cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metal Affinity-Based Purification of a Red Fluorescent Protein

A red fluorescent protein, DsRed, which emits fluorescence in the red region of the spectrum has become a popular alternative to green fluorescent protein as a label in biochemical and bioanalytical applications. In this study, we have developed a simple purification method for DsRed variants utilizing their inherent copper binding property. A purification procedure was developed and optimized using immobilized copper ions yielding a single strong band corresponding to purified DsRed proteins on the SDS-PAGE gel. A purification efficiency of higher than 95% was achieved. A spectral analysis and copper binding study was performed to verify activity of the purified proteins. The development of this method allows DsRed to play a dual role as a fluorescent reporter protein and as a purification affinity tag for a target protein. This simpler approach of purification should expand the utility of DsRed.
Amino Acid Content of Soybean Meal Varying in Protein Content

Abstract Eleven samples of soybean meal varying from 48 to 65% protein on a dry matter basis and two samples of whole soybeans were analyzed for 17 amino acids using a Technicon Auto-Analyzer. When the amino acids were expressed as percent of protein, differences (P .05) between any of the amino acids and protein.
Regulation of calcineurin by growth cone calcium waves controls neurite extension.

Growth cones generate spontaneous transient elevations of intracellular Ca2+ that regulate the rate of neurite outgrowth. Here we report that these Ca2+ waves inhibit neurite extension via the Ca2+-dependent phosphatase calcineurin (CN) in Xenopus spinal neurons. Pharmacological blockers of CN (cyclosporin A and deltamethrin) and peptide inhibitors of CN [the Xenopus CN (xCN) autoinhibitory domain and African swine fever virus protein A238L] block the Ca2+-dependent reduction of neurite outgrowth in cultured neurons. Time-lapse microscopy of growing neurites demonstrates directly that the reduction in the rate of outgrowth by Ca2+ transients is blocked by cyclosporin A. In contrast, expression of a constitutively active form of xCN in the absence of waves results in shorter neurite lengths similar to those seen in the presence of waves. The developmental expression pattern of xCN transcripts in vivo coincides temporally with axonal pathfinding by spinal neurons, supporting a role of CN in regulating Ca2+-dependent neurite extension in the spinal cord. Ca2+ wave frequency and Ca2+-dependent expression of GABA are not affected by inhibition or activation of CN. However, phosphorylation of the cytoskeletal element GAP-43, which promotes actin polymerization, is reduced by Ca2+ waves and enhanced by suppression of CN activity. CN ultimately acts on the growth cone actin cytoskeleton, because disrupting actin microfilaments with cytochalasin D or stabilizing them with jasplakinolide negates the effects of suppressing or activating CN. Destabilization or stabilization of microtubules with colcemide or taxol results in Ca2+-independent inhibition of neurite outgrowth. The results identify components of the cascade by which Ca2+ waves act to regulate neurite extension.
Flow-induced electrification and partial discharge measurements in energized transformer duct structures

Physical models which are representative of the materials, construction, and dimensions of power transformer duct structures have been fabricated for both core- and shell-form designs. Electrification characteristics have been documented as a function of the parameters of practical interest and the results obtained have the general character of those found in earlier studies. However, partial discharges have only been detected under worst-case conditions for the blocking structure associated with the shell-form configurations which generate more charge than the corresponding conditions in the core-form construction. The studies have quantified electrification in realistic models characteristic of actual transformers and could be used as a guide to provide estimates of charge levels in energized transformer structures. >
A Pilot Study Using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Devices and Surveys to Ascertain Older Adults’ Travel Patterns:

Some studies indicate that older adults lead active lives and travel to many destinations including those not in their immediate residential neighborhoods. We used global positioning system (GPS) devices to track the travel patterns of 40 older adults (mean age: 69) in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Study participants wore the GPS devices for 7 days in fall 2010 and winter 2011. We collected survey responses concurrently about travel patterns. GPS data showed a mean of four trips/day, and a mean trip distance of 7.6 km. Survey data indicated that older adults commonly made trips for four activities (e.g., volunteering, work, visiting friends) at least once each week. Older adults regularly travel outside their residential neighborhoods. GPS can document the mode of travel, the path of travel, and the destinations. Surveys can document the purpose of the travel and the impressions or experiences in the specific locations.
Academic and private practice medicine and health service delivery systems: A psychiatric commentary

The author presents a commentary on the interactions and economic consequences of managed care, health service delivery systems, academic medicine, and psychiatry. The author recommends the creation of divisions of private practice psychiatry within academic psychiatry departments as a means to address the increasing financial pressures as well as to foster medical education, quality medical care, and clinical research.
Q-ary Piecewise Linear Noise Modulation

A modulation technique used to embed a message derived from an alphabet of q symbols in a real-valued Gaussian noise sequence is presented. The modulation produces a sequence with a maximum minimum distance property to promote reliable message recovery. This work is an extension of a binary modulation method developed for data hiding using digital images as cover data. Since the modulated sequence possesses Gaussian properties, is typically low power and exposed to noise from the cover, it is difficult for unintended receivers to detect or accurately extract the hidden message.
Etanercept therapy for late-onset idiopathic pneumonia syndrome after nonmyeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Abstract Idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS) is a noninfectious pulmonary complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), which usually develops within the first 100 days after transplantation. Donor T-cell-derived tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IPS, and inhibition of TNF-α has been used as a therapeutic option. We report two patients who had late-onset IPS about day 150 after nonmyeloablative AHSCT (NMA-AHSCT). They responded well to etanercept in combination with standard immunosuppressive drugs. Both patients had relapses and responded to retreatment with etanercept-based therapy. One patient was alive at 30 months after the initial diagnosis on long-term maintenance therapy with etanercept. The second patient was lost to follow-up at our institution but died 13 months after the onset of IPS. Our two cases showed that IPS could develop late after NMA-AHSCT and inhibition of TNF-α activity can be therapeutically effective.
Updator-shared adaptive parallel equalization (U-SHAPE) using set-membership identification

Earlier research has shown that the use of set-membership identification (SMI) in adaptive equalization of multipath fading channels results in bit error rate performance comparable to that obtained using the recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm while not requiring to update the equalizer parameters at every instant of time. The discerning update strategy of the SMI methodology is exploited in this paper to develop a scheme, referred to here as U-SHAPE, which shares the processors that update equalizer tap coefficients, resulting in a significant reduction in the hardware requirements of a multiaccess channel equalizer.
What Can a President Learn from the News Media? The Instructive Case of Richard Nixon

This study examines the media diet of Richard Nixon, whose exposure to the news consisted almost entirely of a White House-produced daily news summary. Nixon staffers repeatedly asserted that the summary was the most effective way to give the president a comprehensive, objective account of the previous day’s reporting. While the summaries covered a wide range of media sources, analysis of the framing and filtering done by the White House raises doubts about the assertion that summaries were an effective substitute for first-hand consumption of the news. Nixon’s handwritten marginal notes reveal that the summaries provoked reactions in the president that had important implications for his conduct of the presidency.
Kapi′olani at the brink: Dilemmas of historical ethnography in 19th‐century Hawai'i

Shifting accounts of the confrontation in 1824 between a Christianized Hawaiian chiefess and the priestess of Pele, the deity of the volcano, illustrate the way the same story changes over time. A comparison of these different versions and of the circumstances of their production provides a way of thinking about how historical ethnographers can use such plural and competing accounts as the basis for writing histories of colonial encounters. It shows how the choice of one or another version of a story has significant implications for the histories we tell and for the way groups understand their pasts. [colonialism, historical anthropology, ethnography, Hawai'i, missionaries]
Jaagsiekte Sheep Retrovirus and Lung Cancer

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is an exogenous betarerovirus that causes a contagious form of lung cancer in sheep termed ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA). OPA is derived from oncogenically transformed secretory lung epithelial cells, type II pneumocytes, and Clara cells located in the distal airways. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that the envelope protein (Env) is an oncogene because its expression alone can transform cells in culture and induce tumors in animals. Model systems to study Env transformation and mechanisms of transformation are discussed. Although JSRV can infect numerous cell types, pathology is largely restricted to the lung because the viral LTR is only transcriptionally active in differentiated airway epithelial cells. The transcriptional specificity of the JSRV LTR and its role in disease outcome are discussed. Sheep contain endogenous copies of JSRV, some of which are important in embryonic development (placentation), and others serve as restriction factors for exogenous JSRV infections.
Is PrP the road to ruin

Neurodegenerative disorders are one among the most debilitating diseases of an ageing population. Understanding the mechanisms of neuronal cell death during pathogenesis of diseases such as Alzheimer9s, Parkinson9s, Huntington9s, and prion diseases is key to addressing the options for treatment and prevention of brain deterioration. One feature of many such diseases is the accumulation of specific misfolded proteins. Often these misfolded proteins take the form of large amyloid fibrils or plaques, but recent observations implicate small soluble oligomers as the primary causes of neuronal dysfunction. How these misfolded proteins trigger cell death pathways is largely unknown, but some reports have suggested mediation by normal cellular prion protein (PrP C ). In this issue, Resenberger et al (2011) provide evidence for membrane‐anchored PrP C 9s role in recognizing a variety of β‐sheet‐rich protein conformers and transducing pro‐apoptotic signals.
Faculty Consulting: Fact and Fallacy

This study was designed to detect differences in student reactions to classroom instruction between faculty actively engaged in related outside consulting and those faculty not actively engaged in related outside consulting. Data was obtained from Florida State University's Student Instructional Rating System. Analysis indicated a number of significant differences. Interpretation of the results suggests that engagement in related outside consulting and teaching effectiveness are positively related to each other.
Inverse Association Between BMI and Prefrontal Metabolic Activity in Healthy Adults

Obesity has been associated with a higher risk for impaired cognitive function, which most likely reflects associated medical complications (i.e., cerebrovascular pathology). However, there is also evidence that in healthy individuals excess weight may adversely affect cognition (executive function, attention, and memory). Here, we measured regional brain glucose metabolism (using positron emission tomography (PET) and 2-deoxy-2[ 18 F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG)) to assess the relationship between BMI and brain metabolism (marker of brain function) in 21 healthy controls (BMI range 19–37 kg/m 2 ) studied during baseline (no stimulation) and during cognitive stimulation (numerical calculations). Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) revealed a significant negative correlation between BMI and metabolic activity in prefrontal cortex (Brodmann areas 8, 9, 10, 11, 44) and cingulate gyrus (Brodmann area 32) but not in other regions. Moreover, baseline metabolism in these prefrontal regions was positively associated with performance on tests of memory (California Verbal Learning Test) and executive function (Stroop Interference and Symbol Digit Modality tests). In contrast, the regional brain changes during cognitive stimulation were not associated with BMI nor with neuropsychological performance. The observed association between higher BMI and lower baseline prefrontal metabolism may underlie the impaired performance reported in healthy obese individuals on some cognitive tests of executive function. On the other hand, the lack of an association between BMI and brain metabolic activation during cognitive stimulation indicates that BMI does not influence brain glucose utilization during cognitive performance. These results further highlight the urgency to institute public health interventions to prevent obesity.
Biopower and the Militarization of the Police Function Dominic Corva

In Multitude, Hardt and Negri explain imperialism, in the context of Empire, as part of the globalization of war as biopower. They note that the police function and the war function are increasingly indistinguishable in the context of Empire, and then proceed to analyze the biopoliticization of the war function. This review examines instead the transnational militarization of the police function through the U.S. war on drugs in the Americas, arguing that the widespread consent to this U.S.-catalyzed process may shed more light on the globalization of war as biopower, and possibilities for its resistance.
Water Quality Impacts at Abandoned Hardrock Mines

Water quality pollution from abandoned mines is becoming an issue of growing awareness and concern. This concern is exacerbated by the fact that there are countless numbers of inoperative facilities with serious environmental, safety, and health problems. Abandoned tailings piles eroding heavy metals and sediment into watercourses, flooded tunnels and open pits filled with toxic water, unmarked open shafts and adits, and rotting timbers are some of the hazards facing unsuspecting humans and wildlife. The purpose of this paper is to identify and characterize water quality sources at abandoned hardrock mine sites and best management practices (BMPs) used to control polluted runoff. There is a need to clearly define the best approach for controlling nonpoint pollution sources at abandoned mines. These are issues that could be addressed in reauthorization of the Clean Water Act.
Geo-Politics and Women’s Bodies from the Perspective of the South Asian Diaspora

The 1947 Indian Partition (“Partition”) endures as a decisive moment in world history, not only for its significance in the emergence of India and Pakistan, but also for its impact on the legal rights of women. Before Partition, the planet had not witnessed such a massive and disruptive migration of people. Partition is not a bygone event, but a modern phenomenon that continues to shape the gender dynamics in South Asia. In large part, most Indian women still experience the enduring hurt from that era because many legal issues remain unresolved.
Processing, morphology, and water uptake of Nafion/ex situ Stöber silica nanocomposite membranes as a function of particle size.

Because of the bicontinuous phase structure of Nafion with small hydrophilic channels, formation of composites with silica colloids to improve thermal stability, hydration, and proton conductivity ...
Iliac injury during abdominal and thoracic aortic endovascular intervention.

Objective Iliac injury is a devastating and potentially avoidable complication of endovascular aortic intervention. To our knowledge, this study is the first investigation of demographic, anatomic, and device factors related to injury in vascular surgery patients. Methods We retrospectively examined 1859 endovascular aortic interventions and found 42 iliac injuries, including 21 ruptures. Demographic, anatomic, and device data were extracted from these patients and a cohort of 200 case-matched control patients derived from the group of uninjured patients. Anatomic data include centerline and straight distance measurement of the iliac system from the aortic bifurcation to the inguinal ligament. The ratio of the two ("tortuosity index") was calculated. Additional data include midpoint and narrowest diameters in the iliac system along with the most acute angle. Each measurement was taken on both limbs of each patient. Results Nonwhite race was the only demographic factor associated with injury ( P = .028). None of the examined comorbidities were associated with iliac injury. Increasing sheath size was associated with injury ( P P = .017). Anatomic factors that correlated with injury were decreasing iliac midpoint ( P P P P = .042) and inpatient death ( P P Conclusions Iliac injury is associated with an increased hospital length of stay and death on the index admission. Nonwhite race, nonabdominal aortic segment intervention, larger relative and absolute sheath sizes, and smaller iliac artery diameters are associated with iliac injury. These findings should be prospectively evaluated along with interventions to reduce injury.
Folic acid absorption in man: enhancing effect of glucose.

Folic acid absorption in the human jejunum was measured using tritiated pteroylglutamic acid in a triple lumen tube perfusion system. A comparison was made between absorption of folic acid in isotonic saline perfused in 11 subjects, and folic acid in isosmotic glucose and saline perfused in 10 subjects. Five subjects received both solutions. The addition of glucose resulted in a marked increase in folic acid absorption as well as in sodium and water absorption. There was a significantly positive correlation between folate absorption and water absorption for all subjects.
Fulfil people-centered concept of scientific development,improve the work of ADR

This article discusses the work of adverse drug reaction in our country from the viewpoint on concept of people-centered scientific development; besides, it puts forward the specific solutions on the basis of working practice in Dongying. It is expected to achieve the aim of improving the ADR work to develop healthily and favourably.
Selection of optimum conditions for radioactive measurement

This paper analyses influence factors over surveyin g precision on gamma energy spectrum. We have established a select principle of optimum conditions for radioactive measure, dealt with statistical error of radi oactive count. This result indicates that within the fixed time a ratio of measu red time for radioactive sample to background equals the ratio of square root of radioactive count for radioactive sample to background. There are minimal measu re errors within fixed error. To improve measured precision and curtail measured time, we established some measures to reduce background count.
Decreased bone carbonate content in response to metabolic, but not respiratory, acidosis.

In vitro cultured neonatal mouse calvariae release calcium and buffer the medium proton concentration in response to a decrease in the medium pH caused by a reduction in bicarbonate concentration (...
Structured States of Disordered Proteins from Genomic Sequences

Protein flexibility ranges from simple hinge movements to functional disorder. Around half of all human proteins contain apparently disordered regions with little 3D or functional information, and many of these proteins are associated with disease. Building on the evolutionary couplings approach previously successful in predicting 3D states of ordered proteins and RNA, we developed a method to predict the potential for ordered states for all apparently disordered proteins with sufficiently rich evolutionary information. The approach is highly accurate (79%) for residue interactions as tested in more than 60 known disordered regions captured in a bound or specific condition. Assessing the potential for structure of more than 1,000 apparently disordered regions of human proteins reveals a continuum of structural order with at least 50% with clear propensity for three- or two-dimensional states. Co-evolutionary constraints reveal hitherto unseen structures of functional importance in apparently disordered proteins.
Electronic Waste: The Dark Side of the High-Tech Revolution

This chapter addresses the health and environmental risks associated with electronic waste (e-waste) from cradle to grave. The issues of e-waste generation, handling, disposal, and export to underdeveloped nations for reuse, recycling, and disposal are discussed. The pattern of environmental injustice in the movement of e-waste especially from the global North to the global South of the world is addressed. First, the chapter presents selected definitions of e-waste, sources of e-waste, and some background literature concerning the growth and diffusion of electronic devices around the world in recent decades. The emergence of e-waste as a global environmental problem of immense proportions is introduced. Second, a conceptual understanding of what constitutes e-waste is provided, including a model of e-waste flow from the generators to processors and from environmental contamination to human health risks. Third, contrary to the image of electronic devices as environmentally benign, lean, and clean, the multitudes of toxic substances neatly packed inside these devices that pose a serious health threat to the public and the environment once discarded and dismantled are emphasized. The case of Guiyu, China, is presented to illustrate the adverse health and environmental impacts of e-waste. The need for stringent regulations to monitor safe handling of e-waste domestically and to control international flow of such waste is also discussed.
Repronormativity and the Reproduction of the Nation-State: The State and Sexuality Collide

ABSTRACTThis article seeks to explain the consistent margins between popular support for same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption/parenting. I posit that the paradigm of repronormativity explains these differences, in permitting only “legitimate,” state-sanctioned, heteronormative reproduction. Through three case studies—Poland's strict abortion policies, France's law against lesbians utilizing artificial reproduction technologies, and Sweden's history of sterilizing trans individuals—I will demonstrate how not only does repronormativity select and enforce an inside/outside, in-group(s)/out-group(s) binary and legitimize only certain reproduction, it also tethers female sexuality to reproduction and creates an inevitability of reproduction.
Validation of MODIS cloud mask and multilayer flag using CloudSat-CALIPSO cloud profiles and a cross-reference of their cloud classifications

Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Collection 6 cloud observations (MYD06) at 1 km are collocated with daytime CloudSat-Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) (C-C) cloud vertical structures (2B-CLDCLASS-LIDAR). For 2007–2010, over 267 million C-C cloud profiles are used to (1) validate MODIS cloud mask and cloud multilayer flag and (2) cross-reference between C-C cloud types and MODIS cloud regimes defined by joint histograms of cloud top pressure (CTP) and cloud optical depth (τ). Globally, of total observations, C-C reports 27.1% clear and 72.9% cloudy, whereas MODIS reports 30.0% confidently clear and 58.7% confidently cloudy, with the rest 7.1% as probably clear and 4.2% as probably cloudy. Agreement between MODIS and C-C is 77.8%, with 20.9% showing both clear and 56.9% showing both cloudy. The 9.1% of observations are clear in MODIS but cloudy in C-C, indicating clouds missed by MODIS; 1.8% of observations are cloudy in MODIS but clear in C-C, likely due to aerosol/dust or surface snow layers misidentified by MODIS. C-C reports 47.4/25.5% single-layer/multilayer clouds, while MODIS reports 26.7/14.0%. For C-C single-layer clouds, ~90% of tropical MODIS high (CTP 23) clouds are recognized as deep convective in C-C. Approximately 70% of MODIS low-level (CTP > 680 hPa) clouds are classified as stratocumulus in C-C regardless of region and optical thickness. No systematic relationship exists between MODIS middle-level (680 < CTP < 440 hPa) clouds and C-C cloud types, largely due to different definitions adopted.
Norovirus and Sapovirus Epidemiology and Strain Characteristics among Navajo and Apache Infants

Norovirus and sapovirus are important causes of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) among American Indian infants. We investigated the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of norovirus and sapovirus in American Indian infants who have historically experienced a high burden of AGE compared to other US populations. Stool samples were collected from 241 children with AGE (cases) and from 343 infants without AGE (controls) ≤9 months of age from 2002-2004. Cases experienced forceful vomiting and/or 3 or more watery or looser-than-normal stools in 24 hours. Stools were tested by real-time RT-PCR for norovirus GI, GII and GIV and sapovirus GI, GII, GIV and GV. Positive samples were genotyped after sequencing conventional RT-PCR products. Norovirus was identified in 76 (31.5%) of the cases and 70 (20.4%) of the controls (p<0.001). GII.3 and GII.4 Farmington Hills were the most frequently identified genotypes in 14.5% and 30.3% of cases and 17.1% and 27.1% of controls, respectively. Sapovirus GI and GII genotypes were identified in 8 (3.3%) of cases and 8 (2.3%) of controls and a single GIV virus was detected in a control. The same norovirus and sapovirus genotypes were circulating in the general U.S. population in the same time period. The high detection rate of norovirus in healthy controls suggests significant asymptomatic transmission in young infants in these communities.
Differences in Hemodynamics and Rupture Rate of Aneurysms at the Bifurcation of the Basilar and Internal Carotid Arteries

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral aneurysms in the posterior circulation are known to have a higher rupture risk than those in the anterior circulation. We sought to test the hypothesis that differences in hemodynamics can explain the difference in rupture rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 117 aneurysms, 63 at the tip of the basilar artery (27 ruptured, 36 unruptured, rupture rate = 43%) and 54 at the bifurcation of the internal carotid artery (11 ruptured, 43 unruptured, rupture rate = 20%) were analyzed with image-based computational fluid dynamics. Several hemodynamic variables were compared among aneurysms at each location and between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms at each location. RESULTS: On average, aneurysms at the basilar tip had more concentrated inflow (P CONCLUSIONS: High flow conditions, characterized by large and concentrated inflow jets, complex and oscillatory flow patterns, and wall shear stress distributions with focalized regions of high shear and large regions of low shear, are associated with aneurysm rupture, especially for basilar tip aneurysms. The higher flow conditions in basilar tip aneurysms could explain their increased rupture risk compared with internal carotid bifurcation aneurysms.
Improving multiple search engines retrieval results using fusion

In this paper we implement a multiple search engine algorithm based on fusion. The following approaches are used in our implementation: 1. Creation of multiple threads for parallel requests 2. Developing an efficient algorithm to combine results The main challenge in enquiring search engines is that the results returned from different engines do not have the same format. In order to limit the search space we use regular expressions. C# implementation was used to develop a desktop implementation of the multiple search engines. We used a desktop application instead of launching a web-site as the desktop application is not subject to banning by search engines because requests will come from users having different IPs instead of a website that has a static IP address.
Microbial Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Blood Pressure Regulation

Microbial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are byproducts of microbial metabolism which can be absorbed into the bloodstream of the host, where they exert effects on host physiology. SCFAs have been known to influence several aspects of host physiology, including the regulation of blood pressure. In this review, we will consider recent studies linking SCFAs to blood pressure regulation. Several recent studies have found that changes in blood pressure often coordinate with expected changes in SCFAS. Efforts are now well underway to dissect and better understand this potential connection. One way that SCFAs can influence host cells is by interacting with host GPCRs, including Gpr41 and Olfr78, among others. Intriguingly, mice null for Olfr78 are hypotensive, whereas mice null for Gpr41 are hypertensive, implying that these pathways may be physiologically important links between SCFAs and host blood pressure control. In sum, these studies demonstrate that there does indeed appear to be a link between SCFAs and blood pressure, which likely involves host GPCRs, at least in part; however, the details and intricacies of these interactions are not yet fully understood and will greatly benefit from further studies.
Tunability and Electrical Properties of Yttria-doped-ceria Films Fabricated via Atomic Layer Deposition

Current Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) designs have operating temperatures between 800-1000 °C. Reducing this temperature to 500-600 °C would allow efficient utilization in varied applications. Yttria Doped Ceria (YDC) films show high ionic conductivity when used as fuel cell electrolytes in lower temperature ranges. This investigation shows that stoichiometric tunability of YDC film composition can be achieved through Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). Film resistivity at room temperature is measured using a custom four-point probe sensor Film resistance analysis provides a method for evaluating the effect of doping and thickness of the film on desirable SOFC electrolyte characteristics such as high ionic conductivity.
Modeling DNP3 traffic characteristics of field devices in SCADA systems of the smart grid

In the generation, transmission, and distribution sectors of the smart grid, intelligence of field devices is realized by programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Many smart-grid subsystems are essentially cyber-physical energy systems (CPES): For instance, the power system process (i.e., the physical part) within a substation is monitored and controlled by a SCADA network with hosts running miscellaneous applications (i.e., the cyber part). To study the interactions between the cyber and physical components of a CPES, several co-simulation platforms have been proposed. However, the network simulators/emulators of these platforms do not include a detailed traffic model that takes into account the impacts of the execution model of PLCs on traffic characteristics. As a result, network traces generated by co-simulation only reveal the impacts of the physical process on the contents of the traffic generated by SCADA hosts, whereas the distinction between PLCs and computing nodes (e.g., a hardened computer running a process visualization application) has been overlooked. To generate realistic network traces using co-simulation for the design and evaluation of applications relying on accurate traffic profiles, it is necessary to establish a traffic model for PLCs. In this work, we propose a parameterized model for PLCs that can be incorporated into existing co-simulation platforms. We focus on the DNP3 subsystem of slave PLCs, which automates the processing of packets from the DNP3 master. To validate our approach, we extract model parameters from both the configuration and network traces of real PLCs. Simulated network traces are generated and compared against those from PLCs. Our evaluation shows that our proposed model captures the essential traffic characteristics of DNP3 slave PLCs, which can be used to extend existing co-simulation platforms and gain further insights into the behaviors of CPES.
Investigation of Trimethyllysine Binding by the HP1 Chromodomain via Unnatural Amino Acid Mutagenesis

Trimethyllysine (Kme3) reader proteins are targets for inhibition due to their role in mediating gene expression. Although all such reader proteins bind Kme3 in an aromatic cage, the driving force for binding may differ; some readers exhibit evidence for cation−π interactions whereas others do not. We report a general unnatural amino acid mutagenesis approach to quantify the contribution of individual tyrosines to cation binding using the HP1 chromodomain as a model system. We demonstrate that two tyrosines (Y24 and Y48) bind to a Kme3-histone tail peptide via cation−π interactions, but linear free energy trends suggest they do not contribute equally to binding. X-ray structures and computational analysis suggest that the distance and degree of contact between Tyr residues and Kme3 plays an important role in tuning cation−π-mediated Kme3 recognition. Although cation−π interactions have been studied in a number of proteins, this work is the first to utilize direct binding assays, X-ray crystallography, and...
Evaporation-Induced Self-Assembly of Semi-Crystalline PbI2(DMSO) Complex Films as a Facile Route to Reproducible and Efficient Planar p-i-n Perovskite Solar Cells

High quality active layers for hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells are essential for achieving maximum device performance. However, perovskite active layers in solar cells are frequently prepared with unoptimized processes that lead to layers of inferior quality. This is often the case when research focuses on other aspects of the solar cell device, such as device design and architecture, carrier transport layers, electrodes, interlayers, etc. In this study, a single-step spin-coating method was used to prepare semi-crystalline PbI2(DMSO) complex films via evaporation-induced self-assembly. These optimized intermediate films were then used to form homogeneous methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite films of optimum thickness (ca. 400 nm) with uniform surface coverage, good crystallinity, high purity, and grain sizes up to one micron, by employing a sequential deposition process involving intramolecular exchange between the PbI2(DMSO) complex film and a methylammonium iodide (MAI) layer deposited on top of it. We found that for certain ranges of MAI concentration, the formation of optimal-quality perovskite active layers was independent of MAI concentration, so long as MAI deposition occurred at specific corresponding spin speeds. Planar p-i-n perovskite solar cells comprising the optimized active layers were fabricated, and they exhibited negligible hysteresis and a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.72%, without any additional compositional and interfacial engineering. The latter can be used in the future to further enhance the PCE. These findings demonstrate the importance of an optimized perovskite active layer for reproducibly fabricating high-efficiency planar p-i-n photovoltaic devices. Additionally, the simplicity of the PbI2(DMSO) complex film preparation and the versatility of the MAI deposition with this fabrication method further enhances the potential of this material for large-scale processing.
Correction to: Explicit Vocabulary Instruction in Kindergarten: Case Studies of Students With and Without Language Disorders

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake in the “Study Participants” section.
Curriculum in the Arts

Arts curricula are shaped by social and ideological forces within and beyond schools and cultural institutions. Broad historical shifts in attitudes toward children, the arts, and education recommend attention to differing aspects of the complex and changing character of the arts. These circumstances frequently determine where curricular emphasis is placed: on direct experience of creation or performance or cultivation of knowledge and appreciation, on fine arts exemplars or vernacular practices, and on forms or meanings. Although education in each art form has its distinctive history, goals, and pedagogies, this article emphasizes common aspirations and challenges across the arts disciplines.
Combined Infrared Thermography, X-ray Radiography, and Computed Tomography for Ink Drying Studies

This work describes the comparison of drying behavior of ink deposited on two substrates used commonly in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs): microporous layer (MPL) and Nafion. For the same drying conditions and ink composition, ink deposited onto the MPL dried faster and also formed cracks faster. During drying, ink deposited on the MPL had more cracks and smaller intercrack spacing compared to ink deposited on Nafion. Smaller intercrack spacing for ink on the MPL substrate is explained by the higher critical stress predicted by the model. A novel combination of infrared (IR) thermography, X-ray radiography, and computed tomography (CT) is used to characterize ink drying behavior. X-ray radiography with fast temporal resolution showed the existence of skin on the top of drying film that formed due to slow convective ink transport within the film and fast evaporative drying. From X-ray CT, detailed three-dimensional data was obtained on crack morphology within the drying film and was correlated to te...
Criminal personality profiling: An outcome and process study.

In this work we examine outcome and process differences in criminal personality profiling among groups of profilers, detectives, psychologists, and students, using closed police cases—one sex offense and one homicide. Two major questions guide this research: (1) Are professional profilers more accurate than nonprofilers in generating personality profiles and correctly identifying offender features from crime scene details? and (2) Is the process that the profilers use qualitatively different from that of the nonprofilers? In the written profile task, the task that is most representative of what profilers actually do, profilers write richer, more detailed, and more valid profiles than the nonprofilers for both the sex offense case and homicide case. An analysis of correct responses concerning the known offender for the sex offense case revealed that the profilers scored significantly better than the other three groups in a variety of measures; similar results were not revealed for the homicide case. Profilers, however, do not appear to process this material in a way qualitatively different from any other group.
Estimating the Number of People Who Inject Drugs in A Rural County in Appalachia.

Objectives. To demonstrate how we applied the capture–recapture method for population estimation directly in a rural Appalachian county (Cabell County, WV) to estimate the number of people who inje...
Role of Lattice Disorder in Water-Mediated Dissociation of Pharmaceutical Cocrystal Systems.

Our objective is to mechanistically understand the implications of processing-induced lattice disorder on the stability of pharmaceutical cocrystals. Caffeine–oxalic acid (CAFOXA) and dicalcium ph...
Active geophysical monitoring of hydrocarbon reservoirs using electromagnetic methods

Abstract Marine controlled-source electromagnetic (MCSEM) technology has been successfully established as an effective tool for offshore hydrocarbon (HC) exploration. In this chapter we consider another application of the MCSEM method for HC reservoir monitoring. We demonstrate that electromagnetic (EM) methods can be successfully used for the monitoring of producing wells in connection with the enhanced recovery of HCs. We have developed a powerful new EM modeling technique based on the integral equation method with an inhomogeneous background conductivity. This new method and the corresponding computer software make it possible to model the EM response over a realistic complex model of a sea-bottom HC reservoir. The numerical modeling results demonstrate that the MCSEM method has the ability to map changes in resistivity caused by the production of HCs over time. In addition, the EM data help to visualize changes in the location of the oil–water contact within a reservoir. This result opens the possibility for practical application of the EM method in HC reservoir monitoring.
Shotgun Wounds: Nationwide Trends in Epidemiology, Injury Patterns, and Outcomes from US Trauma Centers

Abstract Background Shotguns represent a distinct form of ballistic injury because of projectile scatter and variable penetration. Due in part to their rarity, existing literature on shotgun injuries is scarce. Objective This study defined the epidemiology, injury patterns, and outcomes after shotgun wounds at a national level. Methods Patients with shotgun injury were identified from the National Trauma Data Bank (2007–2014). Transferred patients and those with missing procedure data were excluded. Demographics, injury data, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Categorical variables are presented as number (percentage) and continuous variables as median (interquartile range). Results Shotgun wounds comprised 9% of all firearm injuries. After exclusions, 11,292 patients with shotgun injury were included. The median age was 29 years (21–43) and most were male (n = 9887, 88%). Most injuries occurred in the South (n = 4092, 36%) and among white patients (n = 4945, 44%). The median Injury Severity Score was 9 (3–16). Overall in-hospital mortality was 14% (n = 1341), with 669 patients (7%) dying in the emergency department. Assault was the most common injury intent (n = 6762, 60%), followed by accidental (n = 2081, 19%) and self-inflicted (n = 1954, 17%). The lower and upper extremities were the most commonly affected body regions (n = 4071, 36% and n = 3422, 30%, respectively), while the head was the most severely injured (median Abbreviated Injury Scale score 4 [2–5]). Conclusions In the United States, shotgun wounds are an infrequent mechanism of injury. Shotgun wounds as a result of interpersonal violence far outweigh self-inflicted and accidental injuries. White men in their 20s in the southern parts of the country are most commonly affected and thereby delineate the high-risk patient population for injury by this mechanism at a national level.
Assessing the levelized cost of vanadium redox flow batteries with capacity fade and rebalancing

Abstract Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are an emerging technology suitable for grid electricity storage. The vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) has been one of the most widely researched and commercialized RFB systems because of its ability to recover lost capacity via electrolyte rebalancing, a result of both the device configuration as well as the symmetry of the redox chemistry. Despite broad acknowledgement of the benefits of this differentiating feature to system resilience and longevity, assessments of its economic value to the VRFB system have thus far been limited. Here we develop a techno-economic framework that incorporates a physical model of capacity fade and recovery from rebalancing and other servicing methods into a levelized cost of storage (LCOS) metric. We then evaluate the impacts of different contributing factors to the LCOS of a VRFB and identify opportunities for cost reduction through operating strategies (e.g., rebalancing schedule), performance improvements (e.g., reducing fade rates), design decisions (e.g., battery sizing), and investment approaches (e.g., electrolyte leasing). We anticipate this analysis will provide new insights into the cost-drivers for VRFBs and motivate further research efforts in understudied yet important areas.
Sparse methods for automatic relevance determination

Abstract This work considers methods for imposing sparsity in Bayesian regression with applications in nonlinear system identification. We first review automatic relevance determination (ARD) and analytically demonstrate the need to additional regularization or thresholding to achieve sparse models. We then discuss two classes of methods, regularization based and thresholding based, which build on ARD to learn parsimonious solutions to linear problems. In the case of orthogonal features, we analytically demonstrate favorable performance with regard to learning a small set of active terms in a linear system with a sparse solution. Several example problems are presented to compare the set of proposed methods in terms of advantages and limitations to ARD in bases with hundreds of elements. The aim of this paper is to analyze and understand the assumptions that lead to several algorithms and to provide theoretical and empirical results so that the reader may gain insight and make more informed choices regarding sparse Bayesian regression.
Fashion, Gender and Agency in Latin American and Spanish Literature

In the last two decades, the glorification of sewing - whether involving needlework, tailoring, or fashion design - has thrived in Latin American and Iberian cultural works, particularly literature.
Seeing Beyond Expert Blind Spots: Online Learning Design for Scale and Quality

Maximizing system scalability and quality are sometimes at odds. This work provides an example showing scalability and quality can be achieved at the same time in instructional design, contrary to what instructors may believe or expect. We situate our study in the education of HCI methods, and provide suggestions to improve active learning within the HCI education community. While designing learning and assessment activities, many instructors face the choice of using open-ended or close-ended activities. Close-ended activities such as multiple-choice questions (MCQs) enable automated feedback to students. However, a survey with 22 HCI professors revealed a belief that MCQs are less valuable than open-ended questions, and thus, using them entails making a quality sacrifice in order to achieve scalability. A study with 178 students produced no evidence to support the teacher belief. This paper indicates more promise than concern in using MCQs for scalable instruction and assessment in at least some HCI domains.
Sociedade da transparência: os processos de desenvolvimento humano em questão

The work is presented to the reader in nine chapters ranging from positive society (chapter 1), through the tangle of the cultural production of the society of the exhibition (chapter 2), following to the society of evidence, pornographic society, society of acceleration, society of intimacy, information society, society of disintegration until culminating in the final chapter, society of control. It is a pocket book with 120 pages, of accessible and didactic language, which portrays the knowledge based on the very political nature of life in society. The excess positivity of life reflects a closed system in itself, which imposes the equal and nullifies the different and contradictions in which we live, excluding the relational, contextualized and critical dimension of the processes of (re)human knowledge.