cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wide-Area Signal-Based OptimalNeurocontroller for a UPFC

The design and implementation of an optimal neurocontroller for a flexible ac transmission device - the unified power-flow controller (UPFC) - is presented in this paper. Wide area signals in a power system are used to provide auxiliary control to a UPFC in order to achieve enhanced damping of system oscillations. The neurocontroller provides auxiliary signals to the real and reactive power references of a UPFC series inverter. The design of the optimal neurocontroller is based on an adaptive critic design approach - the heuristic dynamic programming. A system identifier, referred to as the wide-area monitor), and a critic network (performance evaluator) are designed for optimizing the neurocontroller. Real-time implementation of the optimal UPFC neurocontroller for a multimachine power system is carried out successfully on a digital signal processor. The power system is simulated on a real-time digital simulator. The performance of this neurocontroller is compared with a conventional linear damping controller. Results show enhanced damping of both inter-area and intra-area modes in the power system under different operating conditions and disturbances with the neurocontroller. The improvement in the damping is also quantified using the Prony method.
Relative contributions of food and water in the accumulation of zinc by two species of marine fish

A model food chain, utilizing 65Zn-labeled and nonlabeled food organisms, was used to measure the relative contributions of food and water to Zn accumulation by Gambusia affinis and Leiostomus xanthurus. Chlamydomonas sp. was fed to Artemia sp. which in turn was fed to G. affinis and L. xanthurus. A trace metal-chelate buffer system was used to maintain a stable free Zn ion activity (10-8.5 mol l-1) in the experimental seawater. Food represented 78 to 82% of total accumulation of 65Zn by the fish. Thus, food cannot be ignored in assessing the accumulation and toxicity of trace metals.
The General Circulation Responses of High-Resolution North Atlantic Ocean Models to Synthetic Scatterometer Winds

Abstract High-resolution (1/5°×1/6°) quasigeostrophic models of the North Atlantic Ocean are forced by daily wind stress curl fields of controlled wavenumber content. In the low-wavenumber case, the wind stress curl is derived from a low-pass filtering of ECMWF wind fields such that the retained wavenumber band is observed to obey a k−2 power law in the spectrum for each day (where k is the wavenumber vector). In a second case, the wavenumber content of the wind stress curl fields is comparable to that derivable from an ideal scatterometer-wind dataset. Decadal-average streamfunction fields are compared with a climatology of dynamic topography and compared between the model calculations driven by these synthetic wind stress curl datasets with the goal of testing the sensitivity of the general circulation to high-wavenumber forcing. The largest signal in decadal-average streamfunction response to high-wavenumber forcing occurs in the eastern basin of the North Atlantic. Fields of mean kinetic and eddy kine...
Aspects of Vocabulary Knowledge in German Textbooks

Previous research on second language vocabulary acquisition has shown that learning to use a new word is not a simple matter of making a form–meaning connection. Knowing a word instead requires mastery of as many as nine different aspects of vocabulary knowledge (Nation, 2001). The current study uses data from five beginning-level textbooks of German as a foreign language that are widely used at American universities to examine which of these aspects of vocabulary knowledge are addressed in textbook activities. The results show that activities in lower-level German textbooks focus overwhelmingly on form–meaning connections and grammatical functions while ignoring other aspects, such as collocations, word parts, and concept and referents. A pedagogical approach that takes the entire classroom ecology into account is suggested.
A stability criterion for nonlinear systems

IN ANOTHER PAPER1 Wolf reports on the recurrence relations in the solution of a certain class of nonlinear systems. In Wolf's dissertation2 a mathematical theory for the analysis of a class of nonlinear systems has been developed. This paper reports on a stability criterion based on the aforementioned dissertation and its application to nonlinear as well as linear feedback control systems.
Use of the titanium solid state gettering process for the improvement of the performance of superconducting r.f. cavities

Abstract It is well known that the low-temperature thermal conductivity of niobium is mainly influenced by the interstitial impurity content of oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon. Solid state gettering by materials with a higher affinity to gaseous impurities at elevated temperatures tends to improve the thermal properties of the material. In this paper, the use of titanium as a getter material is described and the effects of the treatment at different temperatures and for varying durations of time on the thermal conductivity of niobium are presented. Improvements of the thermal conductivity at 4.2 K by a factor of 15 corresponding to a value of 160 W m −1 K −1 have been obtained. Measurements on single-cell and multi-cell niobium r.f. cavities at 1500 MHz before and after treatment with titanium are reported. These measurements clearly show an improved performance of these cavities. Residual Q values as high as 1.7 × 10 11 and accelerating gradients of E acc = 11.9 MV m −1 have been measured.
An anaerobic nondenaturing gel assay for the detection of azoreductase from anaerobic bacteria

A nondenaturing-gel activity assay for the detection of azoreductases from anaerobic bacteria is described. PAGE was performed under anaerobic conditions and the gel was stained with an azo dye. Azoreductase bands were visualized on the gel after dye reduction had occurred. The assay was very specific and detected only the enzymes that reduce the NN bond. Using this anaerobic gel system and Nitro Blue Tetrazolium, a dehydrogenase was also detected. The comigration of both enzymes on the nondenaturing gel suggests that a single protein may be involved in the reduction of azo dye compounds and Nitro Blue Tetrazolium. Using the activity stain, a preparative polyacrylamide gel system was used for purification of the azoreductase. The azoreductase of Clsotridium perfringens was a dimer with a molecular weight of 181 000.
Structure and dynamics of alpha-chymotrypsin-N-trifluoroacetyl-4-fluorophenylalanine complexes.

Fluorine NMR lineshape, relaxation and Overhauser effect data collected at 282 and 470 MHz have been used to obtain information about the nature of complexes formed betweenN-trifluoroacetyl-4-fluorophenylalanine and the enzyme chymotrypsin. Systems involving both enantiomers have been examined as well as derivatives of these in which the aromatic ring hydrogens have been replaced by deuterium. The enzyme-induced fluorine chemical shift effects and the dynamics of molecular motions of the fluorophenyl ring at the respective binding sites appear to be similar in both complexes and, where comparable, the results are in agreement with data obtained at lower frequencies that have been reported by other workers. The dynamics of the fluoroaromatic ring in these complexes are significantly different from those observed in a closely related acylated enzyme.
The Relation Between Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorder Symptomatology: An Analysis of Moderating Variables

Although body dissatisfaction is a strong predictor of disordered eating among women, a majority of women report substantial body dissatisfaction but do not concomitantly report severe levels of eating disorder symptomatology. Third variables, then, may interact with body dissatisfaction to influence its relation to eating disorder symptomatology. Seven theoretically relevant variables were investigated as to whether they moderated this relation within 2 samples (n = 304, n = 373) of college women. As anticipated, body surveillance, neuroticism, and having a family member and friend with an eating disorder intensified the primary body dissatisfaction-eating disorder symptomatology relation. Contrary to hypotheses, social insecurity and appearance control beliefs did not moderate this relation, and poor impulse regulation weakened the relation between body dissatisfaction and 1 component of eating disorder symptomatology (i.e., drive for thinness).
Miniaturization of Sample Processing for Bioassays

LLNL has recently licensed its hand-held advanced nucleic-acid analyzer, the HANAA, for commercial development. This (as is characteristic of other miniaturized, portable diagnostic instruments being developed around the world) typically still requires manual sample handling and preparation by skilled operators. Dielectrophoretic and acoustic manipulation of fluids and particles are techniques that have shown good promise to reduce the demands on manual sample preparation both for miniature and for table-top instrumentation.
Cingulate input to the primary and supplementary motor cortices in the rhesus monkey: Evidence for somatotopy in areas 24c and 23c

We examined the distribution of cingulate projections to the somatotopically related parts of the primary (M1) and supplementary (M2) motor cortices of the monkey by using fluorescent dyes. Labeled neurons were found in layers 3, 5 and 6 of areas 24c and 23c and were heaviest following injections placed in M2. Projections to analogous somatotopic areas in M1 and M2 arose from similar cingulate regions. In area 24c, neurons projecting to the face area of M1 and M2 were located anteriorly, those to the hindlimb were located posteriorly, and neurons projecting to the forelimb area of M1 and M2 were located in between. In area 23c, neurons projecting to the forelimb area of M1 and M2 were located anteriorly and those to the hindlimb area of M1 and M2 were located posteriorly. The face area of M1 and M2 was not found to receive afferents from area 23c. In contrast to this discreteness, cingulate projections to Woolsey's axial representation of M1 were diffuse. The results support the presence of a separate and somatotopically organized cingulate motor cortex in area 24c. This is predicated on the facts that: (1) small injections of retrograde tracers placed in analogous somatotopic parts of M1 and M2 resulted in similar patterns of labeling within the electrophysiologically "excitable" portion of the anterior cingulate cortex, and (2) this organized topography infers somatotopy. Our data fail to support a somatotopically organized cingulate motor area in area 23c if the criterion of all body parts is demanded. By virtue of its anatomical location and its connectional relation to the spinal cord and isocortical motor fields on the one hand and to the limbic cortex on the other, area 24c may be considered as M3 and provide limbic influences at several levels of motor control.
Fast and ultrasensitive nanomechanical displacement detection based on the single electron transistor

We review recent experimental and theoretical work towards the realization of a fast and ultrasensitive, nanomechanical displacement detector based on the radio frequency single electron transistor (rf-SET).
PO-0999 Suboptimal Vitamin D Status In A Population-based Study Of Asian Children: Prevalence And Relation To Allergic Diseases And Atopy

Background and aims New evidence shows high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in many countries and some studies suggest a possible link between vitamin D status and allergic diseases. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of suboptimal vitamin D status in a population sample of Asian children and to investigate the relationship of vitamin D status with allergic diseases and atopy. Methods Children aged 5–18 years (n = 1315) in the Prediction of Allergies in Taiwanese Children (PATCH) study were evaluated using questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and total and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). Results The mean concentration of serum 25(OH)D was 20.4 ng/mL (SD: 7.1 ng/mL). Vitamin D deficiency (defined as serum 25(OH)D p = 0.001), winter and spring seasons (compared to summer; P both p = 0.011) were independently associated with low serum 25(OH)D levels. After adjusting for potential confounders, serum 25(OH)D status had no association with asthma, rhinitis, eczema, atopy, or total serum IgE (all p > 0.05). Conclusions Low serum 25(OH)D levels are remarkably common in this population sample of Asian children, which should be a matter of public health concern. Our results provides epidemiological evidence against the association of vitamin D status with various allergic diseases and atopy in Asian children.
Inhibition of neutrophil aggregation by taeniaestatin, a cestode proteinase inhibitor.

Abstract A metacestode proteinase inhibitor, taeniaestatin, was tested for its ability to inhibit neutrophil aggregation. A dose-dependent inhibition of Zymosan activated bovine serum (ZABS) and C5a-mediated aggregation was observed with an ID 50 of 1 and 1.5 units of taeniaestatin, respectively. Complete inhibition of C5ainduced aggregation was observed using 3 units of taeniaestatin, while 5 units were required for total inhibition of ZABS-induced aggregation.
Poverty, morality and the urban poor: Understanding strategies of action in the Middle East

In recent decades, scholars of the Middle East have observed the activism of the Middle Eastern poor in response to conditions of increasing economic deprivation and social marginalization. Much of the work has exclusively focused on the poor's reactive acts of political agency. Surprisingly little is understood, with any empirical leverage, about the mechanisms involved in leading poor individuals to adopt the decisions and strategies that they do. A large part of the puzzle is the role of culture, which some have touched upon, but few have studied systematically. Poor people in the Middle East, so these researchers infer, are aware that they have become increasingly excluded under the new global market economy and so resist its effects by reasserting their power within extended family and community networks or maximizing their economic interests by engaging in petty unlawful practices. However, current approaches can neither show patterned differences in the ways that poor people in the region think and react to their social worlds nor can they provide explanations of how culturally-based motivators inform how the poor move in their pursuits. This article addresses these shortcomings by systematically examining the role that cultural factors play in shaping poor young people's particular choices and decisions. It relies on two years of ethnographic fieldwork among poor young men and women in two urban capitals in Iran in order to show how poor youth manage their everyday lives and attempt to move forward. In so doing, it is shown that in order to understand poor young people's preferences for undertaking certain actions over others, we must place their choices within a larger moral universe that is guided by their conceptions of good and bad. In this moral universe, the moral codes of honor and work provide both guidelines and an evaluative code for individual initiative and conduct. It is suggested that current perspectives should incorporate the role of moral systems and reassess the relationship between poverty and behavior in the region.
The Worldwide Use of SynCardia Total Artificial Heart in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease

Purpose Over the past 3 decades, palliation of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) has been increasingly successful. This has created an ever-growing cohort of adolescents and young adults with congenital heart disease who unfortunately develop heart failure. Mechanically supporting such patients is possible, however, patients who have residual lesions or require multiple procedures (i.e. conduit exchange, valve repair) in order to place a ventricular assist device have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. In complex patients, the use of the SynCardia total artificial heart (TAH) to avoid multiple procedures may be beneficial. However, the success of the TAH in the CHD cohort has not been reported. Methods and Materials All patients with congenital heart disease who had the SynCardia TAH implanted from 1986 to 2012 were identified in the Worldwide Syncardia TAH database, which contains 1091 patients. Results TAH was implanted in 24 patients with CHD (2.2% of total cohort). 25% (6/24) of the CHD patients were adolescents (12-18yo). These TAHs were implanted in 16 institutions around the world [US(9), EU(5) and Canada(2)]. Median age was 28 years [13- 56] and 25% were female. Total days of support were 1476 days with a median of 24 [1-359] days. Overall survival was 62% with a 100% survival in adolescents with CDH. Mortalities occurred in the 1st month of support in 89% (8/9) of cases. Cause of death was multisystem organ failure in 5, pulmonary hemorrhage in 1, not reported in 3. Competing outcomes analysis at 2 months demonstrates 67% of patients had a positive outcome: 34% were still on the TAH, 33% were transplanted, and 33% died. Conclusions Although a challenging cohort, the majority of these complex patients were successfully supported, particularly adolescents with congenital heart disease.
An integrated model for screening cargo containers

Abstract This paper focuses on detecting nuclear weapons on cargo containers using port security screening methods, where the nuclear weapons would presumably be used to attack a target within the United States. This paper provides a linear programming model that simultaneously identifies optimal primary and secondary screening policies in a prescreening-based paradigm, where incoming cargo containers are classified according to their perceived risk. The proposed linear programming model determines how to utilize primary and secondary screening resources in a cargo container screening system given a screening budget, prescreening classifications, and different device costs. Structural properties of the model are examined to shed light on the optimal screening policies. The model is illustrated with a computational example. Sensitivity analysis is performed on the ability of the prescreening in correctly identifying prescreening classifications and secondary screening costs. Results reveal that there are fewer practical differences between the screening policies of the prescreening groups when prescreening is inaccurate. Moreover, devices that can better detect shielded nuclear material have the potential to substantially improve the system’s detection capabilities.
IUS bituminous: Solidarity and legal order in a dangerous work environment

In this article we examine the nature of legal order in two work settings, both of which are located in a dangerous environment. It is our contention that the weight of law resides with those rules whose observance is considered crucial to group survival, and that the manner of their enforcement will reflect the level of solidarity characteristic of the work organization. In order to better explain the nature of integration and social control in these milieux, we have applied, to the micro‐structural level, a revised version of Emile Durkheim's notions regarding penal evolution.
Soil aggregate size distribution mediates microbial climate change feedbacks

Abstract Soil carbon stabilization is known to depend in part on its distribution in structural aggregates, and upon soil microbial activity within the aggregates. However, the influence of climate change on continued soil C storage within aggregates of different size classes is unknown. In this study, we applied a modified dry-sieving technique to separate bulk soil into three fractions (>1 mm large macroaggregate; 0.25–1 mm small macroaggregate;
Impact of stem cell dose on hematopoietic recovery in autologous blood stem cell recipients.

Hematopoietic recovery rates following high-dose chemotherapy in autologous blood stem cell recipients have been shown, in part, to be dependent on the source and quantity of hematopoietic stem cells infused. Mobilized blood stem cell quantity (identified by the surface expression of the CD34 antigen) has been demonstrated in multiple studies to be the strongest predictor of days to hematopoietic recovery (ie platelets and neutrophils) in autologous blood stem cell recipients. Additionally, data from four large studies confirm that prompt and sustained hematopoietic recovery will occur in the majority of patients treated with high-dose chemotherapy if a stem cell dose 5 × 106/kg is administered. However, multiple aphereses are needed in the majority of patients to achieve these optimal stem cell doses. Problems associated with multiple aphereses procedures include hypocalcemia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, infection, thrombosis, increased costs, and malignant cell contamination of the apheresis product. Recent data indicate that less differentiated (eg CD33−) stem and progenitor cells result in both early and sustained hematopoietic recovery in bone marrow and blood stem cell recipients. Future trials using new growth factors such as stem cell factor (which has been shown to increase CD34+/CD33− cell mobilization), as well as improvements in purging strategies are needed to ensure prompt, sustained, and malignant-cell-free engraftment for the majority of autologous blood stem cell recipients.
Linear character-dependent models with constant time delay in population dynamics

Abstract We reduce the extended MacKendrick-Von Foerster formalism of Gurney and Nisbet—an initial boundary value problem—to the solution of a single Volterra integral equation with a constant time lag. We then establish the existence, uniqueness and continuation of solutions for all t > 0, and reduce a simplified version of this model to a time-delay version of the classical MacKendrick model, for which the standard stability results for persistent distributions are available.
The environmental Kuznets curve when the environment exhibits hysteresis

Abstract The relevance and implications of the environmental Kuznets hypothesis are examined in the presence of stock effects and non-linearities associated with pollution generation. Stock effects lead to hysteresis and irreversibilities in environmental quality that are overlooked when emphasis is placed on the flow effects of pollutants only. It is demonstrated here that an optimal growth plan in the presence of stock effects shifts the focus away from prescribing economic growth as a panacea for environmental ills. Implications for currently industrializing economies are discussed.
APFIM study of multicomponent M2C carbide precipitation in AF1410 steel

Abstract The development of fine-scale multicomponent M 2 C carbides in AF1410 steel was observed as a function of time at the standard tempering temperature of 510°C. Strong departures from equilibrium compositions are observed at early stages of precipitation, and carbide composition appears to be particle size dependent in a given microstructure. Analysis of the carbide composition trajectory during precipitation in terms of the thermodynamic contributions of coherency and capillarity indicates initial nucleation at compositions of reduced interfacial energy but reduced chemical driving force. The ability of multicomponent carbides to follow a precipitation composition trajectory of increasing interfacial energy and increasing driving force appears important to the maintenance of a fine particle size and high number density at late stages of precipitation for overaging resistance. Preliminary evidence is also found for predicted nonuniformity of the matrix composition in the stress field of a coherent particle.
Assessing pre-death grief in cancer caregivers using the Marwit–Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory (MM-CGI)

The Marwit-Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory (MM-CGI) was developed and initially validated with caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease, and subsequently evaluated with caregivers of persons with brain injury. The present study examined MM-CGI psychometric and validity properties in 75 caregivers of persons with cancer. As with previous studies, high internal consistency reliability of MM-CGI Total Grief and subscale scores (Personal Sacrifice and Burden, Heartfelt Sadness and Longing, and Worry and Felt Isolation) was demonstrated. Construct validity of the subscale scores was supported by differential associations with other caregiver measures of depression, strain, well-being, and family support. Based on these preliminary results, the MM-CGI appears useful for assessing pre-death grief in caregivers of persons with cancer.
Field verification methodology using bar coding to record data

Bar codes, the ubiquitous labels on consumer products, can be used to record patient care data. Bar code entry offers precise, time-stamped, data records. Bar code readers, coupled with a personal computer, can produce an electronic medical record as well as analyze data trends.
The Significance of Affirmative Action for theSouls of White Folk: Further Implications of a Helping Model

We develop further our model of affirmative action as help (Pratkanis & Turner, 1996b; Turner & Pratkanis, 1994) by looking at the impact of aid on the donor. White Americans often take one of three approaches toaffirmative action. First, they can reject affirmative action because of their own personal frustrations. Second, they can engage in selective aid that maintains the basic patterns of social dominance. Both of these approaches can damage the psychological functioning of Whites. Third, White Americans can proactively seek to remove discriminatory barriers in a process we call democratic altruism, thereby opening the possibility of learning from diverse others and growth as a person. We conclude by discussing tactics for promoting democratic altruism.
The 15 TH Annual Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition: intelligent ground robots created by intelligent students

The Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) is one of three, unmanned systems, student competitions that were founded by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) in the 1990s. The IGVC is a multidisciplinary exercise in product realization that challenges college engineering student teams to integrate advanced control theory, machine vision, vehicular electronics, and mobile platform fundamentals to design and build an unmanned system. Teams from around the world focus on developing a suite of dual-use technologies to equip ground vehicles of the future with intelligent driving capabilities. Over the past 15 years, the competition has challenged undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. students with real world applications in intelligent transportation systems, the military and manufacturing automation. To date, teams from over 50 universities and colleges have participated. This paper describes some of the applications of the technologies required by this competition and discusses the educational benefits. The primary goal of the IGVC is to advance engineering education in intelligent vehicles and related technologies. The employment and professional networking opportunities created for students and industrial sponsors through a series of technical events over the four-day competition are highlighted. Finally, an assessment of the competition based on participation is presented.
Revision Stapedectomy: Intraoperative Findings, Results, and Review of the Literature

Seventy-four revision stapedectomies performed consecutively over 10 years (1986 to 1995) were reviewed retrospectively. The most common intraoperative findings were incus erosion, prosthesis displacement, and oval window closure. Incus erosion was more frequently associated with multiple revisions. The postoperative results were reported using the conventional method (postoperative air minus preoperative bone) as well as the guidelines recently published by the American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery (postoperative air minus postoperative bone), with success rates of postoperative air-bone gap closure to within 10 dB after revision surgery of 51.6% and 45.6%, respectively. Patients with persistent conductive hearing loss (large residual air-bone gaps) after primary stapedectomy had poorer postrevision hearing results. Sensorineural hearing loss (defined as a drop in bone pure-tone average of more than 10 dB) occurred in four cases (5.4%). The number of revision surgeries, variations in operative techniques using laser or drill, and the ossicle to which the prosthesis was attached did not statistically affect the postoperative air-bone gaps. These results were compared with previously published data.
QUEUEING IN NETWORKS OF COMPUTERS

The designers of networks of computers must assess the capacity of the network to complete work within reasonable times. The utilization law, Little's law, forced-flow law, and response time formula are simple tools that can be used to calculate throughput and response times of networks. Bottleneck analysis can be used to calculate simple lower bounds on response time in terms of individual server parameters and the load on network as a whole. These simple results are important tools for all users of scientific networks - back of the envelope calculations can quickly reveal the effects of distant servers on local throughput and response time.
Ubiquitin/proteasome pathway regulates levels of retinoic acid receptor gamma and retinoid X receptor alpha in human keratinocytes

Repeated exposure of human skin to solar UV radiation leads to premature aging (photoaging) and skin cancer. UV-induced skin damage can be ameliorated by all-trans retinoic acid treatment. The actions of retinoic acid in skin keratinocytes are mediated primarily by nuclear retinoic acid receptor gamma (RARgamma) and retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRalpha). We found that exposure of cultured primary human keratinocytes to UV irradiation (30 mJ/cm2) substantially reduced (50-90%) RARgamma and RXRalpha mRNA and protein within 8 h. The rates of disappearance of RARgamma and RXRalpha proteins after UV exposure or treatment with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide were similar. UV irradiation did not increase the rate of breakdown of RARgamma or RXRalpha but rather reduced their rate of synthesis. The addition of proteasome inhibitors MG132 and LLvL, but not the lysosomal inhibitor E64, prevented loss of RARgamma and RXRalpha proteins after exposure of keratinocytes to either UV radiation or cycloheximide. Soluble extracts from nonirradiated or UV-irradiated keratinocytes possessed similar levels of proteasome activity that degraded RARgamma and RXRalpha proteins in vitro. Furthermore, RARgamma and RXRalpha were polyubiquitinated in intact cells. RXRalpha was found to contain two proline, glutamate/aspartate, serine, and threonine (PEST) motifs, which confer rapid turnover of many short-lived regulatory proteins that are degraded by the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway. However, the PEST motifs in RXRalpha did not function to regulate its stability, because deletion of the PEST motifs individually or together did not alter ubiquitination or proteasome-mediated degradation of RXRalpha. These results demonstrate that loss of RARgamma and RXRalpha proteins after UV irradiation results from degradation via the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway. Taken together, the data here indicate that ubiquitin/proteasome-mediated breakdown is an important mechanism regulating the levels of nuclear retinoid receptors.
The politics of requesting: Strategic behavior and public utility regulation

Extant models of public utility regulation assume that regulated firms make the same rate adjustment requests regardless of the political environment they will face during the rate case. Focusing on information asymmetries, the repeated interaction between the firm and the regulatory commission, and behavioral assumptions about the goals of regulators, a new model is proposed that assumes firms strategically and rationally plan their requests to respond to political and agency, as well as standard economic factors. An implication of the new model is that the effect of political factors, such as grassroots advocacy and regulator election, should be observed in request equations rather than in award equations where they are traditionally sought. This new model is tested using data from 54 telephone rate cases. The results indicate that firms do respond strategically to political factors (especially to regulator electrons), and also to agency factors (such as workload), by increasing their requests. This partially explains a puzzling result in the literature and has implications for regulatory policy, interest group behavior, democratic institutions, and public management. 48 refs., 4 figs., 5 tabs.
Scanning electron microscope evaluation of wear of dental curettes during standardized root planing.

Root planing relies upon the quality of instrument cutting edges. This study evaluated the sharpness and wear of some dental curettes available in the market following standardized root planing procedures. Nine working edges of nine Gracey No. 1/2 DE curettes, three each from three different manufacturers, were used as controls. These unused factory-sharpened edges were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Eighteen edges of nine curettes of the same brands were likewise examined after root planing procedures. Root planing was carried out on extracted one-rooted teeth mounted in natural positions in manikin jaws. Working areas measuring 3 X 5 mm were marked on root surfaces previously exposed by periodontitis. Root planing procedures included 15 vertical strokes done by either Side 1 or Side 2 of each instrument in relation to a single working area of a tooth, and the same procedure repeated 3 times using the opposite side of the curette. All working edges were examined at points 1 and 2 mm from the tip under 500 times magnification. Edge deformation increased significantly from the control group to the "15-stroke" group and from the "15-stroke" group to the "45-stroke" group. Factory-sharpened curettes (control) were sharp, with functional wire edges present on 55% of the specimens. After 15 strokes, nonfunctional wire edges and narrow edge deformations with bevels measuring less than 15 mu were present. After 45 strokes eight cutting edges (88.9%) showed bevels wider than 15 mu. The difference between the three brands was not significant in any group (i.e., controls, 15 strokes, 45 strokes). Further study is indicated to evaluate the relationships between bevel dimensions and root planing effectiveness.
Deictic transposition and referential practice in Belhare

A root alternation in Belhare (Sino-Tibetan, Nepal) spatial demonstratives encodes the transposition of deictic fields to a zero-point distinct from the deictic origin. This kind ofgrammaticalized transposition is also fundamental for other parts of the grammar, including person deixis and mood categeries. Transposition in spatial deixis makes deliberation between places on "this" versus "the other" side of the transposed zero-point, a core issue of referential practice in establishing and sustaining social identities and boundaries.
Superconformal Quantum Mechanics from M2-branes

We discuss the superconformal quantum mechanics arising from the M2-branes. We begin with a comprehensive review on the superconformal quantum mechanics and emphasize that conformal symmetry and supersymmetry in quantum mechanics contain a number of exotic and enlightening properties which do not occur in higher dimensional field theories. We see that superfield and superspace formalism is available for N≤8 superconformal mechanical models. We then discuss the M2-branes with a focus on the world-volume descriptions of the multiple M2-branes which are superconformal three-dimensional Chern-Simons matter theories. Finally we argue that the two topics are connected in M-theoretical construction by considering the multiple M2-branes wrapped around a compact Riemann surface and study the emerging IR quantum mechanics. We establish that the resulting quantum mechanics realizes a set of novel N≥8 superconformal quantum mechanical models which have not been reached so far. Also we discuss possible applications of the superconformal quantum mechanics to mathematical physics.
Electromagnetic characteristics of superquadric wire loop antennas

The analysis of antenna configurations in the form of a generalized superquadric loop, which includes circular, elliptical and rectangular loop geometries, is presented in this paper. Use of a Galerkin form of the moment method with piecewise sinusoidal subsectional basis and testing functions provides rapid numerical convergence and accurate representation of the antenna current. A convenient parametric representation for the superquadric curve is developed to allow a subsectional formulation using curved wire segments, rather than the commonly employed piecewise linear segments, to construct the geometry. Both magnetic frill and delta gap source models are implemented to allow a detailed study of input impedance, directivity, radiation pattern and current distribution as a function of various geometrical parameters. The results are shown to compare well with previous results for the special case of a circular loop antenna. Some useful curves are presented to aid in the design of practical superquadric loop antennas. >
Acetaldehyde and the genome: Beyond nuclear DNA adducts and carcinogenesis

The designation of acetaldehyde associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages as "carcinogenic to humans" (Group 1) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has brought renewed attention to the biological effects of acetaldehyde, as the primary oxidative metabolite of alcohol. Therefore, the overall focus of this review is on acetaldehyde and its direct and indirect effects on the nuclear and mitochondrial genome. We first consider different acetaldehyde-DNA adducts, including a critical assessment of the evidence supporting a role for acetaldehyde-DNA adducts in alcohol related carcinogenesis, and consideration of additional data needed to make a conclusion. We also review recent data on the role of the Fanconi anemia DNA repair pathway in protecting against acetaldehyde genotoxicity and carcinogenicity, as well as teratogenicity. We also review evidence from the older literature that acetaldehyde may impact the genome indirectly, via the formation of adducts with proteins that are themselves critically involved in the maintenance of genetic and epigenetic stability. Finally, we note the lack of information regarding acetaldehyde effects on the mitochondrial genome, which is notable since aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), the primary acetaldehyde metabolic enzyme, is located in the mitochondrion, and roughly 30% of East Asian individuals are deficient in ALDH2 activity due to a genetic variant in the ALDH2 gene. In summary, a comprehensive understanding of all of the mechanisms by which acetaldehyde impacts the function of the genome has implications not only for alcohol and cancer, but types of alcohol related pathologies as well.
Lights, Cameras, Action: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Police Perceptions of Citizens who Video Record Officers in the Line of Duty in the United States

There have been several high profile cases in the U.S. where officers have encountered and taken legal action against civilians who were video recording them. Officers are likely to develop preconceptions of citizens who record them and these views can considerably influence police-civilian interactions, especially in the presence of recording devices. This study was designed to explore the officers' views of being recorded in the line of duty and their understanding of the reasons why civilians would want to record them. Officers generally expressed their discontent with civilians who record and the more officers were bothered by being recorded, the more they justified taking actions against civilians who record. These findings have implications for training techniques and practices to reduce animosity between police and the video recording public.
Left-handedness as a risk factor for unintentional injury in children

OBJECTIVE. To determine whether left-handedness is a risk factor for unintentional injury among children and adolescents. DESIGN. Case-control study. SETTING. Pediatric emergency department of Arkansas Children's Hospital. PATIENTS. 265 patients sustaining unintentional trauma aged 6 to 18 years and 494 control patients who did not have trauma were given a questionnaire to determine handedness, past unintentional injury, and parental perception of injury proneness. RESULTS. The frequency of left-handedness in the trauma group (18.1%) was significantly greater than frequency of 10.5% in the control group (P Language: en
The Multivariate Normal Distribution

Before introducing the multivariate normal distribution, let us briefly review some important results about the univariate normal.
Infectious Diseases, Introduction

Infectious diseases of humans and animals are illnesses resulting from an infection caused by the presence or growth of a biological organism, often termed a pathogen, for its disease-causing behavior. The term derives from the transmissibility of the pathogen to others and when this results in large numbers of infections in a region can be responsible for epidemics. Pathogens responsible for infectious diseases can be viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, multicellular parasites, and prions. While antibiotics and vaccines have made major progress in the treatment and prevention of major infectious diseases, largely in the developed world, the developing world still bears a significant burden of disease due to infectious disease pathogens such as malaria, tuberculosis, and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Changes in the environment, zoonotic pathogens and their interaction with human populations, and medical practice including treatment and vaccines are just some examples of determinants that can modulate the impact of infectious diseases, in terms of spread, ability to cause disease, or even response to prevention or treatment measures. The ever-changing dynamic nature of infectious diseases is not only due to some pathogen’s intrinsic propensity for diversity and fitness but also complex lifecycles involving intermediate nonhuman hosts. Therefore, our ability to control or eradicate various infectious diseases must entail new technologies and analytic methods.
ARID1A expression in early stage colorectal adenocarcinoma: an exploration of its prognostic significance

ARID1A is a chromatin remodeling gene that is mutated in a number of cancers including colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Loss of ARID1A has been associated with an adverse outcome in some types of cancer. However, literature data have not been consistent. Major limitations of some outcome studies include small sample size and heterogeneous patient population. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of ARID1A in a homogeneous group of early stage CRC patients, a population where prognostic markers are particularly relevant. We collected a retrospective series of 578 stage I or II CRCs. All patients underwent surgery with curative intent and without neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. ARID1A expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarray. We found ARID1A loss in 49 of 552 analyzable tumors (8.9%). Compared with the ARID1A-retained group, cases with ARID1A loss were associated with female sex (P<.001), mismatch-repair protein deficiency (P<.001), poor differentiation (P<.001), lymphovascular invasion (P=.001), and higher pT stage (P=.047). However, at a median follow-up of 49months, ARID1A loss did not correlate with overall, disease-specific, or recurrence-free survival. This is the first systematic analysis to evaluate the prognostic significance of ARID1A in stage I/II CRCs, and our data indicate that ARID1A loss lacks prognostic significance in this population despite its association with other adverse features. Such data are clinically relevant, as efforts are ongoing in identifying markers that can detect the small but significant subset of early stage CRCs that will have a poor outcome.
The afatinib resistance of in vivo generated H1975 lung cancer cell clones is mediated by SRC/ERBB3/c-KIT/c-MET compensatory survival signaling

We generated afatinib resistant clones of H1975 lung cancer cells by transient exposure of established tumors to the drug and collected the re-grown tumors. Afatinib resistant H1975 clones did not exhibit any additional mutations in proto-oncogenes when compared to control clones. Afatinib resistant H1975 tumor clones expressed less PTEN than control clones and in afatinib resistant clones this correlated with increased basal SRC Y416, ERBB3 Y1289, AKT T308 and mTOR S2448 phosphorylation, decreased expression of ERBB1, ERBB2 and ERBB3 and increased total expression of c-MET, c-KIT and PDGFRβ. Afatinib resistant clones were selectively killed by knock down of [ERBB3 + c-MET + c-KIT] but not by the individual or doublet knock down combinations. The combination of the ERBB1/2/4 inhibitor afatinib with the SRC family inhibitor dasatinib killed afatinib resistant H1975 cells in a greater than additive fashion; other drugs used in combination with dasatinib such as sunitinib, crizotinib and amufatinib were less effective. [Afatinib + dasatinib] treatment profoundly inactivated ERBB3, AKT and mTOR in the H1975 afatinib resistant clones and increased ATG13 S318 phosphorylation. Knock down of ATG13, Beclin1 or eIF2α strong suppressed killing by [ERBB3 + c-MET + c-KIT] knock down, but were only modestly protective against [afatinib + dasatinib] lethality. Thus afatinib resistant H1975 NSCLC cells rely on ERBB1- and SRC-dependent hyper-activation of residual ERBB3 and elevated signaling, due to elevated protein expression, from wild type c-MET and c-KIT to remain alive. Inhibition of ERBB3 signaling via both blockade of SRC and ERBB1 results in tumor cell death.
Influence of Water Hardness on Silver Ion and Silver Nanoparticle Fate and Toxicity Toward Nitrosomonas europaea

Abstract This study investigated the influence of water hardness (Mg2+ and Ca2+) on the fate and toxicity of 20 nm citrate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Ag+ toward Nitrosomonas europaea, a model ammonia-oxidizing bacterium. Nitrification inhibition of N. europaea by 1 ppm AgNPs and 0.5 ppm Ag+ was reduced from 80% and 83%, respectively, in the absence of Mg2+ to 2% and 33%, respectively, in the presence of 730 μM Mg2+. Introduction of Mg2+ resulted in the rapid aggregation of the AgNP suspensions and reduced the 3 h Ag+ dissolution rates from 30%, in the absence of Mg2+, to 9%, in the presence of 730 μM Mg2+. Reduced AgNP dissolution rates resulted in decreased concentrations of silver that were found adsorbed to N. europaea cells. Increasing AgNP concentrations in the presence of Mg2+ increased the observed inhibition of nitrification, but was always less than what was observed in the absence of Mg2+. The presence of Mg2+ also reduced the adsorption of Ag+ to cells, possibly due to multiple mechanisms...