cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Requirements engineering in building climate science software

Software has an important role in supporting scientific work. This dissertation studies teams that build scientific software, focusing on the way that they determine what the software should do. These requirements engineering processes are investigated through three case studies of climate science software projects. The Earth System Modeling Framework assists modeling applications, the Earth System Grid distributes data via a web portal, and the NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) Command Language is used to convert, analyze and visualize data. Document analysis, observation, and interviews were used to investigate the requirements-related work. The first research question is about how and why stakeholders engage in a project, and what they do for the project. Two key findings arise. First, user counts are a vital measure of project success, which makes adoption important and makes counting tricky and political. Second, despite the importance of quantities of users, a few particular “power users” develop a relationship with the software developers and play a special role in providing feedback to the software team and integrating the system into user practice. The second research question focuses on how project objectives are articulated and how they are put into practice. The team seeks to both build a software system according to product requirements but also to conduct their work according to process requirements such as user support. Support provides essential communication between users and developers that assists with refining and identifying requirements for the software. It also helps users to learn and apply the software to their real needs. User support is a vital activity for scientific software teams aspiring to create infrastructure. The third research question is about how change in scientific practice and knowledge leads to changes in the software, and vice versa. The “thickness” of a layer of software infrastructure impacts whether the software team or users have control and responsibility for making changes in response to new scientific ideas. Thick infrastructure provides more functionality for users, but gives them less control of it. The stability of infrastructure trades off against the responsiveness that the infrastructure can have to user needs.
Na + -K + -2Cl - Cotransport

Since Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport (NKCC) was first described almost three decades ago (Wiley and Cooper 1974; Geck et al. 1980), numerous studies have contributed to an impressive understanding of this complex transport protein. In recent years, significant advances have been made in discerning the structure, regulation, and physiological functions of electroneutral salt transporters. Here we review salient features of NKCC and then consider its possible roles in red cells. True to their rich heritage as simpler model systems, red cells have proven ideal for exploring the kinetic characteristics and signaling pathways that control this complex transporter. And yet the precise function of NKCC in red cells remains far from certain.
Product Family Redesign Using Additive Manufacturing

In this study we investigate how we can effectively redesign a product family using additive manufacturing (AM). Specifically, we propose an integrated approach to product family redesign using platform metrics for a product family that uses AM. The proposed approach can help identify what to platform and how to platform with AM. We employ a variety metric to measure the amount of redesign for each component, a commonality metric to capture different types of commonality, and Design Structure Matrix (DSM) to analyze a platform architecture. After integrating these metrics, we can optimize balancing the tradeoffs between commonality and differentiation of components. Components that offer little variety for the market can be made common and part of the platform while components that must be varied to achieve market requirements should not be platformed and may be easily customized with AM. In order to facilitate customization of AM components, we can evaluate redesign of platform interfaces to help embed flexibility and modularity into the product family. To investigate the impact of the integrated approach, we apply the proposed approach to a family of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as a case study. The results show the proposed approach can be effectively employed to identify ways to redesign the UAV family to improve the balance of commonality and variety of future product offerings.Copyright © 2018 by ASME
Parameterization of the vertical flux of latent heat at the earth's surface for use in statistical-dynamical climate models

A formula is developed expressing the vertical flux of latent heat at a saturated point of the earth's surface (e. g., ocean, or a Piche evaporimeter on land),Hs(4P)↑, as a function of surface temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and the vertical flux of sensible heat. The formula generalizes and improves upon one applied in several statistical-dynamical climate models.
A case of ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinoma with yolk sac differentiation and Lynch syndrome

Ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinoma with yolk sac component has been reported in fewer than twenty cases in the literature. A majority of the diagnoses are described in postmenopausal women without specific reference to germline genetic testing. We describe, to our knowledge, the first case in the English literature of a premenopausal woman that presented with an ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinoma with focal yolk sac component and was subsequently found to have a germline MSH2 mutation confirming a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Concurrent diagnosis of ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinoma with yolk sac tumor and Lynch syndrome is an extremely rare finding in a young patient and requires careful follow-up. Genetics evaluation and testing may be reasonable for individuals with this rare or mixed tumor pathology at young age of onset and can have clinical utility in guiding future cancer treatment or surveillance.
Exploring the relationship between electrical impedance myography and quantitative ultrasound parameters in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Abstract Objectives Quantitative ultrasound (QUS), including grayscale level analysis (GLA) and quantitative backscatter analysis (QBA), and electrical impedance myography (EIM) have been proposed as biomarkers in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, the relationship between these methods has not been assessed. Methods QUS values (including GLA and QBA) and several EIM measures were recorded from six muscles in 36 DMD and 29 healthy boys between ages 5 and 13 years at baseline, 6-months, and 12-months. Results In the DMD boys, a moderate correlation was noted between QUS and EIM parameters, with the strongest correlations being identified for averaged muscle values. Of the individual muscles, biceps brachii and deltoid showed the strongest correlations. For example, in biceps, the QBA/EIM correlation coefficient (Spearman rho) was ≥0.70 (p Conclusions A moderate correlation of QUS with EIM in DMD boys suggests that the two technologies provide related data but are sensitive to different pathological features of muscle. Significance The use of both technologies jointly in assessing DMD progression and response to therapy should be considered.
Emittance growth due to misalignment in multistage laser-plasma accelerators

Beam degradation is examined in a laser-plasma accelerator stage with a parabolic plasma channel when the laser pulse and/or the electron beam enters the channel off axis. Betatron oscillations in the beam become incoherent, resulting in a net increase of beam emittance through phase mixing. A quantitative model for transverse emittance growth due to misalignment in multistage accelerators, valid in the linear regime, is presented and compared with particle-in-cell simulations. The model is applied to a chain of laser-plasma accelerator stages, and tolerances are derived on the initial energy spread of the electron beam and misalignment in the multistage structure, with repercussions in high-energy physics applications of laser-plasma accelerators.
Smoking-associated AHRR demethylation in cord blood DNA: impact of CD235a+ nucleated red blood cells

Numerous studies have demonstrated that DNA methylation levels in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) gene measured in cord blood are significantly associated with prenatal tobacco smoke exposure and can be used as a fetal exposure biomarker. The mechanism driving this demethylation has not been determined and it is unclear if all cord blood cell types are impacted. Nucleated red blood cells (nRBCs/CD235a+ cells) are developmentally immature RBCs that display genome-wide hypomethylation and are observed at increased frequency in the cord blood of smoking mothers. We tested if AHRR methylation levels in CD235a+ nRBCs or nRBC counts influenced AHRR methylation in whole cord blood. Cord blood was collected from smoking (n = 34) and nonsmoking (n = 19) mothers and DNA was prepared from whole cord blood, isolated CD235a+ nRBCs, and CD14+ monocytes. AHRR methylation in cord blood DNA was measured using Illumina 850K arrays (cg05575921, chr5:373378). Pyrosequencing was used to compare methylation levels among cord blood, CD235a+, and CD14+ cells. We measured nRBC percentages using conventional complete blood counts and estimated percent nRBCs by a deconvolution model. Methylation levels in AHRR were significantly lower in nRBCs relative to whole cord blood and CD14+ monocytes. While AHRR methylation levels in the cell types were significantly correlated across all subjects, methylation values at the chr5:373378 CpG averaged 14.6% lower in nRBCs (range 0.4 to 24.8%; p = 3.8E−13) relative to CD14+, with nonsmokers showing a significantly greater hypomethylation (− 4.1%, p = 1.8E−02). Methylation level at the AHRR chr5:373378 CpG was strongly associated with self-reported smoking in both CD14+ monocytes (t test p = 5.7E−09) and nRBCs (p = 4.8E−08), as well as cotinine levels (regression p = 1.1E−07 and p = 3.6E−04, respectively). For subjects with whole blood 850K data, robust linear regression models adjusting for estimated cell type composition, either including nRBCs counts or estimates, modestly increased the association between smoking and cg05575921 methylation. Prenatal smoke exposure was highly significantly associated with AHRR methylation in cord blood, CD14+ monocytes, and CD235a+ nRBCs. AHRR methylation levels in nRBCs and nRBC counts had minimal effect on cord blood methylation measurements. However, regression models using estimated nRBCs or actual nRBC counts outperformed those lacking these covariates.
Review of bilirubin neurotoxicity II: preventing and treating acute bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus spectrum disorders

Previously in Part I of this two-part review, we discussed the current and recent advances in the understanding of the molecular biology and neuropathology of bilirubin neurotoxicity (BNTx). Here in Part II, we summarize current treatment options available to treat the severely jaundiced infants to prevent significant brain damage and improve clinical outcomes. In addition, we review potential novel therapies that are in various stages of research and development. We will emphasize treatments for both prevention and treatment of both acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) and kernicterus spectrum disorders (KSDs), highlighting the treatment of the most disabling neurological sequelae of children with mild-to-severe KSDs whose "rare disease" status often means they are overlooked by the clinical research community at large. As with other secondary dystonias, treatment of the dystonic motor symptoms in kernicterus is the greatest clinical challenge.
Green sonochemical synthesis, kinetics and functionalization of nanoscale anion exchange resins and their performance as water purification membranes.

Abstract This paper reports on sonochemically catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (SONO-ATRP) polyelectrolyte synthesis and chain-end functionalization to single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). This all aqueous process is kinetically facile without use of initiator, or reducing agents and with very low concentrations of catalyst. The process achieves high functionalization density of polymer onto the SWCNTs. These functionalized nanoscale resins (NanoResins) exhibit high performance as fast and sustainable water purification materials. SONO-ATRP of vinyl benzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (vbTMAC) was performed in aqueous medium resulting in short polyelectrolyte strands with high atom economy and high monomer conversions (93%) at room temperature using a thin probe sonicator ( 144 W c m - 2 , 20 kHz, for 4 h). Kinetics analysis showed first order kinetics with respect to monomer concentration in presence of or absence of sonication power. Low temperature SONO-ATRP functionalization of SWCNTs is achieved within two hours without added reducing agent while similar functionalization density using reducing agents without sonochemistry required 12 h under reflux conditions. Functionalized NanoResin membranes were tested against surrogate analyte and demonstrated high performance Thomas Model breakthrough curves with a maximum adsorption capacity of 139 ± 1 m g g - 1 and water flux of 692 L m - 2 h - 1 b a r - 1 at one atmosphere pressure. Moreover, these materials are easily regenerated and reused without loss of performance or degradation.
Plasma-enhanced NOx remediation using nanosecond pulsed discharges in a water aerosol matrix

Abstract We report nitrogen oxides remediation using a transient pulsed plasma discharge in a water aerosol gas matrix using nanosecond high voltage pulses. While there have been many studies showing highly efficient conversion of NO to NO2 using plasma-driven processes, the total removal of NOx (i.e., NO plus NO2) is severely limited by the backreaction of NO2 to NO, which is also driven by the highly reactive radical species in the plasma. By injecting water aerosol into the gas matrix, we are able to selectively drive a plasma-based reaction which minimizes the backreaction of NO2 to NO. Here, the synergistic effect of the water aerosol and plasma discharge enables enhanced NOx removal by creating OH radicals which, in turn, drive NO2 to HNO3, which is highly soluble in water. In the presence of water aerosol, the plasma discharge results in a 100% reduction in NO and a 98% reduction in total NOx. Spectroscopic evidence of the short-lived, highly reactive OH radical is obtained through plasma emission spectroscopy and the vibrational signatures of the NO2− and NO3− intermediates are observed using SERS-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. We show that the NOx remediation increases with plasma power density demonstrating the scalability of this general approach.
Redox and mTOR-dependent regulation of plasma lamellar calcium influx controls the senescence-associated secretory phenotype:

Cellular senescence has evolved as a protective mechanism to arrest growth of cells with oncogenic potential but is accompanied by the often pathologically deleterious senescence-associated secreto...
Simulations of Unsteady Three-Dimensional Hypersonic Double-Wedge Flow Experiments

Hypersonic flow over a three-dimensional 30–55 deg double wedge is investigated for three different conditions of varying enthalpy and Reynolds number with nitrogen as the test gas. Streamwise and ...
Goal Programming Framework for Prioritization of Low-Volume Road Projects Considering Network Accessibility and Stakeholders’ Preferences:

One of the benefits of implementing transportation infrastructure projects is the maximization of network accessibility performance, so that system users’ mobility is optimized. However, infrastruc...
Improving Accessibility in Interlibrary Loan Using OCR

Optical character recognition (OCR) is used to identify typed, printed and handwritten text, and encode it in a digital format. OCR has been used in libraries since the 1990s, but only recently hav...
Children, media, and the clarity of crises in 2020

2020 was a YEAR. The main headline was, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic. In the span of days or weeks, hundreds of millions of people around the globe were compelled to rapidly, and radically, alt...
Prices They Pay: Academic Achievement and Progress to Graduation Barriers Experienced by Community College Students Due to the Cost of Course Materials

Affordability is considered a key predictor of college enrollment and academic success, yet higher education costs continue to rise. Over the past three decades, textbooks and course materials alone have increased almost three times the rate of inflation (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). To identify the extent to which course material costs create barriers for community college students, and whether these costs foster inequities for students in traditionally underserved and underrepresented populations, a cross-sectional survey research study was conducted fall 2019 amongst students enrolled in community colleges across the Tennessee Board of Regents system (N = 88,946, n = 1,912). The survey covered course material purchase behaviors, decisions, and experiences related to academic achievement and progress to graduation. Results showed nearly two-thirds of students (68.6%) have delayed purchasing a textbook due to cost. Almost half (41.3%) reported not purchasing required materials, 15.8% reported earning poor grades, and 3.3% reported having failed a course because they could not afford the materials. Logistic regressions were employed to determine whether these extents were disproportionately experienced by non-White, low income, and/or Adult Learners over age 25. Statistically significant differences in academic achievement barriers were found for low income students, alongside significant progress to graduation barriers for non-Adult Learners, suggesting younger learners are more susceptible to the consequences of course material costs. These findings inform policy efforts by helping educational leaders better understand the impacts of course material costs on the ability of community college students to achieve in coursework and progress to graduation.
Jihadi Culture: The Art and Social Practices of Militant Islamists

The essays in this volume by various authorities describe the wider cultural milieu in which jihadists flourish. What emerges from these studies is that jihadists are surrounded by an environment w...
Development of a Satellite Communication Emulator for the Hyperspectral Microwave Atmosphere Sounder HYMAS

Major weather facilities around the world recognize microwave atmospheric sounding is the key to developing technology for forthcoming weather and climate missions. The mission for Hyperspectral Microwave Atmospheric Sounder HyMAS Emulator is to produce a model for demonstrating the hyperspectral techniques that retrieve data near 118 and 183 GHz through a 52 channel Intermediate Frequency processor. This project establishes a test bed that mimics the functionality of the instrument such as how data is retrieved and processed through computers in the instrument. The computers are programmed using a new framework application called Interoperable Remote Component. This software allows flexibility to program computers on how to communicate with each other, what devices to connect to and other factors.
Chapter 2 – Evaporation

Publisher Summary Evaporation of a material and its subsequent condensation on a substrate is one of the simplest processes for thin film deposition. In this method, the material to be deposited is in the form of a solid or a liquid phase and requires thermal energy for transformation into the vapor phase. Thus, evaporation includes sublimation when a solid directly transforms into vapor and vaporization when the liquid transforms into vapor on thermal treatment. The vapor—by its own nature—expands into an evacuated chamber that contains the substrate. The vapor condenses on the substrate that is at a lower temperature than the evaporation source. This chapter starts with a discussion of the various applications of thermodynamic calculations to evaporation processes. It then describes the kinetic theory of gases from which most of the important formulae relevant to vapor deposition and vacuum technology may be derived. It also describes the size of the atoms while elucidating the collisions among atoms. Differences in the individual behavior of gases from the properties of their constituent particles can be accounted for by considering the classical theory of collision among particles.
The Topology of Morse Functions

The present chapter is the heart of Morse theory, which is based on two fundamental principles. The “weak” Morse principle states that as long as the real parameter t varies in an interval containing only regular values of a smooth function \(f : M \rightarrow \mathbb{R}\), the topology of the sublevel set {f ≤ t} is independent of t. We can turn this on its head and state that a change in the topology of {f ≤ t} is an indicator of the presence of a critical point.
Subtyping of Pyocin Type 1 Pseudomonas aeruginosa: One Year of Experience

Subtyping of pyocin type 1 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains has increased the sensitivity of an epidemiological tool used by the Hospital Infection Committee in surveillance studies.
A Computational Approach to Statistical Arguments in Ecology and Evolution

Scientists need statistics. Increasingly this is accomplished using computational approaches. Freeing readers from the constraints, mysterious formulas and sophisticated mathematics of classical statistics, this book is ideal for researchers who want to take control of their own statistical arguments. It demonstrates how to use spreadsheet macros to calculate the probability distribution predicted for any statistic by any hypothesis. This enables readers to use anything that can be calculated (or observed) from their data as a test statistic and hypothesize any probabilistic mechanism that can generate data sets similar in structure to the one observed. A wide range of natural examples drawn from ecology, evolution, anthropology, palaeontology and related fields give valuable insights into the application of the described techniques, while complete example macros and useful procedures demonstrate the methods in action and provide starting points for readers to use or modify in their own research.
Histone Acetylation: Long‐range Patterns in the Genome

Modification of core histones by acetylation establishes a chromatin environment permissive for gene expression. Complex patterns of acetylation spanning many kilobases have been identified at certain loci. However, little is known about the regulation and functional consequences of these broad domains of acetylation. Keywords: histone; acetylation; chromatin; chromosome; epigenetics; transcription
Conformational studies of helicenes—VIII1: Synthesis and conformation of two hexahelicene analogues having a non-aromatic, five-membered ring

Abstract Phenanthro[3,4-c]fluorenone ( 5 ) and phenanthro[3,4-c]fluorene ( 1 ) have been prepared from hexahelicene-5,6-quinone. The effect of the presence of a five-membered ring on the helical conformation has been studied by comparison of NMR data of 1 and 5 with those of hexahelicene. Force field calculations of the structure of 1 agree with the results of the NMR analysis.
Simplified core war for introducing low-level concepts

Assembly language programming is often used to teach students low-level hardware components and computer architecture basics. To introduce some of the basic concepts of program execution in memory, we have developed a very simple language based on Core War, a programming game developed in the 1980's pitting competing programs against each other in a simulated memory. We have built a visual development environment that allows students to create a program, see its representation in memory, step through the program's execution, and simulate a battle of competing programs in a visual memory environment. This paper will describe the language, the environment, the competition simulator, and our experience.
Gender Expression Differences in Same-Sex Intimate Partner Violence Victimization, Perpetration, and Attitudes among LGBTQ College Students

Intimate partnerviolence (IPV) occurs in same-sex relationships at greater rates compared to heterosexual relationships. Despite these elevated same-sex IPV, limited research exists on risk and protective factors (e.g., gender expression) related to victimization, perpetration, and attitudes about violence. Due to scarce research on characteristics of same-sex IPV, the study measured differences between feminine and masculine lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) college students (N = 266) in their self-reported victimization, perpetration, and acceptance of IPV. Results identified that masculine LGBTQ-identifying students reported higher levels of victimization, perpetration, and acceptance of violence, providing implications when assessing for risk and protective factors of same-sex IPV.
Routine Use of a Flexible Gas Chromatograph—Mass Spectrometer—Computer System to Identify Drugs and Their Metabolites in Body Fluids of Overdose Victims

We have assembled a computer-searchable collection of 300 mass spectra of drugs, metabolites, normal body-fluid constituents, and common sample contaminants, for use in conjunction with a gas chromatograph—low resolution mass spectrometer system. The system is designed for analysis of drugs in body fluids of comatose victims of accidental or deliberate ingestion of a drug overdose. The speed and generality of the method make it particularly useful for such emergency situations. It has now been in routine use for longer than two years, and its usefulness is illustrated by results obtained for several actual samples.
Seeing Dead People Not Known to Have Died: “Peak in Darien” Experiences

SUMMARY The ubiquitous belief that, after death, our consciousness might persist in some discarnate form is fueled in part by phenomena like near-death experiences (NDEs) and deathbed visions, mystical experiences reported on the threshold of death. Some NDEs, called “Peak in Darien” experiences, include visions of deceased people who are not known at the time to be dead. Cases of this kind provide some of the most persuasive evidence for the survival of consciousness after bodily death.
Introduction: Why Study European Cities?

We are living on an increasingly urban planet. In 2008 we passed the halfway mark—50% of the world’s population now live in cities, and that percentage is projected to increase to 70% by 2050. There is no turning back the urban trend. Yet ironically we have as a species yet to successfully design and plan cities that will accommodate our economic and demographic needs while uplifting and elevating us, and protect, restore, and nurture the planet and its natural systems. That we need new models of urbanization—that is, sustainable urbanization—is especially clear here in the U.S. Where to look for new models is always a question, and as this book argues, European cities remain a powerful source of potent ideas and inspiring practice. The chapters to follow, chosen to highlight the practices of some of these most innovative European urban exemplars, are written by experts and local planners who know these cities well.
Distributional Ratings of Performance: More Evidence for a New Rating Format

We examined the extent to which performance ratings obtained using a distributional rating format differ from ratings obtained using a more typical global rating scale format. We sought to determine whether a distributional format actually elicits different information than a global format and the extent to which measures of within performance variability derived from distributional ratings are related to levels of interrater agreement on global rating scales. Confirmatory factor analyses of three models of measurement equivalence indicated that a model of tau-equivalence in which the two rating formats provided similar measurements but with differing levels of measurement error provided the best fit to the data. Further, we found a large, significant relationship between measures of within dimension performance variabili5 and interrater agreement. Our results suggest that a distributional rating format is a viable alternative rating format that may provide a richer source of information than do more typi...
Caught in the crossfire: The economic crisis and developing countries

Developing countries argue that the economic crisis was not of their making. Nevertheless, most will suffer as a result of highly globalised flows of finance and trade. Claire Melamed explains how a new index of vulnerability will show which countries are most exposed
Corrosion of Stainless Steels in Supercritical Water

Abstract The behavior of stainless steels, including both hard-enable and nonhardenable grades, in degassed supercritical water at 800, 1000, and 1350 F and a pressure of 5000 psi is described. In general, the corrosion at 1350 F observed for the alloys was found to be intergranular, while at 1000 F, only Inconel X exhibited selective penetration along grain boundaries. All alloys suffered some decarburization and carbide precipitation after exposure to supercritical water at 1350 F. No significant phase changes were observed at 800 and 1000 F. The Armco 17-4PH, Armco 17-7PH, and Hastelloy F alloys were the most resistant materials at 1350 and 1000 F. All of the alloys evaluated had excellent resistance to 800 F degassed supercritical water. The AISI Type 316 material was shown to be susceptible to stress-corrosion cracking at 1350 F. 4.6.5
Dynamic network provisioning for data intensive applications in the cloud

Advanced networks are an essential element of data-driven science enabled by next generation cyberinfrastructure environments. Computational activities increasingly incorporate widely dispersed resources with linkages among software components spanning multiple sites and administrative domains. We have seen recent advances in enabling on-demand network circuits in the national and international backbones coupled with Software Defined Networking (SDN) advances like OpenFlow and programmable edge technologies like OpenStack. These advances have created an unprecedented opportunity to enable complex scientific applications to run on specially tailored, dynamic infrastructure that include compute, storage and network resources, combining the performance advantages of purpose-built infrastructures, but without the costs of a permanent infrastructure. This work presents an experience deploying scientific workflows on the ExoGENI national test bed that dynamically allocates computational resources with high-speed circuits from backbone providers. Dynamically allocated bandwidth-provisioned high-speed circuits increase the ability of scientific applications to access and stage large data sets from remote data repositories or to move computation to remote sites and access data stored locally. The remainder of this extended abstract is a brief description of the test bed and several scientific workflow applications that were deployed using bandwidth-provisioned high-speed circuits.
Scenario analysis of carbon capture and sequestration generation dispatch in the western U.S. electricity system

Abstract We present an analysis of the feasibility of dispatch of coal-fired generation with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) as a function of location. Dispatch es for locations are studied with regard to varying carbon dioxide (CO2) prices, demand load levels, and natural gas prices. Using scenarios with a carbon price range of $ 0 to $ 100 per ton - CO2, we show that a hypothetical CCS generator would be dispatched on a marginal cost basis given a high enough carbon price but that the minimum carbon price required for dispatch varies widely by location and system demand.
Using Improvement Science to Promote Evidence-Based Practice in a Childhood Cancer and Hematology Center:

A major children's cancer and hematology center established a Quality Transformation (QT) Core to develop and monitor empirical outcomes that demonstrate excellence in clinical care. The QT Core, based on the Institute of Medicine's domains of quality health care, aims to ensure that care is safe, effective, patient centered, timely, efficient, and equitable. Specific goals for the first year of the QT Core were to develop a team of improvement science experts, engage faculty and staff in QT initiatives, promote accountability for excellence in clinical care, and establish specific metrics to evaluate process, structure, and outcomes for QT Core projects. The purpose of this article is to discuss the successful development of a quality transformation core within a pediatric subspecialty and demonstrate the principles of improvement science through an actual quality transformation project designed to implement an evidence-based guideline for procedural sedation for children with cancer. The QT Core within this subspecialty was founded on principles of successful transformation of patient care that includes motivation to change, leaders committed to quality, active engagement of staff in meaningful problem-solving initiatives, alignment with organization goals with resource allocation, and integration to bridge boundaries throughout an organization. These key principles are demonstrated through the discussion of the development of the QT Core and implementation of an evidence-based procedure sedation guideline. Pediatric and pediatric subspecialty groups can be on the forefront of national initiatives that promote quality health care, exemplified by the QT Core developed within the cancer and hematology center.
Octamer-primed cycle sequencing using dye-terminator chemistry

Octamer Sequencing Technology, OST, is a method of DNA sequencing using single octamer oligonucleotides to prime cycle sequencing reactions. This sequencing strategy is faster than a traditional primer-walking strategy, since access to this optimized octamer library eliminates delays associated with designing and synthesizing gene specific primers. In this report, OST has been optimized for fluorescent, dye-terminator cycle sequencing reactions to facilitate parallel processing of samples. The successful adaptation of OST to an automated sequencing platform and the design of and access to an octamer library are critical steps towards developing an efficient 'closed-loop' DNA sequencing system.
A neural network controller for congestion control in ATM multiplexers

Abstract This paper presents and adaptive approach to the problem of congestion control arising at the User-to Network Interface (UNI) of an ATM multiplexer. We view the ATM multiplexer as a non-linear stochastic system whose dynamics are ill-defined. Real-time measurements of the arrival rate process and the queueing process, are used to identify, and minimize congestion episodes. The performance of the system is evaluated using a performance-index function which is a quantative measure of “how well” the system is performing. A three-layers backpropagation neural network controller generates a signal that attempts to minimize congestion without degrading the quality of the traffic. During periods of buffer over-load the control signal, adaptively, modulates the arrival process such that its peak-rate is throttled-down. As soon as congestion is terminated, the control signal is adjusted such that the coding rates are restored back to their original values. Adaptability is achieved by continuously adjusting the weights of the neural network controller such that the performance of the system, measured by its performance index function, is maximized over a certain optimization period. The performance index function is defined in terms of two main objectives: (1) to minimize the cell loss rate (CLR), i.e., minimize congestion episodes, and (2) to maintain the quality of the video/audio traffic by maintaining its original source coding rate. The neural network learning process can be viewed as a specialized form of reinforcement learning in the sense that the control signal is reinforced if it tends to maximize the performance index function. Performance evaluation results prove that this approach is effective in controlling congestion while maintaining the quality of the traffic.
An analysis of reimbursement for outpatient medical care in an urban hospital emergency department

Abstract The investigators examined the demographic and clinical factors associated with the collection experience in a series of 786 patients who were treated in an urban hospital emergency department (ED) but not admitted to the hospital. They found that 57% of the total net charge of $150,489 had been paid within 180 days. This rate can be compared with an average inpatient collection rate of 85% at 180 days. Seven factors were found to account for the collection rate variation, making up 38.4% of the total variation. Age, gender, primary diagnosis, season of visit, time of arrival, and residence were not found to be main contributors. Insufficient coffection rates may be an indication that EDs increasingly are becoming a financial risk to hospitals. The hospital's collection experience will become more important as an indicator of financial risk if the costs of operating EDs continue to escalate and collection rates do not improve. Both the costs of providing a service and the amount of the charge actually collected are valid concerns to those operating EDs.
Large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel activation with NS1619 decreases myogenic and neurogenic contractions of rat detrusor smooth muscle

Abstract Large conductance voltage- and Ca 2+ -activated K + (BK) channels are important in regulating detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) function. Here, we examined systematically how the BK channel pharmacological activation modulates DSM contractility. NS1619, a potent BK channel activator, was utilized as a pharmacological tool to investigate the effect of BK channel activation on rat DSM contractility. Isometric tension recordings of DSM strips isolated from rat urinary bladder were performed systematically under various experimental conditions. NS1619 (30 μM) substantially diminished DSM spontaneous contraction amplitude, muscle force integral, frequency, duration and muscle tone. This effect was blocked by iberiotoxin, a BK channel selective inhibitor. NS1619 inhibited the phasic and tonic contractions in DSM strips pre-contracted with either the cholinergic agonist, carbachol (0.1 μM), or the depolarizing agent, KCl (20 mM). In the presence of elevated KCl (60 mM KCl), the inhibitory effect of NS1619 was significantly reduced, indicating that BK channel activation is the underlying mechanism of NS1619 action. BK channel activation with NS1619 dramatically decreased the amplitude of electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced contractions under a range of stimulation frequencies (0.5–50 Hz). In the presence of specific neurotransmitter inhibitors, BK channel activation with NS1619 significantly decreased both cholinergic and purinergic components of EFS-induced contractions. We conclude that BK channel activation with NS1619 significantly inhibited spontaneous, pharmacologically induced and nerve-evoked DSM contractions. Targeting the BK channel with selective openers may offer a unique opportunity to control DSM contractile activity, including pathophysiological conditions such as overactive bladder and detrusor overactivity, regardless of the underlying cause.
The effect of NAD+ and NAD+ analogs on protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocytes: replacement of the energy regenerating system.

Summary The addition of NAD+ to a cell-free protein synthesizing system derived from lysed rabbit reticulocytes replaces the requirement for exogenously added energy regenerating systems. NAD+ is effective at a concentration of 5 μM and maximal stimulation is achieved above 25 μM NAD+. NADH can completely replace NAD+. NAD+ analogs substituted in the adenosine moiety, i.e., with 8-bromoadenosine, tubercidin, 3′-deoxyadenosine, 2′-deoxyadenosine, formycin, 1,N6-ethenoadenosine, and inosine, show the following activities compared to NAD+: 110, 82, 27, 18, 14, 9, and 5%. NADP+, NADPH, and analogs with substitutions in the nicotinamide moiety can not replace NAD+; thionicotinamide NAD+ has about 34% activity relative to NAD+. The lysate contains less than 1 μM NAD+. Evidence for an enzyme system capable of rapidly converting NAD+ to ATP is presented.
Improved hemodynamic response after long-term intracavernous injection for impotence

Objective. To investigate the phenomenon of spontaneous erections in patients on long-term intracavernous injection therapy. Methods. We undertook an objective assessment of the penile circulation of 35 patients; 21 used prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) alone and 14 used a combination of papaverine, phentolamine, and PGE1. All underwent duplex ultrasonography before initiation of home self-injection and again after a mean of thirty-one months of treatment (most patients performed injections once or twice a week). Results. The diameter of the cavernosal arteries did not change significantly after treatment. However, the mean peak flow velocity increased highly significantly (P < 0.001): 17.9 cm/second in the right cavernous artery and 21.2 m/second on the left before treatment; 24 cm/second on the right and 29 cm/second on the left after treatment. More than one third (13 of 35 patients [35%]) achieved functional erection without injection at least some of the time, giving clinical support to the sonographic findings. Conclusions. We suggest that the combination of vasodilatory drugs and sexual stimulation may act to improve sinusoidal and penile arteriolar smooth muscle function.
Electron energy loss spectroscopy across a metal-insulator interface at sub-nanometer spatial resolution

Abstract Using a 0.5 nm diameter probe of 100 keV electrons, we have been able to detect significant changes in the transmission electron energy loss spectrum at a spatial resolution of better than 0.8 nm as the probe is moved across an aluminum-aluminum fluoride interface.
Fluorescent Labeling Agents Change Binding Profiles of Glycan-Binding Proteins

Interactions of glycan-binding proteins (GBPs) with glycans are essential in cell adhesion, bacterial/viral infection, and cellular signaling pathways. Experimental characterization of these interactions based on glycan microarrays typically involves (1) labeling GBPs directly with fluorescent reagents before incubation with the microarrays, or (2) labeling GBPs with biotin before the incubation and detecting the captured GBPs after the incubation using fluorescently labeled streptavidin, or (3) detecting the captured GBPs after the incubation using fluorescently labeled antibodies raised against the GBPs. The fluorescent signal is mostly measured ex situ after excess fluorescent materials are washed off. In this study, by using a label-free optical scanner for glycan microarray detection, we measured binding curves of 7 plant lectins to 24 glycans: four β1-4-linked galactosides, three β1-3-linked galactosides, one β-linked galactoside, one α-linked N-acetylgalactosaminide, eight α2-3-linked sialosides, and seven α2-6-linked sialosides. From association and dissociation constants deduced by global-fitting the binding curves, we found that (1) labeling lectins directly with fluorescent agents change binding profiles of lectins, in some cases by orders of magnitude; (2) those lectin-glycan binding reactions characterized with large dissociation rates, though biologically relevant, are easily missed or deemed insignificant in ex situ fluorescence-based assays as most captured lectins are washed off before detection. This study highlights the importance of label-free real-time detection of protein-ligand interactions and the potential pitfall in interpreting fluorescence-based assays for characterization of protein-glycan interactions.
Betulinic acid inhibits colon cancer cell and tumor growth and induces proteasome-dependent and -independent downregulation of specificity proteins (Sp) transcription factors

Background: Betulinic acid (BA) inhibits growth of several cancer cell lines and tumors and the effects of BA have been attributed to its mitochondriotoxicity and inhibition of multiple pro-oncogenic factors. Previous studies show that BA induces proteasome-dependent degradation of specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 in prostate cancer cells and this study focused on the mechanism of action of BA in colon cancer cells. Methods: The effects of BA on colon cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis and tumor growth in vivo were determined using standardized assays. The effects of BA on Sp proteins and Sp-regulated gene products were analyzed by western blots, and real time PCR was used to determine microRNA-27a (miR-27a) and ZBTB10 mRNA expression. Results: BA inhibited growth and induced apoptosis in RKO and SW480 colon cancer cells and inhibited tumor growth in athymic nude mice bearing RKO cells as xenograft. BA also decreased expression of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 transcription factors which are overexpressed in colon cancer cells and decreased levels of several Sp-regulated genes including survivin, vascular endothelial growth factor, p65 sub-unit of NFB, epidermal growth factor receptor, cyclin D1, and pituitary tumor transforming gene-1. The mechanism of action of BA was dependent on cell context, since BA induced proteasome-dependent and proteasome-independent downregulation of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 in SW480 and RKO cells, respectively. In RKO cells, the mechanism of BA-induced repression of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 was due to induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ROS-mediated repression of microRNA-27a, and induction of the Sp repressor gene ZBTB10. Conclusions: These results suggest that the anticancer activity of BA in colon cancer cells is due, in part, to downregulation of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 transcription factors; however, the mechanism of this response is cell contextdependent.
Exploring Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy as an Innovative Tool for On-Chip Analysis of Human Trabecular Meshwork

This work reports the investigation of in vitro cultured human trabecular meshwork (TM) using electric impedance spectroscopy. The outflow facility of aqueous humor contains a three-dimensional network composed of TM endothelial cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). The network is a critical determinant of intraocular pressure (IOP), the increase of which is the main cause of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Electric impedance spectroscopy was chosen over other technologies for on-chip TM cell study because of its non-invasive and label-free natures as well as the ease of on-chip integration. An array of interdigitated microelectrodes (IMEs) was fabricated for impedance sensing. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used as the passivation layer and to form the cell culture wells. TM cell growth and proliferation under external stimuli can thus be in situ monitored. In this work, the utility of the impedance spectroscopy was demonstrated by treating TM cells with dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid which is found to increase the IOP. Electric impedance was monitored for 3 days during DEX treatment. The impedance measurement at 40 kHz showed that a smaller increase of impedance magnitude occurred in the DEX treated group than in the control group, which suggested that DEX inhibits the proliferation of TM cells. The higher the DEX concentration, the greater inhibition was observed. The measurement was validated using AlamarBlue proliferation assay and microscopic observation. The measurement provides a reasonable explanation of glucocorticoid induced glaucoma, where the glucocorticoid alters the metabolic and physiological functions of TM cells by inhibiting normal cell growth and proliferation.Copyright © 2010 by ASME