cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alternative splicing of chicken fibronectin in embryos and in normal and transformed cells

To study the alternative splicing of fibronectin during embryogenesis and oncogenic transformation, we isolated cDNA clones of chicken fibronectin. The partial amino acid sequence deduced from sequencing of these clones showed that, overall, chicken fibronectin is approximately 80% identical with mammalian fibronectins. However, two of the three known regions of alternative splicing differed from this average. The V region was significantly more divergent, and RNA from embryonic chicken liver showed a pattern of V exon splicing which was distinct from that seen in human or rat fibronectins. In contrast, the EIIIB segment was very highly conserved (96%). As in mammals, this segment and another (EIIIA) were alternatively spliced in a cell-type-specific fashion. EIIIA+ and EIIIB+ species were almost absent in liver but predominated in total embryo RNA at all times from 2.5 to 11 days postfertilization. We also examined the possible contributions of fibronectin splicing and integrin receptor expression to the loss of fibronectin on oncogenic transformation. We detected little change in fibronectin splicing, other than a slight increase in representation of EIIIB+ species in fibroblasts after transformation by Rous sarcoma virus. It was also established that the overall reduction in fibronectin mRNA level observed after transformation was not accompanied by a decrease in integrin mRNA levels, indicating that fibronectin and integrin receptors are not coordinately regulated at the transcriptional level.
Stressful life events and genetic liability to major depression: genetic control of exposure to the environment?

Background. Although overwhelming evidence suggests that genetic and environmental risk factors both contribute to the aetiology of major depression (MD), we know little of how these two risk factor domains inter-relate. In particular, can the genetic liability to MD increase the risk of experiencing stressful life events (SLEs) ? Methods. Using discrete time survival analysis in a population-based sample of 2164 female twins, we examined whether the risks for nine personal and three aggregate network SLEs were predicted by the level of genetic liability to MD, indexed by the lifetime history of MD in monozygotic and dizygotic co-twins. Results. Genetic liability to MD was associated with a significantly increased risk for six personal SLEs (assault, serious marital problems, divorce/breakup, job loss, serious illness and major financial problems) and one network SLE (trouble getting along with relatives/friends). This effect was not due to SLEs occurring during depressive episodes. Similar results were found using structural equation twin modelling. In contrast to the pattern observed with MD, the genetic liability to alcoholism impacted on the risk for being robbed and having trouble with the law. Conclusion. In women, genetic risk factors for MD increase the probability of experiencing SLEs in the interpersonal and occupational/financial domains. Genes can probably impact on the risk for psychiatric illness by causing individuals to select themselves into high risk environments.
Viscous remanent magnetization model for the Broken Ridge satellite magnetic anomaly

An equivalent source model solution of the satellite magnetic field over Australia obtained by Mayhew et al. (1980) showed that the satellite anomalies could be related to geological features in Australia. When the processing and selection of the Magsat data over the Australian region had progressed to the point where interpretation procedures could be initiated, it was decided to start by attempting to model the Broken Ridge satellite anomaly, which represents one of the very few relatively isolated anomalies in the Magsat maps, with an unambiguous source region. Attention is given to details concerning the Broken Ridge satellite magnetic anomaly, the modeling method used, the Broken Ridge models, modeling results, and characteristics of magnetization.
Near-field H to E transformation using plane wave spectrum theory

Near-field measurements are widely used to indicate the radiation from integrated circuits (IC). To minimize the number of field components measured in a near-field scan, it is necessary to calculate the electric field from magnetic field or vice versa. In this paper, a method based on plane wave spectrum theory is proposed to perform the H to E transformation, and a filtering technique is proposed to address the noise problem in the calculation. A simple active circuit in a 3-D full-wave simulation tool is used to validate this method. This method is useful to reduce the number of field components to be measured, resulting in faster near-field scanning.
Mitochondrial DNA quantity increases with histopathologic grade in premalignant and malignant head and neck lesions.

Purpose: Mitochondria are highly susceptible to oxidative damage. Although mitochondrial function decreases with oxidative damage, overall mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content increases to compensate for general mitochondrial dysfunction. We performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction for genes specific to mitochondrial and nuclear genomes to investigate relative mitochondrial abundance in a spectrum of dysplastic head and neck lesions. Experimental Design: DNA from mild, moderate, and severe dysplasias, as well as invasive tumors and normal mucosal cells, was extracted. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, mitochondrial to nuclear DNA ratios were determined by quantification of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CoxI) and β-actin genes. Results: Mean CoxI/β-actin DNA ratios for mild, moderate, and severe premalignant lesions were 0.0529, 0.0607, and 0.1021, respectively. The mean ratio for the normal mucosal cells contained in saliva was 0.0537, whereas the mean ratio for tumors was 0.1667. As a whole, our experimental model demonstrated significance ( P = 0.0358). Comparisons between individual categories showed borderline significance when compared with the normal group, with P values of 0.0673, 0.0747, and 0.0824 for moderate and severe dysplasia and invasive tumor, respectively. Conclusions: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas arise through premalignant intermediates and may be merely morphologic manifestations of accumulated genetic alterations. In keeping with this molecular tumor progression model, our study shows that mtDNA increases according to histopathologic grade, a phenomenon that may be a feedback mechanism that compensates for a generalized decline in respiratory chain function. Therefore, high mtDNA content may be another marker of genetic alteration, a measure of relative DNA injury, and a surrogate measure of histopathologic grade.
Ultra low flying height measurements using monochromatic and phase demodulated laser interferometry

Phase demodulated laser interferometry and three wavelength monochromatic interferometry are employed to measure the flying height at the slider-disk interface in the sub-100 nanometer spacing range. Phase demodulated laser interferometry measures the relative displacement of the slider using the actual slider and disk, while three wavelength monochromatic interferometry measures the absolute flying height of the slider using a transparent disk and an actual slider. The results from both techniques are found to agree down to the "landing height", i.e., the height when the slider is "resting" on the top of the disk asperities. Landing heights are found to follow the peak-to-valley disk surface roughness. >
Recursive short-data-record estimation of AV and MMSE/MVDR linear filters for DS-CDMA antenna array systems

The presence of the desired signal during estimation of the minimum mean-square error (MMSE)/minimum-variance distortionless-response (MVDR) and auxiliary-vector (AV) filters under limited data support leads to significant signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) performance degradation. We quantify this observation in the context of direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS-CDMA) communications by deriving close approximations for the mean-square filter estimation error, the probability density function of the output SINR, and the probability density function of the symbol-error rate (SER) of the sample matrix inversion (SMI) receiver evaluated using both a desired-signal-"present" and desired-signal-"absent" input covariance matrix. To avoid such performance degradation, we propose a DS-CDMA receiver that utilizes a simple pilot-assisted algorithm that estimates and then subtracts the desired signal component from the received signal prior to filter estimation. Then, to accommodate decision-directed operation, we develop two recursive algorithms for the on-line estimation of the AV and MMSE/MVDR filter and we study their convergence properties. Finally, simulation studies illustrate the SER performance of the overall receiver structures.
Theoretical description of the giant-dipole resonance in hot nuclei

Abstract Theoretical models accounting for the effects of large-amplitude thermal fluctuations of the nuclear surface on the observations of the giant-dipole resonance in hot nuclei are described and compared with recent experimental data.
(+/-)-1,2:5,6-Di-O-isopropylidene-myo-inositol and (+/-)-6-O-benzoyl-1,2:4,5-di-O-isopropylidene-myo-inositol: a practical preparation of key intermediates for myo-inositol phosphates.

Abstract A simple and practical synthetic procedure for the versatile intermediates, (±)-1,2:5,6-di- O -isopropylidene- myo -inositol and (±)-6- O -benzoyl-1,2:4,5-di- O -isopropylidene- myo -inositol, is described.
WLC45-2: Application of Nonbinary LDPC Codes for Communication over Fading Channels Using Higher Order Modulations

In this paper, we investigate the application of non- binary low density parity check (LDPC) codes over Galois field GF(q) for both single-input single-output (SISO) and multiple- input multiple-output (MIMO) fading channels using higher order modulations. As opposed to the widely studied binary systems that employ joint detection and channel decoding, we propose a nonbinary system where optimal signal detection is performed only once followed by channel decoding. To reduce the complexity of proposed system, we first develop a low complexity LDPC decoding algorithm over GF(q) in the logarithmic domain. We then provide a quasi-cyclic construction of nonbinary LDPC codes which not only allows linear-time encoding, but also gives comparable performance to the best known progressive edge growth (PEG) codes. Our results show that the proposed system that employs regular nonbinary LDPC codes outperforms systems using the best optimized binary irregular LDPC codes in both performance and complexity.
WHOI SDSL Data-Link Project—Ethernet Telemetry through Sea Cables

AbstractA data telemetry technique for communicating over standard oceanographic sea cables that achieves a nearly 100-fold increase in bandwidth as compared to traditional systems has been recently developed and successfully used at sea on board two Research Vessel (R/V) Atlantis cruises with an 8.5-km, 0.322-in.-diameter three-conductor sea cable. The system uses commercially available modules to provide Ethernet connectivity through existing sea cables, linking serial and video underwater instrumentation to the shipboard user. The new method applies Synchronous Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) communications technology to undersea applications, greatly increasing the opportunities to use scientific instrumentation from existing ships and sea cables at minimal cost and without modification.
Quality Provision with Heterogeneous Consumer Reservation Utilities

This study examines a firm's quality and price decisions when consumers differ not only in their willingness-to-pay for quality but also in their reservation utility for the basic product. We find that while the firm offers lower-quality products when consumers' valuations for quality deteriorate, the optimal quality may increase with a negative shift in consumers' reservation utilities. We also investigate the optimal price and quality of the products within a vertically differentiated product line when the number of products is exogenously given. The existing literature shows that when consumers differ only in their willingness-to-pay for quality, the firm sets the efficient quality for consumers with the highest valuation for quality, whereas the concern for cannibalization pushes down the quality of inferior products. We find that when consumers are heterogeneous in both their reservation utility and valuation for quality, the concern for cannibalization may distort the quality upwards, even for consumers with the highest willingness-to-pay for quality. In addition, a low-quality product may enjoy a higher profit margin than a high-quality product within the product line.
Engagement in High-Risk Behaviors Among Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer Compared to Healthy Same-Age Peers Surveyed in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.

Purpose: This secondary data analysis compared smoking rates, alcohol consumption, and binge drinking, and examined risk factors for engaging in these behaviors among 90 young adult-aged childhood cancer survivors (CSS) with 15,490 young adults in the general population. Methods: The sample was drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. The sampling distribution of these healthy matched young adults was estimated through the use of bootstrapping, which involved randomly repeated for 10,000 samples of healthy controls. Results: The findings of repeated sampling analysis revealed that CCS were more likely to smoke daily (34.5% vs. 20.6 healthy matched controls; p = 0.03). The proportion of respondents who had any signs of alcohol abuse symptoms was 72.2% of CCS compared with 81.1% of matched controls (p = 0.16), while CCS with severe alcohol abuse was 51.1% compared with 59.1% of matched controls (p = 0.28). Whether they engaged in binge drinking in the past 12 months was 43.3% for CCS...
Effective Modulus of Twisted Wire Cables

The axial stiffness of single-lay cables composed of an arbitrary number of smooth wires is determined analytically from the general nonlinear theory for the bending and twisting of thin helical rods. Although large changes in the helix-angle are permitted, the longitudinal strain in each wire is assumed to be small. Numerical results are presented for two cases of practical interest, namely: (1)Cables with zero end-moment; and (2) cables restrained against end-rotation. It is found that the effective stiffness is strongly dependent upon the type of end-condition, except when the initial helix angle is close to 90—.
In-Situ Monitoring of Electrical Parameters for Dry Etching

In this paper, external electrical measurements and a circuit model are used to obtain indirectly the plasma potential, electron density, ion current density, and sheath thickness. In a revised and extended circuit model, each element describes a current-transport mechanism. Each mechanism is described by an analytical expression in terms of previously specified plasma parameters. The model is applicable in capacitive discharges with equal-area electrodes, and it can be expanded to consider other systems. To verify its applicability, electrical measurements of voltage, current and phase angle in an SF6 : O2 discharge are used to calculate the plasma impedance. Electrical plasma measurements yield time-averaged values for the impedance; the values obtained for each device reflect this dependency. After the calculation of each electrical device, SPICE 3.7a simulations separated the individual contribution of current transport by each mechanisms and validated the assumptions. The plasma parameters obtained by this technique agree well with a Langmuir-probe measurement, solutions of the Boltzmann transport equation, and data published in the literature.
Oxidation and ion Damage of Diamond by Reactive Ion Etching

Oxygen is a commonly used etchant of carbon materials, including diamond. In this work, we examine the effects of oxygen ion bombardment to diamond surfaces, as might be encountered in a reactive ion etching (RIE) process. Surfaces were characterized using Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) and Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). EELS was used to determine the presence of non-diamond carbon at the surface which may form due to ion damage. AES was used to determine the presence of oxygen on the diamond surface from oxygen ion bombardment. The effect of ambient molecular oxygen present during inert ion bombardment is also addressed. EELS was also used to determine the state of diamond surfaces that were bombarded with hydrogen ions, as might be used in the removal of adsorbed oxygen.
Dog Management on the Prevention of Kala-Azarin Li County,Sichuan Province

Objective To provide evidence for the development of Kala-Azar prevention in the epidemic area by taking dog management as the main measure to observe the effect of preventing Kala-Azar.Methods Government was responsible for organizing,while health and agricultural departments were responsible for technique and implementation.Take comprehensive dogs extermination,killing leakage dog,domestic dog's management for 3-5 years and prohibiting new domestic dogs as dog management measures;take diagnosis and treatment of patients,epidemic focus process,insecticide bath dogs and destroy Chrysopa as consolidation measures;and take density of dogs,canine leishmaniasis serological testing as monitoring measures. Results From 1991 to 1993,Li county had exterminated 3 060 dogs comprehensively and killed 3 420 leakage and new domestic dogs.Keeping domestic dogs were prohibited for 3-5 years in epidemic areas since 1994,and the incidence of Kala-Azar declines,with no case had occurred since 1997.After 1997,the number of dogs increased in epidemic areas,the average density of monitoring domestic dogs was 0.51-0.99 per family from 2006 to 2007.Li county exterminated 3 825 dogs comprehensively in 2008,and the density reduced to 0.02-0.18 per family.Rk39 was adopted to test domestic dogs in 2010,with the positive rate was 4.08%.The results of monitoring presented that the epidemic of Kala-Azar had been effectively controlled in Li county.Conclusion Taking dog management is the effective measure of preventing canine leishmaniasis,it can consolidate the long-time monitoring effect and should be pursued vigorously.
Women's Bodies as Battlefield: Christian Theology and the Global War on Women

Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite unmasks the nature of daily violence against women by construing it as a literal “War on Women” (2) that transforms the bodies of women into “battlefields” (4). She demo...
When apache spark meets FPGAs: a case study for next-generation DNA sequencing acceleration

FPGA-enabled datacenters have shown great potential for providing performance and energy efficiency improvement. In this paper we aim to answer one key question: how can we efficiently integrate FPGAs into state-of-the-art big-data computing frameworks like Apache Spark? To provide a generalized methodology and insights for efficient integration, we conduct an in-depth analysis of challenges at single-thread, single-node multi-thread, and multi-node levels, and propose solutions including batch processing and the FPGA-as-a-Service framework to address them. With a step-by-step case study for the next-generation DNA sequencing application, we demonstrate how a straightforward integration with 1,000x slowdown can be tuned into an efficient integration with 2.6x overall system speedup and 2.4x energy efficiency improvement.
Trends in the use of disease modifying antirheumatic medications in rheumatoid arthritis, 1980-1995: results from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys.

Objective. Current treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) emphasizes the early and consistent use of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD). We studied how often these medications were used to treat patients with RA. and whether use of these medications has increased over time. Methods. We used the National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys to determine national probability estimates of the use of DMARD [hydroxychloroquine, intramuscular gold, auranofin, methotrexate (MTX), sulfasalazine, azathioprine, D-penicillamine, and cyclosporine] by patients with RA. The National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys record information about treatments provided in outpatient settings by a nationally representative cross sectional sample of physicians. Estimates of the use of DMARD were based on the treatments reported on 502 visits by patients with RA in 1980-81. 339 visits by patients with RA in 1985, 386 visits by patients with RA in 1989-91, and 383 visits by patients with RA in 1993-95. Results. DMARD were used in 30.3% of visits in 1980-81, 36.3% of visits in 1985, 24.9% of visits in 1989-91, and 43.6% of visits in 1993-95 (p p for trend < 0.0001). Increased use of MTX accounted for most of the increased prevalence of DMARD use: MTX was used in 27.3% of visits in 1993-95. Use of DMARD increased in 1993-95 in all age, sex, and racial subgroups, and among visits reported by rheumatologists, but did not increase over time among visits reported by physicians other than rheumatologists. Conclusion. Use of DMARD in RA has increased in the recent past, but DMARD are currently used by fewer than 44% of patients with RA. Use of DMARD has not increased over time among patients of physicians other than rheumatologists.
Variability of sounder measurements in manufacturing facilities

Uncertainties in the linear regression fit of Path Loss are derived from variability in position. These uncertainties are used to determine the required positional accuracy for channel sounder measurements.
High-contrast time-multiplexed pulse-shaping systems

A process for optimizing a time-multiplexed pulse-shaping system generating up to eight shaped optical waveforms is described, leading to contrast better than 68 dB for four-channel operation and 46 dB for eight-channel operation.
Transcriptional Regulation of Notch1 Expression by Nkx6.1 in Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells during Ventral Spinal Cord Development

Notch1 signaling plays a critical role in maintaining and determining neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) fate, yet the transcriptional mechanism controlling Notch1 specific expression in NSPCs remains incomplete. Here, we show transcription factor Nkx6.1 interacts with a cis-element (CR2, an evolutionarily conserved non-coding fragment in the second intron of Notch1 locus) and regulates the expression of Notch1 in ventral NSPCs of the developing spinal cord. We show that the Notch1 expression is modulated by the interaction of Nkx6.1 with a 139 bp enhancer sequence within CR2. Knockdown or overexpression of Nkx6.1 leads to down- or up-regulated Notch1 expression, respectively. In CR2-GFP transgenic mouse, GFP expression was found prominent in the ventricular zone and neural progenitor cells from embryonic day 9.5 to postnatal day 7. GFP+ cells were mainly neural progenitors for interneurons and not for motoneurons or glial cells. Moreover, GFP expression persisted in a subset of ependymal cells in the adult spinal cord, suggesting that CR2 is active in both embryonic and adult NSPCs. Together our data reveal a novel mechanism of Notch1 transcriptional regulation in the ventral spinal cord by Nkx6.1 via its binding with Notch1 enhancer CR2 during embryonic development.
The Role of Technology in Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Power Sector in Developing Countries: The Case of China, India, and Mexico

China, India, and Mexico are among the top developing country emitters of CO2. The electric power sectors in China and India is dominated by coal-fired power plants, whereas fuel oil and natural gas are the key fossil fuels in Mexico. Spurred by economic development and population growth, demand for electricity in these countries is expected to continue to rise. Meeting this increased demand will have a significant impact on emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). While available portfolio of generation and mitigation technologies may not suffice to arrest the growth of emissions, it can help reduce the rate of emissions growth. To achieve significant reductions, multiple approaches are required, such as reducing demand by adopting end-use efficiency improvement measures, accelerating the deployment of renewable and nuclear power, and adopting cleaner more efficient generation technologies. Retrofitting the existing fleet to meet strengthened environmental standards, and accelerated fleet-turnover, coupled with adoption of state-of-the-art high efficiency generation technologies, such as supercritical and ultra-supercritical boilers and advanced combined-cycle gas turbines, should play an important role in meeting the increasing demand with the least amount of GHG emissions. In parallel, significant R&D efforts will have to be undertaken to adapt off-the-shelf generation technologies to suit local needs. In the medium to long term, developed countries will need to provide financial and technical support for these countries and partner with them to develop, design, demonstrate, and deploy technologies for capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide.
Is Catheter Angiography Still Necessary for the Follow-Up of Spinal Malformations after Treatment?

We read the recently published paper by Mathur et al[1][1] regarding the most appropriate technique to follow-up patients treated for spinal malformations, particularly dural fistula, and they propose to do this by MRA. In our hospital, we follow-up these pathologies by MRA, and conventional
Rumination, Depression, and Gender in Early Adolescence: A Longitudinal Study of a Bidirectional Model

Recent research suggests that rumination may represent both a risk factor for and consequence of depression, especially among female samples. Nevertheless, few longitudinal studies have examined a ...
Recognizing seamount-forearc collisions at accretionary margins: Insights from discrete numerical simulations

We conducted discrete numerical simulations to examine the effects of seamount collisions with forearcs along actively accreting subduction margins. Modeled seamount interactions leave behind distinctive structures in overriding forearcs that differ from those found at non-accreting margins. Whereas accretion above a planar decollement produces evenly spaced thrust faults with uniform displacements, seamounts activate one or more large-offset splay faults that accommodate substantial offset. Locally oversteepened slopes develop above the seamounts, but in contrast to non-accreting margins, the steep slopes are transient. Renewed accretion following seamount passage allows the equilibrium surface slopes to recover. Seamounts also protect incoming strata in their wake, delaying formation of new thrust faults and increasing fault spacing. Weak horizons within accreting strata allow the decollement to step up above the seamount, further protecting deeper strata and vertically partitioning wedge deformation. Notably, all modeled faults form in sequence, in contrast to out-of-sequence faults found at non-accreting margins. Similar structures found at many accretionary margins, including Nankai (offshore Japan), suggest that we may underestimate the role of seamount interactions in many locations, with implications for our assessment of subduction hazards in these settings.
THE STUDY OF THE HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS

One of the indicators that reflects the city's development is the rapid growth of high-rise buildings. The high price and limited available land coupled with the growth and increasingly diverse of human needs become the trigger. This is affected by advances in technology, various available materials as well as sufficient economics factor, making high-rise buildings as one of the development options in major cities around the world. Several factors such as, technology, modernity, and economics dominate the image high-rise buildings. Is it possible to construct the unique high-rise buildings in order to be different from each other? The paper is an initial step in examining the unique concepts that can be applied on high-rise buildings as the products of technology and modernity. The study was conducted through the review of literature in terms of time development in order to seek the unique aspects to be applied on high-rise buildings. Keywords: high-rise building, uniqueness, technology, modernity, locality
Magnesium oxide-poly(ε-caprolactone)-chitosan-based composite nanofiber for tissue engineering applications

Abstract The ability to produce composite nanofibers of inorganic particles and synthetic polymers represents a significant advancement in the development of composite materials for potential biomedical applications. In this study, composite nanofibers of magnesium oxide (MgO), poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) and chitosan (CS) with diameters in the range of 0.7–1.3 µm were fabricated by electrospinning their blend solutions in trifluroethanol and water. To support the potential use of these nanofibrous membranes for biomedical applications their physicochemical properties such as morphology, mechanical strength, and integrity in aqueous medium, were studied. Cellular compatibility was determined using cell viability assays and microscopy imaging, with the results showing that the nanofibrous membranes support 3T3 cell viability and attachments. The new composite nanofibrous membranes developed in this study have the ability to mimic the physical structure and function of tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) and thus have potential for many tissue engineering applications.
Tritium-Assisted D-D Based Fusion-Breeders

A preliminary assessment of the prospects of tritium assisted D-D based fusion-breeders (FB) is performed. For this purpose, the D-T STARFIRE and the Cat-D WILDCAT tokamak designs are converted into FB's. Two tritium sources are considered for T-assistance - the FB blanket (using L /SUB i/ or /sup 3/ /SUB He/ ) and the client fission reactors. The TCD modes of operation, in which the /sup 3/He exhausted from the plasma is converted in the blanket into T which is fed back to the plasma, are found most promising of all D-D based FB's. Their profitability is somewhat lower than that of the D-T FB's, but they offer approx. = 50% higher support ratio and simpler blanket designs. T-assistance from client reactors might significantly improve the economics of FB's.
Triglyceride Metabolism in the Liver

Triglyceride molecules represent the major form of storage and transport of fatty acids within cells and in the plasma. The liver is the central organ for fatty acid metabolism. Fatty acids accrue in liver by hepatocellular uptake from the plasma and by de novo biosynthesis. Fatty acids are eliminated by oxidation within the cell or by secretion into the plasma within triglyceride-rich very low-density lipoproteins. Notwithstanding high fluxes through these pathways, under normal circumstances the liver stores only small amounts of fatty acids as triglycerides. In the setting of overnutrition and obesity, hepatic fatty acid metabolism is altered, commonly leading to the accumulation of triglycerides within hepatocytes, and to a clinical condition known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this review, we describe the current understanding of fatty acid and triglyceride metabolism in the liver and its regulation in health and disease, identifying potential directions for future research. Advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the hepatic fat accumulation are critical to the development of targeted therapies for NAFLD. © 2018 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 8:1-22, 2018.
LTC (low-temperature combustion) analysis of PCCI (premixed charge compression ignition) with n-butanol and cotton seed biodiesel versus combustion and emissions characteristics of their binary mixtures

Abstract Direct injection (DI) of cotton seed biodiesel (CS100) with port fuel injection (PFI) of n-butanol was used for producing Premixed Controlled Compression Ignition (PCCI) to achieve low-temperature combustion (LTC) and obtain lower gaseous emissions in comparison to ULSD#2 (ultra-low sulfur diesel). PFI engine operation was compared to the combustion of binary mixtures of the same fuels reflecting the same weight ratio of high reactivity (CS100) and low reactivity (n-butanol) fuels. The supercharged engine was operated at constant speed and load with 20% exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). When compared to ULSD#2 reference, the ignition delay of 50% n-butanol and 50% CS100 binary mixture increased by 12% while the 50% n-butanol PFI with 50% CS100 DI led to a 17% decrease in ignition delay. Emissions of soot and nitrogen oxides were simultaneously improved using the PCCI strategy, reducing by 84% and 17%, respectively, given lower peak in-cylinder temperatures and increased oxygenation of the mixture. Carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (UHC) increased by several orders of magnitude as a downside of dual fuel injection; ringing intensity, however, improved, decreasing by 30% when using 50% n-butanol PFI in comparison to the ULSD#2 baseline given a smoother pressure gradients. Energy specific fuel consumption for CS50Bu50 (50% ULSD-50% n-butanol blend) increased by 4.5% compared to ULSD#2. The mechanical efficiencies and the coefficient of variation (COV) of IMEP were maintained at 70% and 2.5% respectively, during PCCI, indicating stable operation with renewable fuels.
Experimental optimisation of the fracturing treatment design to enhance long-term gas production in shale formations

We investigated the impact of the friction reducer, nonionic surfactant and slugs of dilute HCl on the Eagle Ford and Marcellus shales permeability during hydraulic fracturing pad stage. Moreover, we examined injecting of a nonionic surfactant or slugs of 3% HCl when the slickwater was used in the pad stage. Lastly, we investigated the impact of pumping slugs of 3% HCl when a nonionic surfactant was added to the slickwater pad fluid. Throughout fracturing pad stage, the polymer adsorption reduces both of the fluid loss and fluid flowback. However, the nonionic surfactant and HCl acid increase the fluid loss. The results recommended injecting slugs of a nonionic surfactant for both of the Eagle Ford and Marcellus shales when the pad fluid was a slickwater. Moreover, pumping slugs of 3% HCl was only recommended for the Eagle Ford when the nonionic surfactant was added to the slickwater pad fluid.
Comparison of Strategies for Serving Two Streams of Jobs.

Highly varying job demands generally consist of many short jobs mixed with several long jobs. In this paper, we consider a simple scenario where two job streams with different level of demands must be processed by the same server. We study the performance of several round-robin variants and FCFSP in such a scenario. The simulation results show that on the one hand, by employing immediate preemption to favor newly arrived jobs, round-robin can effectively reduce the mean response time for the short-job stream, while only slightly increasing the response time for the longjob stream. On the other hand, by assuming the availability of job stream information and always favoring the short-job stream, FCFSP may improve performance. However, to further improve performance, other information if available (e.g., the characteristics of each individual stream) should be considered.
Physiology and Pathophysiology of Gallbladder Motility

Most significant gallbladder disease is associated with gallbladder stasis. Gallbladder motility is controlled by a complex interplay of hormonal and neural factors. Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated impaired motility in gallstone disease, and experimental evidence indicates that motility disturbances precede gallstone formation. The ability to measure gallbladder motility clinically has also resulted in better diagnosis and treatment for patients with chronic acalculous cholecystitis.
Resolving polysemy in verbs: Contextualized distributional approach to argument semantics

Natural language is characterized by a high degree of polysemy, and the majority of content words accept multiple interpretations. Native speakers rely on context to assign the correct sense to each word in an utterance. Natural language processing (NLP) applications, such as the automated word sense disambiguation, require the ability to identify correctly context elements that activate each sense. Our goal in this work is to address the problem of contrasting semantics of the arguments as the source of meaning differentiation for the predicate. We show how the use of insight about the data can help design a targeted distributional approach to this problem. We consider the bidirectional nature of selection processes between the predicate and its arguments and the related problem of overlapping senses. The same sense of a polysemous predicate is often activated by semantically diverse arguments. We introduce the notion of contextualized distributional similarity between such elements, defined with respect to the particular context provided by the predicate. We define the relation of selectional equivalence for predicates, and present an automatic method for clustering both the arguments that activate the same sense of the target predicate and the selectional equivalents of that sense. The proposed method relies exclusively on distributional information, intentionally eschewing the use of human-constructed knowledge sources. High degree of polysemy in language does not significantly complicate natural language understanding. This is largely due to the fact that within a specific context, each word is usually disambiguated and assigned a single interpretation. The phenomena of lexical ambiguity are exhibited by all the major word classes, and the meaning assigned to the word is determined by a combination of contextual factors relevant for that particular word class. Each element’s “meaning potential” (Halliday 1973) is realized and it is locked in the sense it acquires in that context. For example, the meaning assigned to an adjective may be a function of the semantics of the head noun; the meaning of a polysemous noun may be determined by the governing verb or a modifier; and the verbs are typically disambiguated by their dependents and other elements of the syntactic frame. This is illustrated in (1), with the relevant sense given in parentheses:
Long-term immunosuppression adherence after kidney transplant and relationship to allograft histology

Background Nonadherence to immunosuppression after kidney transplant is an important contributor to graft failure. Little is known about how nonadherence changes 3 years posttransplant when Medicare coverage of immunosuppression ends and how that nonadherence impacts allograft histology. The goal of this study was to compare rates of nonadherence during posttransplant years 1 to 3 to years 3 to 5 and examine the relationship between nonadherence during years 3 to 5 and 5-year allograft histology. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 552 conventional kidney allografts in patients transplanted at our center between January 1, 1999, and June 1, 2010, who used the Mayo Clinic Specialty Pharmacy for the first 5 years posttransplant. Nonadherence was defined as less than 80% proportion of days covered. Overall adherence to immunosuppression appeared to be higher during years 3 and 5 compared to between years 1 and 3 (89.4% vs 82.9%, respectively; P < 0.0001 [paired t test]). Results Overall nonadherence during posttransplant years 3 to 5 appeared to be associated with fibrosis and inflammation on 5-year allograft biopsy but not with transplant glomerulopathy (16.9% vs 5.9%, P = 0.004; 10.4% vs 8.5%, P = 0.61, respectively). After adjusting for nonadherence to calcineurin inhibitor and prednisone therapy, only nonadherence to antimetabolite therapy remained significantly associated with 5-year fibrosis and inflammation (odds ratio, 10.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-76.1; P = 0.02). Conclusions Efforts to improve long-term adherence, possibly through the use of specialty pharmacies and increased adherence to antimetabolite therapy, may improve long-term allograft histology and survival, although further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Impact of attributes on group formation

Previous work has shown that selectivity based on opinions and values of attributes is an important tie-formation mechanism in human social networks. Less well-known is how selectivity influences the formation and composition of whole groups in which interactions extend beyond the dyads. To address this question, we use data from the NetSense study consisting of a multi-layer (nomination, communication, co-location) network of university students. We examine how group formation differs from tie-formation in terms of the role of selectivity based on opinions and attributes. In addition, we show how levels of such selectivity varies between groups formed to meet different needs.
Foot Soldiers and Firepower: Prices on Raiding Services

Predatory raiders that take part in violent storming and defense of stormed enterprises are regarded as foot soldiers of the raiding movement. They have their qualitative characteristics, including firepower and prices charged for raiding services. Both law enforcement agencies and private security agencies exercise their right and duty to protect private and state property. The mass privatization of the 1990s brought to life the need to protect private property on a massive scale. At the same time, state law enforcement agencies were no longer capable of or willing to protect private property. The state lost its monopoly on the physical protection of property. Private security firms partially replace the state in its function of protecting private property. Corruption in the law enforcement agencies, judiciary, and other related state bureaucracies helps predatory raiders to target successful and financially sound businesses as well as federal and municipal properties of high market value.
Interferometric Scattering Enables Fluorescence-Free Electrokinetic Trapping of Single Nanoparticles in Free Solution

Anti-Brownian traps confine single particles in free solution by closed-loop feedback forces that directly counteract Brownian motion. Extended-duration measurements on trapped objects allow detailed characterization of photophysical and transport properties as well as observation of infrequent or rare dynamics. However, this approach has been generally limited to particles that can be tracked by fluorescence emission. Here we present the Interferometric Scattering Anti-Brownian ELectrokinetic (ISABEL) trap, which uses interferometric scattering rather than fluorescence to monitor particle position. By decoupling the ability to track (and therefore trap) a particle from collection of its spectroscopic data, the ISABEL trap enables confinement and extended study of single particles that do not fluoresce, only weakly fluoresce, or exhibit intermittent fluorescence or photobleaching. This new technique significantly expands the range of nanoscale objects that may be investigated at the single-particle level in free solution.
A cloacal anomaly is not a disorder of sex development.

Misdiagnosing a cloaca as a disorder of sex development may lead to inappropriate testing, treatment, and negative emotional consequences to families. We were impressed by the fact that a significant number of patients suffering from a cloaca were referred to us with the diagnosis of a “disorder of sex development” previously referred as “ambiguous genitalia” or “intersex”. On re-evaluation, none of them truly had a disorder of sex differentiation. This prompted us to conduct the following retrospective review to try to find the cause of the misdiagnosis and the way to prevent it. A retrospective review of our colorectal database was performed to identify the total number of patients with cloacas and the number initially diagnosed as “ambiguous genitalia, intersex”/disorder of sex development. The external appearance of their genitalia and unnecessary testing or treatment received were recorded. A total of 605 patients with cloacas were identified. Of these, 77 (12.7%) were referred to us with the diagnosis of “ambiguous genitalia” and 13 of them (17%) went on to receive an intervention that was not indicated: karyotyping (10), steroids (3), and ovarian biopsy (1). The karyotype result in all patients was XX. The misdiagnosis was triggered by the external appearance of the perineum, simulating a case of virilization with a hypertrophic clitoris, but was simply prominent labial skin. Careful examination of the perineal structure allowed us to determine that it consisted of folded skin with no evidence of corpora. Patients born with a cloaca are at risk for mismanagement from being erroneously labeled as disorders of sex development. The diagnosis of a cloacal anomaly is a clinical one. The practitioner must distinguish between phallus-like clitoral hypertrophy and a normal clitoris with prominent labial skin.
The CPR model: Decisions involved in confronting prejudiced responses

Abstract Despite the effectiveness of prejudice confrontation in reducing subsequent biases, people do not confront as much as their self-reported intentions suggest they would. Ashburn-Nardo, Morris, and Goodwin (2008) proposed the Confronting Prejudiced Responses (CPR) model, outlining various obstacles that can stand in the way of confrontation. Specifically, the CPR model suggests that for people to confront prejudice and discrimination, they must recognize the behavior as prejudiced, perceive it as an emergency that requires an immediate response, feel a sense of personal responsibility for intervening, decide on a course of action, and see the benefits of confronting as outweighing the costs. In this chapter, we review the extant research supporting each of the CPR model factors as potential hurdles that must be overcome for confrontation to take place, with the goal of informing prejudice reduction research and practice.
New LaMnO3 surface energy results obtained from density-functional theory

Abstract The surface energies of cubic LaMnO3 (001), (011), and (111) surfaces are computed as a function of surface model thickness using both asymmetric and symmetric surface models. A new procedure is used to avoid the divergence of the surface energy with increasing model thickness. In the literature, certain relaxed surface energies have been reported for the (001) surface that are significantly different and for the (011) surface that are significantly different. Using the results of this work, these different surface energies for the (001) and (011) surfaces can be explained.
Increasing Rates of Infective Endocarditis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Introduction and aim Infective endocarditis (IE) cases are on the rise in the United States. The incidence of IE in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been reported. Utilizing a national level database, we sought to estimate the incidence of IE in IBD-related hospitalizations and to determine its outcomes. Methods Discharge records from the National Inpatient Sample were analyzed, and the International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, Clinical Modification codes (ICD-9-CM) was used to identify adult patients with IBD (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) and IE between 2003 and 2014. Trends in the incidence of IE were recorded and multivariable regression was used to determine the impact of IE on IBD-hospitalizations. Results The incidence of IE in patients with IBD rose from 14.5 cases per 10,000 admissions in 2003 to 21.7 in 2014. After multivariable adjustment, both patient groups with CD (odds ratio [OR] 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0-4.1) and UC (OR 2.9, 95% CI 2.5-3.5) admitted with IE were found to be at greater risk for in-hospital mortality compared to non-IE admissions. Patients with IBD admitted with IE were found to have greater mean length of stay (13 days vs. six days, p<0.0001) and higher average hospital charges ($36,869.85 vs. $13,324.01, p <0.0001) compared to non-IE admissions. Conclusions Infective endocarditis is a growing complication in patients with IBD and is associated with increased mortality and utilization of healthcare resources. Further studies addressing the association between IE and IBD are needed.