cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Goal Programming Decision Support System for Multiobjective Operation of Reservoir Systems

Many authors have documented the minimal use of optimization in practical day-to-day multipurpose reservoir operations. The RiverWare decision support system is a flexible general river basin modeling tool that allows water resources engineers to both simulate and optimize the management of multipurpose reservoir systems for daily operations. This paper describes RiverWare's optimization capabilities and its use by Tennessee Valley Authority operations schedulers. Input data requirements include (1) physical and economic characteristics of the system; (2) prioritized policy goals; and (3) parameters for automatic linearization. RiverWare automatically generates and efficiently solves a multiobjective, preemptive linear goal programming formulation of a reservoir system. An advanced feature of RiverWare is that both the physical model of the river basin and the operating policy are defined and easily modified by the modeler through an interactive graphical user interface. Any modifications are automaticall...
Compositional receptor modeling

Receptor models apportion an ambient mixture of pollutants to the contributing pollution sources. Often, neither the number of sources nor their chemical profiles are known precisely. The dual goals of modeling are to estimate the chemical ‘signature’ of the sources, and to characterize the mixing process. The author develops a novel modeling approach for receptor data where all model components are compositions (i.e. vectors of proportions). This approach maintains positivity and summation constraints for source contributions and chemical profiles. Further, it incorporates available prior knowledge regarding the source chemical profiles. Including prior knowledge allows parameter estimation while avoiding restrictive assumptions regarding presence or absence of chemical tracers. This approach is illustrated by modeling air pollution data collected from a receptor near Juneau, Alaska. The compositional model produces point estimates of source profiles and mixing proportions similar to those obtained in a previous study. However, interval estimates for mixing proportions are roughly 30 per cent shorter than those found previously. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hamstring graft technique for stabilization of canine cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifles.

Objective— To investigate the harvest and application of hamstring grafts for canine cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) reconstruction. Study Design— Experimental study. Animals— Four adult female hounds, weighing 26.3 ± 1.6 kg (mean ± SEM). Methods— One stifle in each dog was randomly chosen for hamstring graft CrCL reconstruction after native CrCL transection. Arthroscopy was performed to evaluate graft integrity at 12 weeks. Gait analysis and stifle radiographs were performed preoperatively and up to 52 weeks after graft placement. Dogs were killed 12 (n = 2) or 52 weeks (n = 2) after CrCL reconstruction. Tissues were evaluated grossly and with light and confocal laser microscopy. Results— Hamstring grafts were intact in all stifles at 12 weeks (n = 4) and 52 weeks (n = 2). Grossly, there was no osteoarthritis in stifles at 12 weeks and only chondrophytes along the trochlear ridges at 52 weeks. Minimal radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis developed in stifles with grafts during the study. Lameness in limbs with grafts resolved by 52 weeks. Graft tissue was highly vascular, ligamentized, and undergoing active remodeling at 12 weeks. Fifty-two weeks after graft placement, intraarticular graft tissue was well vascularized, mature, and encapsulated by synovium, and graft-bone interfaces were characterized by Sharpey's fiber insertions. There was no evidence of graft necrosis using confocal laser microscopy at either time point. Conclusions— The hamstring graft technique may be a viable method of canine CrCL reconstruction. Clinical Relevance— Hamstring grafts may be an alternative technique for canine CrCL reconstruction. Further study is needed before clinical application.
Response of Transition Zones to Nearby Sources

Summary In this study we develop a method to compute the seismic response to a P-wave source in or near an inhomogeneous transition zone. Our method is applicable to the cases in which the characteristic dimension of the transition zone is comparable to the wavelength and the source is located near (within a few wavelengths) or in the transition zone. Our method can take a fuller account of the frequency dependent effects of the transition zone than ray-theoretical methods do, in order that we may determine the nature of the transition zones more precisely. In our method we avoid the complexity of scattering in the near field of a point source by considering the reciprocal problem, which is simply related to the forward problem. We solve the reciprocal problem by using a plane wave approximation in the far field. An exact wave solution for plane waves incident on a one-dimensional acoustic or elastic linear transition layer is used. An algorithm is developed to evaluate the wave solutions for a general class of linear transition zones. The ratio of the magnitude of the first order correction term to the leading term in the steepest descent expansion indicates the region where the steepest descent solution is accurate.
Chemokine receptor expression by neural progenitor cells in neurogenic regions of mouse brain

We previously demonstrated that chemokine receptors are expressed by neural progenitors grown as cultured neurospheres. To examine the significance of these findings for neural progenitor function in vivo, we investigated whether chemokine receptors were expressed by cells having the characteristics of neural progenitors in neurogenic regions of the postnatal brain. Using in situ hybridization we demonstrated the expression of CCR1, CCR2, CCR5, CXCR3, and CXCR4 chemokine receptors by cells in the dentate gyrus (DG), subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle, and olfactory bulb. The pattern of expression for all of these receptors was similar, including regions where neural progenitors normally reside. In addition, we attempted to colocalize chemokine receptors with markers for neural progenitors. In order to do this we used nestin-EGFP and TLX-LacZ transgenic mice, as well as labeling for Ki67, a marker for dividing cells. In all three areas of the brain we demonstrated colocalization of chemokine receptors with these three markers in populations of cells. Expression of chemokine receptors by neural progenitors was further confirmed using CXCR4-EGFP BAC transgenic mice. Expression of CXCR4 in the DG included cells that expressed nestin and GFAP as well as cells that appeared to be immature granule neurons expressing PSA-NCAM, calretinin, and Prox-1. CXCR4-expressing cells in the DG were found in close proximity to immature granule neurons that expressed the chemokine SDF-1/CXCL12. Cells expressing CXCR4 frequently coexpressed CCR2 receptors. These data support the hypothesis that chemokine receptors are important in regulating the migration of progenitor cells in postnatal brain.
Effects of oat and wheat cereals on endothelial responses.

Abstract Background. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of month-long whole grain oat and wheat cereal supplementation on endothelial function following a fatty meal as measured by brachial artery reactivity studies. Methods. Fifty healthy adult subjects underwent brachial artery reactivity studies before and after a high-fat meal along with α-tocopherol (vitamin E), oats, or a comparable bowl of wheat cereal and were again tested after the high-fat meal following month-long supplementation with oat or wheat cereal in a random crossover with interim washout. Results. In the acute phase, the fatty meal attenuated the hyperemic brachial artery flow response when administered concurrently with wheat cereal (−13.4%; P = 0.02), whereas hyperemic flow was maintained by concurrent administration of either oatmeal or α-tocopherol. Following month-long supplementation, postprandial peak flow (wheat +3.88 ± 5.62%; oat −10.78 ± 7.15%), and peak diameter (wheat −1.40 ± 0.96%; oat −0.86 ± 0.88%) did not differ from preprandial values. Oat and wheat treatments did not differ when directly compared. Conclusions. Month-long, daily supplementation with either whole-grain oat or wheat cereal may prevent postprandial impairment of vascular reactivity in response to a high-fat meal.
Entanglement of Light-Shift Compensated Atomic Spin Waves with Telecom Light

Entanglement of a 795 nm light polarization qubit and an atomic Rb spin-wave qubit for a storage time of 0.1 s is observed by measuring the violation of Bell's inequality ($S=2.65\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.12$). Long qubit storage times are achieved by pinning the spin wave in a 1064 nm wavelength optical lattice, with a magic-valued magnetic field superposed to eliminate lattice-induced dephasing. Four-wave mixing in a cold Rb gas is employed to perform light qubit conversion between near infrared (795 nm) and telecom (1367 nm) wavelengths, and after propagation in a telecom fiber, to invert the conversion process. Observed Bell inequality violation ($S=2.66\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.09$), at 10 ms storage, confirms preservation of memory-light entanglement through the two stages of light qubit frequency conversion.
The silent risks of blood transfusion.

Purpose of reviewClinical research has identified blood transfusion as an independent risk factor for immediate and long-term adverse outcomes, including an increased risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure, infection and malignancy. New findings have called into question the tra
65: Factitious Hyperphosphatemia Due to Sample Contamination With Heparin in an Arterial Line

FACTITIOUS HYPERPHOSPHATEMIA DUE TO SAMPLE CONTAMINATION WITH HEPARIN IN AN ARTERIAL LINE Ziad El-Zoghby; Kevin Regner; Mark Keegan; Edward Casey Divisions of Nephrology and Critical Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Hyperphosphatemia is a common problem encountered in CKD. In the absence of CKD, usual causes of hyperphosphatemia include exogenous intake, hemolysis, lactic and ketoacidosis, tumor lysis syndrome and rhabdomyolysis. Pseudo-hyperphosphatemia can occur in the setting of specimen hemolysis, hyperbilirubinemia, hyperlipidemia, and more commonly paraproteinemia. Here, we describe a case of factitious hyperphosphatemia due to sample contamination with heparin. 77 year-old male with diabetes and coronary artery disease, was admitted with constrictive pericarditis and pleural effusions. He underwent a pericardectomy but the right pleural effusion evolved to hydropneumothorax and trapped lung requiring decortication. His serum phosphorus level on admission was 2.8 mg/dL (2.5-4.5). Following the lung decortication his phosphorus rose from 4.8 mg/dL to 5.5, 10.4, 13, 16.5, 14.9 and 23.4 mg/dL over 36 hours. His ionized calcium decreased from 4.21 to 3.13 mg/dL (4.8-5.7). The patient was intubated and stable hemodynamically. His exam was unremarkable. He was on enteral nutrition and his formulation was changed when his phosphorus was 10.4 mg/dL to a lower phosphorus formula. There was no evidence of bleeding, hemolysis or rhabdomyolysis. LFT’s, lactate and PTH were normal. Creatinine was normal (1-1.2 mg/dL) and urine output was 100 cc/h on average. His medications included digoxin, pantoprazole, fluticasone/salmeterol, insulin, and heparin subcutaneously. Because the clinical and laboratory data could not explain the hyperphosphatemia, a lab error was suspected. However, serial measurements of phosphorus confirmed the elevation. Further investigation, revealed that all the blood specimens were drawn from an arterial line in which patency is usually maintained by a heparinized saline solution buffered by a phosphate solution (1000 U heparin solution with 2U/ml Na heparin in 0.9% NaCl contains around 103 mg/dL of phosphate). A phosphorus level checked on a specimen drawn from a central line was normal at 4.8 mg/dL. Factitious hyperphosphatemia secondary to heparin flushes is not well recognized and nephrologists should be aware of this entity to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatments.
On the relationship between microbubble fragmentation, deflation and broadband superharmonic signal production.

Acoustic angiography imaging of microbubble contrast agents uses the superharmonic energy produced from excited microbubbles and enables high-contrast, high-resolution imaging. However, the exact mechanism by which broadband harmonic energy is produced is not fully understood. To elucidate the role of microbubble shell fragmentation in superharmonic signal production, simultaneous optical and acoustic measurements were performed on individual microbubbles at transmit frequencies from 1.75 to 3.75 MHz and pressures near the shell fragmentation threshold for microbubbles of varying diameter. High-amplitude, broadband superharmonic signals were produced with shell fragmentation, whereas weaker signals (approximately 25% of peak amplitude) were observed in the presence of shrinking bubbles. Furthermore, when populations of stationary microbubbles were imaged with a dual-frequency ultrasound imaging system, a sharper decline in image intensity with respect to frame number was observed for 1-μm bubbles than for 4-μm bubbles. Finally, in a study of two rodents, increasing frame rate from 4 to 7 Hz resulted in decreases in mean steady-state image intensity of 27% at 1000 kPa and 29% at 1300 kPa. Although the existence of superharmonic signals when bubbles shrink has the potential to prolong the imaging efficacy of microbubbles, parameters such as frame rate and peak pressure must be balanced with expected re-perfusion rate to maintain adequate contrast during in vivo imaging.
Networking, Storytelling and Knowledge Production in First-Year Writing

Abstract As writing teachers, we seek to validate the knowledge that students bring to the classroom while introducing and cultivating new methods, strategies, techniques and technologies that may serve them now and in the future. In this article we describe an approach we take that integrates curricular and extracurricular co-apprenticeship strategies using public writing models in conjunction with social networking tools. With publication as a final goal, we urge students to move from expressing personal problems to addressing social issues, using a private, non-commercial learning network NoDiff http://NoDiff.com > as a safe zone for skills development, knowledge production and social inquiry. In taking this approach, we resist dichotomies that place professional skills training in strict opposition to critical pedagogy. We argue that many of the so-called “extracurricular” composing activities that most of today's students engage in lay the groundwork for both professional and civic participation. Acknowledging that we as composition teachers are also beginners in the world of 21st century communication, we emphasize both (1) the continual transference of skills and knowledge among teachers and learners; and (2) the importance of providing what is often lacking in skills-based ‘new literacy’ training, namely a critical pedagogical approach to learning as social engagement and critical intervention.
Prostate cancer: Ideal candidates for focal therapy

Despite considerable interest in focal therapy for patients with prostate cancer, no universally accepted criteria exist to identify candidates. A new study now suggests that accurate patient identification for focal therapy is not possible using conventional techniques. New tools are required to precisely characterize and localize tumors.
Chlamydia trachomatis endocarditis

Abstract A case of infective endocarditis due to Chlamydia trachomatis immunotype F is reported. Multiple negative blood cultures were a major deterrant from the initial clinical diagnosis of infective endocarditis. Postmortem ultrastructural identification of Chlamydia in the aortic valve vegetation led to an intensive retrospective study of retrieved serum samples utilizing microimmunofluorescent tests. Likewise an unusual echocardiographic finding was discovered to be the ultrasonic visualization of an aortic ring abscess. No similar case could be found in the literature. Clinicopathologic correlations are presented.
Effect of mindfulness training on asthma quality of life and lung function: a randomised controlled trial

Background This study evaluated the efficacy of a mindfulness training programme (mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)) in improving asthma-related quality of life and lung function in patients with asthma. Methods A randomised controlled trial compared an 8-week MBSR group-based programme (n=42) with an educational control programme (n=41) in adults with mild, moderate or severe persistent asthma recruited at a university hospital outpatient primary care and pulmonary care clinic. Primary outcomes were quality of life (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire) and lung function (change from baseline in 2-week average morning peak expiratory flow (PEF)). Secondary outcomes were asthma control assessed by 2007 National Institutes of Health/National Heart Lung and Blood Institute guidelines, and stress (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)). Follow-up assessments were conducted at 10 weeks, 6 and 12 months. Results At 12 months MBSR resulted in clinically significant improvements from baseline in quality of life (differential change in Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score for MBSR vs control: 0.66 (95% CI 0.30 to 1.03; p Conclusions MBSR produced lasting and clinically significant improvements in asthma-related quality of life and stress in patients with persistent asthma, without improvements in lung function. Clinical Trial Registration Number Asthma and Mindfulness-Based Reduction (MBSR) Identifier: NCT00682669. clinicaltrials.gov.
An Oxygen Isotope Mixing Model for the Accretion and Composition of Rocky Planets

The oxygen isotope systematics in planetary and nebular matter are used to constrain the types of nebular material accreted to form a planet. The basic assumption of this model is that the mean oxygen isotopic composition of a planet is determined by the weighted mean oxygen isotopic composition of nebular matter accreted by the planet. Chondrites are taken as representatives of nebular matter. The chemical composition (which determines core size, mantle oxidation state, density, moment of inertia) of a planet results from the weighted mean compositions of the accreted nebular material, once the mass fractions of the different types of accreting matter are known. Here some results for Earth, Moon, Mars, and Vesta are discussed. The model implies that loss of volatile elements, such as alkalis and halogens, occurs during accretion and early planetary differentiation (e. g., by catastrophic impacts). The possible depletion mechanisms of moderately volatile elements are discussed.
Histone structure and nucleosome stability

Histone proteins play essential structural and functional roles in the transition between active and inactive chromatin states. Although histones have a high degree of conservation due to constraints to maintain the overall structure of the nucleosomal octameric core, variants have evolved to assume diverse roles in gene regulation and epigenetic silencing. Histone variants, post-translational modifications and interactions with chromatin remodeling complexes influence DNA replication, transcription, repair and recombination. The authors review recent findings on the structure of chromatin that confirm previous interparticle interactions observed in crystal structures.
Consent, Estoppel, and Reasonableness: Three Challenges to Universal International Law

Like consent and estoppel, the concept of reasonableness, while failing to provide an adequate explanation of the source of obligation in customary international law, does play an important psychological role in adding to the pressure of international norms upon states. The result is to increase the sense of legality of the rules that are accepted by states as part of “customary international law.” This is not to say that each and every alleged rule of universal international law must contain one or more of the elements of consent, estoppel, or reasonableness in order for it to be “valid.”
Helping behaviors: An observational study of preschool children

The present study examined the stability and circumstances of helping behaviors in the preschool classroom. Frequencies of helping/nonhelping behaviors, including the type and circumstance of helping behavior, were observed for 51 children during free play by two judges. The frequency of helping behaviors was not correlated with age or sex and was not stable over four 10-min observation periods. Helping behaviors may depend on the details of evoking situations. The majority of all helping acts are performed during nonimaginary play. Each child performed at least one real helping act: the majority of children performed at least one self-initiated helping act. Most helping acts occur in response to a request from a teacher. Results were interpreted to support that most preschool children are capable of engaging in helping acts; however, in the preschool classroom, teachers elicit most helping behaviors.
Hidden Conditional Random Fields for phone recognition

We apply Hidden Conditional Random Fields (HCRFs) to the task of TIMIT phone recognition. HCRFs are discriminatively trained sequence models that augment conditional random fields with hidden states that are capable of representing subphones and mixture components. We extend HCRFs, which had previously only been applied to phone classification with known boundaries, to recognize continuous phone sequences. We use an N-best inference algorithm in both learning (to approximate all competitor phone sequences) and decoding (to marginalize over hidden states). Our monophone HCRFs achieve 28.3% phone error rate, outperforming maximum likelihood trained HMMs by 3.6%, maximum mutual information trained HMMs by 2.5%, and minimum phone error trained HMMs by 2.2%. We show that this win is partially due to HCRFs' ability to simultaneously optimize discriminative language models and acoustic models, a powerful property that has important implications for speech recognition.
Hydrogen sulfide preconditions the db/db diabetic mouse heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury by activating Nrf2 signaling in an Erk-dependent manner

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) therapy protects nondiabetic animals in various models of myocardial injury, including acute myocardial infarction and heart failure. Here, we sought to examine whether H2S therapy provides cardioprotection in the setting of type 2 diabetes. H2S therapy in the form of sodium sulfide (Na2S) beginning 24 h or 7 days before myocardial ischemia significantly decreased myocardial injury in db/db diabetic mice (12 wk of age). In an effort to evaluate the signaling mechanism responsible for the observed cardioprotection, we focused on the role of nuclear factor E2-related factor (Nrf2) signaling. Our results indicate that diabetes does not alter the ability of H2S to increase the nuclear localization of Nrf2, but does impair aspects of Nrf2 signaling. Specifically, the expression of NADPH quinine oxidoreductase 1 was increased after the acute treatment, whereas the expression of heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was only increased after 7 days of treatment. This discrepancy was found to be the result of an increased nuclear expression of Bach1, a known repressor of HO-1 transcription, which blocked the binding of Nrf2 to the HO-1 promoter. Further analysis revealed that 7 days of Na2S treatment overcame this impairment by removing Bach1 from the nucleus in an Erk1/2-dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that exogenous administration of Na2S attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in db/db mice, suggesting the potential therapeutic effects of H2S in treating a heart attack in the setting of type 2 diabetes.
Negotiation support systems for intercultural negotiation based on evolutionary systems design

Summary form only given. As background for an open forum on negotiation support systems (NSS) for intercultural negotiation, the topic is outlined from the viewpoint of evolutionary systems design (ESD). Culture has been defined "as a set of shared and enduring meanings, values, and beliefs that characterize national, ethnic, or other groups and orient their behavior" (G.O. Faure and J.Z. Rubin, 1993). We are concerned with intercultural (between-culture) negotiation. In particular, we are interested in the design and use of NSS to support intercultural negotiation. We suggest that NSS for this purpose can be based on a computer implemented universal (culture independent) general problem solving framework (problem representation) for group processes.
Prospects for human gene therapy

Procedures have now been developed for inserting functional genes into the bone marrow of mice. The most effective delivery system at present uses retroviral-based vectors to transfer a gene into murine bone marrow cells in culture. The genetically altered bone marrow is then implanted into recipient animals. These somatic cell gene therapy techniques are becoming increasingly efficient. Their future application in humans should result in at least partial correction of a number of genetic disorders. However, the safety of the procedures must still be established by further animal studies before human clinical trials would be ethical.
Cementum annulation and age determination in Homo sapiens. II. Estimates and accuracy.

Abstract The cementum annulation aging technique was evaluated in a sample of 80 clinically extracted premolars (age range 11-70 years). Demineralized thin sections (7 micron) stained with hematoxylin were used. The correlation (r) between age and adjusted count (number of annulations added to age of tooth eruption) was 0.78 for the entire sample (N = 73) and 0.86 for a subsample in which teeth with periodontal disease were excluded (N = 55). Standard error of the estimates ranged from 4.7 to 9.7 years depending on sex and health status of the tooth. The technique provided significantly better estimates for females than for males. The overall inaccuracy (mean absolute error) of the technique was 6.0 years, with a bias (mean error) of 0.26 years. Reduced major axis regression of adjusted count on age produced a slope of 0.797 for the entire sample and 0.889 for the nonperiodontal disease subsample. These slopes are consistent with a hypothesis of annual deposition of cementum rings given a decrease in cementogenesis with increasing age.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for mismatch shaping in a general class of multibit DACs

Multibit digital-to-analog converters (DACs) are often constructed by combining several 1-bit DACs of equal or different weights in parallel. In such DACs, component mismatches give rise to signal dependent error that can be viewed as additive DAC noise. In some cases these DACs use dynamic element matching techniques to decorrelate the DAC mismatch noise from the input sequence and suppress its power in certain frequency bands. Such DACs are referred to as mismatch-shaping DACs and have been used widely as enabling components in state-of-the-art /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ data converters. Several different mismatch-shaping DAC topologies have been presented, but theoretical analyses have been scarce and no general unifying theory has been presented in the previously published literature. This paper presents such a unifying theory in the form of necessary and sufficient conditions for a multibit DAC to be a mismatch-shaping DAC and applies the conditions to evaluate the DAC noise generated by several of the previously published mismatch-shaping DACs and qualitatively compare their behavior.
Coevolution of the Pacific salmon and Pacific Rim topography

The late Cenozoic radiation of the Pacific salmon and trout (Oncorhynchus spp.) resulted in five species that are widely distributed in western North America and occupy distinct parts of river networks. The dramatic radiation of the Pacific salmon contrasts with the history of the Atlantic salmon, which have evolved little since the divergence of Oncorhynchus. Conventional hypotheses for the radiation of the Pacific salmon stress geographic isolation due to Pleistocene glaciations, but paleontological evidence dates their speciation to the middle Miocene to early Pliocene. Tertiary marine cooling may have spurred the development of anadromy in salmon and other fish, but does not readily explain the different evolutionary trajectories for the Pacific and Atlantic salmon. The timing of Pacific salmon speciation corresponds to significant physiographic changes around the Pacific Rim, suggesting that increased topographic diversity due to an active tectonic regime contributed to the evolution of the Pacific salmon.
Monotonically improving approximate answers to relational algebra queries

A query processing method that produces approximate answers to queries posed in standard relational algebra is presented. This method is monotone in the sense that the accuracy of the approximate result improves with the amount of time spent producing the result. This strategy makes it possible to trade the time to produce the result for the accuracy of the result. An approximate relational model that characterizes approximate relations and a partial order for comparing them is developed. Relational operators which operate on and return approximate relations are defined. >
The Mechanical Properties of Electroplated Cu Thin Films Measured by means of the Bulge Test Technique

The mechanical properties of freestanding electroplated Cu films were determined by measuring the deflection of Si-framed, pressurized membranes. The films were deformed under plane-strain conditions. The pressure-deflection data are converted into stress-strain curves by means of simple analytical formulae. The microstructure of the Cu films was characterized using scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. The yield stress, Young's modulus, and residual stress were determined as a function of film thickness and microstructure. Both yield stress and Young's modulus increase with decreasing film thickness and correlate well with changes in the microstructure and texture of the films.
Mathematical Representation of Size and Electronic Factors

The relative sizes of the atoms and their electronic configurations are important factors in determining the thermodynamic properties of metallic phases. The regular solution model provides for an asymmetric excess Gibbs energy when there is a size difference, but the actual degree of asymmetry does not correspond to crystallographic sizes. This is due in part to the effect of electronic configurations upon the asymmetry of the Gibbs energy. The Hume–Rothery Rules indicate that the bcc, hcp, and ccp structures are associated with characteristic outer-shell electron per atom concentrations. The electronic factors require modification of the usual definition of internal pressure as used in the regular solution theory. Rather than using the energy of vaporization to the ground atomic state, the energy of vaporization to the valence state atom, which has the same electronic configuration as in the condensed state, is a more appropriate measure of the degree of cohesion and the internal pressure. The problems of providing mathematical expressions that accomodate the contributions of internal pressure, electronic factors, and size factors are discussed.
Multi-robot surveillance: An improved algorithm for the GRAPH-CLEAR problem

The main contribution of this paper is an improved algorithm for the GRAPH-CLEAR problem, a novel NP-complete graph theoretic problem we recently introduced as a tool to model multi-robot surveillance tasks. The proposed algorithm combines two previously developed solving techniques and produces strategies that require less robots to be executed. We provide a theoretical framework useful to identify the conditions for the existence of an optimal solution under special circumstances, and a set of mathematical tools characterizing the problem being studied. Finally we also identify a set of open questions deserving more investigations.
Radioprotection in E. Coli by an Agent from M. Radiodurans

SummaryAn agent extracted from the radioresistant bacterium M. radiodurans was found to protect several strains of E. coli from X-radiation. Optimal radioprotection was observed when the repair-proficient B/r strain was irradiated in the presence of the agent under hypoxic conditions. It is proposed that this agent acts to modify damage incurred in the presence of reduced oxygen concentrations so that this damage might be subsequently repaired.
Access for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Which Is the Preferred Route?

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been performed in an estimated 50,000 patients worldwide in 46 countries. Significant advancements in delivery techniques and devices, including lower profile delivery systems and expandable sheaths have served to decrease the access-related
Abstract 549: Loss of Macrophage Akt2/Akt3 or Akt1/Akt2 Decreases Cell Survival and Suppresses Early Atherosclerosis in Ldlr Null Mice

Akt is a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase that plays a key role in multiple cellular processes including glucose metabolism and cell survival. Macrophages express three Akt isoforms, Akt1, Akt2 and Akt3 which have been ascribed a number of isoform specific effects but may also be functionally redundant in terms of Akt signaling. Here we hypothesize that dramatic reduction of Akt content with loss of two isoforms will suppress Akt signaling in macrophages, reducing their survival and modulating the development of atherosclerosis. To test this hypothesis, we generated mice with combined deficiency Akt2/Akt3 in hematopoietic cells. Peritoneal macrophages isolated from these mice preserved a similar level of Akt phosphorylation when treated with insulin but exhibited a dramatic increase in apoptosis in response to several different factors that induce ER stress compared to WT or single Akt2 or Akt3 knockout macrophages. Male LDLR null mice reconstituted with double Akt2/Akt3 knockout hematopoietic cells and fed the Western diet for 8 weeks developed smaller (57.6 % reduction) atherosclerotic lesions with more apoptotic macrophages in the proximal aorta than control WT→LDLR-/- mice, in the absence of changes in plasma lipid levels. Thus, loss of Akt2/Akt3 in macrophages increases their sensitivity to apoptosis and decreases atherosclerosis. Next, we generated mice with combined deficiency of Akt1/Akt2 in hematopoietic cells. Again, loss of a single Akt1 or Akt2 isoform in macrophages had no impact on cell apoptosis, whereas combined Akt1/Akt2 deficiency did not change Akt phosphorylation but markedly compromised their sensitivity to different apoptotic stimuli. Furthermore, male and female LDLR-/- mice transplanted with Akt1/Akt2 knockout hematopoietic cells had significantly smaller atherosclerotic lesions with increased macrophage apoptosis than control WT→LDLR-/- mice. Taken together these data indicate that a dramatic reduction of Akt protein in macrophages with loss of either of the Akt1/Akt2 or Akt2/Akt3 pairs of isoforms significantly compromises cell survival and this diminishes early atherosclerosis.
'Mal-Adaptive' Federalism: Addressing the Structural Barriers to Interstate Coordination of Sustainability Initiatives

While the federal government has been slow to address problems such as climate change, many states have adopted innovative approaches to address the climate impact of using natural resources to produce energy, including aggressive approaches to regulating carbon emissions and renewable and clean energy standards. This Article identifies an emerging challenge that subnational regulation faces in the energy and environmental context -- what I will call “maladaptive” federalism -- and argues that federalism discussions need to account for its possibility. Part I highlights adaptive regulation as a form of federalism, echoing a vision for subnational regulation many federalism scholars and policymakers have endorsed over the past two decades. Part II argues that policy choices by subnational units of government that fail to account for or consider these coordination benefits should not be celebrated as a form of adaptive federalism merely because they are state policy choices. I identify subnational recalcitrance (on inaction by states) and backlash (or reversing course) as two potential types of maladaptation, provides examples of each, and use these to illustrate the structural features of subnational governments that make maladaptation most likely. Part III argues in favor of pro-adaptation tools that federal agencies can use to address the enactment costs of states taking maladaptive approaches. In certain contexts, focusing on enactment costs associated with the structure of state governments will superior to federal policies that preempt subnational units of government altogether by making the policy choice for them. Such tools not only make maladaptation less likely; they also help to ensure that when a state does opt for an maladaptive policy path that it does so because it is making explicit tradeoffs in ways that are more likely to be welfare-enhancing and politically accountable.
Creative Consultants, Inc. (B)

This case is a continuation of the A case (UVA-C-2086) but from the perspective of a portfolio manager who is trying to make sense of CCI's financial performance.
Effect of 2′-O-methyl/thiophosphonoacetate-modified antisense oligonucleotides on huntingtin expression in patient-derived cells

Optimizing oligonucleotides as therapeutics will require exploring how chemistry can be used to enhance their effects inside cells. To achieve this goal it will be necessary to fully explore chemical space around the native DNA/RNA framework to define the potential of diverse chemical modifications. In this report we examine the potential of thiophosphonoacetate (thioPACE)-modified 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides as inhibitors of human huntingtin (HTT) expression. Inhibition occurred, but was less than with analogous locked nucleic acid (LNA)-substituted oligomers lacking the thioPACE modification. These data suggest that thioPACE oligonucleotides have the potential to control gene expression inside cells. However, advantages relative to other modifications were not demonstrated. Additional modifications are likely to be necessary to fully explore any potential advantages of thioPACE substitutions.
Impact of high porosity on thermal transport in UO 2 nuclear fuel

During the advance of the nuclear fission reaction, fission products accumulate and form pores (gas bubbles) that decrease the thermal conductivity of the nuclear fuel, potentially leading to overheating of the fuel element. To investigate this important phenomenon, a finite-element method is used to simulate the effect of 3-dimensional (3D) distributions of pores on the thermal transport in a nuclear fuel element consisting of uranium oxide (UO2) nuclear fuel pellet and Zircaloy cladding. Spherical pores ranging in size from 70 to 172 µm are introduced to create up to 30 vol% total porosity. The simulations demonstrate that the centerline temperature increases with the total porosity and the increase is nonlinear. The results also show that the centerline temperature, at fixed total porosity, weakly depends on the pore size distribution. This method can provide useful information regarding the effect of high porosity levels that may occur in off-normal operation conditions.
Interfacial adhesive properties between a rigid-rod pyromellitimide molecular layer and a covalent semiconductor via atomistic simulations.

We conducted a comprehensive atomistic simulation study of the adhesive properties of aromatic rigid-rod poly- ((4,4'diphenylene) pyromellitimide) on a dimer-reconstructed silicon surface. We describe the structural developments within the adherent's interfacial region at the atomistic scale, and evaluate the energetics of the adhesive interactions between bimaterial constituents. In particular, we observe a transition between noncontact and contact adhesion regimes as a function of the interfacial bonding strength between the polyimide repeat units and the silicon substrate. This transition is manifest by a three- to four-fold increase in adhesive energy, which is entirely attributable to structural relaxation in the organic layer near the interface, revealing the importance of accurately describing structural details at interfaces for reliable interfacial strength predictions. The underlying molecular reconfigurations in the pyromellitimide layer include preferred orientation of the rigid-rod molecules, molecular stacking, ordering, and the local densification. The role of each of these factors in the adhesive behavior is analyzed and conclusively described. Where possible, simulation results are compared with theoretical model predictions or experimental data.
A New Coarse-Grained Force Field for Membrane-Peptide Simulations.

We present a new coarse-grained (CG) model for simulations of lipids and peptides. The model follows the same topology and parametrization strategy as the MARTINI force field but is based on our recently developed big multipole water (BMW) model for water (J. Phys. Chem. B2010, 114, 10524–10529). The new BMW-MARTINI force field reproduces many fundamental membrane properties and also yields improved energetics (when compared to the original MARTINI force-field) for the interactions between charged amino acids with lipid membranes, especially at the membrane–water interface. A stable attachment of cationic peptides (e.g., Arg8) to the membrane surface is predicted, consistent with experiment and in contrast to the MARTINI model. The model predicts electroporation when there is a charge imbalance across the lipid bilayer, an improvement over the original MARTINI. Moreover, the pore formed during electroporation is toroidal in nature, similar to the prediction of atomistic simulations but distinct from resul...
Urinary metabolites of mevalonic acid: evidence that mevalonic acid is not a precursor of isovalthine.

SummarySynthetic isovalthine (S-(isopropyl-carboxymethyl)-cysteine) was added to urine from hypercholesterolemic patients that had received mevalonic acid-2-C14 intravenously. Isovalthine recovered from the urine was found to be devoid of radioactivity thus indicating that either (a) mevalonic acid is not a precursor of isovalthine, or (b) mevalonic acid may be a precursor of isovalthine but the metabolite is not encountered in all cases of hypercholesterolemia. The existence in the urine samples studied of an amphoteric metabolite of mevalonic acid was demonstrated.
The Mars Science Laboratory Supratactical Process

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover Curiosity landed on Mars on August 5th, 2012. In the past year of surface operations, MSL has accomplished complex post-landing subsystem checkouts of all of its subsystems and achieved many of its primary mission goals. While much of MSL’s operations process is based on Mars Exploration Rover (MER) operations, the Supratactical process is new to MSL. Like MER, the MSL rover is commanded every sol (Martian day) through a ‘tactical’ planning process, with the plan for a sol dependent on evaluation of the results from the prior sol. However, unlike MER, many MSL activities require coordinated multi-sol campaigns involving engineering and science instrument teams distributed around the world. The MSL Supratactical process was thus developed to coordinate strategic inputs to tactical planning and assess upcoming rover activities in light of the latest rover conditions. The Supratactical process provides a way to manage complexity and discover issues early, decreasing the chance that the tactical process will get overloaded and therefore have to reject activities, or that any threats to the rover ever reach the vehicle. The Supratactical process helps mitigate risks and identify opportunities in the upcoming rover activity plans by coordinating science and engineering priorities and constraints prior to the tactical process. As a result, it facilitates more optimal planning of rover activities during multi-sol campaigns. With a rover and payload significantly more complex than that of MER, and many operational constraints, the Supratactical process enables MSL to implement complicated plans on a MER-style tactical timeline. The Supratactical process has evolved to meet changing needs during the first year of MSL surface operations. Many of the lessons learned while applying the process during the early MSL checkout phase have enabled more efficient operations during the first sampling campaigns. That experience is now informing new changes to the process, as it is adapted during the long drive campaign to Mount Sharp. In all of the different phases of MSL surface operations to date, the Supratactical process has contributed to the rich science return of the mission by helping optimize rover plans and working constraints early. Future planetary surface missions of MSL-level complexity, which require both tactical planning as well as coordinated multi-sol campaigns, may benefit from a similar Supratactical process to enhance their mission return.
The Effect of a Keto Acid–Amino Acid Supplement to a Restricted Diet on the Progression of Chronic Renal Failure

We treated 24 patients who had chronic renal failure with a low-phosphorus diet containing 20 to 30 g of mixed-quality protein, supplemented by amino acids and their keto analogues. Seventeen patients had well-defined rates of progression before treatment, as assessed by serial determinations of serum creatinine levels. By extrapolating these rates of progression, we found that 10 of the 17 (59 per cent) had a clinically important slower rise in creatinine levels during long-term treatment (average, 20 months) than predicted; none had a faster rise than predicted. Seven of the 17 patients began treatment before creatinine reached the level of 8 mg per deciliter; in six of the seven, followed for an average of 22 months, creatinine has remained at or below the level at the start of treatment. Nutrition, as assessed by body weight, nitrogen balance, serum albumin, and serum transferrin, has been well maintained. This regimen slowed or arrested the rise in creatinine levels and thus must have slowed or halted the progression of renal insufficiency in a majority of cases, especially when treatment was initiated before creatinine had reached the level of 8 mg per deciliter. The mechanism underlying this effect remains to be determined.
Inability of Fetal Liver to Synthesize Plasma Phospholipids

SummaryFollowing intraperitoneal injection of 32P into newborn rabbits, appearance of radioactivity in plasma phospholipids was delayed for 3 hr. By contrast adult plasma phospholipids and newborn liver and carcass showed immediate incorporation. Results point to inability of fetal liver to produce plasma phospholipids.
Ratio and the Divine Proportions: Le Corbusier and Rudolf Wittkower

Abstract: This paper will evaluate Le Corbusier’s notion of ratio as expressed in his Modulor and Modulor 2. Particular emphasis will be placed on the dialogue (or polemical exchange) between Rudolf Wittkower and Le Corbusier contained within Modulor 2 concerning the nature of the Divine Proporzione. The historiography of this area of art and architecture includes a vigorous debate from the mid-twentieth century among Modernist architects and art historians over the nature of the Divine Proportions. It is in this context that the dialogue between Le Corbusier and Wittkower occurs. Le Corbusier describes human form with a Fibonacci-based number system expressed through a universally applied system of measure, Le Modulor. Wittkower describes a set of harmonic proportions, conceptually universal, that describe the essence of Renaissance Architecture. Both influenced the course of Modern Architecture in the late twentieth-century. Keywords: Le Modulor, Wittkower. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/LC2015.2015.743