cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fast Electromagnetic Transient Simulation Based on Hierarchical Low-Rank Approximation

In electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation, 80-97% of the time is used to solve the network equations. Traditional approaches to solve the network equation are through sparse LU factorization, which is inherently sequential. In this paper, we propose a new approach to solve the network equations through hierarchical low-rank approximation of the inverse of the conductance matrix. The key observation is that the interaction between two groups of nodes, where nodes within each group are close to each other but nodes belonging to different groups are far apart, can be approximated by a low-rank matrix. Taking advantage of such observation, the proposed low-rank approximation permits $\mathrm{O}(N)$ time matrix-vector multiplication during each step of the EMT simulation, which is significant improvement over the $\mathrm{O}(N^{2})$ time by direct matrix-vector multiplication. Numerical studies on a series of large systems demonstrate that even without using any dedicated computing devices or parallelism, the proposed approach is about 2 times faster than the most widely used sparse LU factorization based direct solver without compromising the accuracy of the EMT simulation.
Optimal Incident Angles in Scanning Tomographic Microscopy

The scanning tomographic acoustic microscope utilizes principles of digital tomography to obtain high-resolution subsurface imaging. An algorithm based on back-and-forth propagation is employed to reconstruct the tomograms. We have shown that the expected mean-squares error is a minimum and the source matrix is simply the identity matrix if the object is illuminated from certain optimal incident angles.
Evolving Societal Contributions of Leisure Education

Leisure education approaches have historically been used to reach small, targeted populations in clinical settings. There is a growing movement toward community-based leisure education programs but these too present challenges. The current chapter provides a brief review of leisure education followed by case studies illustrating how community-based leisure education programs support a positive sociology of leisure.
Federated Network Utility Maximization

We consider a large-scale optimization problem with private utilities over a network where servers are connected through a graph and each server has their own edge devices connected to it. This setup finds applications in many network architectures from wireless communications to power networks and to supply chain management. Over this architecture, we provide a decentralized federated optimization algorithm that uses decomposition methods along with a single round of consensus exchange on the global dual variables. The convergence performance of the method is illustrated with numerical examples.
The flea's knees: A unique presentation of cat scratch disease

A 4-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with right leg pain and associated limp for one day. There was no trauma or injury; she had no fever or recent illness. Her exam was notable for tenderness and swelling to the right knee, most prominent in the popliteal region. Initial laboratory testing was unremarkable except for a mildly elevated C-reactive protein. She had normal radiographs of the right lower extremity. A soft tissue ultrasound demonstrated popliteal lymphadenopathy, a rare finding in children. Reassessment of the patient revealed cat flea bites to the leg, which prompted concern for Bartonella henselae infection causing Cat-scratch Disease (CSD). The patient was treated empirically with Azithromycin and her Bartonella titers returned two days later consistent with active infection. This is a rare clinical report describing popliteal lymphadenitis and lower extremity arthropathy caused by Bartonella henselae infection secondary to cat flea bites.
Integer Programming Formulations for Minimum Spanning Tree Interdiction

We consider a two-player interdiction problem staged over a graph where the attacker’s objective is to minimize the cost of removing edges from the graph so that the defender’s objective, that is, ...
Arbitrary Crystallographic Orientation in QDAME with Ge 7.5 nm DGFET Examples

The two-dimensional device simulation program QDAME has been extended to permit arbitrary crystallographic orientation. A ballistic formulation of quantum transport utilizing parabolic, ellipsoidal conduction bands is adopted and solved self-consistently with the Poisson equation. Results for Ge DGFETs with 7.5 nm channel length are used to demonstrate the approach.
Renewable Energy Resources in Bangladesh: Current Status and Future Prospects

Energy demand is increasing sharply over the years in Bangladesh with the advancement of rapid population growth. The country is very vulnerable to climate change. To mitigate its energy demand as well as to mitigate carbon emission, Bangladesh has taken long term development Plan for renewable energy resources. According to the power system master plan (PSMP) the country has sent up a target of 10% of the total electricity to be met from renewable energy resources by 2020, 15% by 2025 and 20% by 2030. At present Bangladesh shares 2.93% renewable energy of total energy ratio which is 650.14MW whereas total installed capacity of power is 22215MW. 48% which is 10678MW of total power generation depends on natural gas. Since reserve of natural gas is going to be diminished one day so, it is the proper time to achieve the targets set by the country. Major renewable energy sources in Bangladesh are hydro, solar, wind and biogas. This study has examined the present renewable energy status, energy mix of Bangladesh and reviewed the future prospect of renewable energy resources.
Molecular interaction of Asphalt-Aggregate interface modified by silane coupling agents at dry and wet conditions

Abstract This study investigated interfacial behavior of asphalt-aggregate system modified by silane coupling agents (SCA). Molecular dynamics (MD) were used to simulate the interface between asphalt binder and silica grafted with three SCAs with different functional groups. At dry condition, the transition zone thickness and contact angle between asphalt binder and modified aggregate surfaces were compared. At wet condition, the effects of SCAs on interaction energy and hydrogen bond were analyzed. The simulated results are in good agreement with experimental measurements reported in the literature. It was found that the SCA modification could improve the adhesion between asphalt and aggregate at both dry and wet conditions. The thicker transition zone between asphalt and aggregate after SCA modification could enhance the compatibility and improve the force transfer between asphalt and aggregate. In addition, the wettability of asphalt binder on the SCA-modified aggregate surface was found better from the simulated contact angle. The grafted SCA on aggregate surface increased the resistance of asphalt-aggregate interface to moisture damage through increased interaction energy and less potential of hydrogen bonds. Although all three types of SCAs had positive benefits on interfacial bonding of asphalt-aggregate systems, the SLA with amino group showed superior performance.
Open Source versus Proprietary Software: A Case of Fully Covered Market

This paper analyzes the impact of network externalities on the competition between open source software (OSS) and proprietary software (PS) in a fully covered market. The installed base and the profit of proprietary software are found increasing at the expense of decreasing user base for OSS. Furthermore, we find that a threshold corresponding to the quality ratio between OSS and proprietary software can be derived such that if the network effect intensity of the OSS is greater than that of the proprietary software multiplied by this threshold value, then OSS benefits from the presence of network externality; Finally, we find that making software products compatible with competing rival is not desirable by proprietary software vendors but favored by OSS venders.
Physical properties of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase from Neurospora crassa.

Abstract Neurospora glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase is a multimeric protein and occurs as tetramers and dimers with molecular weights of 206,000 and 104,000 to 114,000, respectively. The existence of the two types of molecules is supported by electron microscopic observations. The molecular weight of the subunits was estimated to be 57,000 by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis, and 63,000 by sedimentation equilibrium studies in guanidine·HCl. By both techniques the polypeptide chains appeared to be homogeneous, and reduction followed by alkylation with iodoacetamide has no effect on the apparent molecular weight. Since Neurospora glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase is under the control of three unlinked genes, nonidentity of the polypeptide chains is indicated. Although the reduced and alkylated subunits are identical electrophoretically, two to three bands of protein were separable in preliminary electrofocusing studies. NADP influences the size of the native enzyme. Increasing concentrations of the cofactor convert mixtures of tetramers and dimers to tetramers with a concomitant increase in specific activity. The enzyme was estimated to consist of 72% tetramers at 2 x 10-5 m NADP, 92% at 2 x 10-4 m NADP, and 100% at 2 mm NADP. It is suggested that NADP-mediated changes in the aggregation state and activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase may be involved in the in vivo regulation of the enzyme activity, and in the pleiotropic effects of mutant glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenases.
Development of the rat salivary glands. IV. Amylase and ribonuclease activity during embryonic and neonatal development of the parotid and submaxillary glands.

Abstract Amylase and ribonuclease activity were measured in the parotid and submaxillary glands of the rat over the course of their development in vivo. In the parotid, amylase specific activity increases from almost undetectable levels in the 16-day embryonic rudiment, to a fivefold higher plateau between 18 days and birth, and then increases to an adult level which is 5000-fold higher. RNAase activity increases eightfold from 15 days postconception to 7 days postpartum and then begins a more rapid increase to a 20-fold higher adult level. In the embryonic submaxillary gland, both enzymes increase more than 15-fold to reach maximal levels in the few days following birth. In the course of postnatal development, these activities are lost, and in the adult have decreased to the low levels that had been present in the early embryonic rudiments. Measurements of RNAase and amylase activity in a nonsalivary epithelium, the lung, also showed an embryonic increase in enzyme activity. Therefore, attributing the embryonic increases in the salivary enzymes to cell-specific mechanisms is speculative, and the evaluation of their developmental significance depends on the qualitative identification of the different enzyme proteins.
Hidden in Plain Sight: Achieving More Just Results in Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment Cases By Re-Examining Supreme Court Precedent

Lower federal courts often fail to provide plaintiffs in sexual harassment cases the relief intended by Title VII of the Civil Rights of 1964 and mandated by the Supreme Court when it recognized the cause of action twenty years ago. There is little doubt that sexual harassment in the workplace persists. However, lower courts misapply or ignore Supreme Court reasoning that would result in fairer and more consistent dispositions in hostile work environment sexual harassment cases. This article draws directly on reasoning from the Supreme Court cases to explain the sources of the confusion in the lower courts and offers jury instructions and guidelines to judges that reflect what the Supreme Court intended.
Axiomatic Approaches to Information Retrieval - University of Delaware at TREC 2009 Million Query and Web Tracks

We report our experiments in TREC 2009 Million Query track and Adhoc task of Web track. Our goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of axiomatic retrieval models on the large data collection. Axiomatic approaches to information retrieval have been recently proposed and studied. The basic idea is to search for retrieval functions that can satisfy all the reasonable retrieval constraints. Previous studies showed that the derived basic axiomatic retrieval functions are less sensitive to the parameters than the other state of the art retrieval functions with comparable optimal performance. In this paper, we focus on evaluating the effectiveness of the basic axiomatic retrieval functions as well as the semantic term matching based query expansion strategy. Experiment results of the two tracks demonstrate the effectiveness of the axiomatic retrieval models.
Role of protein kinase CK2 in phosphorylation of nucleosomal proteins in relation to transcriptional activity

Protein kinase CK2 undergoes rapid translocation to nuclear matrix and nucleosomes on androgenic stimulation of growth in prostatic epithelial cells. Further, CK2 appears to be regulated differentially in the transcriptionally active and inactive nucleosomes. We have investigated the role of CK2 in phosphorylation of nucleosome-associated proteins in the transcriptionally active and inactive nucleosomes that were isolated from ventral prostate subjected to different androgenic status in vivo. Proteins associated with these nucleosomes were phosphorylated via the intrinsic protein kinase activity, using [γ−32P] ATP in the absence and presence of GTP. Several proteins appear to be potential substrates for CK2 associated with the nucleosomes. Among them are proteins that are differentially associated with the transcriptionally active and inactive nucleosomes. Phosphorylation of several of these proteins is modulated depending not only on their sites of association (i.e., active vs. inactive nucleosomes) but also on the state of transcriptional activity. Differential phosphorylation of specific proteins by CK2 associated with the active and inactive nucleosomes may be pertinent to the process of transcription regulation. (Mol Cell Biochem 191: 135–142, 1999)
Chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate proteoglycans of PC12 pheochromocytoma cells.

Abstract We have isolated and characterized the cell-associated and secreted proteoglycans synthesized by a clonal line of rat adrenal medullary PC12 pheochromocytoma cells, which have been extensively employed for the study of a wide variety of neurobiological processes. Chondroitin sulfate accounts for 70-80% of the [35S] sulfate-labeled proteoglycans present in PC12 cells and secreted into the medium. Two major chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans were detected with molecular sizes of 45,000-100,000 and 120,000-190,000, comprising 14- and 105-kDa core proteins and one or two chondroitin sulfate chains with an average molecular size of 34 kDa. In contrast to the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, one major heparan sulfate proteoglycan accounts for most of the remaining 20-30% of the [35S] sulfate-labeled proteoglycans present in the PC12 cells and medium. It has a molecular size of 95,000-170,000, comprising a 65-kDa core protein and two to six 16-kDa heparan sulfate chains. Both the chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate proteoglycans also contain O-glycosidically linked oligosaccharides (25-28% of the total oligosaccharides) and predominantly tri- and tetraantennary N-glycosidic oligosaccharides. Proteoglycans produced by the original clone of PC12 cells were compared with those of two other PC12 cell lines (B2 and F3) that differ from the original clone in morphology, adhesive properties, and response to nerve growth factor. Although the F3 cells (a mutant line derived from B2 and reported to lack a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan) do not contain a large molecular size heparan sulfate proteoglycan species, there was no significant difference between the B2 and F3 cells in the percentage of total heparan sulfate released by mild trypsinization, and both the B2 and F3 cells synthesized cell-associated and secreted chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate proteoglycans having properties very similar to those of the original PC12 cell line but with a reversed ratio (35:65) of chondroitin sulfate to heparan sulfate.
Stenting for malignant ureteral obstruction: Tandem, metal or metal‐mesh stents

Extrinsic malignant compression of the ureter is not uncommon, often refractory to decompression with conventional polymeric ureteral stents, and frequently associated with limited survival. Alternative options for decompression include tandem ureteral stents, metallic stents and metal-mesh stents, though the preferred method remains controversial. We reviewed and updated our outcomes with tandem ureteral stents for malignant ureteral obstruction, and carried out a PubMed search using the terms "malignant ureteral obstruction," "tandem ureteral stents," "ipsilateral ureteral stents," "metal ureteral stent," "resonance stent," "silhouette stent" and "metal mesh stent." A comprehensive review of the literature and summary of outcomes is provided. The majority of studies encountered were retrospective with small sample sizes. The evidence is most robust for metal stents, whereas only limited data exists for tandem or metal-mesh stents. Metal and metal-mesh stents are considerably more expensive than tandem stenting, but the potential for less frequent stent exchanges makes them possibly cost-effective over time. Urinary tract infections have been associated with all stent types. A wide range of failure rates has been published for all types of stents, limiting direct comparison. Metal and metal-mesh stents show a high incidence of stent colic, migration and encrustation, whereas tandem stents appear to produce symptoms equivalent to single stents. Comparison is difficult given the limited evidence and heterogeneity of patients with malignant ureteral obstruction. It is clear that prospective, randomized studies are necessary to effectively scrutinize conventional, tandem, metallic ureteral and metal-mesh stents for their use in malignant ureteral obstruction.
Application of Neural Networks for Sensor Validation and Plant Monitoring

Sensor and process monitoring in power plants requires the estimation of one or more process variables. Neural network paradigms are suitable for establishing general nonlinear relationships among ...
A VLSI-based system for localization of extracellular potentials

An interface between a biological nerve fiber and an arbitrary electromechanical device was implemented using an analog VLSI-based amplifier/filter circuit. A silastic cuff was fitted over a live nerve bundle, and an electrode of Teflon coated silver wire was used to sense extracellular potentials. A dedicated CMOS VLSI-based circuit then filtered and amplified those signals to an amplitude appropriate for triggering an arbitrary circuit such as the four-phase stepper motor used in this study. In circuit tests, the amplifier/filter circuit was capable of sensing signals as low as 50 microvolts in an in vitro preparation of the optic nerve of Limulus polyphemus, and effect rotation of the four-phase stepper motor with detected impulses. Using a silastic cuff electrode and dedicated VLSI circuitry for compactness and reliability, this circuit has excellent long term potential as a component of a surgically implanted system. It is also a pivotal first step in the implementation of a comprehensive cybernetic interface. >
Comparative History of Education

This article discusses William W. Brickman's historical scholarship on the international circulation of educational ideas and practices by examining the ways Brickman wrote about John Dewey and his international significance as an educational thinker and reformer. The authors argue that Brickman's scholarship was rooted in an "educational transfer" problematic that prioritizes diachronic, influence-oriented studies. The result is to situate Dewey as "an original author" and lose sight of the social and cultural formations that made Dewey's ideas possible. While Brickman's work makes occasional reference to the ways that Dewey's ideas were localized and transformed around the globe, this remained a largely suggestive and undeveloped line of research for him—particularly in contrast the recent interest in the field of comparative education in understanding processes of indigenization, appropriation, and translation.
Experiment isolation in a secure cluster testbed

A major class of network emulation testbeds is based on the Utah Emulab design: a local cluster of experimental nodes interconnected through Ethernet switches using VLANs. The VLANs are configured dynamically to create multiple concurrent experimental topologies. This cluster architecture allows deterministic testbed operation and therefore repeatable experiments. This paper explores the inter-experiment isolation problem for such testbeds, and in particular how to make the isolation robust against attacks when the testbed is designed to support the most dangerous cyber security experiments.
Explaining forest transitions: The role of governance

Abstract We analyze how governance may influence competing land uses for forests, and thus the occurrence of forest transitions, across different low and middle-income countries. We develop a model of competing land uses that allows for governance to impact the risk of future versus current agricultural and forested land allocations. The resulting hypothesis on the relationship between governance and the likelihood of a forest transition is then tested using cross-country data. The empirical analysis offers strong support for the competing land use framework, and indicates that rule of law, forest policy and regulatory quality influence forest transitions. These findings inform not only the ongoing debate on forest transitions but also policy options for managing such transitions in developing economies.
Batson for the Bench? Regulating the Peremptory Challenges of Judges

This article discusses peremptory challenges of judges (not jurors). Over a dozen states grant prosecutors and defendants a right to strike one judge assigned to their case without providing a specific reason. Other jurisdictions are debating whether to create such a right. The author doubts the wisdom of the judicial peremptory challenge, raising, in particular, the danger that parties will exercise the right based on the judge's race. The article evaluates this danger in light of existing empirical data and considers how Batson might apply to limit race-based judicial strikes, including the issue of who would have standing in this context to raise such a Batson claim.
Cognitive and Emotional Abnormalities in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Evidence for Amygdala Dysfunction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-system autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of autoantibodies. Approximately 30–50 % of patients produce autoantibodies directed against N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors (NMDARs). Once they have gained access to brain tissue, these autoantibodies bind to the NR2A subunit of the NMDARs and synergize with glutamate to cause excitatory, non-inflammatory cell death or alter neuron function. Both humans with SLE and animal models of SLE have shown structural and functional damage to the amygdala. The amygdala is a brain region important for processing the emotional relevance of stimuli in the environment. It also serves to modulate perception, attention, and memory to facilitate the processing and learning of relevant stimuli. Research has linked amygdala damage to deficits in emotional memory and emotional behavior. Individuals with SLE often exhibit emotional dysregulation, such as lability and depression; however, the behavioral impact of possible amygdala dysfunction has yet to be studied in this population. The purpose of this review is to 1) examine possible associations between SLE, anti-NMDAR antibodies, amygdala damage, and emotional processing deficits and 2) to identify the clinical, social, and treatment implications for individuals with SLE who suffer from deficits in emotional processing.
Human Problem Solving Performance in a Fault Diagnosis Task

It is proposed that humans in automated systems will be asked to assume the role of troubleshooter or problem solver and that the problems which they will be asked to solve in such systems will not be amenable to rote solution. The design of visual displays for problem solving in such situations is considered, and the results of two experimental investigations of human problem solving performance in the diagnosis of faults in graphically displayed network problems are discussed. The effects of problem size, forced-pacing, computer aiding, and training are considered. Results indicate that human performance deviates from optimality as problem size increases. Forced-pacing appears to cause the human to adopt fairly brute force strategies, as compared to those adopted in self-paced situations. Computer aiding substantially lessens the number of mistaken diagnoses by performing the bookkeeping portions of the task.
China's Response to the unipolar world: The strategic logic of peaceful development

This article examines the international factor underlying China’s grand strategy of peaceful development, which can be deciphered as a strategy to balance American power through internal balancing and soft balancing. The strategy of internal balancing aims to increase China’s relative power through economic development and military modernization, whereas the strategy of soft balancing attempts to limit US ability to impose its preference on China through Beijing’s engagement in multilateral institutions, bilateral partnerships, and economic diplomacy.The strategic logic is to maintain a stable external environment for China to concentrate on economic growth and accumulate relative power — without provoking a vigorous US response.
Protein Kinase C Mediates Phosphorylation, Desensitization, and Trafficking of the D2 Dopamine Receptor

Previously, D2 dopamine receptors (D2 DARs) have been shown to undergo G-protein-coupled receptor kinase phosphorylation in an agonist-specific fashion. We have now investigated the ability of the second messenger-activated protein kinases, protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC), to mediate phosphorylation and desensitization of the D2 DAR. HEK293T cells were transiently transfected with the D2 DAR and then treated with intracellular activators and inhibitors of PKA or PKC. Treatment with agents that increase cAMP, and activate PKA, had no effect on the phosphorylation state of the D2 DAR, suggesting that PKA does not phosphorylate the D2 DAR in HEK293T cells. In contrast, cellular treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a PKC activator, resulted in an approximately 3-fold increase in D2 DAR phosphorylation. The phosphorylation was specific for PKC as the PMA effect was mimicked by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, but not by 4alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, active and inactive, phorbol diesters, respectively. The PMA-mediated D2 DAR phosphorylation was completely blocked by co-treatment with the PKC inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide II, and augmented by co-transfection with PKCbetaI. In contrast, PKC inhibition had no effect on agonist-promoted phosphorylation, suggesting that PKC is not involved in this response. PKC phosphorylation of the D2 DAR was found to promote receptor desensitization as reflected by a decrease in agonist potency for inhibiting cAMP accumulation. Most interestingly, PKC phosphorylation also promoted internalization of the D2 DAR through a beta-arrestin- and dynamin-dependent pathway, a response not usually associated with PKC phosphorylation of G-protein-coupled receptors. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments resulted in the identification of two domains of PKC phosphorylation sites within the third intracellular loop of the receptor. Both of these domains are involved in regulating sequestration of the D2 DAR, whereas only one domain is involved in receptor desensitization. These results indicate that PKC can mediate phosphorylation of the D2 DAR, resulting in both functional desensitization and receptor internalization.
Preparation and Characterization of {3-[2-Pd(μ-Cl)-4-MeO-C6H3-]syd-P(But)2}2

A dimer of a six-membered metallacycle [Pd(C-P)X]2 (2) was prepared by reacting PdCl2 with 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(di-tert-butylphosphino)sydnone in an ethanol solution at 80 °C. This is the first r...
The Effects of Metabolic Acidosis on Jejunal Phosphate and Glucose Transport in Weanling Rats

ABSTRACT. To investigate the effects of metabolic acidosis on jejunal phosphate and glucose absorption, in vivo and in vitro transport studies were performed on weanling rats fed 1.5% NH4CI for three days and on group pair-fed controls. Both in vivo and in vitro, acidosis significantly depressed phosphate transport without effecting glucose transport. In vitro, the decrease of phosphate transport was due to a depression of sodium-phosphate cotransport, but not of sodium independent phosphate transport. This corresponded to a significant increase of the Km of sodium–phosphate cotransport with no change of the Vmax. Treatment of the acidotic animals with intraperitoneal 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol did not restore phosphate transport to control levels. These studies indicate that in weanling rats, metabolic acidosis selectively suppresses jejunal phosphate transport independent of circulating levels of 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol.
Design of a rotary reactor for chemical-looping combustion. Part 1: Fundamentals and design methodology

Abstract Chemical-looping combustion (CLC) is a novel and promising option for several applications including carbon capture (CC), fuel reforming, H2 generation, etc. Previous studies demonstrated the feasibility of performing CLC in a novel rotary design with micro-channel structures. In the reactor, a solid wheel rotates between the fuel and air streams at the reactor inlet, and depleted air and product streams at exit. The rotary wheel consists of a large number of micro-channels with oxygen carriers (OC) coated on the inner surface of the channel walls. In the CC application, the OC oxidizes the fuel while the channel is in the fuel zone to generate undiluted CO2, and is regenerated while the channel is in the air zone. In this two-part series, the effect of the reactor design parameters is evaluated and its performance with different OCs is compared. In Part 1, the design objectives and criteria are specified and the key parameters controlling the reactor performance are identified. The fundamental effects of the OC characteristics, the design parameters, and the operating conditions are studied. The design procedures are presented on the basis of the relative importance of each parameter, enabling a systematic methodology of selecting the design parameters and the operating conditions with different OCs. Part 2 presents the application of the methodology to the designs with the three commonly used OCs, i.e., nickel, copper, and iron, and compares the simulated performances of the designs.
Toward a Structure Determination Method for Biomineral-Associated Protein Using Combined Solid- State NMR and Computational Structure Prediction

Protein-biomineral interactions are paramount to materials production in biology, including the mineral phase of hard tissue. Unfortunately, the structure of biomineral-associated proteins cannot be determined by X-ray crystallography or solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Here we report a method for determining the structure of biomineral-associated proteins. The method combines solid-state NMR (ssNMR) and ssNMR-biased computational structure prediction. In addition, the algorithm is able to identify lattice geometries most compatible with ssNMR constraints, representing a quantitative, novel method for investigating crystal-face binding specificity. We use this method to determine most of the structure of human salivary statherin interacting with the mineral phase of tooth enamel. Computation and experiment converge on an ensemble of related structures and identify preferential binding at three crystal surfaces. The work represents a significant advance toward determining structure of biomineral-adsorbed protein using experimentally biased structure prediction. This method is generally applicable to proteins that can be chemically synthesized.
Effect of myrrh oil on IL-1β stimulation of NF-κB activation and PGE2 production in human gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells

Anecdotal and scientific evidence suggest that myrrh oil (MO) has anti-inflammatory properties. Subtoxic MO levels decrease interleukin (IL)-1beta-stimulated production of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 by human gingival fibroblasts, but not epithelial cells. IL-1beta upregulates IL-6 via PGE(2), and via NF-kappaB, a transcription factor for many inflammatory mediator genes. NF-kappaB is inhibited by sesquiterpene compounds (from plants other than myrrh). This study determined MO effect on IL-1beta-stimulated PGE(2) production and NF-kappaB activation in gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Cells were preincubated with MO, exposed to IL-1beta, cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions were isolated, and activated NF-kappaB was measured using an ELISA-based assay. IL-1beta increased nuclear activated NF-kappaB levels in fibroblasts and epithelial cells [10- and 2.5-fold over controls, respectively (p=0.0001)], and these increases were not significantly affected by MO. PGE(2) was measured in cell supernatants by ELISA, after preincubation with MO and exposure to IL-1beta. MO inhibited IL-1beta-stimulated PGE(2) production by fibroblasts (p=0.001), but not epithelial cells. The data suggest that gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts may differ in the magnitude of NF-kappaB activation after IL-1beta stimulation, and that MO inhibition of IL-1beta-stimulated IL-6 production in fibroblasts is due in part to inhibition of PGE(2), but not NF-kappaB activation. (Supported by NIDCR DE-0725.).
CYP24A1 Inhibition Enhances the Antitumor Activity of Calcitriol

High systemic exposures to calcitriol are necessary for optimal antitumor effects. Human prostate cancer PC3 cells are insensitive to calcitriol treatment. Therefore, we investigated whether the inhibition of 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1), the major calcitriol inactivating enzyme, by ketoconazole (KTZ) or RC2204 modulates calcitriol serum pharmacokinetics and biologic effects. Dexamethasone (Dex) was added to minimize calcitriol-induced hypercalcemia and as a steroid replacement for the KTZ inhibition of steroid biosynthesis cytochrome P450 enzymes. KTZ effectively inhibited time-dependent calcitriol-inducible CYP24A1 protein expression and enzyme activity in PC3 cells and C3H/HeJ mouse kidney tissues. Systemic calcitriol exposure area under the curve was higher in mice treated with a combination of calcitriol and KTZ than with calcitriol alone. KTZ and Dex synergistically potentiated calcitriol-mediated antiproliferative effects in PC3 cells in vitro; this effect was associated with enhanced apoptosis. After treatment with calcitriol and KTZ/Dex, although caspase-9 and caspase-3 were not activated and cytochrome c was not released by mitochondria, caspase-8 was activated and the truncated Bid protein level was increased. Translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor to the nucleus was observed, indicating a role of the apoptosis-inducing factor-mediated and caspase-independent apoptotic pathways. Calcitriol and KTZ/Dex combination suppressed the clonogenic survival and enhanced the growth inhibition observed with calcitriol alone in PC3 human prostate cancer xenograft mouse model. Our results show that the administration of calcitriol in combination with CYP24A1 inhibitor enhances antiproliferative effects, increases systemic calcitriol exposure, and promotes the activation of caspase-independent apoptosis pathway.
Tradeoffs in Biomass and Nutrient Allocation in Prairies and Corn Managed for Bioenergy Production

Prairie vegetation has the potential to serve as a bioenergy feedstock with favorable environmental impacts but generally yields less than corn (Zea mays L.). To more fully assess the potential of prairie vegetation to serve as a biofuel feedstock, more needs to be understood about prairie responses to different management strategies, including fertilization. We hypothesized that (i) N fertilization would increase prairie productivity and nutrient content and (ii) fertilized prairie would produce similar amounts of total biomass as corn but would allocate more biomass and nutrients to roots. Our hypotheses were tested in a fi eld experiment using prairie species representing different functional groups—C 3 grasses, C 4 grasses, legumes, and multifunctional group mixtures—grown with and without N fertilizer as well as fertilized corn. Fertilized and unfertilized C 4 prairie grasses produced as much total biomass as corn but allocated up to 65% of their biomass belowground compared to 3% for corn. Corn yields decreased over the 3-yr period of the study whereas yields of fertilized C 4 grasses and multifunctional group mixtures were stable, and yields of unfertilized C 4 grasses and mixtures increased and became equal to their fertilized counterparts. Calculated annual costs for replacing nutrients removed in the harvested portions of corn and fertilized and unfertilized C 4 grasses were US$403, $137, and $40 ha −1 , respectively. Results of this experiment show tradeoffs among corn and prairie systems with respect to harvested biomass, root production, and nutrient exports, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to fully evaluate bioenergy feedstock production systems.
Binding energy of screened two-dimensional excitons

Abstract We have calculated the binding energy and oscillator strength of screened two-dimensional excitons in a semiconducting quantum well structure as a function of the screening parameter q s . The calculations involved solving exactly the two-dimensional Schrodinger equation for electrons and holes interacting via a screened 2D Coulomb potential using a numerical Sturm-Liouville eigenvalue solver, SLEIGN. This enabled us to obtain the exact binding energy and oscillator strength of screened 2D excitons in these structures for the first few exciton levels. The binding energy and the oscillator strength are both found to decrease with increasing values of the screening parameter q s . For arbitrary values of the screening parameter, the ground state of the exciton remains bound although the binding energy becomes arbitrarily small. However, calculations of the energies of some of the higher lying exciton states show that they become unbound at finite values of the screening parameter. Also, the oscillator strengths for both the ground and excited exciton states are found to decrease with increasing screening.
A Study of Solutions to the Aesthetic Field Equations

We have found hundreds of solutions to the integrability equations in aesthetic field theory. The behavior of the solutions to the aesthetic field equations depends on which solution to the integrability equations we take. From computer runs down a coordinate axis we have found a type of solution where we have a maximum and a minimum, as well as the field going to zero at large distances along both directions. This kind of solution is quite prevalent. We call this type of solution a “pulse” solution. We have found the “pulse” solution in two and three dimensions as well as four dimensions. It appears regardless of whether certain symmetries are present or absent. We have taken a two- or three-dimensional Гαβγ and made a four-dimensional theory from it with the use of a four-dimensionaleαi. This process we call “imbedding.” We have found imbedding has not affected the overall characteristics of the solution in the cases we considered. We were able to change the character of the solutions to some degree by altering the magnitude of some of the gammas—but this did not lead to solutions with significantly more wiggles. We also found an example of an oscillatory solution. The oscillations occurred in too regular a pattern to give a realistic model for basic behavior. However, this solution indicates that aesthetic field theory has more structure then we have ever seen before. We also obtained a solution in which errors took over so fast that the computer was literally helpless in telling us what is going on. In other solutions the field appears to increase without bounds. Whether this is due to singularities or to the presence of large numbers is not clear.
Stress-Induced Alterations in Secretion of Corticosteroids, Progesterone, Luteinizing Hormone, and Testosterone in Bulls*

Temporal relationships among the peripheral blood concentrations of corticosteroids, progesterone, LH1 and testosterone and stress-induced alterations in the secretion of these hormones were examined in bulls. Blood samples were obtained via jugular cannula from eight bulls at 30-min intervals over a 12-h period. A rectal electroejaculation probe was then inserted with (EE; n = 4) or without (NE; n = 4) electrical stimulation, and ejaculation and blood samples were collected (5-, 15-, and 30-min intervals) over a second 12-h period. Treatments were reversed at the conclusion of this second 12-h period, and blood samples were collected over a third 12-h period. A positive temporal relationship was observed between concentrations of LH and testosterone during the initial 12-h period. During this time, a positive temporal relationship was also observed between concentrations of corticosteroids and progesterone. In contrast, concentrations of corticosteroids and progesterone were negatively correlated with co...
Hebb and anti-Hebb meet in the brainstem.

In a brainstem auditory nucleus, excitatory synapses from the same presynaptic neuron are shown to cause opposing forms of spike timing–dependent plasticity in projection neurons and GABAergic interneurons at low frequencies, but to cause the same form of plasticity at high frequencies. The net effect is to enhance activation of the projection neurons by relevant stimuli.
CMOS inverter-based voltage and current references in short channel technologies

This paper presents the design of voltage and current references in short channel CMOS technologies operating with Low Supply Voltages (< 1.2V). The objective is to design simple circuits having good Power Supply Rejection (PSR) with minimal power consumption and area which are easy to re-use. The references are based on class AB CMOS inverters and current mirrors. A voltage reference is obtained as a scaled sum of two diode voltages carrying different current densities so that it is equal to a fraction of the bandgap voltage of silicon. The current reference is obtained by calibrating a simple current source using the bandgap voltage and a switched capacitor conductance clocked by the system clock.
NEW OBSERVATIONS ON FLAGELLAR FINE STRUCTURE : The Relationship Between Matrix Structure and the Microtubule Component of the Axoneme

The sperm flagella of the blowfly Sarcophaga bullata demonstrate the relationship of radial projections in the matrix region to the microtubule organization of the axoneme. The A microtubule of each peripheral doublet is connected to the central sheath by a series of paired radial links. The links lie along the tubule wall with a alternate spacing of about 320/560 A. The distal end of each link is enlarged into a globular head that connects via a transitional link to the helical sheath around the central microtubules. The radial link pairs are disposed in the form of a double helix with a pitch of about 1760 A. It is proposed that a similar organization is common to all cilia and flagella showing ninefold symmetry and must provide, in part, the morphological basis for motility.
One-dimensional gravitational gas

The Schr\"odinger equation for a system of $N$ mutually gravitating particles is solved in one dimension. Solutions are constructed out of a product of Airy functions. The eigenvalues are shown to be the zeros of the derivative of the Airy function. The total energy of the system is found to be proportional to ${N}^{\frac{5}{3}}$ for a boson system.
Contactless surface charge semiconductor characterization

Surface voltage and surface photovoltage measurements have become important semiconductor characterization techniques, largely because of their contactless nature and the availability of commercial equipment. The use of these contactless measurement techniques has broadened from initial application of minority carrier diffusion length measurements to a wide variety of semiconductor characterization, including surface voltage, surface barrier height, flatband voltage, oxide thickness, oxide charge density, interface trap density, mobile charge density, oxide integrity, generation lifetime, recombination lifetime and doping density. It is likely that this range of applications will broaden further. As with all characterization techniques, there are limitations but they are frequently compensated by the contactless nature of the measurement thereby simplifying test structure fabrication.
The correlated random walk in continuous time with barriers

In this paper correlation has been introduced between two successive transitions in the model investigated by Moyal and Heathcote (1959). The transition rate has been taken to be constant and for simplicity of mathematical expressions the time scale has been so chosen that this rate is unity. For the unrestricted walk we find that the mean position of the particle at time t is that position for which the probability of the particle arriving at some earlier instant from the left is 1/2. With both the barriers either absorbing or reflecting, we have obtained the Laplace Transform of the distributions, but because of the complicated nature of the mathematical expressions involved we are able to find only the asymptotic distributions. For the reflecting barrier case, we find that the process tends to a stationary distribution and that the expected position is eventually the middle point between the barriers. Dans cet article, nous introduisons dans le mod$eGle $eAtudi$eA par Moyal et Heathcote (1959) la corr$eAlation entre deux transitions successives. Nous avons pris un taux de transition constant, et, pour la simplicit$eA des fomtules math$eAmatiques, nous avons choisi une $eAchelle de temps telle que ce taux soit $lCunit$eA. Pour la promenade al$eAatoire sans restriction, nous avons trouv$eA que la position moyenne de la particule au moment t $eAtait la position pour laquelle la probabilit$eA que la particule arrive de la gauche $aG quelque instant prec$eAdant est 1/2 Avec les deux barri$eGres soit absorbantes soit r$eAflechissantes. Nous avons obtenu la transformation de Laplace des distributions, mais $aG cause de la nature compliqu$eAe des expressions math$eAmatiques impliqu$eAes, nous n'avons pu d$eAriver que les distributions asymptotiques. Pour le cas de la barri$eGre r$eAflechissante, nous montrons que le processus converge vers une distribution stationnaire et que $lCesp$eArance math$eAmatique de la position est finalement le milieu entre les deux barri$eGres.
Methods of Improving Communications by a Life-Like Animated Pedagogical Agent

In this paper, we developed a procedure for producing head and face movements during speech by a virtual pedagogical agent by combining different voice recordings, different facial expressions and different head movement patterns. We then developed three experimental conditions to evaluate how the facial expressions and head movements contribute to learning experiences and outcomes. Results showed that facial expressions and head movements have great impact on student’s impressions and engagement with the virtual pedagogical agent. Experimental results suggest that virtual pedagogical agent that produce natural head movements and appropriate facial expressions while narrating a story produce much more positive user experiences than virtual pedagogical agent that lack these behaviors.