cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Tracking Flat Reflector Using Novel Auxiliary Drive Mechanism on the Performance of Stationary Photovoltaic Module

General ways of cost reduction in solar power generation are Solar Tracked Photovoltaic (PV) arrays and concentrator systems. The PV array tracking becomes infeasible with increase in the size of the array and concentrated system is ineffective for continuous power generation as it requires external cooling system. Proposed approach here is to employ a novel auxiliary mirror drive mechanism to track the sun and reflect the rays on to stationary PV arrays. The performance is compared with same PV module without reflector under the same environmental conditions. Solarex SX 38 PV module and cleardome solar reflector (96% reflectivity) are used for the experiments. PV module is connected to electrical load through Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) and data acquisition system for voltage and current measurements. Incident radiation is measured using Li-Cor pyranometers located on the plane of the module and horizontal plane. A shadow band device is used for the measurement of diffuse solar radiation. The PV module is placed facing south at a tilt angle equal to the latitude angle. A reflector is placed facing north and oriented using the novel Mirror Positioning Device (MPD). The MPD is a five bar spherical mechanism used for solar tracking. This mechanism has two degrees of freedom which allows for tracking the sun along its azimuth and altitude. The mechanism is driven by two servo motors which actuate two links. The actuated link 1 helps in achieving the altitude gained by the sun while the actuated link 2 helps to attain the azimuth (or horizontal movement). The reason for using a spherical mechanism is due to the virtue of its architecture; it allows for carrying a larger payload and also helps in reducing weight. Its advantages are that it requires less power than traditional PV array tracking; there is no need for sensors to determine the position of the sun and also that it being a two degree of freedom spherical mechanism yields a large singularity free mirror orienting workspace. Solar radiation, efficiency, and temperature are plotted as a function of time for analysis. Average diffuse solar radiation is found to be in the range of 15 to 20% of total solar radiation. Different experiments are performed to find out the optimum cycle speed for reflector. Measurements show that output from the PV panel can be increased in the order of 22% with the use of tracking reflector. This work has succeeded in its goal in realization that the considerable increase in output power from PV modules can be achieved.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Lesions of the cholinergic nuclei in the rat basal forebrain: excitotoxins vs. an immunotoxin.

Abstract Infusion of the excitotoxins, ibotenic acid, quisqualic acid, or AMPA, into the medial septal nucleus, diagonal band, and the nucleus basalis magnocellularis of rats produced less cholinergic cell loss as assessed by choline acetyltransferase activity in the projection fields, cortex and hippocampus, than that obtainable by intraventricular administration of the immunotoxin,IgG-saporin. All excitotoxins produced reductions in tissue levels of some monoamines, while no decreases were found for the immunotoxin. All toxins produced acquisitional impairment in the hidden platform water maze. This behavioral deficit was slightly greater for the excitotoxic-lesioned rats than for those given IgG-saporin at a dose which produced ChAT depletions similar to the most potent excitotoxin (AMPA). This supports the idea that some of the behavioral effects produced by excitotoxic lesions are due to the cholinergic basal forebrain lesion and some are due to noncholinergic damage.
Site-specific incorporation of non-natural residues into peptides: Effect of residue structure on suppression and translation efficiencies

Abstract A systematic survey of the structural requirements for biosynthetic incorporation of non-natural residues into a polypeptide is presented. Relative translation efficiencies for a series of 12 semi-synthetic acylated suppressor tRNAs ranged from 0 to 91% depending on the structure of the residue incorporated. A systematic survey of the structural requirements for biosynthetic incorporation of non-natural residues into a polypeptide is presented. Relative translation efficiencies for a series of 12 semi-synthetic acylated suppressor tRNAs ranged from 0 to 91% depending on the structure of the residue incorporated.
The transparency of intention

The attitude of intention is not usually the primary focus in philosophical work on self-knowledge. A recent exception is the so-called “Transparency” theory of self-knowledge, which attempts to explain how we know our own minds by appeal to reflection on non-mental facts. Transparency theories are attractive in light of their relative psychological economy compared to views that must posit a dedicated mechanism of ‘inner sense’. However, it is argued here, focusing on proposals by Richard Moran and Alex Byrne, that the Transparency approach to explaining knowledge of our intentions fails. Considerations of economy therefore recommend an alternative approach: the Rylean Theory Theory. The particular view defended here is that one way of coming to know what we intend is to self-ascribe an intention on the basis of making a conscious decision about what to do. This view requires that there are such things as conscious decisions, and so the existence of conscious decisions is defended against skeptical worries raised by Peter Carruthers. The conclusion is that we know of our intentions by theorizing about ourselves, but that this knowledge can still be first-personally privileged, authoritative, and non-alienated.
Ontogeny of sound-induced seizures in the genetically epilepsy-prone rat

Seizure responsiveness of the adult genetically epilepsy-prone rat (GEPR) is well documented. Much less is known about the ontogeny to seizure activity in the GEPR. In the present study, members of the moderate seizure (GEPR-3) and severe seizure (GEPR-9) colonies were tested for susceptibility to sound-induced seizures at 11 different ages ranging from 13 to 45 days post partum. Running episodes first appeared in GEPR-3s at 15 days post partum. Clonic seizures first appeared in GEPR-3s and GEPR-9s at 15 and 16 days post partum, respectively. Seizure incidence reached 100% by post partum day 21 in both colonies. GEPR-3s exhibited a 100% incidence of their characteristic clonic seizure at day 21. GEPR-9s exhibited a 77.3% incidence of clonic seizure and a 22.7% incidence of their adult characteristic tonic seizure at day 21. Tonic seizures first appeared in GEPR-9s at day 18 and increased in incidence over time reaching 100% by day 45. Two unexpected findings occurred in GEPR-3s. First, secondary rearing seizures were detected in all GEPR-3s exhibiting clonic seizures between day 16 and 21. Second, GEPR-3s exhibited a transient susceptibility between 19 and 27 days post partum to the more severe tonic seizures characteristic of adult GEPR-9s. Peak incidence of tonic seizures in GEPR-3s was 70%, occurring at day 23. The adult GEPR-3 pattern of 100% incidence of clonic seizures was restored by day 45.
Mechanism and Function of Chromatin Positional Dynamics

Recent studies of the spatial organization of chromatin in interphase showed with 1Mb resolution that DNA is not as intertwined as expected but consists of knot-free globules [1]. Chromatin is territorialized with respect to the chromosomes, but also with respect to the expressed and silenced genomic regions. The globular organization facilitates the rapid folding and unfolding of local territories allowing a gene to be accessible for expression at any time [2].In the present work we studied the dynamics of chromatin territories in interphase by measuring positional fluctuations of GFP-labeled histones H2B in mammalian cells (HeLa) using fluorescence intensity fluctuations spectroscopy. Spatio-temporal fluctuation maps of chromatin dynamics in single nuclei were determined by cross-correlation spectroscopy (STICS, [3]). We show that small territories move independently from each other confirming the blob-like structure observed in the static measurement [1].In a second set of experiments, we studied the dynamics of chromatin on a single filament level by single particle tracking of GFP-tagged specific positions on chromosomal DNA (such as telomeres, centromeres). We hypothesize that chromatin is a kind of “active material” that combines passive (thermally driven) and active (motor-driven, ATP-dissipating) dynamics. We also hypothesize that chromatin is composed of blobs which move independently. The mean square displacement of locally labeled chromosomal DNA loci obeys a power law ∼ t3/4 as expected for semiflexible macromolecules. A.Z. is Damon Runyon Fellow supported by Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation (DRG 2040-10).[1] E. Liebermann-Aiden et al., 2009, Science, 326: 289.[2] L. Mirny, 2011, Chromosome Res. 19:37.[3] B. Hebert et al., 2005, Biophys. J., 88: 3601.
SmartSpaghetti: Accurate and robust tracking of Human's location

An important tool of the Lean management is the “Spaghetti Diagram”, which helps to establish the optimum layout for a department or a ward based on the movements performed by patients, staff and/or products (e.g., x-ray machines). The spaghetti diagram is usually created manually in which the movements of staff members and/or patients are visually observed. In our previous work, we reported the development of SmartSpaghetti system, which generates the Spaghetti Diagram in an automated and non-intrusive way by tracking a human's location using the smartphone's inertia sensors. In this paper, we address the challenges of SmartSpaghetti system in tracking human's location by estimating the distance traveled and the direction change in an accurate and robust way. Finally, we show preliminary evaluation of the developed distance and direction estimation modules of SmartSpaghetti system.
Successful IT Start-Ups' HRD Practices: Four Cases in South Korea.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify South Korea's successful IT start‐ups' HRD practices to determine whether there are steps that must be taken to maintain their HRD expertise for continued growth.Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach employing four fast‐growing IT start‐up cases was undertaken based on semi‐structured interviews with HR managers and CEOs, supported by site visit observations and archival sources.Findings – The emergent themes resulting from an analysis of the four cases are adjusting to changing markets (globalization), the founder effect, workforce development, organizational culture, and challenges. These case studies show the importance of organizational culture for IT start‐ups' continued growth.Research limitations/implications – Although the paper employed multiple cases for comparison, through focusing on only four cases, the results are contextualized and, thus, are limited in generalization.Practical implications – The fast‐growing IT firms should c...
Protein Kinase Cϵ Modulates Apoptosis Induced by β -Adrenergic Stimulation in Adult Rat Ventricular Myocytes via Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase (ERK) Activity

Beta-adrenergic stimulation of ventricular myocytes has been shown to induce apoptosis; however, the cellular mechanisms involved in this pathway have not been completely characterized. This study examines the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the signaling cascade that mediates beta-adrenergic stimulation-induced apoptosis. Stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors using isoproterenol (ISO, 1-10 microm, 24 h) induced apoptosis in cultured adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVM) in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with ISO significantly resulted in the membrane translocation of PKC(epsilon), but not of PKC alpha or delta in ARVM. The activation of PKC(epsilon) by ISO was confirmed using an immune complex kinase assay. To address whether PKC(epsilon) is involved in the mechanism of ISO-induced apoptosis, we used the PKC(epsilon)-specific translocation inhibitor peptide, epsilonV1-2. Peptide epsilonV1-2 significantly blocked the translocation of PKC(epsilon), as well as the enzymatic action of PKC(epsilon), resulting from ISO stimulation. The inhibition of PKC(epsilon) attenuated ISO-induced apoptosis as measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay (18.2+/-3.8%v 49.0+/-2.4%P<0.05), while a PKC delta-specific peptide translocation inhibitor (delta V1-1) failed to do so (39.8+/-7.8%). In the presence of ISO, PKC(epsilon) inhibition by epsilonV1-2 was found to significantly enhance activity of ERK, but not that of Akt/PKB. Inhibition of ERK activation by PD 98059 (10-50 microm) attenuated the epsilonV1-2 peptide-mediated anti-apoptotic effect, thus suggesting that ERK activation is involved in this anti-apoptotic effect. Therefore, our results suggest that activation of PKC(epsilon) downstream of beta-adrenergic stimulation promotes apoptosis largely via inhibition of an ERK activation-dependent anti-apoptotic effect.
A New Vacuum Oscillator with Open Resonator

A novel microwave vacuum oscillator based upon parametric instability of linear electron oscillators in electromagnetic field of higher modes of Open Resonators (OR), having phase inversion along the electrons trajectories is suggested. The instability takes place for even harmonics of electron oscillations frequency in parabolic well. OR field increment was obtained and studied. Computer simulation of the OR field dynamics allowed to study time dependences of the OR field energy for various sets of main parameters. A new device may be applied for generation of terahertz electromagnetic signals.
Risk, Return and Regulation in Chinese Stock Markets

Abstract This paper studies the dynamic behavior of risks and returns in Chinese stock markets. We characterize the time-series properties of stock-market returns and volatility. We estimate an empirical model which captures the effects of local and global information variables on the conditional mean of stock-market excess returns, and characterize the second-order conditional moments using three-error generation processes. We find that stock-market volatility is time-varying, mildly persistent, and is best described by a fat-tailed distribution such as the Stable distribution. We also find that the government’s market intervention policies have affected stock-market volatility in China.
New therapeutic strategies for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Although contemporary treatments cure more than 80% of children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), some patients require intensive treatment and many patients still develop serious acute and late complications owing to the side effects of the treatments. Furthermore, the survival rate for adults with ALL remains below 40%. Therefore, new treatment strategies are needed to improve not only the cure rate but also the quality of life of these patients. Here, we discuss emerging new treatments that might improve the clinical outcome of patients with ALL. These include new formulations of existing chemotherapeutic agents, new antimetabolites and nucleoside analogues, monoclonal antibodies against leukaemia-associated antigens, and molecular therapies that target genetic abnormalities of the leukaemic cells and their affected signalling pathways.
Un Théorème de Finitude Pour la Monodromie

Soit S une variete algebrique complexe lisse (i.e. sans singularite) connexe et soit (Xs)s∈S une famille algebrique, parametrisee par S, de varietes projectives lisses Xs ⊂ ℙN (₵).
Identifying subgroups of patients with acute/subacute "nonspecific" low back pain: results of a randomized clinical trial.

Study design Randomized clinical trial. Objective Compare outcomes of patients with low back pain receiving treatments matched or unmatched to their subgrouping based on initial clinical presentation. Summary of background data Patients with "nonspecific" low back pain are often viewed as a homogeneous group, equally likely to respond to any particular intervention. Others have proposed methods for subgrouping patients as a means for determining the treatment most likely to benefit patients with particular characteristics. Methods Patients with low back pain of less than 90 days' duration referred to physical therapy were examined before treatment and classified into one of three subgroups based on the type of treatment believed most likely to benefit the patient (manipulation, stabilization exercise, or specific exercise). Patients were randomly assigned to receive manipulation, stabilization exercises, or specific exercise treatment during a 4-week treatment period. Disability was assessed in the short-term (4 weeks) and long-term (1 year) using the Oswestry. Comparisons were made between patients receiving treatment matched to their subgroup, versus those receiving unmatched treatment. Results A total of 123 patients participated (mean age, 37.7 +/- 10.7 years; 45% female). Patients receiving matched treatments experienced greater short- and long-term reductions in disability than those receiving unmatched treatments. After 4 weeks, the difference favoring the matched treatment group was 6.6 Oswestry points (95% CI, 0.70-12.5), and at long-term follow-up the difference was 8.3 points (95% CI, 2.5-14.1). Compliers-only analysis of long-term outcomes yielded a similar result. Conclusions Nonspecific low back pain should not be viewed as a homogenous condition. Outcomes can be improved when subgrouping is used to guide treatment decision-making.
Fatty acid content of pork cuts and variety meats as affected by different dietary lipids.

SUMMARY The fatty acid concentrations of different pork cuts and variety meats are presented as affected by diets supplemented with peanut oil, hydrogenated coconut oil, or hydrogenated coconut oil plus cholesterol. With the higher linoleate diet, greater proportions of linoleic acid were deposited in all parts, and with the higher oleate diet greater proportions of oleic acid were deposited in the liver, kidney, ham, skin, boston butt, fat hack, picnic, tongue, and bacon but not in the heart and chop. Only small proportions of lauric and myristic acids were present in all tissues studied although large proportions were consumed. Cholesterol feeding increased the liver linoleate and arachidonate contents and decreased the heart and kidney linoleate and arachidonate contents. Also, the liver and kidney stearate content increased, the liver palmitate content decreased, and the kidney palmitate content increased. With the same diet, the vital organs contained large proportions of arachidonate and were richer sources of linoleic acid than the depot fats and muscles.
An improved error model for noisy channel spelling correction

The noisy channel model has been applied to a wide range of problems, including spelling correction. These models consist of two components: a source model and a channel model. Very little research has gone into improving the channel model for spelling correction. This paper describes a new channel model for spelling correction, based on generic string to string edits. Using this model gives significant performance improvements compared to previously proposed models.
Beyond Motivation: Exploring Mathematical Modeling as A Context for Deepening Students' Understandings of Curricular Mathematics

Views of mathematical modeling in empirical, expository, and curricular references typically capture a relationship between real-world phenomena and mathematical ideas from the perspective that competence in mathematical modeling is a clear goal of the mathematics curriculum. However, we work within a curricular context in which mathematical modeling is treated more as a venue for learning other mathematics than as an instructional goal in its own right. From this perspective, we are compelled to ask how learning of mathematics beyond modeling may occur as students generate and validate mathematical models. We consider a diagrammatic model of mathematical modeling as a process that allows us to identify how mathematical understandings may develop or surface while learners engage in modeling tasks. Through examples from prospective teachers' mathematical modeling work, we illustrate how our diagrammatic model serves as a tool to unpack the intricacies of students’ mathematical experience while engaging in modeling tasks.
The Wisconsin noncemented femoral stem: A prospective study with 5 to 9 years of follow-up evaluation

In an attempt to decrease aseptic loosening, total joint components are now being used without cement. Most components are designed to achieve fixation biologically. The radiographic results of 144 primary uncemented total hip arthroplasties and the clinical results of 89 arthroplasties that were performed using a proximally porous-coated titanium alloy femoral stem between November 1983 and June 1989 are reported. On the acetabular side, a threaded component or a hemispherical porous-coated component was used. The patients were followed prospectively for 5 to 9 years postsurgery. During the study period, the threaded acetabular component had a high failure rate. Because it was not possible to determine accurately from which component a particular sign or symptom arose, clinical analysis was restricted to only those hips without a failed or revised cup. Eighty-nine hips in 71 patients with a minimum follow-up period of 5 years were available for clinical review. Radiographic review of the femoral stem was completed on all hips with 5 or more years of radiographic follow-up evaluation regardless of the status of the acetabular component. One hundred twelve hips in 85 patients were analyzed radiographically. At a latest mean follow-up period of 6.7 years, the mean Iowa hip score was 91.4 +/- 8.0 with a 5.4% incidence of thigh pain. Throughout the follow-up period, the patients with thigh pain had a statistically lower mean Iowa pain subscore when compared with those patients without thigh pain (P=.0001). Endosteal erosion was seen in two hips (1.8%) and longitudinal loss of the medial neck greater than 2 mm was noted in two hips. One femoral stem was revised for aseptic loosening. The clinical results of this femoral stem equal or exceed the published accounts of other arthroplasties. The results indicate that the stem is associated with good clinical results, minimal bone loss, and little osteolysis. Continued follow-up evaluation of patients with this femoral stem is necessary to assess the durability of these encouraging results.
The discourse of American civil society: A new proposal for cultural studies

In this essay we make a new proposal for the sociological approach to culture. We begin with a brief critical history of the social scientific treatment of culture and a criticism of some recent alternatives. In the section following this we develop our own model, and, in the third part of the essay, apply this in a construction of what we call the discourse of American civil society. In the fourth and longest section of our paper, we demonstrate the plausibility of this substantive model by using it to investigate a disparate range of events in American social and political history.
U.S. and Cuban scientific exchange.

From 20 to 23 October I was among a group of 21 U.S. neuroscientists who met with 30 of their Cuban colleagues in Havana in the first bilateral meeting on the life sciences since the imposition of the U.S. trade embargo 37 years ago. Our objective was to build bridges between Cuban and U.S. neuroscientists. It was the result of nearly 3 years of planning on the part of Peter Valdes, acting director of the Cuban Neuroscience Center, and myself ([1][1]). It was clear from the meeting that the embargo has hindered the progress of scientists in Cuba and has shortchanged U.S. scientists by preventing our interaction with them. Just after the meeting, most of the U.S. scientists attended the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Miami, Florida. The society has invited a handful of Cuban colleagues over the past few years, but only two have been able to get into the United States, and both received visas only at the last minute. The possibility to develop joint projects (in a variety of fields in addition to neuroscience) has been stymied by these policies. But our meeting in October was an opportunity for scientists to speak freely and to establish professional relationships. It also resulted in the creation of a binational committee to promote exchange of information and material for neuroscience, as well as an exchange program for basic and clinical neurosceintists. Cuban scientists and clinicians have made great strides in research, drug delivery, and health care delivery. They have led the world in the development of low-cost brain-imaging technology. The availability of these instruments would enhance rural medicine in the United States, where sophisticated, high-quality medical imaging may be far away. And in 1986, Cuban scientists developed and distributed a vaccine to combat meningitis, which was supplied worldwide, but was not available in the United States until this year because of the trade embargo. Three thousand U.S. children are affected by meningitis B each year. The stated intent of the embargo has been to bring about the political demise of Fidel Castro. The actual effect has been to cause needless suffering, including widespread shortages of food and medicine, and to thwart development in Cuba. As a scientist, I would never continue the same failed experiment for 38 years. It is time for our government to change its experimental strategy as well. 1. [↵][2]The meeting was organized as a continuing medical education course at the University of Illinois, Chicago, through the efforts of Moises Gaviria and was sponsored by several pharmaceutical companies (Jannsen, Astra-Zeneca, Wyeth-Ayerst, and Solvay), as well as the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur foundation of Chicago. [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text"
In-process modeling of dynamic tool-tip temperatures of a tunable vibration turning device operating at ultrasonic frequencies

Abstract The development of a model used to describe the mechanism by which vibration assisted machining reduces tool temperature is discussed, and correlations to resulting reduction in tool wear are presented. This model is applied to a newly developed ultrasonic, vibration assisted diamond turning device that allows for variation of vibration frequency and vibration amplitude via a direct drive actuator. It accommodates a wide range of vibration parameters, including vibration frequencies up to 40 kHz and amplitudes up to 8 μm, where the tool operates. The model uses the finite element method to predict cutting temperatures under conventional turning conditions (i.e., without vibration assistance). The results from the finite element analysis are then used in conjunction with a model developed for vibration assisted machining to predict the new temperature profiles. The modeling techniques and temperature histories for various vibration conditions are presented as well as experimental results that show the thermal advantages of applying tool vibration.
Response of abscisic acid mutants of Arabidopsis to salinity.

Increases in abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations in plant tissues correlate with growth inhibition in salt-stressed plants. Therefore, it was hypothesized that Arabidopsis ABA mutants different in, or insensitive to, ABA would respond differently than wild type (wt) to salinity stress. Seeds (wt, abi1-1, abi2-1, abi3-1, and aba1-3) were germinated and grown hydroponically in three separate experiments with different environmental conditions: relative humidity at 80 or 100%, day/night temperatures at 21/18 or 23/20˚C, and light intensity at 125, 200 or 350 μmol photons m–2 s-1. Plants were exposed to salinity (either 0, 40 and 80 mM NaCl or 1, 5, and 9 dS m–1 with a Na/Ca ratio of 10 depending on the experiment) for one to several weeks before harvesting. The effect of salinity on root elongation rates of young seedlings was measured as well. Two-way ANOVA of root elongation rates of young seedlings and the growth of 3-week old plants in hydroponic solutions indicated that salinity inhibited growth, increased ABA and Na concentrations, and reduced K concentrations in all genotypes tested. However, there were no significant interactions with salinity and genotype for root elongation rates, total dry weight, shoot ABA and K concentrations. Shoot Na concentrations were significantly higher in wt plants relative to other genotypes subjected to high salinity stress. aba1-3 had significantly lower ABA concentrations than other genotypes, but the interaction of aba1-3 with salinity was the same as other genotypes. The lack of difference in interaction between genotype and salinity indicates that all genotypes responded in the same manner and amount to salinity for the particular parameter measured. Therefore, it appears that there are no significant differences in growth in response to salinity between the ABA mutants (ABA-deficient and ABA-insensitive) and wt. However, in contrast to the other genotypes, some of the ABA-deficient plants, aba1-3, died when exposed to high salinity and high light intensity. ABA appears to provide a protective role in conditions of high salinity and high light intensity.
Using Manpower Policies to Transform the Force and Society: The Case of the Pakistan Army

Military manpower policies have an impact beyond the garrison. Policy makers have long held that military service can darn social fabrics that have been rent by ethnic, communal, class, and other cleavages, while scholars debate whether and how this occurs. Because military participation has implications for citizenship, marginalized groups have campaigned to be allowed to participate in the military, and leveraged their service to achieve greater enfranchisement. Military service affects the society in a whole in other ways as well: for example, leaders with military experience are less likely than other to prefer military force when other options are available. This paper examines the Pakistan army, which, with its domination of the state, feared Islamist tendencies, and incessant belligerence towards India, seems to differ markedly from other militaries. But, using army recruitment and household survey data, we show that even the Pakistan army has used personnel policies to reshape its force, despite the numerous challenges of such a course.
Imaging the pharmacodynamics of HER2 degradation in response to Hsp90 inhibitors

The development of therapeutic inhibitors of key signaling pathways has been hampered by the inability to assess the effect of a drug on its target in the patient. 17-allylaminogeldanamycin (17-AAG) is the first Hsp90 inhibitor to be tested in a clinical trial. It causes the degradation of HER2 and other Hsp90 targets, and has antitumor activity in preclinical models. We have developed a method for imaging the inhibition of Hsp90 by 17-AAG. We labeled an F(ab')2 fragment of the anti-HER2 antibody Herceptin with 68Ga, a positron emitter, which allows the sequential positron-emission tomographic imaging of HER2 expression. We have used this method to quantify as a function of time the loss and recovery of HER2 induced by 17-AAG in animal tumors. This approach allows noninvasive imaging of the pharmacodynamics of a targeted drug and will facilitate the rational design of combination therapy based on target inhibition.
Nuclear quadrupole resonance shifts of off-center ions in KCl

Abstract The nuclear quadrupole resonance shifts of the NMR lines of the nuclei of off-center Li + and Cu + impurity ions in KCl are calculated using perturbation theory and by direct solution of the secular equation. No shifts will be observed if the defect ions are rapidly jumping between equivalent positions in the absence of an applied electric field. Large shifts will obtain if the thermal and tunneling jump rates are low or if an electric field is applied to localize the particle in one of its potential wells. The large difference in the shifts, with the defect ion in various positions in the crystal indicates that quadrupole resonance measurements should be helpful in fixing the magnitude and direction of off-center ions in the alkali halides.
Cardiovascular Health Outcomes of Latinos in the Affordable Housing as an Obesity Mediating Environment (AHOME) Study: A Study of Rental Assistance Use

Studies have shown that households subsidized with vouchers live in higher quality units and exhibit fewer physical, mental, and social problems than do their peers living in public housing. However, none of these studies have included cardiovascular outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess if use/type of rental assistance is independently associated with poor cardiovascular health among Latino adults (ages ≥18) who are eligible for federal low-income rental assistance and living in the Bronx, NY. Data from the cross-sectional, Affordable Housing as an Obesity Mediating Environment study, collected over 18 months (January 2011 to August 2012) were used. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes was determined by measured high blood pressure and self-reported heart attack and/or stroke. Type of housing status was defined as: public housing units, units subsidized by section 8 vouchers, and units unassisted by either federal program. Statistical techniques used were analysis of variance and multivariate logistic regression. The prevalence of CVD was significantly higher among public housing residents than unassisted participants even in the presence of all individual level covariates. Public housing residents also have higher levels of CVD than do section 8 participants. The prevalence of CVD was similar for unassisted and section 8 participants. These findings point to the potential for health benefits arising from housing voucher use even within a fairly delimited geographic area.
The effects of prenatal stress, and of prenatal alcohol and nicotine exposure, on human sexual orientation.

Background: Studies of rats have shown that mothers who are subjected to stress during pregnancy are more likely than mothers who are not stressed during pregnancy to have male offspring who exhibit female-typical sexual receptivity postures (lordosis) in the presence of other males following the onset of puberty. More recent animal experiments have indicated that prenatal exposure to alcohol affects the sexual preferences of male offspring in ways that are similar to the effects of prenatal stress. Research with human subjects have thus far yielded inconsistent findings regarding the effects of prenatal stress on male sexual orientation, and no research has yet addressed the possible involvement of prenatal exposure to alcohol or other widely used recreational drugs, such as nicotine. Purpose: The present study was undertaken to determine if prenatal stress could be one of the causes of variations in sexual orientation in humans, both singularly and in conjunction with prenatal exposure to alcohol and nicotine. Methods: Over 7500 offspring and their mothers provided information regarding the offspring's sexual orientation and the mother's stressful experiences and use of alcohol and nicotine during pregnancy. Results: Findings indicate that prenatal stress has a modest but significant effect on the sexual orientation of male offspring, particularly when the stress occurred during the first trimester of pregnancy. Regarding prenatal exposure to alcohol, no evidence was found to suggest that it impacted offspring sexual orientation of either males or females. Prenatal nicotine exposure, however, appears to significantly increase the probability of lesbianism among female offspring, especially if the exposure occurred in the first trimester along with prenatal stress in the second trimester. Conclusion: The present study is consistent with animal models suggesting that prenatal stress disrupts the typical sex hormonal milieu within which male fetal brains are sexed, thereby feminizing/demasculinizing the male's sexual orientation. However, little support was found for similar effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. In the case of prenatal nicotine, this study is the first to suggest that this drug has masculinizing/defeminizing effects on the sexual orientation of female offspring.
An improved incremental algorithm for generating prime implicates

Prime implicates have become a widely used tool in AI. The prime implicates of a set of clauses can be computed by repeatedly resolving pairs of clauses, adding the resulting resolvents to the set and removing subsumed clauses. Unfortunately, this brute-force approach performs far more resolution steps than necessary. Tison provided a method to avoid many of the resolution steps and Kean and Tsiknis developed an optimized incremental version. Unfortunately, both these algorithms focus only on reducing the number of resolution steps required to compute the prime implicates. The actual running time of the algorithms depends critically on the number and expense of the subsumption checks they require. This paper describes a method based on a simplification of Kean and Tsiknis' algorithm using an entirely different data structure to represent the data base of clauses. The new algorithm uses it form of discrimination net called tries to represent the clausal data base which produces an improvement in running time on all known examples with a dramatic improvement in running time on larger examples.
Notice of release of Antelope Creek and Pleasant Valley germplasms of bottlebrush squirreltail

Two new natural-track pre-variety germplasms (selected class), Antelope Creek and Pleasant Valley bottlebrush squirreltail ( Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey “ssp. C” [Poaceae]), were released by the USDA Agricultural Research Service and the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Antelope Creek Germplasm is recommended for use in the western Blue Mountains of Oregon and the eastern Cascade slopes and foothills of Oregon and northeastern California. Pleasant Valley Germplasm is recommended for use in the eastern Blue Mountains of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Both germ -plasms are members of the unofficially designated bottlebrush squirreltail “subspecies C,” which possesses a distribution that is centered in central and eastern Oregon. Jones TA, Parsons MC, Larson SR, Mott IW. 2014. Notice of release of Antelope Creek and Pleasant Valley germplasms of bottlebrush squirreltail. Native Plants Journal 15(1):57–64.
17β-Estradiol Protects Against the Progression of Hypertension During Adulthood in a Mouse Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder with a high prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Because SLE predominantly affects women, estrogen is commonly implicated as a contributor to SLE disease progression. Using an established mouse model of SLE (female NZBWF1), we tested whether estrogen has a causal role in the development of hypertension in adulthood. Thirty-week-old SLE and control mice (NZW/LacJ) underwent either a sham or ovariectomy (OVX) procedure. 17β-Estradiol (E2; 5 μg/mouse, twice/week, subcutaneously) was administered to a subset of OVX mice. Mean arterial pressure (in mm Hg) was increased in SLE mice (134±4 versus 119±3 in controls). Contrary to our hypothesis, OVX exacerbated the hypertension in female SLE mice (153±3; P<0.05 versus SLE sham), and repletion of E2 prevented the OVX-induced increase in blood pressure (132±2). The prevalence of albuminuria was increased in SLE mice compared with controls (37% versus 0%). OVX increased the prevalence in SLE mice (70% versus 37% in SLE shams). Repletion of E2 completely prevented albuminuria in OVX SLE mice. Renal cortical tumor necrosis factor α was increased in SLE mice compared with controls and was further increased in OVX SLE. The OVX-induced increase in renal tumor necrosis factor α expression was prevented by repletion of E2. Treatment of OVX SLE mice with the tumor necrosis factor α inhibitor, etanercept, blunted the OVX-induced increase in blood pressure (140±2) and prevalence of albuminuria (22%). These data suggest that 17β-estradiol protects against the progression of hypertension during adulthood in SLE, in part, by reducing tumor necrosis factor α.
Particle pressures in gas-fluidized beds

This is an experimental project to make detailed measurements of the particle pressures generated in fluidized beds. The focus lies in two principle areas: (1) the particle pressure distribution around single bubbles rising in a two-dimensional gas-fluidized bed and (2) the particle pressures measured in liquid-fluidized beds. This first year has largely been to constructing the experiments The design of the particle pressure probe has been improved and tested. A two-dimensional gas-fluidized bed has been constructed in order to measure the particle pressure generated around injected bubbles. The probe is also being adapted to work in a liquid fluidized bed. Finally, a two-dimensional liquid fluidized bed is also under construction. Preliminary measurements show that the majority of the particle pressures are generated in the wake of a bubble. However, the particle pressures generated in the liquid bed appear to be extremely small. Finally, while not directly associated with the particle pressure studies, some NERSC supercomputer time was granted alongside this project. This is being used to make large scale computer simulation of the flow of granular materials in hoppers.
Reflectivity studies of passive microwave calibration targets and absorptive materials

We report on the characterization of blackbody reflections as a part of the recent progress on the development of brightness standards for microwave remote sensing at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Three blackbody targets at variable temperatures used for airborne and/or satellite systems along with an aluminum plate were measured in terms of their reflection coefficients by horn antennas in connection with a vector network analyzer (VNA) in the WR-42 waveguide band. Precision measurements of reflection are needed for blackbody emissivity computation to check against the brightness temperature measurement of blackbody targets. All experiments were conducted in two distance ranges by free-space methods in an anechoic chamber. Preliminary results show negligible reflections from the calibration targets, indicating near ideal blackbody characteristics in the measured frequency range.
Expression of EBV Encoded viral RNA 1, 2 and anti-inflammatory Cytokine (interleukin-10) in FFPE lymphoma specimens: a preliminary study for diagnostic implication in Pakistan

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) plays a significant role as a cofactor in the process of tumorigenesis and has consistently been associated with a variety of malignancies. EBV encoded RNAs (EBER1 and EBER2) are the most abundant viral transcripts in latently EBV-infected cells and their role in viral infection is still unclear. Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) tissues of surgically removed carcinoma biopsies are widely available form but have never been exploited for expressional studies previously in Pakistan. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) in FFPE biopsy tissues remains the gold standard for proving EBV relationship in a histopathological lesion but their reagents associated limitations confines their reliability in some applications. Recently introduced targeted drug delivery systems induce viral lytic gene expression and therefore require more sensitive method to quantify viral as well as cellular gene expression. Eight (8) lymphoma samples were screened to detect the EBV genome. Qualitative and quantitative expression of EBV Encoded RNAs (EBER1, EBER2) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-10) in FFPE EBV positive lymphoma tissue samples were then analysed by using Reverse transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. In this study we have successfully quantified elevated expressional levels of both cellular and viral transcripts, namely EBER1, EBER2 and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in the FFPE Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) specimens of Pakistani origin. These results indicate that FFPE samples may retain viral as well as cellular RNA expression information at detectable level. To our knowledge, this is first study which represents elevated expressional levels of EBER1, EBER2 and IL-10 in FFPE tissue samples of Burkitt's lymphoma in Pakistan. These observations will potentially improve current lacunas in clinical as well as diagnostic practices in Pakistan and can be further exploited to develop new strategies for studying cellular and/or viral gene expression.
Dependence of the cosmic microwave background lensing power spectrum on the matter density

The anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) provide our best laboratory for testing models of the formation and evolution of large-scale structure. The rich features in the cosmic microwave background anisotropy spectrum, in combination with highly precise observations and theoretical predictions, also allow us to simultaneously constrain a number of cosmological parameters. As observations have progressed, measurements at smaller angular scales have provided increasing leverage. These smaller angular scales provide sensitive measures of the matter density through the eect of gravitational lensing. In this work we provide an analytic explanation of the manner in which the lensing of CMB anisotropies depends on the matter density, nding that the dominant eect comes from the shape of the matter power spectrum set by the decay of small-scale potentials between horizon crossing and matter-radiation equality.
Characteristics of Mexican American Elders Admitted to Nursing Facilities in the United States: Data from the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE) Study

Abstract Objectives The purpose of the current study was to describe the factors associated with Mexican American elders in the Southwestern United States who have spent time in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) compared with those who have not. Design Data were collected on the Mexican American elders who reported an SNF stay within 10 years of baseline. Participants A probability sample of 3050 Mexican American elders from five Southwestern states followed from 1993 to 2005 were examined. Measures Variables examined included sociodemographics, language of interview, disabilities with instrumental activities of daily living, activities of daily living, self-reported health, cognitive status, and depression. Results A total of 78 (3.9%) of 2020 subjects resided in SNFs. Using univariate analyses, older age, English-language interview, poorer cognitive status, and functional disabilities were independently associated with SNF admissions. Logistic regression analyses controlling for age revealed that SNF patients were older (OR = 1.08, P = .001), had an activities of daily living disability (OR = 4.94, P P = .001), and were more likely to interview in English (OR = 1.95, P = .042), when compared with community counterparts. Conclusions Mexican American elders who resided in an SNF at some point in the previous 10 years were older, and were more likely to be functionally impaired. They also were more likely to prefer English as their primary language, indicating they were more likely to agree to an SNF stay than their Spanish-speaking counterparts.