daylight hours. Very few swimmers exhibited an eruption. One 6-year-old healthy boy had four 2- to 4-cm linear erythematous urticarial lesions across his torso and thigh. At that time, small 1- to 2-mm-diameter, slightly opaque strips of coiled tissue with black dotted centers were also seen in the surf. Microscopic examination of these structures revealed fragments of tentacles containing bean-shaped spirocysts and
The Variability of T Tauri, RY Tauri, and RW Aurigae from 1899 to 1952

We present the historical light curve of T Tau derived from photographic plates in the Harvard College Observatory archives. We find that the optical light of T Tau varied by 2?3 (or more) mag on timescales as short as a month prior to ~1917, consistent with the 1949 results of Lozinskii. Extreme light fluctuations of greater than 2 mag abruptly ceased in the late 1910s and, to the best of our knowledge, have not repeated since this time. We compare the observed light variations of T Tau with the T Tauri stars RY Tau and RW Aur, whose light curves we also constructed from inspection of the archival plates. We find that variable extinction along the line of sight to the star is the most likely explanation for the observed light fluctuation of T Tau during the early part of the 20th century.
Statistical model of three nucleon pion absorption

In this paper we present a model for three nucleon pion absorption based on the assumption that pion absorption on three nucleons is a one-step process. In the assumption that the square of the effective matrix element is proportional to the probability that three nucleons are contained inside a certain volume V, this model is equal to the Fermi statistical model. The construction of the volume V is different from the Fermi model. Very good agreement between this simple model and experimental data for the energy dependence of the three-nucleon pion absorption cross section on $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ and $^{3}\mathrm{H}$ opens a new possibility for the explanation of multinucleon effects in pion absorption.
Enteral nutrition support.

Up to 33% of patients who are admitted to hospitals with hronic disease and trauma also present with moderate to evere malnutrition. This results in depletion of body cell mass, rolonged wound healing, and impaired function [1]. Malnurition is defined as unintentional weight loss of more than 10% f an individual’s body weight. It is classified as mild, modrate, or severe based on body mass index, arm muscle cirumference, skin fold thickness, and depletion of visceral proein stores (e.g., albumin, prealbumin, and retinol-binding rotein). The etiology of malnutrition can be subdivided into our continuous types: 1) decrease in nutrient intake (poor diet, ating difficulty) or excessive losses (long-term diarrhea, abormal bleeding, large draining wounds), 2) nutrient store epletion, 3) increased metabolic demand (i.e., hypercataboism), and 4) cell or tissue damage [1,2]. Prolonged starvation leads to deterioration of intestinal ntegrity. Within a few days of complete bowel rest, proressive atrophy and disruption of the intestinal mucosa ccur. With severe protein deficiency, microvilli of the ntestinal mucosa undergo shortening, resulting in generalzed disruption of the surface architecture [3]. Of particular mportance is the amino acid glutamine which is the prinipal metabolic fuel for intestinal epithelial cells [4]. Lack of luminal nutrient substrates followed by mucosal isruption is also associated with the process of bacterial ranslocation. In critically ill patients, prolonged bowel rest ay lead to loss of endothelial architecture and integrity, hereby allowing the enteric pathogens to migrate across the ffected bowel mucosa and into the systemic circulation [5]. he correction and prevention of malnutrition decreases orbidity, hospital stay, mortality rate, and recovery time rom illness [6,7]. Artificial nutritional support refers to the administration f nutrient solutions by enteral or intravenous (parenteral)
Spectral characterization of two sided ideals inB(H)

In this paper we prove that an elementA ∈ B(H) belongs to a proper two sided ideal inB(H) if and only if {fx26-1} In particular, ifH is separable, this property completely characterizes compact operators onH.
An analysis of the atomic configuration of an incoherent twin boundary with the field ion microscope

Abstract A detailed geometrical analysis of an incoherent twin boundary in tungsten is given from data obtained by field ion microscopy. Two methods of analysis are compared and an extension of the analysis is proposed. A simple expression for determining the grain boundary plane from field ion micrographs is given and employed. The overall twin boundary plane is found to be nearly of the type {123} and this suggests an extension of the theory of coincident lattice grain boundaries. A grain boundary step is described in detail and is also found to follow a plane of high coincidence.
Direct-write waveguides and structural modification by femtosecond laser pulses

Embedded waveguides and their optical properties in bulk silicate glasses fabricated by femtosecond (fs) laser pulses (800 nm, <120 fs, at 1 kHz) are reported. Experimental results show that there is a narrow operating window for our system to produce low loss waveguides. An angular dependence of light transmission measured between two crossed polarizers on these laser-modified regions suggests that these regions possess an optical birefrigent property. Furthermore, the optical axes of laser-induced birefringence can be controlled by the polarization direction of the fs laser. Permanent optical birefringence induced by the fs laser pulses can be produced in amorphous silica, and borosilicate glass. Raman spectroscopy of the modified glass shows a densification and reconstruction of silica network in the glass. Results show that the amount of laser-induced birefringence depends on pulse energy level and the number of accumulated pulses. Mechanisms that contribute to the observed laser induced birefringence behavior are discussed.
Financial pain should focus universities

The tightening of the US science budgets could improve both teaching and research, argues Diane Auer Jones — by forcing academics and their institutions to play to their strengths.
Speaking from ignorance: not agreeing with others we believe are correct.

Values-pragmatics theory (Hodges & Geyer, 2006) predicts that people will sometimes disagree with others they believe are correct, for reasons similar to those explaining agreement with incorrect answers in an Asch (1956) situation. In 3 experiments, we found evidence that people in a position of ignorance sometimes do not agree with the correct answers of others in positions of knowledge. Experiments 1a and 1b found this speaking-from-ignorance (SFI) effect occurred 27% of the time. Experiment 2 introduced experimental controls and self-report data indicating that the SFI effect (30%) was generated by realizing values (e.g., truth, social solidarity) and pragmatic constraints to act cooperatively, rather than by a wide array of alternatives (e.g., normative pressure, reactance). Experiment 3 experimentally manipulated concern for truthfulness, yielding 49% nonagreeing answers, even though there were monetary incentives to give correct, agreeing answers. The overall pattern suggests that people are not so much conformists or independents as they are cooperative truth tellers under social and moral constraints. Results, while surprising for social influence theories, illustrate the dynamics of divergence and convergence that appear across studies in cultural anthropology and developmental psychology, as well as in social psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved)
Lipoprotein(a) in patients who have non-insulin-dependent diabetes with and without coronary artery disease.

Objective: To determine whether the level of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] contributes to an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Methods: We prospectively evaluated established cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic control, and Lp(a) levels in 53 men with NIDDM and CAD and compared these variables in 42 male patients with NIDDM but without CAD. Results: The groups were comparable for age, diabetes control, treatment and duration of diabetes, obesity, and other cardiac risk factors. Lp(a) levels did not differ between the groups (12.2 versus 12.4 mg/dL in those with and without CAD, respectively) and were unrelated to age, duration of diabetes, diabetes control, obesity, smoking, hypertension, urinary albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Patients with retinopathy had a higher Lp(a) concentration than did those without retinopathy (24.9 &#45 6.0 versus 10.1 &#45 1.5 mg/dL; P = 0.01). A significan...
Identification of amino acids within the second alpha helical domain of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Vpu that are critical for preventing CD4 cell surface expression.

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) encodes for a Vpu protein, which interacts with CD4 resulting in its degradation. In this study, we examined the role of the 10 amino acids within the predicted second α-helical domain of the subtype B Vpu cytoplasmic tail in CD4 down-modulation using a VpuEGFP reporter system. Our findings indicate that the invariant leucine at position 63 and, to a lesser extent, the valine at position 68 were required for CD4 down-modulation. Mutation of analogous L63 in Vpu proteins subtypes A2, B(YU-2), C, D, and H also abolished CD4 down-modulation from the cell surface. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that L63A and V68A mutants were capable of binding CD4 and still retained the ability to interact with h-β-TrCP1. Taken together, these results indicate that amino acid substitutions in the second α-helical domain that retain the predicted structure and binding to h-β-TrCP1 can influence Vpu-mediated CD4 degradation.
Disruption of CB1 receptor signaling impairs extinction of spatial memory in mice

Rationale A growing body of in vitro and in vivo evidence indicates that a central endocannabinoid system, consisting of CB1 receptors and endogenous cannabinoids, modulates specific aspects of mnemonic processes. Previous research has demonstrated that either permanent or drug-induced disruption of CB1 receptor signaling interferes with the extinction of a conditioned fear response.
DNA degradation during organ storage

Es wurden Kerne aus isolierten Mausenieren, die unter warmen und kalten Bedingungen aufbewahrt worden waren, isoliert. Nach der Bestimmung der Viskositat wurde das Molekulargewicht der kernhaltigen DNS wahrend der Konservierung reduziert. Die Abnahme der DNS-Molekulargrosse bewirkt moglicherweise eine Kurzung der Uberlebensdauer des isolierten Organs.
Social influences on barn swallow foraging in the Adirondacks: a test of competing hypotheses

Abstract Three important predictions of the information-centre hypothesis were tested using a colony of barn swallows, Hirundo rustica , breeding in the Adironacks of central New York. Departures of foraging swallows were clumped in time as would be predicted if information about feeding sites was being obtained by foragers at the colony. Departure synchrony was probably increased by the tendency for foraging birds to follow their mates away from the colony. Two of the predictions of information transfer were not supported by the study: (1) birds leaving close together in time did not travel to the same foraging areas, and (2) previously unsuccessful foragers were not more likely to follow others away from the colony on subsequent feeding trips than were previously successful foragers. Foraging swallows were approached more often by conspecifics than non-foraging swallows were, suggesting that barn swallows may cue in on successfully feeding conspecifics when searching for foraging areas. Swallows do not appear to benefit by increasing their prey capture rates in groups, suggesting that foraging groups of barn swallows may simply be aggregations of birds using insect patches in an ‘ideal-free’ or opportunistic manner.
Tissue-specific sorting-out in two dimensions in relation to contact inhibition of cell movement.

IT is thought that the monolayering of cells which takes place on a substratum in tissue culture results from “contact inhibition of cell movement”, that is inhibition of the movement of a cell in the direction of contact with another1. If it is the movement of a cell toward a contacted neighbour that is inhibited, cells which are surrounded on all sides by other cells should be immobilized2. Yet cells in heterotypic aggregates must and do move in the course of tissue-specific sorting out, even though they are surrounded in all directions by other cells3,4. Because of this we wondered whether “contact inhibition of movement” requires a solid substratum. We decided to see whether cells of different tissue origin combined in a mixed monolayer would be immobilized and prevented from sorting-out.
On the energy level of EL2 in GaAs

Abstract Recently, the accuracy and reliability of the accepted (0/+) donor energy level E D of the defect EL2 in GaAs, especially as measured by temperature-dependent Hall-concentration measurements (Arrhenius plot), have been questioned. Here we show that the accepted Hall-effect value, E C =0.75 eV, is accurate and reliable; however, it must be remembered that an Arrhenius plot effectively gives E D at T =0, whereas experiments such as photoluminescence, photocapacitance, and photoconductivity, which rely on a peak or threshold, give E D at a particular temperature T . For comparative purposes, we suggest the relationship E D ( T )=(0.75–2.2×10 −4 T ) eV.
Exchange Rate Changes and the Distribution of Industry Value

This article investigates the simple, widely-held hypothesis that an exogenous real home currency depreciation enhances the competitiveness of home country manufacturers vis a vis foreign rivals. The study associates changes in competitiveness with redistributions of value within an industry. Daily and weekly data on redistributions of value are obtained from world financial markets. The study estimates the relationship between changes in exchange rates and redistributions of value within the world automobile and steel industries during the period 1978–87. The data generally do not support the notion that firms benefit competitively from a depreciation of the home currency. On the contrary, for large fractions of both industries, a depreciation of the home currency is associated with a significant decline in their share of industry value.
“It's Not an ‘If You Build It They Will Come' Type of Scenario”: Stakeholder Perspectives on Farmers' Markets as a Policy Solution to Food Access in Low-Income Neighborhoods

As national and local policies promote farmers' markets (FMs) in underserved communities, it is important to understand stakeholder perspectives. Through in-depth interviews, this study describes the views of 22 stakeholders in Pennsylvania about FMs as a solution to food access in low-income areas. We found that stakeholders view FMs as a promising public health nutrition intervention, as a political symbol of commitment to local food systems, and as an economic engine to support farmers and community development. Tensions emerge where these roles conflict: (1) FMs must be profitable while providing affordable foods to low-income customers; (2) FMs require careful planning to succeed; and (3) though politicians may seek a “silver bullet” solution, FMs are just one part of a comprehensive strategy to promote food access and economic revitalization in underserved neighborhoods.
FLEXIBILITY ON U.S. EPA OIL SPILL PREVENTION MEASURES TO ACCOMMODATE SMALL CAPACITY MULTI-SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS

ABSTRACT In December 2006 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published revisions to the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulation (40 CFR part 112) to streamline regulatory requirements pertaining to the prevention of oil discharges to navigable waters and adjoining shorelines. The purpose of these revisions was to allow flexibility for the regulated community in designing an oil spill prevention program that is appropriate for each individual facility. The range of regulated facilities for the SPCC universe includes everything from oil exploration and production facilities to end users of oil. The equipment and oil-handling activities vary as a result of the individual business operations of the facility. EPA has moved away from a prescriptive approach for requirements pertaining to the oil pollution prevention regulation in 40 CFR 112 and has incorporated performance based elements into the regulation to accommodate the wide universe of regulated stakeholders while mainta...
Kinematic-Vision Residuals Analysis

This paper describes the design, validation, and integration of a tool to locate a portion of the instrument deployment device (IDD) on the Mars exploration rover (MER) vehicles on Mars in imagery from the front hazard avoidance cameras, and to track the differences between the predicted and detected position of the manipulator over time. The analysis of kinematic-vision residuals, or the difference between where a manipulator is expected to appear in onboard imagery and where it actually appears in the imagery, yields insight into several aspects of an operational robotic system. The fidelity of the IDD and camera models is evaluated. Systematic changes in the performance over time can give insight to rover degradation or other changes. Finally, new models can be proposed and evaluated on the basis of trended data over time.
Microcantilever with integrated solid-state heater, conductive tip, and Schottky diode

Abstract This paper reports a heated atomic force microscope cantilever having a Schottky diode fabricated near the cantilever free end. The forward bias and reverse bias operation of this cantilever offer different current–voltage characteristics, such that the cantilever heating and temperature sensing capabilities are different in forward bias versus reverse bias operation. When 43 V is applied to the cantilever, the cantilever temperature is 677 °C in the forward bias and 786 °C in reverse bias. Thermal runaway for the device occurs at 445 °C, corresponding to forward and reverse bias resistances of 1.2 kΩ and 2.0 kΩ. Below the thermal runaway point, the cantilever temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) is 943 ppm/°C in the forward bias and 2996 ppm/°C in reverse bias. We characterize cantilever thermomechanical bending, which is a function of bias direction, applied voltage, and actuation frequency. The diode junction at the cantilever free end grants an additional degree of electro-thermal and thermomechanical control compared to other types of heated cantilevers.
Birth Prevalence Rates of Newborn Screening Disorders in Relation to Screening Practices in the United States

Objective To examine the associations between the first-tier-screening laboratory methods and criteria and the birth prevalence of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), phenylketonuria (PKU), and the sickle hemoglobinopathies occurring in the United States between 1991 and 2000. Study design By using validated data from the National Newborn Screening and Genetics Resource Center, we fit Poisson regression models with laboratory methods and criteria used in every year for each state for each disorder. We also examined whether there was an overall change in birth prevalence over the decade and whether there was an effect resulting from obligatory second screenings. Results There were no associations among any of the factors and the birth prevalence of PKU in this decade. Use of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was more likely than any other laboratory method to identify cases of CAH (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.04-1.30), but no other factors were associated with this disorder. None of the factors examined were associated with the birth prevalence rates of any of the sickle hemoglobinopathies. Conclusion There were no substantial changes in the birth prevalence rates of PKU, CAH, or the sickle hemoglobinopathies over the study period despite rapid changes in technology.
Factors Contributing to Excessive Antimicrobial Prescribing

Several elements are known to influence the prescribing behaviors of clinicians; these elements may indirectly contribute to the current antibiotic resistance crisis. Lack of knowledge and time, as well as prescriber beliefs and attitudes, may be just as persuasive as test results when a clinician considers prescribing an antibiotic. In addition, patient expectations and demands may also sway some prescribers to write a prescription for an antibiotic that is unnecessary. Although culture and susceptibility testing methods are widely available in outpatient and institutional settings, they are often underused. As a result, broad-spectrum antibiotics frequently are prescribed inappropriately. In addition, prescribers may be unaware of local resistance patterns, and available antibiograms may not be updated appropriately or referenced by clinicians. Prescriber and patient education, as well as shifts in beliefs and attitudes, are required to help fight antibiotic resistance.
A solar cell model for use in optical modeling of concentrating multijunction photovoltaic systems

Using embedded solar cell models in optical modeling programs has proven to be very useful for system level design optimization. These models can be used to provide quick analysis of the performance of high efficiency multijunction concentrator photovoltaic systems. They can be designed to predict the performance of the experimentally measured cells or detailed numerical models. A previous modeling approach employed by the authors used a simple empirical diode model, which limited the range of short circuit currents to a small range for which the model was valid. To more accurately model high efficiency photovoltaic systems over a wider range of short circuit currents, a new empirical curve fit model has been developed that allows model parameters to vary as a function of the short circuit current.
A 4-GHz 8-b ADC system

The system described incorporates silicon bipolar, thick-film hybrid, and CMOS process technologies. A sampler chip providing filtered pulses to four analog-to-digital converter chips on one thick-film hybrid can provide 8 b of resolution and a 2-Gsample/s sampling rate. A novel sampling process called sample and filter is used to reduce the bandwidth requirements of post-sampling circuitry. Two thick-film hybrids with interleaved sample timing were used to obtain a 4-Gsample/s sample rate, 2-GHz bandwidth, and eight effective bits at DC. The goals for system functionality, resolution, bandwidth, and noise were all met with the initial prototypes of the chips and the thick-film hybrid. >
Surface Texture in Material Removal with MRF on Optical Ceramics and Hard Metals

We use orthogonal 1D power spectral density (PSD) to study surface texture in MRF spots for optical ceramics and tungsten carbide hard metals. Results reveal how particles in the MR fluid remove material.
Polymorphism of synthetic glycerides

Transition point data are reported for a series of unsymmetrical monooleyl — disaturated triglycerides and a series of unsymmetrical monosaturated-dioleins.
Three-dimensional image visualization by maximum a posteriori estimation photon-counting integral imaging

The author presents the maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation method to estimate irradiance elemental images and reconstruct 3D images using photon-counting integral imaging. Elemental images are captured using the synthetic aperture integral imaging (SAII) technique. Photon-counting elemental images are generated using the Poisson distribution. The method can reconstruct 3D images more accurately than the one using maximum likelihood (MLE) estimation. This may be important in medical imaging as well as other photon-level applications.
The effect of a molten nitrate salt environment on the mechanical properties of INCOLOY alloy 800

The influence of an oxidizing molten nitrate salt environment (60 pct NaNO/sub 3/-40 pct KNO/sub 3/) on the mechanical properties of INCOLOY Alloy 800 has been examined through a series of slow strain rate tensile tests. Fracture strain, reduction in area and ultimate tensile strength were monitored as parameters indicative of alloy susceptibility to environmental degradation. For strain rates between 2 X 10/sup -7/ sec/sup -1/ and 3.34 X 10/sup -5/ sec/sup -1/ no appreciable loss in ductility as measured by the above parameters was observed at 600/sup 0/C relative to control specimens tested in air at the same strain rates and temperature. Similarly, the load-bearing capability of the alloy was unaffected by exposure to the environment. The structure of the oxide film formed by contact of the alloy with the molten salt was affected by the imposed continuous deformation. Deformation resulted in an oxide which was thicker than that formed on undeformed salt-exposed surfaces. While this difference in oxide thickness was a measurable phenomenon, the increased rate of oxidation was not great enough to alter appreciably alloy mechanical behavior in the salt compared to that measured in air over the time limits considered. In addition, fine subsurface cracks weremore » observed in those oxides formed on deformed surfaces.« less
Local cerebral blood flow and partition coefficients measured in cerebral astrocytomas of different grades of malignancy

Abstract Local cerebral blood flow and local partition coefficients were measured in patients with different grades of malignant cerebral astrocytomas (n=5) who inhaled 35% stable xenon during computed tomography scanning. Results were compared with those in age-matched normal subjects (n = 5). Mean values for local cerebral blood flow in the gray matter in patients with astrocytomas were decreased throughout the tumor mass and surrounding brain that was apparently free of tumor. Patients with highly malignant glioblastoma multiforme (astrocytoma grade IV; n=2) showed more variable values for local cerebral blood flow and local partition coefficients compared to those with astrocytomas of lower grades (grades I-II; n = 3). Local partition coefficients in gray matter invaded by grade IV astrocytoma were significantly higher than those in gray matter invaded by grade I-III astrocytomas. Local cerebral blood flow and local partition coefficients in the brain tissue surrounding grade IV astrocytomas were reduced to a greater extent than those in more benign tumors.
Impact of cap-and-trade policies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions on U.S. households

Abstract Proposals being considered by the U.S. Congress would establish a cap-and-trade system to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions approximately 2% annually through 2050. Past cap-and-trade policies for other pollutants have distributed allowances free to the regulated companies, leaving consumers uncompensated for passed-through costs needed to achieve the required reductions. Social equity concerns were not a major issue because the total costs were relatively small. However, Americans currently spend about $1 trillion/year on energy, directly and indirectly via the goods and services they consume. If a cap on carbon emissions results in significant increases in energy prices, social equity concerns could quickly dominate the debate over climate policy. This paper confirms earlier studies that a traditional cap-and-trade policy is regressive and would cause the cost of reducing GHG emissions to fall disproportionately on low income households. This paper explores ways to ameliorate those effects, using highly disaggregated data available on consumer expenditures and energy-input–output analyses of the U.S. economy. Emissions are estimated based on direct and embodied energy use at the household level. Social equity concerns are taken into account and the consequences of cap-and-trade policies are assessed by quantifying the extent to which the expenditure patterns of the poor are significantly more energy intensive than those of the rich.
Avian assemblages along a gradient of urbanization in a highly fragmented landscape

Abstract Our goal was to evaluate how avian assemblages varied along a gradient of urbanization in the highly fragmented landscape of coastal southern California. We measured species richness and abundance of birds within continuous blocks of habitat, within urban habitat fragments that varied in landscape and local habitat variables, and within the urban matrix at different distances from the wildland interface. These comparisons allowed us to characterize patterns of avifaunal response to a gradient of urban fragmentation. At the fragment scale, we found that fragment area was a strong, positive predictor of the total number of breeding species detected per fragment; total bird abundance per point count also increased with fragment size. Tree cover was higher in small fragments, as was the abundance of birds that typically occupy wooded habitats. Comparisons between core, fragment, and urban transects revealed differing patterns of response of individual bird species to urbanization. In unfragmented habitat, we recorded a relatively high diversity of urbanization-sensitive birds. In urban transects, these species were rare, and a relatively few species of non-native and anthropophilic birds were common. These urbanization-enhanced birds were also recorded in previous urban gradient studies in northern California and Ohio. Bird communities along the urban gradient reached their highest richness and abundance in fragments. The marked difference in vegetation structure between urban and natural landscapes in this arid shrubland system likely contributed to this pattern; the presence of native shrubs and exotic trees in fragments enabled both shrub and arboreal nesters to co-occur. As is characteristic of biotic homogenization, urban fragmentation in coastal southern California may increase local diversity but decrease overall regional avifaunal diversity.
Ranked set sample inference under a symmetry restriction

Abstract This paper considers statistical inference for a ranked set sample under a symmetry restriction on the underlying distribution. We present new estimators for the distribution function and the center of symmetry. It is shown that these estimators outperform their competitors in the literature. Based on the proposed distribution function estimator, a Kolmogorov–Smirnov type test is developed and the construction of a confidence interval is discussed.
Positive cooperativity in the adherence between elementary bodies of Chlamydia trachomatis strain UW‐31 and HeLa cells

The adherence of purified elementary bodies of Chlamydia trachomatis strain UW-31 to monolayer cultures of HeLa 229 cells exhibited kinetic evidence of positive cooperativity. An abrupt increase in the rate of adherence occurred as chlamydial dose was increased. Only freshly isolated chlamydiae showed this behavior. In the presence of the lectin wheat germ agglutinin, the stimulated adherence showed typical Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The results suggest that chlamydiae may promote their own binding to the host-cell surface, and the lectin, when cell-bound, may provide additional chlamydiae-binding sites.
A rapid genome-wide response to Drosophila melanogaster social interactions

The actions and reactions integral to mate recognition and reproduction are examples of multifaceted behaviors for which we are only beginning to comprehend the underlying genetic and molecular complexity. I hypothesized that social interactions, such as those involved in reproductive behaviors, would lead to immediate and assayable changes in gene expression. Such changes may have important effects on individual reproductive success and fitness through alterations in physiology or via short-term or long-term changes in nervous system function. I used Affymetrix Drosophila Genome arrays to identify genes whose expression profiles would change rapidly due to the social interactions occurring during Drosophila melanogaster courtship. I identified 43 loci with significant expression profile changes during a 5-min exposure period. These results indicate that social interactions can lead to extremely rapid changes in mRNA abundance. The known functions of the up-regulated genes identified in this study include nervous system signaling and spermatogenesis, while the majority of down-regulated loci are implicated in immune signaling. Expression of two of the up-regulated genes, Odorant-binding protein 99b (Obp99b) and female-specific independent of transformer (fit), is controlled by the Drosophila sex-determination gene hierarchy, which regulates male and female mating behaviors and somatic differentiation. Therefore, additional identified loci may represent other long-elusive targets of Drosophila sex-determination genes.
Use of Tn917 to generate insertion mutations in the group A streptococcus

Abstract The Enterococcus faecalis transposon Tn 917 is functional in a broad range of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative species. We cloned Tn 917 -LTV3, a derivative carrying a promoterless lacZ (β-galactosidase gene), into the thermosensitive shuttle replicon pG + host4 and assayed for chromosomal insertions in group A streptococcus (GAS). Tn 917 transposed into the GAS chromosome at a frequency of (2.8±3.2)×10 −5 per colony forming unit (cfu). Transposition products were predominantly simple insertions and no target site preference was detectable. Some transcriptional fusions were identified in which the promoterless lacZ of the transposon appeared to be expressed from an external promoter.
An Experimental Study of Hypersonic Cavity Flow

RECENT flight data suggest that antenna windows influence the trajectory deflections of a ballistic re-entry vehicle during movement of boundary-laye r transition over the vehicle. The purpose of this study was to measure pressure distributions and force increments of idealized ablated windows (cavities) under hypersonic flow conditions. Results were found to be sensitive to the cavity aspect ratio and to the state of the upstream boundary layer. Contents An existing conical model (Fig. 1) was modified to incorporate a variety of simulated antenna window ablated shapes. Tests were conducted in AEDC Tunnel B at M^ =8 over a range of Re^ of 1.0 to 3.3 x 10 6/ft. Seventy-five runs were made to determine the effect of window geometry, Reynolds number, nose bluntness, angle of attack, and window blowing rate on pressure distribution within and downstream of the window. Shadowgraphs and oil-flow photographs also were obtained to assist in interpreting the type of flow in the window cavity. The model delivered to AEDC contained 70 pressure ports; of these, 32 ports were located in the basic cone frustum, while the remaining 38 were located in the window floor and surrounding insert. Figure 2 is a photograph of the pressure port locations in the window floor and backup piece. The staggered arrangement of ports on either side of the window centerline provided more detailed longitudinal pressure distribution, assuming negligible circumferential pressure