cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growth, Structure and Pattern Formation for Thin Films

An epitaxial thin film consists of layers of atoms whose lattice properties are determined by those of the underlying substrate. This paper reviews mathematical modeling, analysis and simulation of growth, structure and pattern formation for epitaxial systems, using an island dynamics/level set method for growth and a lattice statics model for strain. Epitaxial growth involves physics on both atomistic and continuum length scales. For example, diffusion of adatoms can be coarse-grained, but nucleation of new islands and breakup for existing islands are best described atomistically. In heteroepitaxial growth, mismatch between the lattice spacing of the substrate and the film will introduce a strain into the film, which can significantly influence the material structure, for example leading to formation of quantum dots. Technological applications of epitaxial structures, such as quantum dot arrays, require a degree of geometric uniformity that has been difficult to achieve. Modeling and simulation may contribute insights that will help to overcome this problem. We present simulations that combine growth and strain showing the structure of nanocrystals and the formation of patterns in epitaxial systems.
Comparing display integration strategies for control of a simple steam plant

Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are becoming increasingly common for application software in process control. By necessity, process control applications manage numerous complex constraints. Conventional interfaces display the states of a system without conveying the constraints which drastically reduce the evolutions which must be considered. The authors' model resolves this difficulty by presenting system parameters in the context of ecological constraints mirroring those of the underlying process. A simulation of a simple steam plant with five different GUIs was used in this experiment. The displays were a conventional dials display, a mimic display, an object display, a seesaw analogue and a fluid-tank analogue. Poor over-all performance in maintaining specified values was found for the seesaw and the object displays. The dials and the mimic displays performed similarly with greater accuracy. The best control was observed in the experimental fluid-tanks display. These findings are consistent with the authors' hypotheses. For over-all failure detection there were few differences between the dials, object and fluid-tank. The seesaw display led the way with false alarms and latency of detection. The mimic display produced average latencies but with poorer accuracy. >
Chloride and sodium uptake potential over an entire rotation of Populus irrigated with landfill leachate.

There is a need for information about the response of Populus genotypes to repeated application of high-salinity water and nutrient sources throughout an entire rotation. We have combined establishment biomass and uptake data with mid- and full-rotation growth data to project potential chloride (Cl-) and sodium (Na+) uptake for 2- to 11-year-old Populus in the north central United States. Our objectives were to identify potential levels of uptake as the trees developed and stages of plantation development that are conducive to variable application rates of high-salinity irrigation.
Ketone Metabolism in Brain Slices from Rats with Diet Induced Hyperketonemia

The inducibility of ketone body utilization in brain was investigated in vitro in rats fed for 21 days three diets of varying keto- genicity: a nonketogenic low-fat diet (St. diet), a moderately ketogenic high corn oil diet (LCT diet), and a highly ketogenic high medium chain triglycA©ride diet (MCT diet). The protein :energy ratio was the same for all the diets. Total blood ketone body concentrations were 0.19 mM, 0.35 mM, and 0.94 mM in St., LCT, and MCT diets respectively. In brain slices the uptake (50 ^moles/g/2 hours) and metabolism of (U-14C)glucose (40% in lactate, 30% in CO2 and less than 2% into lipids and glycogen) were independent of the diets. Addition of 10 mM cold DL/Miydroxybutyrate decreased by 30% glucose uptake and by 50% the labelling of CO2 and fatty acids, while increasing lactate release, regardless of the nature of the diet. The uptake (20 /unoles/g/2 hours) and conversion of AŸ-hydroxy (3-MC)butyrate into CO2 (40%) and lipids (<1%) were independent of the diets. Addition of 10 mM cold glucose increased by 40% AŸ-hydroxybuty- rate uptake and by 100% the labelling of CO2 and fatty acids in brain slices, irrespective of the diet. Consistently, /3-hydroxybutyrate dehyrogen- ase enzyme activity had the same level in all brains. The data suggest that dietary-induced hyperketonemia, like starvation-induced hyperketonemia, influences brain metabolism through substrate concentration without ap parent long-term inductive effects. J. Nutr. JOS: 621-639, 1978.
Democracy, Equality, and Eidê: A Radical View from Book 8 of Plato's Republic

A Plato opposed to democracy fills the literature, and while some scholars question whether Plato adequately captures Socrates' possibly favorable views of democracy, Plato himself remains a paragon of elitism. I argue that Plato's response to democracy is far more theoretically interesting than simple disdain for the unenlightened masses. Rather, in Book 8 of the Republic he explores the fundamental tensions of a regime identified with freedom and equality, which he presents as characterized by formlessness, and the epistemological and theoretical problems posed by the absence of forms (eide). Eide give structure and identity to regimes and to their citizens; they are necessary for intellection and philosophy, but they are also the grounds for compulsion. Plato's analysis of democracy thus becomes a more serious challenge for democratic theorists than previously recognized.
Comparing phylogenetic signal in intraspecific and interspecific body size datasets

Phylogenetic comparative methods have become a standard statistical approach for analysing interspecific data, under the assumption that traits of species are more similar than expected by chance (i.e. phylogenetic signal is present). Here I test for phylogenetic signal in intraspecific body size datasets to evaluate whether intraspecific datasets may require phylogenetic analysis. I also compare amounts of phylogenetic signal in intraspecific and interspecific body size datasets. Some intraspecific body size datasets contain significant phylogenetic signal. Detection of significant phylogenetic signal was dependant upon the number of populations (n) and the amount of phylogenetic signal (K) for a given dataset. Amounts of phylogenetic signal do not differ between intraspecific and interspecific datasets. Further, relationships between significance of phylogenetic signal and sample size and amount of phylogenetic signal are similar for intraspecific and interspecific datasets. Thus, intraspecific body size datasets are similar to interspecific body size datasets with respect to phylogenetic signal. Whether these results are general for all characters requires further study.
Coilin Can Form a Complex with the U7 Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein

Coiled bodies (CBs) in the amphibian oocyte nucleus are spherical structures up to 10 μm or more in diameter, much larger than their somatic counterparts, which rarely exceed 1 μm. Oocyte CBs may have smaller granules attached to their surface or embedded within them, which are identical in structure and composition to the many hundreds of B-snurposomes found free in the nucleoplasm. The matrix of the CBs contains the diagnostic protein p80-coilin, which is colocalized with the U7 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP), whereas the attached and embedded B-snurposomes contain splicing snRNPs. A few of the 50–100 CBs in the oocyte nucleus are attached to lampbrush chromosomes at the histone gene loci. By coimmunoprecipitation we show that coilin and the U7 snRNP can form a weak but specific complex in the nucleoplasm, which is dependent on the special U7 Sm-binding site. Under the same conditions coilin does not associate with the U1 and U2 snRNPs. Coilin is a nucleic acid-binding protein, as shown by its interaction with single-stranded DNA and with poly r(U) and poly r(G). We suggest that an important function of coilin is to form a transient complex with the U7 snRNP and accompany it to the CBs. In the case of CBs attached to chromosomes at the histone gene loci, the U7 snRNP is thus brought close to the actual site of histone pre-mRNA transcription.
How Not to Evaluate a Developmental System

Computational models of development aim to describe the mechanisms that underlie the acquisition of new skills or the emergence of new capabilities. The strength of a model is judged by both its ability to explain the phenomena in question as well as its ability to generate new hypotheses, generalize to new situations, and provide a unifying conceptual framework. Although often constructed using traditional engineering methodologies, evaluating the performance of a computational model of development in terms of traditional perspectives is a flawed approach. This paper addresses the fundamental issues that confound quantitative analysis of computational models of developmental systems. In particular we focus on the following recommendations: 1) don't equate the success of a developmental model with its peak performance at some task; 2) don't employ purely subjective or vague measures of model fitness; and 3) don't hide or reject variation as found in the computational model. Along the way, we discuss the aspects of computational models of development that lead to the requirements for specialized methods of analysis.
Spatial extent, magnitude, and patterns of persistent organochlorine pollutants in Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) populations in the Puget Sound (USA) and Strait of Georgia (Canada)

We examined the geographic distribution and magnitude of three persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Pacific herring, representing three populations from Puget Sound, Washington State, USA and three from the Strait of Georgia (British Columbia, Canada and Washington State). We measured PCBs, DDTs and DDT isomers, and hexachlorobenzene in whole herring using high performance liquid chromatography, which provided a relatively inexpensive estimation of total PCBs, including the most commonly encountered congeners, and DDT isomers. Puget Sound herring were 3 to 9 times more contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) compared to Strait of Georgia herring and 1.5 to 2.5 times more contaminated with DDTs. Hexachlorobenzene levels were low in all samples, relative to PCBs and DDTs, and one Strait of Georgia population (Cherry Point) had significantly lower HCB levels than the rest. A multidimensional scaling map of the pattern or "fingerprint" of POPs in the six herring populations suggests strong environmental segregation of Puget Sound herring from the Strait of Georgia populations, and isolation of all Strait of Georgia populations from each other. This segregation likely resulted from differential exposure to contaminants, related to where these populations reside and feed, rather than differences in their age, size, trophic level, or lipid content.
Differential Regulation of Pituitary Gonadotropin Subunit Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Levels in Photostimulated Siberian Hamsters

Abstract FSH levels begin to rise 3–5 days after male Siberian hamsters are transferred from inhibitory short photoperiods to stimulatory long photoperiods. In contrast, LH levels do not increase for several weeks. This differential pattern of FSH and LH secretion represents one of the most profound in vivo examples of differential regulation of the gonadotropins. The present study was undertaken to characterize the molecular mechanisms controlling differential FSH and LH synthesis and secretion in photostimulated Siberian hamsters. First, we cloned species-specific cDNAs for the three gonadotropin subunits: the common α subunit and the unique FSHβ and LHβ subunits. All three subunits share high nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequence identity with the orthologous cDNAs from rats. We then used these new molecular probes to examine the gonadotropin subunit mRNA levels from pituitaries of short-day male hamsters transferred to long days for 2, 5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 days. Short-day (SD) and long-day (LD) ...
Pushover of Hybrid Coupled Walls. II: Analysis and Behavior

Presented are the results of nonlinear pushover analyses of the hybrid coupled wall (HCW) prototypes designed and discussed in a companion paper. The objectives of the analyses are (1) to study the effect of the coupling ratio on system response; and (2) to evaluate existing design guidelines for HCWs. The discussion addresses target displacements, displacement profile, base shear, wall reactions, story drifts over the height, wall plastic rotations, shear distortions, coupling beam rotations, wall-beam connection response, crack patterns, concrete crushing at critical locations, and system overstrength. The suitability of HCWs for use in regions of high seismic risk is discussed.
Evaluation of two‐phase flow models for flashing flow in nozzles

A variety of methods and models have been proposed in the literature for sizing relief valves for two-phase flow applications. A typical application involves liquids which flash during discharge as the pressure drops. The predictions from these various methods can vary greatly under such circumstances, and can also deviate as much as 300% from measured values. This paper compares predictions from several versions of the homogeneous equilibrium and non-equilibrium models with data from the literature for flashing of initially subcooled and low quality steam-water mixtures through nozzles of various lengths. The results indicate that the homogeneous equilibrium model gives reasonable results for nozzle lengths greater than about six inches, but non-equilibrium effects must be taken into account for shorter nozzles. Both the Fauske model with no adjustable parameters and the TPHEM model with appropriate values of the non-equilibrium parameter (kne) are shown to give good results for short nozzles and subcooled or low quality inlet conditions.
Time of outage restoration analysis in distribution systems

This paper presents an approach that uses statistical techniques to analyze and interpret time of outage restoration (TOR) data in distribution systems with respect to several selected factors. The factors an classified into three main categories: (1) time; (2) consequence; and (3) environment. Each category is further broken down into groups and classes for more detailed analysis. Both statistical, quantitative results and field engineering insights are correlated and discussed. The approach taken in this paper can be easily modified for other utilities' TOR analysis. These analyses can provide a better understanding as to how the restoration time is affected by different influential factors. The methodology and general discussion in the paper will be useful for future research and development of the TOR issues in distribution systems, such as model development for customer service improvement, distribution operations, and planning.
Preclinical pharmacology of the novel antitumor agent adaphostin, a tyrphostin analog that inhibits bcr/abl

Purpose: To define several pharmacological properties for the potential anticancer agent, adaphostin, in order to determine whether the compound is appropriate for clinical evaluation as an anticancer agent. Methods: The analytical procedure involved high-performance liquid chromatography and utilized an analytical J’Sphere ODS H-80 column. Results: The stability of adaphostin at two different concentrations was determined at temperatures of 37°C, 4°C, and -80°C, in the plasma of mice, rats, dogs, and humans. The compound was most stable at the lower temperatures. At all temperatures, adaphostin was generally most stable in human plasma and least stable in dog plasma. Adaphostin bound strongly (>93%) to proteins in plasma from all four species. Following intravenous (i.v.) administration to mice (50 mg/kg; 150 mg/m2), plasma concentrations declined rapidly from 50 μM at 2 min to 1 μM at 2 h. Elimination was triexponential, with t 1/2 values of 1.1, 9.1, and 41.2 min. The Cltb was 0.411 L/(min·m2), the V dss was 24.6 L/m2, and the AUC was 927 μM·min. In a comparison of vehicles for intraperitoneal (i.p.) dosing, PEG 300 allowed the highest plasma concentrations of adaphostin. Bioavailability following an i.p. dose was greater than that following a subcutaneous dose, or that for a dose administered by oral gavage. For rats dosed i.v. with adaphostin (50 mg/kg; 300 mg/m2), plasma concentrations also decreased triexponentially, with t 1/2 values of 1.8, 10.6, and 136 min. Other pharmacokinetic values were Cltb = 0.466 L/(min·m2), AUC = 1,161 μM·min, and V dss=8.0 L/m2. Analysis of samples collected from two dogs dosed i.v. with adaphostin (7.5 mg/kg; 150 mg/m2) showed that plasma concentrations decreased in a biphasic manner, with individual values for t 1/2α of 6.0 and 9.8 min for the distribution phase and t 1/2β of 40.6 and 66.2 min for the elimination phase. Other pharmacokinetic values were Cltb = 0.565 and 0.852 L/(min·m2), AUC = 673 and 446 μM min, and V dss = 29.6 and 56.8 L/m2. Conclusions: The stability of adaphostin in plasma varies with species. In mice and dogs dosed with adaphostin, plasma concentrations of the compound decreased rapidly. The clearance of adaphostin from plasma, on an m2 basis, was equivalent for mice and rats but more rapid in dogs. These results are relevant for assessing the pharmacologic and toxicologic profiles and the antitumor activity of adaphostin in humans.
Emerging Approaches to Counseling Intervention: Theory, Research, Practice, and Training

This article provides an overview of the major contribution that presents three emerging approaches to counseling: narrative therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. The three theoretical systems were chosen because they are current, for the most part not addressed in the mainstream counseling psychology literature; have well-defined theoretical structures and associated research support; are of significant interest in the wider practice community; and are consistent with the values and philosophy of counseling psychology. This overview includes a brief description of the theoretical approaches, the reasons for choosing them, and the structure used by the authors to present them. In addition, training implications are briefly addressed.
Pisces: A Practical Seismological Database Library in Python

### The Data Management Problem Research in seismology commonly involves three main tasks: data acquisition, data management, and data analysis. Acquisition has been greatly advanced by institutions such as the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) and the Network of Research Infrastructures for European Seismology (NERIES), accelerated by facilities such as the USArray Transportable Array (TA), and facilitated by tools such as Standing Order for Data (Owens et al. , 2004) and ObsPyLoad (Scheingraber et al. , 2013). The availability of abundant broadband data has fueled novel analysis tools (Lou et al. , 2013), techniques (Levander and Nolet, 2005), and data products (Trabant et al. , 2012) previously not possible with earlier limited datasets. It has also highlighted, however, the long‐standing data management problem for many researchers in seismology. In the face of the data flood, traditional workflows, such as a combination of shell scripts, text files, miniSEED or Seismic Analysis Code (SAC) files, and C, Fortran, or MATLAB analysis codes, can quickly become untenable. This is partly because, for each ad hoc storage scheme, the researcher must hand code what is essentially a database query/command in order to select (meta)data or to store measurements. This makes obtaining basic information such as event times, station availability, and phase arrival times burdensome and error prone. In this paper, we present Pisces, a data management library that utilizes databases, leverages existing free and open‐software tools and standards, and frees the user to both manage and analyze data with a single easy‐to‐use language, Python. ### Relational Databases Relational databases have long existed to help with the data management problem. Versions of the Center for Seismic Studies (CSS 3.0) seismic database schema (Anderson et al. , 1990), a set of standard tables holding seismological data, have been adopted by United States national laboratories, national and international data centers, and in some commonly used software, such as the …
Health Care System Efficiency Analysis Of G12 Countries

Data Envelopment analysis of the health care delivery system of G12 nations is presented here. Japan and Spain scored the highest and the US, the lowest level of relative efficiencies. Health care outputs are life expectancy and infant mortality. Inputs are per capita health care expenditure; population adjusted physicians, hospital beds, and MRI; and a proxy for the level of education. DEA tests are applied for the 1991-1995 period using both CCR and BCC models. The paper argues that the lack of universal health care coverage and a single payer system are among the problems that the United States needs to address in order to improve its health care delivery.
One-dimensional western blotting coupled to LC-MS/MS analysis to identify chemical-adducted proteins in rat urine.

The environmental toxicant hydroquinone (HQ) and its glutathione conjugates (GSHQs) cause renal cell necrosis via a combination of redox cycling and the covalent adduction of proteins within the S3 segment of the renal proximal tubules in the outer stripe of the outer medulla (OSOM). Following administration of 2-(glutathion-S-yl)HQ (MGHQ) (400 µmol/kg, i.v., 2 h) to Long Evans (wild-type Eker) rats, Western analysis utilizing an antibody specific for quinol–thioether metabolites of HQ revealed the presence of large amounts of chemical–protein adducts in both the OSOM and urine. By aligning the Western blot film with a parallel gel stained for protein, we can isolate the adducted proteins for LC-MS/MS analysis. Subsequent database searching can identify the specific site(s) of chemical adduction within these proteins. Finally, a combination of software programs can validate the identity of the adducted peptides. The site-specific identification of covalently adducted and oxidized proteins is a prerequisite for understanding the biological significance of chemical-induced posttranslational modifications (PTMs) and their toxicological significance.
Role of nitric oxide in regulation of vascular resistance in postnatal intestine

Studies were conducted to determine whether endothelial production of nitric oxide (NO) participates in the regulation of vascular resistance in postnatal swine intestine. In vivo, intra-arterial i...
Thermal Performance of 3D IC Integration with Through-Silicon Via (TSV)

Thermal performance of 3D IC integration is investigated in this study. Emphasis is placed on the determination of a set of equivalent thermal conductivity equations for Cu-filled TSVs with various TSV diameters, TSV pitches, TSV thicknesses, passivation thicknesses, and microbump pads. Also, the thermal behavior of a TSV cell is examined. Furthermore, 3D heat transfer simulations are adopted to verify the accuracy of the equivalent equations. Finally, the feasibility of these equivalent equations is demonstrated through a simple 3D IC integration structure.
Migrated venous stent causing severe heart failure: a multimodality imaging approach.

A 52-year-old male with hypertension and two previous kidney transplants had unscheduled return due to reduced urinary output, lower extremity oedema, ascites, and shortness of breath. During last year, the patient has been followed for recurrent focal segmental …
A canonical approach to multi-dimensional van der waals, hydrogen-bonded, and halogen-bonded potentials

A canonical approach is used to investigate prototypical multi-dimensional intermolecular interaction potentials characteristic of categories in van der Waals, hydrogen-bonded, and halogen-bonded intermolecular interactions. It is demonstrated that well-characterized potentials in Ar·HI, OC·HI, OC·HF, and OC·BrCl, can be canonically transformed to a common dimensionless potential with relative error less than 0.010. The results indicate common intrinsic bonding properties despite other varied characteristics in the systems investigated. The results of these studies are discussed in the context of the previous statement made by Slater (1972) concerning fundamental bonding properties in the categories of interatomic interactions analyzed.
National prevalence, causes, and risk factors for bariatric surgery readmissions.

Abstract Background Readmissions are often used as a quality metric particularly in bariatric surgery. Methods Laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were identified using Current Procedure Terminology codes in the 2012 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program public use file. Results A total of 18,296 patients were included, 10,080 (55.1%) were laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass, 1,829 (10.0%) were laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, and 6,387 (34.9%) were laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Among all patients, 955 (5.22%) were readmitted. Patients with readmissions had a higher proportion of body mass index greater than 50 (30.2% vs 24.6%, P P P P = .02), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2.63% vs 1.72%, P = .04), and hypertension (54.5% vs 50.8%, P = .03). Overall, 40.6% of readmitted patients had a complication. Common readmissions were gastrointestinal-related (45.0%), dietary (33.5%), and bleeding (6.57%). Readmission was independently associated with African-American race (odds ratio [OR] = 1.53, P = .02), complication (OR = 11.3, 95%, P P = .04). Conclusions A 30-day readmission after bariatric surgery is prevalent and closely associated with complications.
SPECIES-WIDE POPULATION STRUCTURE IN A SOUTHEASTERN U.S. FRESHWATER FISH, HETERANDRIA FORMOSA: GENE FLOW AND BIOGEOGRAPHY

The phylogeography of the freshwater fish fauna of the southeastern United States has almost achieved paradigm status in evolutionary biology (Avise 1992), and the major geographic features responsible for shaping species distributions are well-characterized. Nevertheless, variation among species in distributions of allele or haplotype frequencies suggests that species-specific processes (e.g., migration) may also play a role in establishing those distributions. There has also been relatively little investigation into how population structure may differ among subregions in the Southeast, for example, on the Florida peninsula versus the U.S. mainland to the northwest and/or northeast. The geology of the peninsula is such that both physical and biotic fluctuations may have been (and still be) particularly important in establishing the population structure of freshwater taxa. This possibility leads to two interesting questions in population genetics. (1) Does gene flow in freshwater species of the region better approximate a one- or two-dimensional pattern? (2) Are populations on the peninsula farther from migration-genetic drift equilibrium than their counterparts on the mainland? These questions were addressed by examining the population strucuture of a livebearing fish, Heterandria formosa; several features of the biology of the species make it particularly likely that recent gene flow has been important in its evolution. I surveyed electrophoretic variation in 34 populations distributed throughout the species range. The phylogeographic patterns observed are in general concordance with those found in other species, although with some differences. A two-dimensional hypothesis of gene flow on the Florida peninsula better explains the data than does a one-dimensional one. There is no evidence that populations on the peninsula are farther from migration-drift equilibrium than those to the northwest. Populations in the northeast have lower genetic diversity than those to the south and west and show no isolation by distance; those results are consistent with a recent range expansion into the northeast, although smaller historical effective population sizes could also explain the pattern.
Synonymy of Nomada fowleri Cockerell with N . obscurella Fowler (Hymenoptera: Nomadidae)

Nomada obscurella Fowler, 1902, was originally described from one male from Berkeley, California, March 18, from Ranunculus californicus , under the name N. obscura Fowler, 1899 (preoccupied). Nomada fowleri Cockerell, 1903, was described from a female from Corvallis, Oregon, April 15, 1897 (A. B. Cordley). In connection with a study of some interrelationships of some Ranunculus bees we have become convinced that the two are synonymous. Although in general we disapprove of the association of sexes by elimination, in this case we regard the circumstantial evidence so strong as to leave little doubt that they represent the two sexes of a strikingly sexually dimorphic species.
Study on configuration standard and operation specification of an emergency kit dealing with infectious respiratory diseases

Objective: To meet the health emergency needs,the equipments of emergency team should be strengthened professionally and standardized.Methods: Questionnaire and Delphi method were used in the research of emergency kits standard and operation procedures in dealing with infectious respiratory diseases.Results: Disease control institutions of province,city and county should provide personal emergency kit,emergency knapsack,biological sample case and infectious transport case of biological sample.The equipped capacitor can meet the need of dealing with three infectious respiratory diseases in province institution,two in city and two in county at the same time.Conclusion: Disease control institutions ought to equip with modularized emergency kits.Operation specifications and maintenance management procedures should be established to meet practical work requirements.
Financing oral health care. Can dentistry diversify the portfolio

One of the easiest ways to measure socioeconomic status in 20th-century America is to look in the mouth. Socioeconomic status is directly related to access to oral health care. And access to oral health care is directly related to financing oral health care.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in aging and neurodegenerative disease.

A major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is aging. Two processes that have been implicated in aging are free radical-induced oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. A progressive impairment of mitochondrial function and/or increased oxidative damage has been suggested to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of these neurodegenerative diseases. For example, decreased complex I activity, increased oxidative damage and altered activities of antioxidant defense enzymes have been demonstrated in PD. In AD, decrements in complex IV activity and increased oxidative damage have been reported. Reductions in complex II activity, increased cortical lactate levels and oxidative damage have been described in HD. Some familial ALS cases are associated with mutations in the gene for Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) while increased oxidative damage is observed in sporadic ALS. Studies in PSP have demonstrated regionally specific reductions in brain and muscle mitochondrial function, hypofrontality and increased oxidative damage. Altogether, the age-dependent onset and progressive course of these neurodegenerative diseases may ultimately highlight an association between aging, mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress.
Daylighting-Based Assessment of Occupant Performance in Educational Buildings

AbstractThe main objective of sustainable buildings is to reduce the depletion of energy, water, and materials caused by facilities during the lifecycle of a building. In 2012, the electric consumption of the U.S. commercial sector, including institutional buildings and public roads lighting, was about 274 kWh. That is about seven percent of total U.S. electricity consumption per year. Specifically, lighting is considered a major energy consumer in the commercial buildings. Nevertheless, most of the research has neglected the occupants’ behavioral factors that influence occupants’ usage of artificial lighting. To assess the behavior of occupants in commercial buildings, the current research considers the effect of environmental, physical, and policy-related factors on daylighting intensity in workplaces in institutional buildings. An occupant performance assessment model, using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), is developed in order to investigate the influence of preferred lighting factors on dayligh...
Numerical investigation of enhanced femtosecond supercontinuum via a weak seed in noble gases

Numerical simulations are employed to elucidate the physics underlying the enhanced femtosecond supercontinuum generation previously observed during optical filamentation in noble gases and in the presence of a weak seed pulse. Simulations based on the metastable electronic state approach are shown not only to capture the qualitative features of the experiment, but also reveal the relation of the observed enhancement to recent developments in the area of sub-cycle engineering of filaments.
Early Islamic pigments at Nishapur, north-eastern Iran: studies on the painted fragments preserved at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Pigments appearing on ninth–twelfth-century AD-carved stucco, wall painting, and terracotta friezes excavated at Nishapur in north-eastern Iran were investigated by optical reflectance spectroscopy, micro X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ-XRF), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-Raman), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Many of the pigments identified including vermilion, red lead, hematite, limonite, carbon black, atacamite, calcite, and gypsum have been identified in previous studies of pigments used in later Islamic periods. However, a series of unusual pigments such as wulfenite, pyromorphite, phoenicochroite, and jarosite were also found in the present study. The association of kaolinite and alunite with limonite and other Fe-bearing yellow pigments points to a local provenance for these pigments. In addition, the presence of orpiment in the vermilion may be indicative that the vermilion was artificially manufactured. These findings suggest that pigment use and manufacturing during the ninth to eleventh centuries in Nishapur was still in a trial-and-error stage and the palette known from the twelfth century onwards had not yet been systematized.
Thermal Bubble Powered Microfluidic Mixer with Gas Bubble Filter

A microfluidic mixer with a gas bubble filter powered by a thermal bubble actuated nozzle-diffuser micropump is successfully demonstrated. The oscillatory flow generated by the micropump can induce wavy interface to increase the contact area of the mixing liquids and accelerate the mixing process. It is found that the mixing effect can be optimized when the pumping frequency reaches 200Hz in a 200µm wide, 50µm deep microchannel with a pumping volume flow rate of 6.5µl/min. The mixing process is accelerated when the pulse frequency is increased until a certain frequency. Experimental results on normalized gray-scale measurements show that the grayscale values that correspond to the mixing effect increase proportionally to the one-third power of the pumping pulse frequency. In addition to the micromixer, a gas bubble filter based on the working principle of pressure barrier caused by the channel geometry is also demonstrated experimentally. A simple model for estimating the pressure barrier caused by the microchannel geometry is developed.
Information value in nonparametric Dirichlet-process Gaussian-process (DPGP) mixture models

This paper presents tractable information value functions for Dirichlet-process Gaussian-process (DPGP) mixture models obtained via collocation methods and Monte Carlo integration. Quantifying information value in tractable closed form is key to solving control and estimation problems for autonomous information-gathering systems. The properties of the proposed value functions are analyzed and then demonstrated by planning sensor measurements so as to minimize the uncertainty in DPGP target models that are learned incrementally over time. Simulation results show that sensor planning based on expected KL divergence outperforms algorithms based on mutual information, particle filters, and randomized methods.
An International Perspective on Audit Report Lag: A Synthesis of the Literature and Opportunities for Future Research

Audit report lag (ARL) is the length of time from a company's fiscal year-end to the audit report date, and is often viewed as the most important financial reporting timeliness determinant. Given that timeliness is an area of interest to investors, managers, regulators, auditors and academics, an understanding of ARL determinants is extremely important. As financial markets become more globally oriented, an international understanding of ARL determinants becomes even more important. This paper summarizes the extant literature on ARL and its determinants with an emphasis on international literature. Our review categorizes prior research based on company-specific and audit-related factors, and explores the associations that have been identified with respect to ARL. Finally, we identify possible areas of interest not currently present in the literature and speculate on several opportunities for future research.
Automatic Multiparameter Acquisition in Aquaponics Systems

For various purposes from simple water monitoring in maintenance, regulation, control and optimization to behavior models in biometrics, biomonitoring, biophysics and bioinformatics, it is necessary to observe wide field of variables. The precision and accuracy are one of the most important attributes as well as price and operational burden. Online water monitoring is becoming more trendy due to its time saving method and automatic alert included. From that point of view, old manual methods are replaced by these autonomous data obtaining systems, which can simplify the process with data crucial data measurement. Aquaponic systems represents a complex system for many biophysical experiments. In this article, the comparison of basic monitoring solutions is introduced and discussed.
Searching online mendelian inheritance in man (OMIM): A knowledgebase of human genes and genetic phenotypes

Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) at OMIM.org is the primary repository of comprehensive, curated information on genes and genetic phenotypes and the relationships between them. This unit provides an overview of the types of information in OMIM and optimal strategies for searching and retrieving the information. OMIM.org has links to many related and complementary databases, providing easy access to more information on a topic. The relationship between genes and genetic disorders is highlighted in this unit. The basic protocol explains searching OMIM both from a gene perspective and a clinical features perspective. Two alternate protocols provide strategies for viewing gene-phenotype relationships: a gene map table and Quick View or Side-by-Side format for clinical features. OMIM.org is updated nightly, and the MIMmatch service, described in the support protocol, provides a convenient way to follow updates to entries, gene-phenotype relationships, and collaborate with other researchers. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Educating the “Variant,” Educating the Public: Gender and the Rhetoric of Legitimation in The Ladder Magazine for Lesbians

This article explores the rhetorical strategies used within The Ladder magazine to legitimate its producers, and by extension all lesbians, as participants in the public dialogue regarding the “problem” of homosexuality. The Ladder was the first lesbian-produced, nationally distributed magazine in the United States, publishing continuously from 1956 through 1972. Unlike early publications by male homophile groups, the producers of The Ladder had two delegitimating statuses to overcome in order to establish legitimacy–their stigmatized sexuality and their delegitimated gender. This article examines the ways that gender expectations experienced by women during the magazine's early years of publication shaped and constrained the discursive practices within The Ladder in its quest for legitimation. Three rhetorical strategies are analyzed: normalization (constructing the lesbian as heterosexual woman), status elevation (the lesbian as man), and emphatic individualism (the lesbian as idealized citizen).
Detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-specific IgM-IgA in oral fluid samples reveals PRRSV infection in the presence of maternal antibody

The ontogeny of PRRSV antibody in oral fluids has been described using isotype-specific ELISAs. Mirroring the serum response, IgM appears in oral fluid by 7days post inoculation (DPI), IgA after 7 DPI, and IgG by 9 to 10 DPI. Commercial PRRSV ELISAs target the detection of IgG because the higher concentration of IgG relative to other isotypes provides the best diagnostic discrimination. Oral fluids are increasingly used for PRRSV surveillance in commercial herds, but in younger pigs, a positive ELISA result may be due either to maternal antibody or to antibody produced by the pigs in response to infection. To address this issue, a combined IgM-IgA PRRSV oral fluid ELISA was developed and evaluated for its capacity to detect pig-derived PRRSV antibody in the presence of maternal antibody. Two longitudinal studies were conducted. In Study 1 (modified-live PRRS vaccinated pigs), testing of individual pig oral fluid samples by isotype-specific ELISAs demonstrated that the combined IgM-IgA PRRSV ELISA provided better discrimination than individual IgM or IgA ELISAs. In Study 2 (field data), testing of pen-based oral fluid samples confirmed the findings in Study 1 and established that the IgM-IgA ELISA was able to detect antibody produced by pigs in response to wild-type PRRSV infection, despite the presence of maternal IgG. Overall, the combined PRRSV IgM-IgA oral fluid ELISA described in this study is a potential tool for PRRSV surveillance, particularly in populations of growing pigs originating from PRRSV-positive or vaccinated breeding herds.
Multi-MW solar PV pumping system with capacity modulation and battery voltage support

Solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy systems are undergoing major technological developments and large-scale field deployment and electric grid integration. This paper proposes a method of expanding the capacity of an existing irrigation farm with additional pumps powered by solar PV. The system includes PV arrays and battery energy storage connected to a common dc bus, which energizes an array of variable speed inverter driven pumps. Capacity modulation is achieved by energizing an optimal number of pumps required in order to meet a particular load demand with minimum supply energy. A grid connection to the dc bus of the power electronic system is established via a bidirectional converter, such that active and reactive power demands can be both serviced. The controls and the steady-state and transient performance of the system are implemented and simulated with the PSCADTM/EMTDCTM software.
Progress in 3D Boundary Element Analysis via Examples

ABSTRACT The boundary element method (BEM) has been known for some time to be extremely useful for the solution of elastic stress analysis problems involving high stress/strain gradients. In particular, the method has been extensively used for the study of both two and three-dimensional fracture mechanics problems. Recent analytical and numerical developments coupled with the general availability of greatly increased computing capacity have made both elastic and inelastic three-dimensional stress analysis feasible for complex geometries. This paper summarizes the features of an advanced stress analysis method based on BEM for elastic, inelastic, periodic dynamic and transient time domain dynamic analyses of multizone or substructured three-dimensional solids. The elastic analyses involve isotropic or cross anisotropic media with thermal, centrifugal, periodic and transient loading. The inelastic analyses include isotropic plasticity with variable hardening, kinematic plasticity with multiple yield surfaces and anisotropic viscoplasticity with thermally sensitive material behavior.
OCV guided clock tree topology reconstruction

The timing performance of clock trees in scaled technology nodes may be severely degraded by on-chip variations (OCV). Clock tree optimization (CTO) is employed to eliminate timing violations by specifying a set of non-negative delay adjustments using a linear programming (LP) formulation. Next, the delay adjustments are realized in the clock tree by inserting delay buffers and detour wires. The drawback is that given the topology of the initial clock tree, it may be impossible to remove all timing violations. In this paper, a framework that performs OCV guided clock tree topology reconstruction is proposed. The framework reconstructs the topology of a clock tree while improving the lower bounds on the worst negative slack (WNS) and the total negative slack (TNS). Next, traditional CTO is employed to reduce WNS and TNS to the improved lower bounds. The reconstruction of the clock tree topology is guided by a predicted leaf buffer slack graph (pLB-SG). The leaf buffers that must be placed closer in the tree topology are identified by detecting cycles (or strongly connected components) in the pLB-SG. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework can on the average reduce WNS and TNS with 84% and 80%, respectively.
Bone Marrow Micro‐Environment in Normal and Deranged Hematopoiesis: Opportunities for Regenerative Medicine and Therapies

Various cell types cooperate to create a highly organized and dynamic micro-environmental niche in the bone marrow. Over the past several years, the field has increasingly recognized the critical roles of the interplay between bone marrow environment and hematopoietic cells in normal and deranged hematopoiesis. These advances rely on several new technologies that have allowed us to characterize the identity and roles of these niches in great detail. Here, we review the progress of the last several years, list some of the outstanding questions in the field and propose ways to target the diseased environment to better treat hematologic diseases. Understanding the extrinsic regulation by the niche will help boost hematopoiesis for regenerative medicine. Based on natural development of hematologic malignancies, we propose that combinatory targeting the niche and hematopoietic intrinsic mechanisms in early stages of hematopoietic malignancies may help eliminate minimal residual disease and have the highest efficacy.
Permutation Techniques Based on Euclidean Analysis Spaces: A New and Powerful Statistical Method for Ecological Research

The statistical procedures that are most widely used in ecological population and community research belong to the family of parametric methods. Embedded in these procedures are assumptions about the normal distribution of the underlying population, homogeneity of variances and linear response patterns. One of the problems encountered in ecological and vegetation studies, however, is that these assumptions are very difficult, if not impossible, to meet. In addition, a very serious shortcoming of the most widely used statistical methods is the lack of congruence between the geometry of the data space, which is for the most part Euclidean, and the analysis space, which in the standard parametric tests and most of the nonparametric tests, is not Euclidean. In ecological and vegetation studies, the combination of a failure to meet model assumptions and a lack of congruence between the geometries of the data space and the analysis space can lead, as shown in this paper, to gross errors in data interpretation and hypothesis testing.