cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrating hydrologic modeling and land use projections for evaluation of hydrologic response and regional water supply impacts in semi-arid environments

Semi-arid environments are generally more sensitive to urbanization than humid regions in terms of both hydrologic modifications and water resources sustainability. The current study integrates hydrologic modeling and land use projections to predict long-term impacts of urbanization on hydrologic behavior and water supply in semi-arid regions. The study focuses on the Upper Santa Clara River basin in northern Los Angeles County, CA, USA, which is undergoing rapid and extensive development. The semi-distributed Hydrologic Simulation Program Fortran (HSPF) model is parameterized with land use, soil, and channel characteristics of the study watershed. Model parameters related to hydrologic processes are calibrated at the daily time step using various spatial configurations of precipitation and parameters. Potential urbanization scenarios are generated on the basis of a regional development plan. The calibrated (and validated) model is run under the proposed development scenarios for a 10 year period. Results reveal that increasing development increases total annual runoff and wet season flows, while decreases are observed in existing baseflow and groundwater recharge during both dry and wet seasons. As development increases, medium-sized storms increase in both peak flow and overall volume, while low and high flow events (extremes) appear less affected. Urbanization is also shown to decrease natural recharge and, when considered at the regional scale, may result in a loss of critical water supply to Southern California. The current study provides a coupled framework for a decision support tool that can guide efforts involved in regional urban development planning and water supply management.
SUPERSTITION AND BELIEFS ABOUT THE PREDICTION OF FUTURE EVENTS

The Paranormal Belief Scale and the Prediction of Future Events Scale were completed by 235 university students. As hypothesized, greater belief in Superstition was significantly associated with greater belief in two Prediction of Future Events dimensions, Paranormal Divinatory Procedures and Psychically Gifted Persons. Findings are consistent with the notion that susceptibility to illusory correlations is a cognitive process (i.e., bias or error) that underlies these relationships.
Determination of bisphosphonate drugs in pharmaceutical dosage formulations by ion chromatography with indirect UV detection.

Abstract Application of ion chromatography (IC) to the analysis of non-chromophoric bisphosphonate drugs in pharmaceutical dosage formulations is described. The method is based on the use of single-column ion chromatography in conjunction with indirect UV detection that obviates the need for tedious chemical derivatization procedures. Diluted drug samples are chromatographed directly on a Waters IC-Pak HR anion-exchange column with dilute nitric acid (1.6–12 mM) as the mobile phase which exhibits a UV absorption maximum near 220 nm. Analyte detection is monitored by measuring the decrease in absorption of the mobile phase. The IC method has been validated and shown to be precise, accurate, specific and rugged for routine assay. Application of the method to the determination of alendronate sodium tablets, etidronate disodium injectable (which requires an eluent pH control for chromatographic resolution of active drug from chloride ions) and clodronate disodium injectable is presented. The performances of the Waters IC-Pak HR and several equivalent columns are also discussed.
Silicon VLSI processing architectures incorporating integrated optoelectronic devices

Integrated optoelectronic interconnects offer a potentially lower cost, higher density alternative to wire-based technologies for I/O and inter-chip communication. This paper outlines two systems being designed at Georgia Tech which incorporate integrated thin film optoelectronic devices onto high throughput VLSI digital processors. The first system places an array of thin film detectors on top of SIMD processing elements allowing direct area connections between sensors and processors. This allows extremely fast frame processing rates (1-10 thousand frames per second) which are required in high speed and scanned imaging systems. The second system presented incorporates inter-chip IR optoelectronic channels which pass transparently through silicon. These links allow communication between three dimensionally stacked chips supporting high throughput interconnect topologies. This paper demonstrates the potential of optoelectronic integrated VLSI systems for providing extremely dense and lightweight solutions in applications such as image processing.
A comparison of long-standing implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients with and without appropriate therapy for ventricular arrhythmias: impact of a widening QRS.

Aims The comparison of patients with long-standing implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) who have had or never have had appropriate therapy for ventricular arrhythmias may offer insight into potential risk factors that may improve patient selection. Methods and results Records from patients in the Columbia Presbyterian device clinic whose original ICD was implanted before 31 December 2004 were analysed. The patients were divided into those who had never received appropriate therapy for ventricular arrhythmias (Group A, n = 188), and those who had received appropriate therapy (Group B, n = 173). The subset of patients with consistent follow-up greater than 5 years was then analysed (Group A, n = 140; Group B, n = 158). Demographic, clinical, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic data were collected. There were no significant differences in age, sex, or type of heart disease between the groups. There were more patients in Group B vs. A who had ICDs implanted for secondary prevention (70.3 vs. 55.7%, P Conclusion In this study of patients with long-standing ICDs, the only discriminating factors for appropriate shocks were implant for secondary prevention or increasing QRS width, suggesting electrical factors are the best predictors of ultimate ICD discharges.
Mesoscopic physics and nanoelectronics: nanoscience and nanotechnology

Abstract A coherent overview of the exciting field and challenging areas of research in mesoscopic physics and nanoelectronics is given. The unifying role of the S -matrix theory or “ input-quantum process-output ” language of quantum mechanics in the formulation of quantum transport in mesoscopic physics and nanoelectronics is clarified, with time-independent S -matrix theory applied to mesoscopic systems and double-time-axis time-dependent S -matrix thoory, coupled with the lattice Weyl-Wigner formulation of quantum dynamics of electrons in solids, applied to the highly nonlinear, far-from-equilibrium and high-speed nanoelectronic devices. At steady state and near equilibrium, the two independent formulations yield equivalent results. The technological impact of the many-body quantum distribution-function (QDF) (typified by the Wigner distribution function) approach is demonstrated by a complete transition from the level of basic nonlinear quantum transport physics to an engineering computer-aided design tool for integrated circuits (ICs). This is done in the derivation of the equivalent circuit model for resonant tunneling devices which incorporates the quantum inductance. In this review, emphasis is given to major developments in quantum transport, computational nanoelectronics, new device concepts, and novel transport physical phenomena found in small structures, with potential device and IC applications and deemed most likely to have a significant impact on the future developments of nanoelectronics.
Branching in isoprene polymers of regular structure

Branching in isoprene polymers with cis-1,4 content of ∼85% obtained by polymerization in the presence of a complex catalyst and under the action of lithium was determined by studying intrinsic viscosity of polymer fractions in an ideal solvent. It was established that macromolecules of polyisoprenes obtained with a complex catalyst under polymerization conditions commonly used are essentially linear. At the same time, in the polymers studied, there is a fraction (∼10% of the polymer weight) consisting of colloidal size particles formed by highly crosslinked polymer molecules. A rubber sample of the above type prepared with uncontrolled dosage of catalyst components and at elevated temperature proved to be a highly branched polymer. The discovered features in hydrodynamic behavior of macromolecules in benzene solutions suggest that trans units in the macromolecules of polyisoprenes obtained in the presence of the complex catalyst are not randomly distributed along the chain but form comparatively long blocks. The intrinsic viscosity—molecular weight relation in benzene solutions was determined for both types of polymers studied.
Oppositional biogeography-based optimization

We propose a novel variation to biogeography-based optimization (BBO), which is an evolutionary algorithm (EA) developed for global optimization. The new algorithm employs opposition-based learning (OBL) alongside BBO's migration rates to create oppositional BBO (OB O). Additionally, a new opposition method named quasi-reflection is introduced. Quasi-reflection is based on opposite numbers theory and we mathematically prove that it has the highest expected probability of being closer to the problem solution among all OBL methods. The oppositional algorithm is further revised by the addition of dynamic domain scaling and weighted reflection. Simulations have been performed to validate the performance of quasi-opposition as well as a mathematical analysis for a single-dimensional problem. Empirical results demonstrate that with the assistance of quasi-reflection, OB O significantly outperforms BBO in terms of success rate and the number of fitness function evaluations required to find an optimal solution.
The impact of suboptimal bowel preparation on adenoma miss rates and the factors associated with early repeat colonoscopy

Background There are no guidelines for the recommended interval to the next examination after colonoscopy with suboptimal bowel preparation. Objective To identify factors associated with early repeat colonoscopy after initial examinations with suboptimal preparations and to measure adenoma miss rates in this context. Design Retrospective study. Setting Hospital-based endoscopy unit. Patients Bowel preparation quality was recorded in 12,787 patients. Results Of 12,787 colonoscopies, preparation quality was suboptimal (poor or fair) in 3047 patients (24%). Among these 3047 patients, repeat examination was performed in Limitations Single-center, retrospective study. Conclusion Although a minority of patients undergo early repeat examination after colonoscopies done with suboptimal bowel preparation, the miss rates for colonoscopies done with suboptimal bowel preparation were high, suggesting that suboptimal bowel preparation substantially decreases colonoscopy effectiveness and may mandate an early follow-up examination.
Spectral data for travelling water waves: singularities and stability

In this paper we take up the question of the spectral stability of travelling water waves from a new point of view, namely that the spectral data of the water-wave operator linearized about fully nonlinear Stokes waves is analytic as a function of a height parameter. This observation was recently made rigorous by the author using a boundary perturbation approach which is amenable to approximation by a stable high-order numerical method. Using this algorithm, we investigate, for both super- and sub-harmonic disturbances, the evolution of the spectrum, in particular the ‘first collision’ of eigenvalues and the ‘smallest singularity’ in the perturbation expansion. The former is studied in response to MacKay & Saffman's (1986) work on the water-wave problem which demonstrated that instability can only arise after the collision of two eigenvalues of opposite Krein signature. However, we present results which show, quite explicitly, that eigenvalue collision (even of opposite Krein signature) is insufficient to conclude instability. With this in mind, we have identified a new criterion for the loss of spectral stability, namely the appearance of a singularity in the expansion of the spectral data (as a function of the height parameter mentioned above). We give some heuristic reasons why this should be so, and then provide complete numerical spectral stability results for four representative depths, two above (h = ∞, 2) and two below (h = 1, 1/2) Benjamin's (1967) critical value, hc ≈ 1.363, above which the Benjamin–Feir instability emerges. We find that the strongest (two-dimensional) instability appears to be among the long waves, but we notice that there is a sharp difference between ‘shallow-water’ and ‘deep-water’ waves in that first eigenvalue collision and smallest expansion singularity are synonymous for shallow water, while this is not so in deep water where ‘windows of stability’ beyond the first eigenvalue collision exist.
High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of nitroglycerin ointment.

The assay of ointments containing nitroglycerin is described. Sample preparation by direct dissolution in warm dimethyl sulfoxide appeared to be more accurate than extraction. Anisole was used as an internal standard. Chromatographic conditions included a C18 microporous silica column and a methanol-water mobile phase (40:60). Detection at 215 nm was superior to detection at 254 nm.
The Notch Intracellular Domain Can Function as a Coactivator for LEF-1

Notch signaling commences with two ligand-mediated proteolysis events that release the Notch intracellular domain, NICD, from the plasma membrane. NICD then translocates into the nucleus and interacts with the DNA binding protein CSL to activate transcription. We found that NICD expression also potentiates activity of the transcription factor LEF-1. NICD stimulation of LEF-1 activity was context dependent and occurred on a subset of promoters distinct from those activated by beta-catenin. Importantly, the effect of NICD does not appear to be mediated through canonical components of the Wnt signaling pathway or downstream components of the Notch pathway. In vitro assays show a weak association between the C-terminal transactivation domain of NICD and the high-mobility group domain of LEF-1, suggesting that the two proteins interact in vivo. Our data therefore describe a new nuclear target of Notch signaling and a new coactivator for LEF-1.
Formulations for intermittent release of parathyroid hormone (1-34) and local enhancement of osteoblast activities

The objective of these studies was to develop simple, implantable devices that intermittently release PTH(1-34) and thus could be used for locally stimulating bone formation. The formulations were based on the association polymer system of cellulose acetate phthalate and Pluronic F-127. Release profiles for intermittent devices showed five discrete peaks, whereas sustained devices exhibited zero-order kinetics. Osteoblastic activity was greater for cells intermittently treated with PTH(1-34) compared to sustained exposure. These controlled release devices delivering PTH(1-34) in an intermittent manner may be useful for affecting osteoblast activities in a localized area.
Point process approach to modeling trends in tropospheric ozone based on exceedances of a high threshold

A major issue with the analysis of data on tropospheric ozone is to establish whether observed trends in the data are real, meaning that they could be attributed to actual changes in the emissions of toxic gases into the atmosphere, or whether they are the result of meteorological changes affecting the conditions under which ozone is generated. One way of investigating this question is to construct a regression model in which the level of ozone is represented as a function of both meteorological variables and time, in order to determine the significance of the time component when the meteorological variables are taken into account. However, the conventional methods of regression analysis do not make any distinction between low and high levels of the series, whereas with ozone it is largely the high levels that are of interest and concern. This paper proposes a method of regression analysis that is based entirely on the exceedances over a high threshold, and applies the method to data from the Houston area.
Spontaneously Formed FePt Graded Granular Media With a Large Gain Factor

In conventional magnetic recording media fabrication processes, magnetically soft regions of composite or graded material are prepared by varying either the substrate temperature or the film composition during deposition. In this work, ultrathin FePt granular media with graded composition was fabricated directly by spontaneous layer diffusion between FePt and Pt layers during the film deposition. Electron energy loss spectroscopy analysis on individual FePt columnar grains identified the composition distribution of Fe and confirmed the Fe composition gradient. A large “gain factor” of 3.74, indicative of a relatively high-thermal energy barrier, was obtained in this spontaneously formed FePt graded granular media.
eagle-i: Biomedical research resource datasets

In this paper we present the linked data sets produced by the eagle-i project. We describe the content, the features and some of the applications currently leveraging these datasets.
Effect of carbon tetrachloride on distribution of sulfobromophthalein in plasma and liver of mice.

Countercurrent analyses of sulfobromophthalein (BSP) and its metabolite in plasma and liver were performed in control and CCl4-treated mice, altering in turn the time of sampling, time of CCl4 treatment, and dose of BSP. First, where the sampling times for analyses were 7, 10, 15, and 30 minutes in mice given CCl4 24 hours earlier, retention of BSP was greatest at the earlier times and decreased toward 30 minutes. In the corresponding liver samples, lower concentrations of BSP were found than in the control livers at 10 and 15 minutes, with the maximal difference occurring at 15 minutes. The metabolite concentrations followed that of the parent compound. It appeared that processes such as uptake and storage of BSP by the liver were affected more than processes such as conjugation and excretion. Second, where the time of CCl4 treatment was changed and the sampling time kept at 15 minutes, a temporal dissociation was obtained between the maximal effect of CCl4 in producing retention of BSP in the plasma and effect on the liver. Changes in the BSP concentration within the liver did not directly reflect the alteration seen in the plasma concentrations. Third, where the dose of BSP was reduced from 100 to 65 mg/kg in the CCl4-treated group, the BSP concentrations in the plasma were the same as in controls. Now the liver BSP concentrations in the CCl4 group were lower than in controls at sampling times. These temporal analyses indicated that the several processes of uptake, storage, conjugation, and excretion were differentially affected by CCl4.
Absence of TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 Mutations in Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Aortic Dilation

Mutations in the genes encoding transforming growth factor–β receptor types I and II (TGFBR1 and TGFBR2, respectively) are commonly identified in patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome, as well as some patients with Marfan's syndrome or familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. This suggests that there is considerable phenotypic heterogeneity associated with mutations in these genes. Because bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a congenital heart defect in patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome, this study was conducted to investigate whether variants in TGFBR1 or TGFBR2 are responsible for sporadic BAV. Analysis of these genes in 35 patients with BAVs identified only known single-nucleotide polymorphisms or novel synonymous or intronic substitutions. In conclusion, mutations in TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 rarely cause sporadic BAV.
Assistive Technology as a Workplace Support

What do a watch with an alarm, a day planner, a Palm Pilot, and a computer all have in common? These are examples of devices that can assist employees complete their daily job duties. For the worker with a disability such “assistive technology devices” may be vital to obtaining employment and improving daily work performance. Assistive technology (AT) can assist in bridging the gap between a person’s physical abilities and the job requirements. Many workplace challenges can be either overcome or ameliorated by using assistive technology in combination with other types of workplace supports. Despite the promise of assistive technology, many people with significant physical disabilities remain in facility-based employment programs. Underutilization of AT to facilitate competitive employment is related to a number of critical issues. This includes lack of information on available technology; lack of coordination across services; lack of training on how to use devices for users, families, and professionals; and lack of coordination in the evaluation and selection, as well as lack of funding of assistive technology alternatives. This issue of the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation (JVR) will take a look at assistive technology as a workplace support. I know you will agree that the authors have valuable information to share around the utilization of assistive technology to facilitate integrated competitive employment outcomes for individuals with significant disabilities. Gamble, Dowler, and Orslene from the Job Accommodation Network provide the reader with a review of the literature on the use of workplace AT and offer a model for selecting appropriate assistive technology. Wehmeyer, Palmer, Smith, Parent, Davies, and Stock provide the reader with a single-subject design meta analysis of technology use by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Strobel, Fossa, Arthanat, and Brace focus on the need for accommodation and emerging technologies in the employment of people with visual impairments. Arthanat and Strobel also provide an article on wheeled mobility devices and vocational functioning and wellbeing. Stodden, Roberts, Picklesimer, Jackson, and Chang present their findings from a survey of 1,600 Disability Support Coordinators working in postsecondary educational institutions. The survey focused on the types and frequency of educational supports, accommodations, and services offered to students with disabilities attending twoand four-year postsecondary institutions. Finally, Brooke, McDonough, and Hardy present a case study on using social security work incentives and some unique services and supports to make the process of acquiring assistive technology easier for beneficiaries and their families. The following overview offers some basic information on assistive technology as a workplace support.
A Transcription Antiterminator Constructs a NusA-Dependent Shield to the Emerging Transcript

The universal bacterial transcription elongation factor NusA mediates elongation activities of RNA polymerase. By itself, NusA induces transcription pausing and facilitates intrinsic termination, but NusA also is a cofactor of antiterminators that antagonize pausing and prevent termination. We show that NusA is required for lambda-related phage 82 antiterminator Q(82) to construct a stable complex in which RNA-based termination mechanisms have restricted access to the emerging transcript; this result suggests a locale for both Q(82) and NusA near the beta flap domain of RNA polymerase. Furthermore, as NusA is not required for the antipausing activity of Q(82) in vitro, we distinguish two distinct activities of antiterminators, namely antipausing and RNA occlusion, and discuss their roles in Q(82) function.
TEMPORAL FLEXIBILITY OF REPRODUCTION IN TEMPERATE-BREEDING DABBLING DUCKS

Abstract I compared nesting intervals during three consecutive years in five species of temperate-nesting dabbling ducks (Mallard [Anas platyrhynchos], Northern Pintail [Anas acuta], Northern Shoveler [Anas clypeata], Blue-winged Teal [Anas discors], Gadwall [Anas strepera]) and assessed whether differences existed in timing of refractoriness. Most nesting by females of all five species ended by the summer solstice. Nesting ended earliest for Northern Shovelers and Northern Pintails and latest for Gadwalls. Some Mallards, Blue-winged Teal, and Gadwalls continued to nest into mid- and late summer, whereas Northern Shovelers and Northern Pintails did not. Mallards, Blue-winged Teal, and Gadwalls accounted for 99% (81 of 82) of flightless broods resulting from nests initiated during mid- or late summer in North Dakota and 98% (58 of 59) of flightless juveniles shot on or after 1 October by a random sample of duck hunters from across the United States. Early cessation of breeding by Northern Shovelers may hav...
Wyoming Big Sagebrush Recovery and Understory Response With Tebuthiuron Control

Field data collected over a 20-year period at 8 sites in northwestern New Mexico was used to determine Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Beetle and Young) recovery following control with tebuthiuron (N-[5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]-N-N′-dimethylurea) and to relate understory perennial grass yield to overstory canopy cover. Tebuthiuron killed between 80% and 95% of mature Wyoming big sagebrush plants within 18 months of chemical treatment, but through recruitment plant numbers equaled or exceeded pretreatment density (plants/m2) at 3 of the 8 sites and were increasing at other locations near the study's end. Wyoming big sagebrush canopy cover averaged 15%) at 2 sites, to between 5% and 10% at 4 sites, and to less than 3% at the remaining 2 sites. Treatment life was projected to exceed 35 years for 6 of the 8 study sites. Higher rates of tebuthiuron generally extended treatment life. Annual average perennial grass yield increased on treated areas relative to untreated rangeland at all study sites over the 20-year study period. Grass yield was highly variable between years, with pronounced increases when weather and environmental conditions were favorable for grass growth. A nonlinear S-shaped curve best described overstory–understory relationships and also defined the time path of Wyoming big sagebrush recovery, which differed by study site.
Into the IRIS: a model for analyzing identity dynamics in conflict

ABSTRACTI propose a lens model for understanding how core identities (ethnic, sectarian, racial or national) are affected by past interactions and narratives increasing the chances of the outbreak of violent conflict. The model can be used to show how core identities are polarized during conflict escalation and how they might de-polarize during periods of de-escalation and conflict resolution, leading to potential transformation of core identities in post-conflict situations. Northern Ireland will be used to illustrate the Integrated Relational Identity Structure model, showing how conflicting identities have changed, or not, as a result of history, the conflict and the peace process.
A heuristic for maximizing investigation effectiveness of digital forensic cases involving multiple investigators

Digital forensic investigation refers to the use of science and technology in the process of investigating a crime scene so as to maximize the effectiveness of proving the perpetrator has committed crime in a court of law. Evidences are considered to be the building block of any crime scene investigation (CSI) procedure including those involving cyber crimes. Selecting the right set of evidence and assigning the appropriate investigator for the selected evidence is vital in time critical forensic cases, in which results have to be finalized within a specified time deadline. Not doing this may lead to the scope creep problem, which is a significant issue in digital forensics. Therefore, major challenges with respect to digital forensic investigation are to determine the right set of evidences to be assigned to each of the available multiple investigators and allocate appropriate investigation time for the selected evidences to maximize the effectiveness of the investigation effort. A mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model is developed to analyze and solve the problem of evidence selection and resource allocation in a digital crime scene investigation. In view of the problem being NP-hard, a heuristic algorithm with polynomially bounded computational complexity is proposed to solve the problem. Results of extensive computational experiments to empirically evaluate its effectiveness to find an optimal or near-optimal solution are reported. Finally, this paper concludes with a summary of findings and some fruitful directions for future research. HighlightsWe describe a MILP model to maximize the effectiveness of a digital forensic problem.We describe sequential and parallel scenarios for the time critical forensic cases.We show that a digital forensic investigation problem is strongly NP-hard.We propose an efficient and effective heuristic to solve the digital forensic problem.We discuss extending the proposed model to solve practical digital forensic problems.
Is Normative Male Alexithymia Associated with Relationship Satisfaction, Fear of Intimacy and Communication Quality among Men in Relationships?:

This study investigated the relationships between Normative Male Alexithymia (NMA), Relationship Satisfaction, Fear of Intimacy, and Communication Quality among men in relationships. NMA is the inability of men to put emotions into words posited to result from traditional masculine role socialization, and reflected in the endorsement of and conformity to traditional masculine norms (Levant et al, 2006). Previous research has found a moderate, negative relationship between alexithymia and relationship satisfaction (Humphreys, Wood, & Parker, 2009). It was hypothesized that NMA would negatively correlate with Relationship Satisfaction and Communication Quality but would positively correlate with Fear of Intimacy. A sample of 175 men from university and community sources volunteered for the study. All three hypotheses were supported by the findings. These findings set the stage for future explorations into the effects of the results of masculine gender role socialization, such as Normative Male Alexithymia, ...
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ni3Al-Ai2O3 Composites Produced by Hot Extrusion

Hot extrusion of premixed charges of 10–20 vol% chopped A1 2 O fiber and Ni 3 Al powder has resulted in composite alloys of near theoretical density. In tensile tests at room temperature, density-compensated yield strengths of some of these composite alloys are as good or better than those of as-cast Ni 3 Al without reinforcement; however strengths at 1000°C in vacuum are lower. The low strength at 1000°C and fine grain size (2–3/μm) suggest the presence of superplastic behavior and the accompanying diffusional creep and grain boundary sliding. This presentation discusses our findings to date and includes microstructural studies and tensile properties, both at room temperature in air and 1000°C in vacuum.
Predicting chaotic time series using hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm

A hybrid particle swarm optimization(HPSO) is proposed,in which the gradient descent is combined with modified particle swarm optimization(MPSO).The MPSO is determined by linearly decreasing inertia weight and constriction factor weight to speed up global search.Crossover and mutation operation is embedded to avoid the common defect of premature covergence.By using the proposed HPSO algorithm based on RBFNN,simulation for the chaotic time series prediction of discrete Henon and continuous Mackey-Glass chaotic time series is made to test the validity.Simulation results show that the HPSO can accurately predict chaotic time series and an effective approach is provided to study the properties of complex nonlinear dynamic system.
Genome Regulation by Long Non-Coding RNAs

The discovery of extensive transcription of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) provide an important new perspective on the centrality of RNA in gene regulation. Discussions will cover genome-scale strategies to discover and characterize lncRNAs. An emerging theme from multiple model systems is that lncRNAs form extensive networks of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes with numerous chromatin regulators, and both control and target these enzymatic activities to appropriate locations in the genome. Consistent with this notion, long non-coding RNAs can function as modular scaffolds to specify higher order organization in RNP complexes and in chromatin states. More recently, lncRNAs have been found to control post-transcriptional processes and signal transduction as well. The importance of these modes of regulation is underscored by the newly recognized roles of long RNAs in developmental patterning and cancer. Disclosures: Chang: RaNA Therapeutics: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Focusing Through High–Numerical Aperture Objective

Abstract High-numerical aperture (NA) optical objective lenses are widely used in high-spatial-resolution optical imaging and fabrication techniques. In optical microscopy, these high-NA objectives produce tightly focused optical fields as probes to interrogate the sample properties within the focal volume and generate the contrast for imaging. In optical microfabrication and nanofabrication, they are used to concentrate the optical energy to produce changes of materials properties within the intended dimensions. Hence, controlling the optical field characteristics within the focal volume plays a critical role in determining the function and performance of these optical systems. Consequently, it is very important to understand the physics of optical focusing through high-NA objective lens. In this chapter, a brief review of the diffraction theory that can handle high-NA focusing of both scalar and vectorial optical illuminations is presented. Various focus engineering techniques that can be used to create optical focal fields with many exotic distributions and characteristics are briefly discussed. Aberrations and mitigation methodology are also mentioned toward the end of this chapter.
EFFECTS OF HUMERAL COMPONENT NECK ANGLE AND VERSION OF REVERSE TOTAL SHOULDER PROSTHESIS: BIOMECHANICAL STUD

Introduction Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty continues to have a high complication rate, specifically with component instability and scapular notching. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of humeral component neck angle and version on impingement free range of motion. Methods A total of 13 cadaveric shoulders (4 males and 9 females, average age = 69 years, range 46 to 96 years) were randomly assigned to two studies. Study 1 investigated the effects of humeral component neck angle (n=6) and Study 2 investigated the effects of humeral component version (n=7). For all shoulders, Tornier Aequalis® Reversed Shoulder implants (Edina, MN) were used. For study 1, the implants were modified to 135, 145 and 155 degree humeral neck shaft angles and for Study 2 a custom implant that allowed control of humeral head version were used. For biomechanical testing, a custom shoulder testing system that permits independent loading of all shoulder muscles with six degree of freedom positioning was used. (Figure 1) Internal control experimental design was used where all conditions were tested on the same specimen. Study 1 The adduction angle and internal/external humeral rotation angle at which impingement occurred were measured. Glenohumeral abduction moment was measured at 0 and 30 degrees of abduction, and anterior dislocation forces were measured at 30 degrees of internal rotation, 0 and 30 degrees of external rotation with and without subscapularis loading. Study 2 The degree of internal and external rotation when impingement occurred was measured at 0, 30 and 60 degrees of glenohumeral abduction in the scapular plane with the humeral component placed in 20 degrees of anteversion, neutral version, 20 degrees of retroversion, and 40 degrees of retroversion. Statistical analysis was performed with a repeated measures analysis of variance with a Tukey post-hoc test with a significance level of 0.05. Results Study 1 Adduction deficit angles for 155, 145, and 135 degree neck-shaft angle were 2 ± 5 degrees of abduction, 7 ± 4 degrees of adduction, and 12 ± 2 degrees of adduction (P Study 2 Maximum external rotation was the limiting position for impingement particularly at 0 degrees of abduction. Maximum external rotation before impingement occurred increased significantly with increasing humeral retroversion (p Conclusion In reverse shoulder arthroplasty, 155 degree neck-shaft angle was more prone to impingement with adduction but had the advantage of being more stable. In addition, 40 degrees of retroversion has the largest range of humeral rotation without impingement.
Building a Collection of Video Games in Support of a Newly Created Degree Program at the University of California, Santa Cruz

Abstract The computer science department of the Baskin School of Engineering at the University of California, Santa Cruz developed a new Computer Game Design degree program, and asked the Science & Engineering (S&E) Library to create a collection of video games and a video game lab within the library to support it. Creating partnerships within the campus community and supporting undergraduate curriculum is a vital component of the S&E Library mission. In addition, this was a further opportunity to continue making the library relevant to faculty, administration, and students in this ever increasingly digitized and online world. Working with faculty in the computer science department was a unique opportunity to create a special collection, which only a few academic libraries and museums have currently undertaken. A pilot project culminated in the creation of a video game lab and a core collection of 15 games. A follow-up project was then undertaken to determine whether or not the library could accommodate 1...
543. In Vivo Beta-Cell-Targeted Gene Editing by AAV Vectors

The CRISPR/Cas9 and guide RNA system has emerged as a promising genome editing platform, due to its simplicity, versatility and efficiency, compared to prior techniques for genome modification. Although the original Cas9 gene is too long to be packaged by AAV vectors, Dr. Zhang and colleagues have identified a shorter Cas9 protein from S. aureus (saCas9), which allows generation of a single AAV vector carrying both saCas9 and a guide RNA. Previously, we and others have demonstrated that AAV serotypes 8 and 9-based vectors are highly pancreas-tropic. Our long-term goal is to develop efficient beta-cell- and acinar-cell-targeted gene editing systems based on the AAV-saCas9 system. We first assessed on-target effects of the AAV-saCas-gRNA vector system in vitro. We generated two GFP sequence-targeted gRNA vectors, and tested their genome editing effects using two HT1080 cell lines carrying a single copy of GFP. Infection of HT1080 lines with an multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 2×104 resulted in 40-55% GFP knockout by two AAV-gRNA constructs. Gene editing efficiency was comparable in two HT1080 lines, and dose-dependent. Consecutive, multiple high-dose infections for 3 days achieved up to 80% GFP knockdown. To test whether a subset of cells are more resistant to the AAV-saCas9-mediated genome editing, we sorted the remaining 20% of GFP-positive cells and re-infected recovered GFP-positive cells with the two saCas9 vectors. Our data showed those cells were equally permissive to the saCas9 vectors, when compared to their parental line. To assess the off-target effects of the AAV-saCas9-gRNA system, we compared the exome sequences of the vector-treated cells. Our preliminary result identified multiple off-target deletions upon AAV-saCas9 treatments. We are currently analyzing whether those off-target effects were due to their similarity to the GFP targeting gRNA sequences, or independent from the gRNA sequences. We then tested the feasibility of the AAV-saCas9-gRNA vector system for beta-cell-targeted gene editing in vivo. We generated AAV8 vectors carrying Pdx1-targeting gRNA, with saCas9 driven by CMV promoter. Single intraperitoneal injection of AAV saCas9 vectors led to efficient knockout of Pdx1 expression in the pancreatic beta-cells. To limit potential off-target effects, we need to restrict saCas9 expression in beta-cells. However, our original beta-cell targeted vectors carry a relatively long, 1.1kb insulin promoter sequence. We therefore optimized the insulin promoter sequence and determined the minimum, essential promoter sequence, which facilitates robust transgene expression with high tissue-specificity. We are in the process of testing the AAV-saCas9-gRNA vectors with the optimized insulin promoter sequence for in vivo beta-cell gene editing.
Aircraft re-routing optimization and performance assessment underuncertainty

The need for aircraft re-routing arises when there is disruption in the system, such as when an airport is closed due to extreme weather. In this paper, we investigate a simulation-based approach to optimize the aircraft re-routing process, by considering multiple sources of uncertainty. The proposed approach has four main components: system simulation, uncertainty representation, aircraft re-routing algorithm, and system performance assessment. Several sources of uncertainty are accounted for in this approach, related to incoming aircraft, space availability in neighboring airports, radar performance, and communication delays. An aircraft re-routing optimization model is formulated to make periodic re-routing decisions with the objective of minimizing the overall distance travelled by all the aircraft, subject to the system resources. We analyze the performance of this aircraft re-routing system using system failure time as the metric. Since the simulation time is limited, right-censored data arises with respect to system failure time. A novel methodology is developed to compute the lower bound of system failure time in the presence of right-censored data, and to analyze the sensitivity of the system performance metric to the uncertain variables relating to the aircraft, radars, nearby airports, and communication system. Since the simulation is time-consuming, we build a Support Vector Regression (SVR) surrogate model to efficiently construct the system failure time distribution. We model the aircraft re-routing using a dynamic simulation-based approach.Multiple sources of uncertainty sources are considered in this process.The proposed methodology provides novel insights into how uncertainty propagates through the system.A data-driven sensitivity analysis is used to quantify the contribution of uncertain model inputs on the output variability.A support vector regression surrogate model is constructed to predict the system performance distribution.
Acute Nanoparticle Exposure to Vocal Folds: A Laboratory Study.

Summary Objectives Airway exposure to nanoparticles is common in occupational settings. Inhaled nanoparticles have toxic effects on respiratory tissue. Vocal folds are also at direct risk from inhaled nanoparticles. This study investigated the effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), a type of nanoparticle, on vocal fold epithelium and fibroblasts. These cell types were selected for study as the epithelium is the outer layer of the vocal folds and fibroblasts are the most common cell type in connective tissue underlying the epithelium. Methods Native porcine vocal fold epithelium and cultured human vocal fold fibroblasts were exposed to SWCNTs (100 ng/mL) and control (no SWCNT) in vitro . Epithelial and fibroblast viability was measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Epithelial barrier integrity was assessed with transepithelial resistance and sodium fluorescein permeability. Epithelial tight junctional protein occludin expression was measured with Western blot. Gene expressions of the fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP-1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen III (Col-III) were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Transcriptional expression of genes encoding FSP-1 and Col-III was increased significantly following SWCNT exposure. There were no significant differences between control and SWCNT groups on any of the other measures. Conclusions SWCNT exposure induces vocal fold fibroblasts to a fibrotic phenotype. These data help us understand vocal fold defense mechanisms and lay the groundwork for studying the physiological effects of nanoparticle exposure in vivo .
Drug use among Asian Americans: Differentiating use by acculturation status and gender

This study examined past-year drug use among Asian Americans with respect to ethnic subgroup, acculturation, and gender differences. Survey data were collected during the National Latino and Asian American Survey, a national epidemiological household survey of behavioral health prevalence and service utilization rates. The analytical sample consisted of 505 Filipino, 598 Chinese, 518 Vietnamese, and 466 other Asian respondents. Results indicated that among ethnic subgroups, Filipinos had the highest rates of drug use. Among all Asian Americans, those who were born in the United States, those with higher levels of English proficiency, males, those who were younger, those with lifetime prevalence of a major depressive episode, and those who were frequent drinkers were all more likely to have reported past-year drug use. Findings suggest the need to better understand the heterogeneous character of Asian American drug use when considering the provision of culturally competent and linguistically appropriate prevention and treatment services.
Orbital Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma Following Radiotherapy: A Report of 2 Cases.

Purpose To present 2 patients in whom orbital radiation preceded the development of periorbital extranodal marginal zone lymphoma by more than a decade and to investigate the likelihood of this representing irradiation-induced malignancy. Methods Retrospective chart review and histopathologic study with immunohistochemistry of 2 cases. Results The first patient was a 58-year-old woman who developed an orbital mass within the vicinity of the lateral rectus muscle 17 years after external beam proton radiation therapy for an inferotemporal choroidal melanoma. The second patient was a 32-year-old woman who developed a mass in the right lacrimal gland 12 years after external beam photon radiation therapy for chronic inflammatory dacryoadenitis. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical studies confirmed orbital extranodal marginal zone lymphoma in both cases. Retrospective review of older histopathologic slides from the second patient revealed underlying immunoglobulin G4-related disease. Discussion The unusual sequence of events in these 2 cases raises the question of whether orbital radiation may in rare instances promote the development of orbital extranodal marginal zone lymphoma. The literature pertaining to irradiation-induced secondary malignancy in the orbit is reviewed. Conclusions Clinicians should consider the possibility of a secondary malignancy when evaluating a patient with an orbital mass and a history of prior local radiation exposure.