cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High order sliding mode control of permanent magnet synchronous generator-based wind energy conversion systems

As renewable energy resources such as wind become more prolific, the challenges in utilizing these resources to their full efficiency come to the forefront of power system engineers. Although the sustainability of such alternative energy resources is attractive, the ability to obtain satisfactory efficiency has been difficult until recent advances in nonlinear control technologies. The subject of this paper pertains to sliding mode control and its application in nonlinear electrical power systems as seen in wind energy conversion systems. Due to the robustness in dealing with unmodeled system dynamics, sliding mode control has been widely used in electrical power system applications. This paper presents first and high order sliding mode control schemes for permanent magnet synchronous generator-based wind energy conversion systems. Application of these methods for control using dynamic models of the d-axis and q-axis currents, as well as those of the high speed shaft rotational speed show a high level of efficiency in power extraction from a varying wind resource. Computer simulation results have shown the efficacy of the proposed sliding mode control approaches.
Heterospecific transformation of Pneumococcus and Streptococcus: I. Relative efficiency and specificity of DNA helping effect

Abstract Interspecific and intraspecific transformations by two streptomycin-resistance mutations (str-r53 and str-r43) were carried out in the SIII-1 strain of Pneumocoecus and the Challis strain of group H hemolytic Streptococcus. When present in DNA's of the same species, these two mutations are integrated with identical efficiencies into the genome of a streptomycin-sensitive (str-s) recipient. When DNA from a given species bearing one of these mutations is used to transform str-8 recipients of the two different species, the homospecific transformation occurs with greater efficiency than the heterospecific transformation. As shown by experiments with 32P-labeled DNA, the relative inefficiency of the heterospecific transformation is entirely attributable to difficulties following uptake of DNA into the host of foreign species. Cells of the Challis strain behave differently from pneumococci under conditions in which more than one molecule of transforming DNA penetrate the recipient. In a cell of the Challis strain, the molecules of DNA help each other to effect transformation. This help takes place after irreversible adsorption by the recipient and is more effective between DNA molecules of the Challis strain than between those of Pneumococcus. DNA molecules bearing the str-s marker can help transformation by molecules containing the str-r marker. The amount of help varies in different competent cultures of the Challis strain. Taking into account the properties of the helping effect, it can be seen that the inefficiency of the heterospecific relative to the homospecific transformation is similar in reciprocal crosses.
Optimal precooling of thermostatic loads under time-varying electricity prices

In this work, we consider the problem of optimal precooling of thermostatic loads by a load serving entity (LSE) under time varying electricity prices. Specifically, we propose a low complexity dynamic programming based algorithm for controlling the switching of HVAC units such that the cost of cooling is minimized while ensuring that the resultant temperatures do not violate the comfort constraints of consumers. Specifically, our algorithm makes use of two facts: (i) the price of electricity vary discretely in time and (ii) the cost-optimal state trajectory under fixed electricity price and ambient temperature, with given initial and final states, can be characterized explicitly in closed-form. We validate our algorithm with a set of numerical simulation studies using real market prices of electricity from the New York electricity market.
One size may not fit all: Exploring how the intersection of race and gender and stigma consciousness predict effective identity-safe cues for Black women

Abstract Black women are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Consequently, developing efficacious techniques to attract Black women to STEM companies is critical. Featuring successful scientists, who share an identity with Black women, on science companies' websites may be one way to signal to Black women they will be valued at that company. In two experiments, we explored who acts as an effective identity-safe cue for Black women at a fictitious science and technology company. Experiment 1 found Black women predicted they would feel more trust and belonging at a STEM company with a website featuring a Black woman or Black man scientist compared to a White woman scientist or no scientist. In Experiment 2, we found relative to viewing no scientist, Black women predicted they would feel more trust and belonging when a STEM company highlighted a Black woman scientist, or White woman scientist who expressed allyship with Black women (i.e., stating Black women bring important perspectives to science). Interestingly, across both experiments we found stigma consciousness (i.e., sensitivity to the possibility of experiencing discrimination) moderated these results, and had important implications for Black women's reported feelings of trust and belonging. Specifically, participants with higher stigma consciousness anticipated they would feel less trust and belonging at a company unless they viewed the profile featuring a Black woman scientist.
Phase Separation Kinetics of Dynamically Self-Assembling Nanoparticles with Toggled Interactions

Ordered materials passively self-assembled from dispersions of nanoparticles with steady interactions are subject to thermodynamic constraints on their phase separation kinetics forcing a trade-off between throughput and quality. Dynamically self-assembling dispersions whose interactions vary in a controlled way with time do not have these constraints and can rapidly form ordered structures while avoiding kinetic arrest. These out-of-equilibrium processes cannot be understood in terms of equilibrium thermodynamics or kinetic models derived from equilibrium thermodynamics, so new theories must be developed before dynamic self-assembly can be used to reliably fabricate nanomaterials. Here, we use dynamic simulation and theory to study the self-assembly kinetics of a monodisperse suspension of spherical nanoparticles interacting with a short-ranged, isotropic attraction that is toggled on and off cyclically in time. The rate of phase separation, local and global quality of the self-assembled structures, and ...
Single polymer growth dynamics

In chain-growth polymerization, a chain grows continually to reach thousands of subunits. However, the real-time dynamics of chain growth remains unknown. Using magnetic tweezers, we visualized real-time polymer growth at the single-polymer level. Focusing on ring-opening metathesis polymerization, we found that the extension of a growing polymer under a pulling force does not increase continuously but exhibits wait-and-jump steps. These steps are attributable to the formation and unraveling of conformational entanglements from newly incorporated monomers, whose key features can be recapitulated with molecular dynamics simulations. The configurations of these entanglements appear to play a key role in determining the polymerization rates and the dispersion among individual polymers.
Multi‐scale effects of habitat structure and landscape context on a vertebrate with limited dispersal ability (the brown‐throated sloth, Bradypus variegatus)

As human population, food consumption, and demand for forest products continue to rise over the next century, the pressures of land-use change on biodiversity are projected to intensify. In tropical regions, countryside habitats that retain abundant tree cover and structurally complex canopies may complement protected areas by providing suitable habitats and landscape connectivity for a significant portion of the native biota. Species with low dispersal capabilities are among the most at risk of extinction as a consequence of land-use change. We assessed how the spatial distribution of the brown-throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus), a model species for a vertebrate with limited dispersal ability, is shaped by differences in habitat structure and landscape patterns of countryside habitats in north-central Costa Rica using a multi-scale framework. We quantified the influence of local habitat characteristics and landscape context on sloth occurrence using mixed-effects logistic regression models. We recorded 27 sloths within countryside habitats and found that both local and landscape factors significantly influenced their spatial distribution. Locally, sloths favored structurally complex habitats, with greater canopy cover and variation in tree height and basal area. At the landscape scale, sloths demonstrated a preference for habitats with high proportions of forest and nearby large tracts of forest. Although mixed-use areas and tree plantations are not substitutes for protected forests, our results suggest they provide important supplemental habitats for sloths. To promote the conservation and long-term viability of sloth populations in the tropical countryside, we recommend that land managers retain structurally complex vegetation and large patches of native habitat.
The Chemical Basis of the Infectivity of Tobacco Mosaic Virus and Other Plant Viruses

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the chemical basis of the infectivity of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and other plant viruses. The plant viruses consist only of nucleic acid and protein, while animal viruses range from this simplest composition to considerably more complex compositions. In regard to the nature of the nucleic acid, all known plant viruses contain only RNA, while either DNA or RNA may occur in animal and bacterial viruses. The great resemblance in composition—both qualitative and quantitative—between plant and animal viruses of both types suggests a close functional resemblance for the different groups of viruses. Since the isolation of pure TMV, a number of plant viruses have been prepared in pure or near-pure state; several of these were obtained in crystalline or paracrystalline form. A great variety of agents, or conditions—almost all protein denaturants—cause the breakdown of the architecture of the viruses. The method most generally employed for the isolation of native TMV protein makes use of alkali for the degradation of the virus. Several varieties of tobacco give local lesions upon inoculation with TMV and can, thus, be used for quantitative evaluation.
Television Advertising and Health Insurance Marketplace Consumer Engagement in Kentucky: A Natural Experiment.

Background: Reductions in health insurance enrollment outreach could have negative effects on the individual health insurance market. Specifically, consumers may not be informed about the availability of coverage, and if some healthier consumers fail to enroll, there could be a worse risk pool for insurers. Kentucky created its own Marketplace, known as kynect, and adopted Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, which yielded the largest decline in adult uninsured rate in the United States from 2013 to 2016. The state sponsored an award-winning media campaign, yet after the election of a new governor in 2015, it declined to renew the television advertising contract for kynect and canceled all pending television ads with over a month remaining in the 2016 open enrollment period. Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the stark variation in television advertising across multiple open enrollment periods in Kentucky and use this variation to estimate the dose-response effect of state-sponsored television advertising on consumer engagement with the Marketplace. In addition, we assess to what extent private insurers can potentially help fill the void when governments reduce or eliminate television advertising. Methods: We obtained television advertising (Kantar Media/Campaign Media Analysis Group) and Marketplace data (Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange) for the period of October 1, 2013, through January 31, 2016, for Kentucky. Advertising data at the spot level were collapsed to state-week counts by sponsor type. Similarly, a state-week series of Marketplace engagement and enrollment measures were derived from state reports to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. We used linear regression models to estimate associations between health insurance television advertising volume and measures of information-seeking (calls to call center; page views, visits, and unique visitors to the website) and enrollment (Web-based and total applications, Marketplace enrollment). Results: We found significant dose-response effects of weekly state-sponsored television advertising volume during open enrollment on information-seeking behavior (marginal effects of an additional ad airing per week for website page views: 7973, visits: 390, and unique visitors: 388) and enrollment activity (applications, Web-based: 61 and total: 56). Conclusions: State-sponsored television advertising was associated with nearly 40% of unique visitors and Web-based applications. Insurance company television advertising was not a significant driver of engagement, an important consideration if cuts to government-sponsored advertising persist.
Modelling, Simulation and Control of Incremental Sheet Metal Forming Process using CNC Machine Tool

Abstract Incremental sheet forming (ISF) is an advanced metal forming technology. Local progressive deformation of the metal sheet is achieved to get desired shape through ISF. It is gaining popularity in customized production. However, ISF has lower geometric accuracy compared to the conventional sheet metal forming methods such as bending, deep drawing and stamping. The geometric accuracy can be improved by adopting suitable control system strategy in machine tool. Hence this paper deals with the modelling and simulation of ISF CNC machine tool to address this issue. The CNC milling machine model was developed using CAD and kinematics. A mechanistic model was developed by integrating separately developed models of all mechanical and electrical components of CNC machine tool. Cascade control strategies were applied and compared to find the most accurate one. The best control strategy was also validated for ISF using two different symmetric sheet metal CAD models.
Safety and Feasibility of Per-Oral Pyloromyotomy as Augmentative Therapy after Prior Gastric Electrical Stimulation for Gastroparesis

Background For medically refractory diabetic or idiopathic gastroparesis, gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is an excellent option for symptom control; however, a small subset of patients may develop recurrent or persistent symptoms. Per-oral pyloromyotomy (POP, also described by some authors as gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy or G-POEM) is an emerging therapy for medically refractory gastroparesis. This study investigated the safety and feasibility of POP after previous GES for recurrent or persistent gastroparesis. Study Design We retrospectively identified all patients undergoing POP between January 2016 and December 2017, with GES in situ. Patient characteristics, gastroparesis etiology, and procedural data were collected. Symptoms were assessed with the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) both before and 30 to 90 days after POP. Standard pre- and post-procedure 4-hour gastric emptying tests were obtained when available. Results There were 22 patients who met inclusion criteria (81.8% female, mean age 42.3 ± 12.4 years). Causes of gastroparesis were diabetes in 38.1%, and idiopathic in 61.9%. The average time since GES insertion was 3.45 years. Mean preoperative 4-hour gastric retention was 50.1%. Most POP procedures were performed in the operating room (90.9%), with mean operative time of 40 minutes and a 1.4-day length of stay. There were 4 readmissions within 30 days, but no POP-related complications. Overall, GCSI improved by an absolute reduction of 1.63 points (p = 0.002), with significant improvements in all sub-scores. Of 11 patients with post-procedural motility or emptying studies available, 7 were normal. Conclusions Per-oral pyloromyotomy appears to be safe and feasible for patients with recurrent gastroparesis symptoms after GES. Both symptoms and motility significantly improved in the short-term. These data replicate similar data suggesting laparoscopic pyloroplasty as an effective augmentative therapy after GES, but may provide a less invasive option for patients.
Simulations and Standardized Patients in Athletic Training: Part 2 Athletic Training Educators' Perceived Barriers to Use.

Context Simulations and standardized patients (SPs) are currently being used by athletic training educators to teach and evaluate students. There is currently a lack of information about the ways i...
An Algorithm for Local Excision for Early-Stage Rectal Cancer

Standard therapy of resectable rectal cancer involves total mesorectal excision with stage-appropriate neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy. Patients with early-stage disease may be eligible for local excision which is associated with lower morbidity and improved anorectal function when compared to radical resection. Early reports of local excision of early-stage rectal cancer (T1-2 N0) demonstrated unacceptably high rates of local recurrence, likely related to suboptimal patient selection and inadequate margin clearance. Standard transanal excision (TAE) and transanal endoscopic surgery (TES) techniques, e.g., TEM, TEO, TAMIS, and robotic TAMIS, have been described, with reported improvement in quality of resected specimen in TES. In highly selected patients, contemporary series have demonstrated good oncologic outcomes with LE, provided negative margins can be obtained and no high-risk features (deep submucosal invasion or > T1, lymphovascular or perineural invasion, poorly differentiated histology, and tumor budding) are present. If high-risk features are identified after local excision, immediate radical resection has been associated with good oncologic outcomes.
Septic arthritis of the facet joint.

Abstract Objective Septic arthritis of the facet joint is a rare clinical entity. We report 11 cases of facet joint infections diagnosed in our institution. Patients and method Patients were identified via the computerized patients record (PMSI). Their features were collected and compared with published data. Results The clinical symptoms are similar to those of infectious spondylodiscitis: back pain with stiffness (11/11), fever (9/11), radicular pain (5/11), and asthenia. Ten patients presented with lumbar infection and 1 with dorsal infection. An inflammatory syndrome was observed in every case. A rapid access to spine MRI allowed making the diagnosis in every case, and assessing a potential extension of infection (epidural extension 5/11, paraspinal extension 5/11). Blood culture (8/11) or culture of spinal samples allowed identifying the causative bacterium in every case and adapting the antibiotic treatment. The bacteria identified in our series were different from previously reported ones, with less staphylococci. The origin of the infection was found in 4 cases. Another localization of infection was observed in 4 cases. The outcome was favorable with medical treatment in 10 cases. An abscess was surgically drained in 1 case. None of our patients presented with neurological complications, probably because of the rapid diagnosis. Conclusion Assessing the facet joint is essential in case of inflammatory back pain, and the radiologist must be asked to perform this examination.
Transcriptome computational workbench (TCW): analysis of single and comparative transcriptomes

De novo transcriptome sequencing and analysis provide a way for researchers of non-model organisms to explore the differences between various conditions and species. These experiments are expensive and produce large-scale data. The results are typically not definitive but will lead to new hypotheses to study. Therefore, it is important that the results be reproducible, extensible, queryable, and easily available to all members of the team. Towards this end, the Transcriptome Computational Workbench (TCW) is a software package to perform the fundamental computations for transcriptome analysis (singleTCW) and comparative analysis (multiTCW). It is a Java-based desktop application that uses MySQL for the TCW database. The input to singleTCW is sequence and optional count files; the computations are sequence similarity annotation, gene ontology assignment, open reading frame (ORF) finding using hit information and 5th-order Markov models, and differential expression (DE). For DE analysis, TCW interfaces with an R script, where R scripts for edgeR and DEseq are provided, but the user can supply their own. TCW provides support for searching with the super-fast DIAMOND program against UniProt taxonomic databases, though the user can request BLAST and provide other databases to search against. The input to multiTCW is multiple singleTCW databases; the computations are homologous pair assignment, pairwise analysis (e.g. Ka/Ks) from codon-based alignments, clustering (bidirectional best hit, Closure, OrthoMCL, user-supplied), and cluster analysis and annotation. Both singleTCW and multiTCW provide a graphical interface for extensive query and display of the data. Example results are presented from three datasets: (i) a rhizome plant with de novo assembled contigs, (ii) a rhizome plant with gene models from a draft genome sequence, and (iii) a non-rhizome plant with gene models from a finished genome sequence. The two rhizome plants have replicate count data for rhizomes, root, stem and leaf samples. The software is freely available at https://github.com/csoderlund/TCW.
Inhibition of Akt/Survivin Pathway Synergizes the Antileukemia Effect of Nutlin-3 in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells.

PI3k/Akt and p53 pathways are known to play anti- and pro-apoptotic roles in cell death, respectively. High level of PI3k/Akt activation by loss of PTEN expression and inactivation of p53 by overexpression of MDM2 are associated with cancer cell growth and progression. Here, we report that inhibition of PI3k/Akt either by PI3k inhibitor Ly294002 or by expression of PTEN synergizes the MDM2 antagonist nutlin-3 in inducing apoptosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). First, we tested the effect of nutlin-3 on induction of p53 and apoptosis in a set of ALL cell lines with wild-type (wt) p53 and MDM2 overexpression. The p53 was induced by nutlin-3 in all cell lines tested but induction of apoptosis was different in cells with distinct PTEN status. Nutlin-3 induced potent apoptosis in cell lines with PTEN expression but not in cell lines without PTEN expression. Consistent with the apoptotic effects, nutlin-3 significantly downregulated expression of survivin in PTEN-positive cells but not in PTEN-negative cells. When these nutlin-3 resistant cells were simultaneously treated with the PI3K inhibitor Ly294002 or pre-transfected with PTEN gene, their sensitivity to nutlin-3 was increased with a concomitant downregulation of survivin. Furthermore, direct silencing of survivin by siRNA increased the apoptotic effect of nutlin-3 on PTEN-negative ALL cells. Taken together, our results suggest that Akt-mediated survivin upregulation in PTEN-negative ALL cells attenuate nutlin-3 induced apoptosis, and combination of MDM2 antagonist and PI3K/Akt inhibitor may be a promising approach in the treatment of refractory ALL.
The Evolving Landscape of Institutional Biosafety Committees and Biosafety Programs: Results from a National Survey on Organizational Structure, Resources, and Practices:

Introduction: There are vast differences in the size, scope, and needs of institutions that conduct research involving biohazardous materials, thus resulting in vast differences among Institutional...
Practical Issues of RF Energy Harvest and Data Transmission in Renewable Radio Energy Powered IoT

The sustainable Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming a promising solution for the green living and smart industries. In this article, we investigate the practical issues in radio energy harvesting and data communication systems through extensive field experiments. A number of important characteristics of energy harvesting circuits and communication modules have been studied, including the non-linear energy consumption of the communication system relative to the transmission power, the wake-up time associated with the payload, and the dropping system power during continuous data transmissions. In order to improve the efficiency of energy harvest and energy utilization, we propose a new model to accurately describe the energy harvesting process and the power consumption for sustainable IoT devices. Experiments are performed using commercial IoT devices and RF energy harvesters to verify the accuracy of the proposed model. The experiment results show that the new model matches the performance of sustainable IoT devices very well in the real scenario.
Retrofitting of ex-vessel core catchers into operating nuclear power plants at the example of a Mark-I BWR

Abstract The safety of operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) can be improved either by strengthening the preventive and/or the mitigative path. Though, preventing the accident in the first place is of highest priority, it is evident that, at some point, further improvements in preventive features will no longer lead to a proportional increase in safety, nor can they completely eliminate all possible sequences leading to core melting. Mitigation features can limit and contain the otherwise high negative consequences of a severe accident, by preserving the integrity of the containment under severe accident conditions. One of the relevant containment failure modes is basemat melt-through. Its potentially high relevance has been demonstrated by the Fukushima-Daiichi accidents in which the uncontained interaction of the core melt with the basemat concrete led to long-term activity releases, high costs for containing them, and complicated post-accident fuel removal. While new-build Gen-III NPPs typically prevent molten core-concrete interaction (MCCI) by implementing dedicated measures for core melt stabilization (CMS), no such provisions exist in operating Gen-II plants and therefore would have to be retrofitted. Though retrofitting can result in high related efforts and costs, it may nevertheless be an option in countries where corresponding safety improvements are recommended or even required to either regain the operational license or extend the plant’s lifetime. In this context, Framatome investigated various CMS concepts with respect to their suitability for Gen-II retrofitting, building on the experience gained during the conceptual development of the EPR. One general finding of this exercise was that the chosen best-fit solution always depends on the specific constraints of the plant under consideration, as well as on other aspects, like the spectrum of conditions and assumptions to be covered and the functional requirements to be fulfilled. Last but not least, the solutions must remain simple enough so that efforts for installation and service and the related cost and time constraints stay in an acceptable relation to the achievable safety gain. The paper first provides an overview of the applicable technical solutions, including their specific benefits and disadvantages, then lists the typical functional requirements and limitations and shows which ex-vessel solutions have the highest potential and are currently considered or used for retrofitting. Finally the results of a screening of available melt stabilization solutions for an exemplary Mark-I boiling water reactor (BWR) containment are given.
Comparison of Genicular Nerve Block in Combination With Adductor Canal Block in Both Primary and Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Case Series.

The management of pain in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for chronic knee osteoarthritis (OA) has remained a challenge for the anesthesiologist regarding regional anesthesia as no single regional technique is adequate with regard to balancing effective analgesia with minimal muscle weakness. Severe postoperative pain following TKA has been shown to negatively impact patient outcomes and mortality. The genicular nerve block has recently been demonstrated to provide effective analgesia to the anterior and posterior knee capsule in recent studies. In this retrospective case series, we compare the efficacy of combined genicular nerve block (GNB) and adductor canal block (ACB) to only ACB in both primary and revision TKA patients. This combined novel approach for TKA patients can be utilized to improve patient pain scores and early ambulation, limiting the use of opioids and early discharge.
Paediatric cardiac rapid response systems: a survey of multicentre practices.

INTRODUCTION While the efficacy and guidelines for implementation of rapid response systems are well established, limited information exists about rapid response paradigms for paediatric cardiac patients despite their unique pathophysiology. METHODS With endorsement from the Paediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society, we designed and implemented a web-based survey of paediatric cardiac and multidisciplinary ICU medical directors in the United States of America and Canada to better understand paediatric cardiac rapid response practices. RESULTS Sixty-five (52%) of 125 centres responded. Seventy-one per cent of centres had ∼300 non-ICU beds and 71% had dedicated cardiac ICUs. To respond to cardiac patients, dedicated cardiac rapid response teams were utilised in 29% of all centres (39% and 5% in centres with and without dedicated cardiac ICUs, respectively) [p = 0.006]. Early warning scores were utilised in 62% of centres. Only 31% reported that rapid response teams received specialised training. Transfers to ICU were higher for cardiac (73%) compared to generalised rapid response events (54%). The monitoring and reassessment of patients not transferred to ICU after the rapid response was variable. Cardiac and respiratory arrests outside the ICU were infrequent. Only 29% of centres formally appraise critical deterioration events (need for ventilation and/or inotropes post-rapid response) and 34% perform post-event debriefs. CONCLUSION Paediatric cardiac rapid response practices are variable and dedicated paediatric cardiac rapid response systems are infrequent in the United States of America and Canada. Opportunity exists to delineate best practices for paediatric cardiac rapid response and standardise practices for activation, training, patient monitoring post-rapid response events, and outcomes evaluation.
A particle simulation study of self-bias potential for plasma ion confinement in multiple-pulse radiography

Summary form only given, as follows. The intense deposition of energy on to a high-Z target from a high current relativistic electron beam produces bremsstrahlung photons which can be used to generate radiographs of a dynamically evolving object. The interaction of the intense electron beam with the target can generate plasmas from the target surface. Consequently, a column of plasma ions expands away from the target due to the space charge potential of the electron beam. This expansion can lead to a larger beam spot size resulting in degradation of spatial resolution of radiographic images. Previous studies have shown that a self-biased electric potential between the target and the collimator can confine the ion column and maintain the electron beam spot size. In this work a two-dimensional particle-in-cell code is used to study a novel target configuration in which the converter target and the beam dump are connect electrically to maintain the self-biased potential in multiple-pulse radiography such as in the second axis of DARHT. Our simulation study showed that the self-bias electric potential between the target and the collimator was effective in confining the ions emitted from the target during multiple-pulse operation. The effects of the inductance of the target chamber on the decay time of the self-biased potential are also examined.
NF-kappa B p100 is one of the high-molecular-weight proteins complexed with the v-Rel oncoprotein in transformed chicken spleen cells.

Abstract The Rel/NF-kappa B family of proteins includes several interacting cellular transcription factors and the v-Rel oncoprotein of the avian Rev-T retrovirus. We report the isolation of a chicken cDNA for the NF-kappa B p52 precursor protein p100. Full-length p100 only weakly binds DNA in vitro; removal of the ankyrin-like repeats generates C-terminally truncated p100 proteins (like p52) that have an increased ability to bind an oligonucleotide containing a kappa B site. In addition, we show that chicken p100 is identical to a protein previously designated p115, which is found in a complex with v-Rel in transformed chicken spleen cells. Furthermore, p100 and v-Rel can form a complex when synthesized in vitro. Using cDNAs for chicken NF-kappa B p105, NF-kappa B p100, c-Rel, and v-Rel, we show that one of the complexes in v-Rel-transformed spleen cells can be reconstituted in vitro.
Experimental, Structural and Theoretical Models of Bacteriochlorophylls a, d and g

The model studies presented here seek to probe possible effects that the protein environment may induce or impose on the conformation and electronic configuration of photo-synthetic chromophores. Results are presented for the effect (or lack of it) of axial ligation and hydrogen bonding on the electron spin resonance (ESR) properties of bacteriopheophytin (BPheo) and bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) a cation radicals. X-ray diffraction results on single crystals illustrate (1) the significant conformational changes that different crystal habits enforce on the same skeleton of bacteriopheophytins d and (2) the structural consequences of oxidation on a magnesium porphyrin. Finally, theoretical calculations are described that predict spectral and redox properties of bacteriochlorophyll g, the recently discovered chromophore of the anoxygenic bacterium, Heliobacterium chlorum.
Transfer of the critically ill child

Transport by specialised teams reduces morbidity and risks of adverse events. Referring hospitals should be able to provide high dependency care for seriously ill children and initiate level 2 care if necessary. Adequate resuscitation and stabilisation prior to transport is vital - there is no role for'scoop and run' in the vast majority of cases. Children in need of urgent neurosurgical intervention should be transferred with the minimum delay to an appropriate centre - this is usually achieved by the referring hospital. Paediatric intensive care has been centralised in the UK - streamlined referral pathways to regional centres are required.
Heuristic Configuration of Single Hidden-Layer Feed-Forward Neural Networks

For optimum statistical classification and generalization with single hidden-layer neural network models, two tasks must be performed: (a) learning the best set of weights for a network of k hidden units and (b) determining k, the best complexity fit. We contrast two approaches to construction of neural network classifiers: (a) standard back-propagation as applied to a series of single hidden-layer feed-forward nerual networks with differing number of hidden units and (b) a heuristic cascade-correlation approach that quickly and dynamically configures the hidden units in a network and learns the best set of weights for it. Four real-world applications are considered. On these examples, the back-propagation approach yielded somewhat better results, but with far greater computation times. The best complexity fit, k, for both approaches were quite similar. This suggests a hybrid approach to constructing single hidden-layer feed-forward neural network classifiers in which the number of hidden units is determined by cascade-correlation and the weights are learned by back-propagation.
Proteinases of the pituitaries of several fish and of a whale.

Abstract Pituitaries from the salt water fish pollock, cod and hake have been shown to possess proteinase activity optimal at pH 4, but with no activity in the alkaline pH range. Pituitaries from the fresh water fish, carp, possessed markedly less proteinase activity at pH 4 than the salt water fish. Pituitary tissue from a marine mammal, the humpback whale, showed some proteinase activity in the acid range, and relatively marked activity in the alkaline range as compared with that present in fish pituitaries. Enzymes of pollock pituitaries active at pH 4 have been partially characterized with respect to inhibitors.
Purification and characterization of a phosphoprotein phosphatase from bovine adrenal cortex

Abstract A phosphoprotein phosphatase which is active against chemically phosphorylated protamine has been purified about 500-fold from bovine adrenal cortex. The enzyme has a pH optimum between 7.5 and 8.0 and has an apparent K m for phosphoprotamine of about 50 μM. The hydrolysis of phosphoprotamine is stimulated by salt, and by Mn2+. Hydrolysis of phosphoprotamine is inhibited by ATP, ADP, AMP, Pi, but is not affected by AMP or cyclic GMP. The purified phosphoprotein phosphatase preparation also dephosphorylates p- nitrophenyl phosphate and phosphohistone , and catalyzes the inactivation of liver phosphorylase, the inactivation of muscle phosphorylase a (and its conversion to phosphorylase b ), and the inactivation of muscle phosphorylase b kinase. Phosphatase activities against phosphoprotamine and muscle phosphorylase a copurify over the last three stages of purification. Phosphoprotamine inhibits phosphorylase phosphatase activity, and muscle phosphorylase a inhibits the dephosphorylation of phosphoprotamine. These results suggest that one enzyme possesses both phosphoprotamine phosphatase and phosphorylase phosphatase activities. The stimulation of phosphorylase phosphatase activity, but not of phosphoprotamine phosphatase activity, by caffeine and by glucose, suggest that the different activities of this phosphoprotein phosphatase may be regulated separately.
Children's time in structured and unstructured leisure activities

Using the 1981 Time Use Longitudinal Panel Study data, this study examines factors which influence children's time use in leisure activities. More time is spent in unstructured than structured leisure activities. Analysis of variance is performed on 32 categories of leisure time, including total leisure, to determine the influence of characteristics of the child and the mother and other socioeconomic characteristics. Males spend significantly more time than females in active sports, playing games, and passive leisure especially watching television on weekends. Females spend significantly more time than males socializing on weekends. The amount of time spent socializing increases with age but decreases with employment. Time spent playing games decreases with age, increases with number of children, and decreases as family income increases. Given the large number of children who do not participate in a given set of leisure activities, future research should examine the probability of participation.
Obese Patients Have Lower B‐Type and Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Levels Compared With Nonobese

Obesity is a risk factor for the development of heart failure, but the causal mechanism remains unclear. Impaired production or enhanced clearance of natriuretic peptides, which regulate sodium balance and sympathetic activation, may play an important role. The authors investigated the relationship of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide and atrial natriuretic peptide levels to body mass index in 100 patients referred for left heart catheterization. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic data were obtained for all study participants. Atrial natriuretic peptide and B-type natriuretic peptide levels were compared in obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) and nonobese (body mass index <30 kg/m2) subjects. Multivariate regression analyses were performed, adjusting for clinical and hemodynamic covariates. Obese patients had significantly lower B-type natriuretic peptide (p=0.03) and atrial natriuretic peptide (p=0.04) levels compared with nonobese. Multivariate analysis revealed lower B-type natriuretic peptide (p=0.095) and atrial natriuretic peptide (p=0.007) levels in obese patients while controlling for age, sex, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and left ventricular ejection fraction. Low levels of circulating natriuretic peptides are thus associated with obesity and may contribute to the development of heart failure.
Evaluating mobility behavior of fluid filled fiber-reinforced elastomeric enclosures

Fluid filled Fiber Reinforced Elastomeric Enclosures (FREE) have been popular choices for actuators in prosthetics and soft robots owing to their large power density and cost effective manufacturing. While a narrow class of FREEs known as McKibben’s actuators have been extensively studied, there is a wide unexplored class that could be potentially used as actuators and load bearing members. This paper analyzes the mobility of a large class of FREEs based on simple geometric relationships that originate due to the inextensibility of fibers and incompressibility of fluids. The analysis conducted on various families of fibers reveal certain configurations that are locked under fluidic actuation. Furthermore the analysis reveals unrestricted motion in certain directions (freedom) and restrictions in certain other directions (constraint). Such an analysis is deemed to be useful as a preliminary design tool to pick the appropriate geometry for use in design of soft robots and actuators.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Toward petascale computing in geosciences: application to the Hanford 300 area

Modeling uranium transport at the Hanford 300 Area presents new challenges for high performance computing. A field-scale three-dimensional domain with an hourly fluctuating Columbia river stage coupled to flow in highly permeable sediments results in fast groundwater flow rates requiring small time steps. In this work, high-performance computing has been applied to simulate variably saturated groundwater flow and tracer transport at the 300 Area using PFLOTRAN. Simulation results are presented for discretizations up to 10.8 million degrees of freedom, while PFLOTRAN performance was assessed on up to one billion degrees of freedom and 12,000 processor cores on Jaguar, the Cray XT4 supercomputer at ORNL.
Critical period for alveologenesis and early determinants of adult pulmonary disease

as the twig is bent Alexander Pope le cras et al., in one of the current articles in focus (Ref. [25][1], see p. L718 in this issue), synthesized divergent studies about transforming growth factor (TGF)-α pointing to its overexpression in important developmental and adult pulmonary diseases and
Indirect assessment of the bivariate survival function

Estimating the bivariate survival function has been a major goal of many researchers. For that purpose many methods and techniques have been published. However, most of these techniques and methods rely heavily on bivariate failure data. There are situations in which failure time data are difficult to obtain and thus there is a growing need to assess the bivariate survival function for such cases. In this paper we propose two techniques for generating families of bivariate processes for describing several variables that can be used to indirectly assess the bivariate survival function. An estimation procedure is provided and a simulation study is conducted to evaluate the performance of our proposed estimator.
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic removal of cesarean scar ectopic and hysterotomy revision

A 38-year-old gravida 6 para 2042 woman presented in consultation regarding management of a uterine defect, or "niche," following resolution of a cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy. She had 3 prior losses, followed by in vitro fertilization that resulted in 2 healthy births, both delivered by cesarean. A third in vitro embryo transfer resulted in the cesarean scar ectopic. After consideration of treatment options, she underwent multiple-dose parenteral methotrexate with eventual termination of the ectopic. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a uterine defect, suspected to contain residual pregnancy tissue. Questions considered in her consultation included whether the defect should be repaired and, if so, from a hysteroscopic or laparoscopic approach, as well as her risk of intrauterine scarring, when, or if, it would be safe to pursue another pregnancy, and her subsequent risk of uterine rupture. Literature review regarding cesarean niche was helpful, but did not seem to completely inform this particular clinical scenario. She elected to proceed with robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair. The vesicovaginal space was opened to expose the defect. Dilute vasopressin was injected circumferentially around the defect to help minimize the use of electrosurgery in opening the hysterotomy. Scar overlying the defect was resected and pregnancy tissue removed. The hysterotomy was closed with delayed-absorbable barbed suture, extrapolating technique from laparoscopic myomectomy. The first layer was imbricated with a second, similar to a 2-layer closure in cesarean delivery. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging revealed resolution of the defect. After several failed attempts at repeat in vitro fertilization, spontaneous pregnancy was achieved 18 months postoperatively. The pregnancy was uncomplicated and she underwent scheduled cesarean delivery of a healthy neonate at 37 weeks' gestation. The lower uterine segment was thick and developed, with no evidence of a dehiscence.
The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is an intermediate host for Sarcocystis neurona

Abstract The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is an intermediate host of at least three species of Sarcocystis, Sarcocystis dasypi, Sarcocystis diminuta, and an unidentified species; however, life cycles of these species have not been determined. Following feeding of armadillo muscles containing sarcocysts to the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), the opossums shed sporulated Sarcocystis sporocysts in their faeces. Mean dimensions for sporocysts were 11.0×7.5 μm and each contained four sporozoites and a residual body. Sporocysts were identified as Sarcocystis neurona using PCR and DNA sequencing. A 2-month-old foal that was negative for S. neurona antibodies in the CSF was orally inoculated with 5×105 sporocysts. At 4 weeks post-infection, the foal had a ‘low positive’ result by immunoblot for CSF antibodies to S. neurona and by week 6 had a ‘strong positive’ CSF result and developed an abnormal gait with proprioceptive deficits and ataxia in all four limbs. Based on the results of this study, the nine-banded armadillo is an intermediate host of S. neurona.
Diagrammatic Operator Formalism for String Amplitudes

Abstract A diagrammatic operator method based on Fock space formulations of 3-string vertices is developed for computing the integration measure for open or closed string S -matrix to arbitrary loop order. The proposed vertex does not triangulate the moduli space, thus a single diagram incorporates a number of string field theory diagrams. However, the formalism does not naturally lead to a single cover of moduli space, and the restriction to the fundamental domain must be put in by hand, as in the Polyakov functional integral approach.