cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single crystal growth and structural characterization of ternary transition-metal uranium oxides: MnUO 4 , FeUO 4 , and NiU 2 O 6

Abstract Single crystals of MnUO4, FeUO4, and NiU2O6 were grown for the first time. The use of chloride fluxes facilitated the crystal growth. MnUO4, a hexavalent uranium compound, crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group, Imma, with a = 6.6421(19) A, b = 6.978(2) A, and c = 6.748(2) A, and exhibits typical uranyl, UO22+, coordination. FeUO4 and NiU2O6 contain pentavalent uranium and are structurally related, exhibiting three-dimensional connectivity. FeUO4 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group, Pbcn, with a = 4.8844(2) A, b = 11.9328(5) A, c = 5.1070(2) A. NiU2O6 crystallizes in the trigonal space group, P321, with a = 9.0148(3) A, c = 5.0144(3) A.
Detecting injector deactivation failure modes in diesel engines using time and order domain approaches

Abstract : This paper documents the investigation of fuel injector fault detection methods for a seven liter diesel engine. This effort was conducted for the Tank Automotive Research Development Engineering Center (TARDEC) Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) team. The task was to develop algorithms capable of real-time detection of injector misfire events. The purpose of this task was to enable TARDEC's Engine Control Management (ECM) research and development efforts to evaluate the technical feasibility of integrating automated on-board condition monitoring algorithms with future ECM monitoring and control operations. During this investigation, it was shown that multiple techniques can correctly detect and identify injector cylinder misfiring. Each individual technique has its own advantages, and this investigation focused on low computational power signal processing methods that would be suitable for embedding in an engine controller or processor. The list below includes six injector fault analysis approaches that were evaluated for this effort 1. Injector signal based analysis 2. Vibration based analysis 3. Time domain speed encoder analysis 4. Order domain speed encoder analysis 5. FFT classifier selection techniques 6. Time domain classification techniques This paper highlights the first four diagnostics techniques. On-platform tests are suggested for technique validation and future development of these initial findings.
The assessment of stress, depression, and inflammation as a collective risk factor for periodontal diseases: a systematic review.

Objectives The purpose of this review was to provide a novel perspective utilizing an assessment of biomarkers to evaluate the impact of stress-related disorders on the progression of periodontal disease and evaluate the growing body of evidence of stress as a risk indicator for periodontal disease progression. Methods Cross-sectional, case-control, and biomarker studies associating psychological disorders and periodontal disease were included in the literature search. Computational studies, animal studies, reviews, and studies lacking healthy controls were excluded. Electronic and manual literature searches were conducted by two independent reviewers in several databases as well as a manual search for relevant articles published up to January 2018. Results Twenty-six articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Relationships between stress-related disorders and serum and salivary biomarkers such as cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), chromogranin A (CgA), and pro-inflammatory cytokines were identified. Conclusions The use of salivary pro-inflammatory cytokines alone is not sufficient for the identification of periodontal disease severity/progression with or without the presence of stress-associated diseases. Keeping in mind the limitations of this review, a positive qualitative correlation was observed in the literature among stress-related biomarkers and the severity of periodontal disease. This correlation may serve as an important reporter of patient susceptibility for periodontal breakdown in the future. Clinical relevance Stress-related disorders should be included in the list of globally screened diseases because it can change the biochemistry of both the local periodontal microenvironment as well as the global systemic inflammatory burden.
Percutaneous Gastrostomy in Necrotizing Pancreatitis: Friend or Foe?

Enteral nutrition plays a central role in managing necrotizing pancreatitis (NP). Although the nasojejunal (NJ) route is widely used, percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG-J) is an alternative technique that is also applied commonly. We hypothesized that NJ and PEG-J had similar morbidity in the setting of NP. All patients receiving preoperative enteral nutrition before surgical debridement for NP (2005–2015) were segregated into NJ or PEG-J. A total of 242 patients had complete data for analysis (155 men/87 women; median age 54 years; 47% biliary and 16% alcohol-related pancreatitis). NJ was used exclusively in 187 patients (77%); 25 patients (10%) were fed exclusively by PEG-J; the remaining 30 patients (13%) had NJ first, followed by PEG-J. Equal proportions of NJ and PEG-J patients reached enteral feeding goal (67% vs. 68%, p ≈ 1) and increased serum albumin (39% vs. 36%, p = 0.87). No difference was seen in rate of pancreatic necrosis infection (NJ 53% vs. PEG-J 49%, p = 0.64). NJ patients had significantly more complications compared to PEG-J (51%vs.27%,p = 0.0015). However, NJ patients had more grade I/II complication, compared to PEG-J patients, who had more grade III/IV complication (Grade I/II: NJ 51%vs. PEG-J 16%; Grade III/IV NJ 0%vs. PEG-J 11%, p < 0.0001). In necrotizing pancreatitis, NJ and PEG-J both delivered enteral nutrition effectively. Patients with NJ feeding had significantly more complications than those with PEG-J; however, NJ complications were less severe.
The follicle epithelium in the Drosophila ovary is maintained by a small number of stem cells

The follicle stem cells (FSCs) in the Drosophila ovary are an important experimental model for the study of epithelial stem cell biology. Although decades of research support the conclusion that there are two FSCs per ovariole, a recent study used a novel clonal marking system to conclude that there are 15-16 FSCs per ovariole. We performed clonal analysis using both this novel clonal marking system and standard clonal marking systems, and identified several problems that may have contributed to the overestimate of FSC number. In addition, we developed new methods for accurately measuring clone size, and found that FSC clones produce, on average, half of the follicle cells in each ovariole. Our findings provide strong independent support for the conclusion that there are typically two active FSCs per ovariole, though they are consistent with up to four FSCs per germarium.
The Indigenization Controversy: For Whom and By Whom?

Efforts to decolonize and Indigenize education are occurring throughout Canada, and to a lesser degree in the United States. Although initially about addressing the historical and continuing oppression of Indigenous peoples, I expand the goals to include the survival of all humans and our non-human relatives. In light of our global crises, we must move more forcefully toward truth, reconciliation and Indigenous sovereignty, while at the same time decolonizing and bringing Indigenous worldview and local Indigenous knowledge into and across the curriculum for the benefit of all students. Unfortunately, resistance from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous critics of this mandate continue. A main concern relates to who should be allowed to implement such education and who should have access to it. I offer a rationale for engaging all people in this enterprise in spite of the complexity and risks that are outweighed by the profound potential for bringing our world back into balance. Pointing out the important difference between pan-Indigenousism and local place-based knowledge and why both are needed, conclude with specific suggestions for how all educators can help with decolonizing and Indigenizing schooling immediately.
Quality Assurance, Metrics, and Improving Standards in Rectal Cancer Surgery in the United States

Rectal cancer surgery has seen significant improvement in recent years. This has been possible in part due to focus on surgeon education and training, specific surgical quality metrics, and longitudinal tracking of data through the use of registries. In countries that have implemented such efforts, data has shown significant improvement in outcomes. However, there continues to be significant variation in rectal cancer outcomes and practices worldwide. Just within the United States, county level mortality rates from rectal cancer range from 8-15 per 100,000 to 38-59 per 100,000. In order to continue to improve rectal cancer patient outcomes, there needs to be evidence based guidelines and standards centered around the framework of structure, process, and outcomes. In addition, there must be a feedback system by which programs can continually assess their performance. Obtaining evidence for specific standards and measures can be challenging and requires analyzing available data and literature, some of which may be conflicting. This article evaluates the evolution of metrics and standards used for quality improvement in rectal cancer and ongoing efforts to further improve patient outcomes.
The Impact of the CEO Pay Ratio on Firm Value

We show that the relationship between firm value and the CEO-worker pay ratio exhibits an inverse U shape relation, which is consistent with elements of both tournament theory, and social comparison and equity theory. This is also consistent with there being an optimal pay ratio, or inflection point, beyond which increases in the pay ratio or disparity decrease firm value. We then show that the relationship between the pay ratio and firm performance differs systematically by firm characteristics, i.e., in firms with a greater need for collaboration and information sharing the optimal ratio is lower. In our final analysis we show that pay disparity within the executive suite has little effect on firm value, rather it is the pay disparity between the named executive officers and the rank and file that drive our results.
Active galactic nucleus outflows and the matter power spectrum

We attempt to evaluate the effects of AGN outflows on the amplitude of the matter power spectrum in a simple model of spherically symmetric outflows around a realistically clustered AGN population. We find that two competing effects influence the matter power spectrum in two opposite directions. First, AGN outflows move baryons from high- to low-density regions, decreasing the amplitude of the matter power spectrum by up to 20%. Second, high clustering of the AGN transfers the power from small to larger scales. The exact balance between these two effects depends on the details of outflows on small scales, and quantitative estimates will require much more sophisticated modeling than presented here.
Public Health Protection Against Bioterrorism via Respiratory Pathogenic Viral and Bacterial Agents using Protective Face Masks

The widespread respiratory transmission of the Covid-19 virus has taught us the importance of face masks to mitigate both the community spread of the virus and protection of wearers by face masks. As such, there could be an extremely adverse public health possibility where respiratory pathogenic agents could be spread as a means of bioterrorism. While eventually vaccines could mitigate wide spread infection, protective face masks are an important way to immediately prevent respiratory infections from various pathogenic agents. In view of the possibility of respiratory-based bioterrorism it is critical that the public might have to adopt universal usage of face masks. The CDC recommends that all families stockpile respiratory protection as part of their personal pandemic plan because face masks should be worn by all individuals during a pandemic especially one caused by bioterrorism.
The Effect of Class Discussion Learning Models Using Concept Map to Physics Students’ Learning Outcomes in SMA Al-Washliyah Medan, Indonesia

The purpose of this study was to determine the significant influence between the Class Discussion Learning model using Concept Maps on student physics learning outcomes in class XI at SMA Al Washliyah Medan. The population in this study was all class XI students of SMA Al Washliyah Medan in the 2018/2019 academic year, totaling 120 students from 3 classes with a sample size of 60 people. This study involved 2 sample classes that applied two different treatments, namely class XI - IPA 1 applied the Class Discussion Learning Model and Class XI - IPA 3 applied the Conventional Model. As a data collection tool, a student’s physics learning outcome test was used in the form of 30 multiple choice questions, which had been tested for validity and reality. From the data obtained after doing the test, 20 questions are obtained that are valid, the average score of the learning outcomes of each class taught by two different learning models, namely class with Discussion Learning Model Using concept maps X _1 = 13.88, s_1 = 4.93, while the conventional class X _2 = 10.54, s_2 = 4.62. From the t-test statistical analysis, the value of t count was obtained = 3.52, while the value of t table for the significant level α = 0.950 and the degree of freedom of 68 was 1.67 because if tcount> ttable or 3.52> 1.67, then the research hypothesis can be accepted. In other words, it can be decided that there is a substantial influence between the Class Discussion Learning model Using Concept Maps on student physics learning outcomes on particle motion kinematics material in the classroom of XI odd semester at SMA Al-Washliyah Medan in the 2018/2019 academic year.
Less is More: Exploring Support for Time Management Planning

Time management planning (TMP) is a practice where people plan what they intend to accomplish and when in a given day. The literature indicates behaviors associated with TMP, but not how people specifically engage in them or how technology is involved. We examined TMP practices of 19 graduate students, noting their methods and how they engage with tools. Students utilized different combinations of TMP behaviors, both in comparison to each other and within their own experiences. We then asked them to plan following specific guidelines over five days. Participants implemented these guidelines in unique ways using unstructured tools (paper, notes applications). Together, these findings suggest that to be useful, TMP software must not impose a specific structure. We demonstrate opportunities to incorporate these findings through the design of a flexible mobile application based on notes applications to facilitate planning while encouraging, but not requiring, the use of TMP behaviors.
Clinicopathologic Features of Gynecologic Malignancies Presenting Clinically as Colonic Malignancies.

OBJECTIVES To systematically evaluate gynecologic malignancies (adnexal or uterine) causing gastrointestinal (GI) signs (eg, mass on colonoscopy) or symptoms (eg, bloody stools) clinically mimicking a GI primary malignancy. METHODS The archives of 2 institutions were retrospectively reviewed for gynecologic malignancies clinically manifesting as colonic lesions. For each case, available radiologic, endoscopic, and histologic findings were recorded. RESULTS We identified 16 cases: 13 biopsies and 3 resections. The masses were localized in the rectosigmoid (14 cases [88%]), right (1 case [6%]), and transverse (1 case [6%]) colon. Gastrointestinal-type complaints included abdominal pain, weight loss, hematochezia, and obstruction; 1 case was asymptomatic and found during screening colonoscopy. Nine patients (56%) had no known prior gynecologic malignancy, and in only 2 of these patients was there some clinical suspicion of a noncolonic primary malignancy. Most cases (13 [81%]) were serous carcinoma, usually high-grade adnexal or primary peritoneal. Six cases (38%) directly extended into the colon, and 7 (44%) metastasized; route of spread was unclear in the others. Only 1 case (6%) showed mucosal involvement, and none showed desmoplasia or dirty necrosis. Four of the 13 serous carcinomas (31%) showed psammoma bodies. CONCLUSIONS Advanced gynecologic malignancies, most commonly serous carcinoma, can rarely manifest as GI lesions. Clues to noncolonic origin on biopsy include lack of colonic mucosal involvement/dysplasia, desmoplasia, or dirty necrosis.
Neuromodulation for Migraine Disorders

Many patients have severe, disabling migraines that are refractory to medical management. Various neuromodulation techniques have demonstrated efficacy for both prevention of migraines and treating acute symptoms. A literature search was performed to identify available neurostimulation-based treatments for migraines. The efficacy and literature supporting each of these methods are assessed and summarized in this chapter. Occipital nerve stimulation has high-quality evidence supporting its use as a preventive therapy. Supraorbital and supratrochlear nerve stimulation has high-quality evidence supporting its use for both prevention of migraines and as a rescue medication. Vagus nerve stimulation has had conflicting results in studies; however, it remains a low-risk, noninvasive treatment option for patients. Newer modalities (high-cervical spinal cord stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) have demonstrated promising results in preliminary studies. Each of these six neuromodulation techniques is discussed in detail in the chapter. Several different neuromodulation techniques are available for treatment of migraines in medically refractory patients.
Real-Time Access Guarantees for NAND Flash Using Partial Block Cleaning

Increasing use of NAND flash in newer application domains has been possible due to lowering cost per GB, consumer demands for storage and advantages of NAND flash over traditional disks. However, NAND flash has its idiosyncrasies resulting in asymmetric read/write times due to garbage collection and wear leveling requirements. Such asymmetric (non-deterministic) read/write times poses a challenge for the adoption of NAND flash in real-time systems. We present the implementation details of a flash translation layer called GFTLthat guarantees strict upper bounds on read/write times that are comparable to a theoretical ideal case. Such guarantees are made possible by dividing the source of non-determinism into deterministic intervals using our proposed approach called partial block cleaning. Using partial block cleaning, the process of garbage collection is divided into several smaller, deterministic steps. Partial block cleaning comes with an overhead of additional space requirements. We provide a proof on the limit of the additional space requirements.
Improved Data Hiding Technique for Shares in Extended Visual Secret Sharing Schemes

An improved data hiding technique is proposed in this paper to hide the shares of a secret image in an Extended Visual Secret Sharing (EVSS) scheme. It is based on Least Significant Bit (LSB) substitution with a little modification that the embedding capacity varies with each pixel of the host image and depends upon the surrounding pixels' color difference. This not only increases the embedding capacity of the host image as compared to simple LSB substitution but also yields high Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) values for host and stego images. Moreover, results indicate that the proposed data hiding process improves the security of camouflage images in EVSS schemes since shares are completely hidden in the cover images without any trace of their presence, unlike most of the previous share hiding approaches, thus preventing shares from alteration during transmission.
The Motivation to Experiment: A Study of Gifted Adolescents' Attitudes toward Scientific Research:

This study was designed to investigate some of the variables that characterize students who have achieved success in science. One hundred forty-six winners of the 1983 Westinghouse Science Talent Search completed a questionnaire exploring the subjects' views on the role of the scientist in society, images of self as scientist, personal motivations for conducting scientific research, qualities admired in scientific heroes or heroines, and how often teachers discussed interactions of science and society. Chi square and ANOVA analyses were employed with each of two independent variables: gender and area of science. Female subjects reported more concern with social impacts of scientific research, less variability in their self-image as a scientist, and a tendency to attribute success to hard work and dedication rather than intelligence or creativity than did male subjects. Over all, subjects identified curiosity as the primary impetus for research and indicated a moderate amount of exposure to scientific cont...
Enhancement of carbon nanotube antenna with gas sensor capabilities through chemical functionalization

A meshed carbon nanotube (CNT) thread patch antenna / gas sensor is modeled and simulated to predict the gas detection sensitivity enhancement that may be possible through chemical functionalization of the CNT thread with poly(m-aminobenzene sulfonic acid) (PABS). Previous results have indicated that a basic, untreated meshed CNT thread gas sensor/patch antenna will exhibit a very small frequency shift of ∼0.2% in the presence of 10,000 ppm concentration of ammonia (NH 3 ). The full-wave simulation results in this paper indicate that application of PABS to the CNT threads that comprise this design will provide a comparable resonant frequency shift in the presence of only 50 ppm concentration of NH 3 , yielding an improved sensitivity of over 200×.
Medicolegal Implications of Common Rhinologic Medications

As otolaryngologists, we prescribe many medications to our patients. The objective of this article is to review the potential side effects and medicolegal risks of the common medications used to treat chronic rhinosinusitis. The authors evaluate some of the common side effects as well as the published literature on the lawsuits associated with those medications. Finally, the authors review the informed consent discussion and opportunities to improve patient care and decrease the risk of litigation.
VO2 and heart rate kinetics in cycling: transitions from an elevated baseline.

The purpose of this study was to examine oxygen consumption (V˙o 2) and heart rate kinetics during moderate and repeated bouts of heavy square-wave cycling from an exercising baseline. Eight health...
Queue management algorithms and network traffic self-similarity

The self-similarity of network traffic has been established in a variety of environments and it is well known that self-similar traffic can lead to larger queueing delays, higher drop rates and extended periods of congestion. In this paper, we investigate the impact of various buffer management algorithms on the self-similarity of network traffic. In this paper we investigate the impact of active and passive queue management policies used at the routers on the self-similarity of TCP traffic. We also propose a modification to the random early detection (RED) algorithm, aimed at reducing the timeouts and exponential backoffs in TCP flows, and show that it can lead to significant reductions in the traffic self-similarity under a wide range of network conditions, as compared to the currently implemented active and passive buffer management policies. We also show that though our techniques are aimed at TCP related causes, it is also effective in reducing the degree of self-similarity in traffic even when application and user level causes are also present, as long as TCP is used as the underlying transport protocol.
Suramin enters and accumulates in low pH intracellular compartments of v-sis-transformed NIH 3T3 cells

Using acridine orange as a reporter compound, we demonstrate that suramin enters and accumulates in low pH intracellular compartments (endosomes, lysosomes, and trans-Golgi complex) of normal and v-sis-transformed NIH 3T3 cells. The concentration of suramin in these acidic compartments is estimated to be > 150 microM, higher than the concentration known to completely inhibit interaction of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor and v-sis gene product. These results support the hypothesis that suramin reverses the transformed phenotype of v-sis-transformed cells by entering the cell via endocytosis and blocking interaction of the v-sis gene product and PDGF receptor in intracellular organelles.
A Bayesian nonparametric approach to modeling motion patterns

The most difficult--and often most essential--aspect of many interception and tracking tasks is constructing motion models of the targets. Experts rarely can provide complete information about a target's expected motion pattern, and fitting parameters for complex motion patterns can require large amounts of training data. Specifying how to parameterize complex motion patterns is in itself a difficult task. In contrast, Bayesian nonparametric models of target motion are very flexible and generalize well with relatively little training data. We propose modeling target motion patterns as a mixture of Gaussian processes (GP) with a Dirichlet process (DP) prior over mixture weights. The GP provides an adaptive representation for each individual motion pattern, while the DP prior allows us to represent an unknown number of motion patterns. Both automatically adjust the complexity of the motion model based on the available data. Our approach outperforms several parametric models on a helicopter-based car-tracking task on data collected from the greater Boston area.
GINSENG, SEX BEHAVIOR, AND NITRIC OXIDE

In Asia, ginseng is commonly included in herbals used for the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Recent studies in laboratory animals have shown that both Asian and American forms of ginseng enhance libido and copulatory performance. These effects of ginseng may not be due to changes in hormone secretion, but to direct effects of ginseng, or its ginsenoside components, on the central nervous system and gonadal tissues. Indeed, there is good evidence that ginsenosides can facilitate penile erection by directly inducing the vasodilatation and relaxation of penile corpus cavernosum. Moreover, the effects of ginseng on the corpus cavernosum appear to be mediated by the release and/or modification of release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells and perivascular nerves. Treatment with American ginseng also affects the central nervous system and has been shown to significantly alter the activity of hypothalamic catecholamines involved in the facilitation of copulatory behavior and hormone secretion. Recent findings that ginseng treatment decreased prolactin secretion also suggested a direct nitric oxide-mediated effect of ginseng at the level of the anterior pituitary. Thus, animal studies lend growing support for the use of ginseng in the treatment of sexual dysfunction and provide increasing evidence for a role of nitric oxide in the mechanism of ginsenoside action.
Approaches to the analysis of energetic costs of intraspecific competition for space by rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Two approaches of estimating energy expended by rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) on density-dependent activities were tested. Metabolic rates were obtained from growth experiments in laboratory systems. Increases in metabolic rates at higher population densities were attributed to three factors: (1) starvation, (2) increased levels of exercise by subdominant fish were forced to maintain stations in fast water due to saturation of territories of more dominant trout, (3) higher planes of excitation. It was observed that variance of energetic factors of routine metabolism, growth rate, consumption rate, and growth efficiency tended to increase with density. These responses seem to be a good indication of intraspecific competition. Little correlation was observed between density and average daily ration, or density and aggressive behaviour. Dominant trout, as a group grew faster, grew more efficiently, and contained greater lipid content than the rest of the population at each density. However, strictly defined, energetic advantages were not conferred on a ‘peck-right’ basis. At higher densities, dominance conferred less benefits than was observed at lower population levels. Space limitation per se was not an influential factor affecting growth rates. Methods used to estimate density-dependent energy costs are evaluated. Both methods give nearly identical estimates.
Impact of anti‐oxidant status and apoptosis on the induction phase of chemotherapy in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress and apoptosis in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at diagnosis and their impact on outcome at the end of the induction phase. Our study included 50 newly diagnosed children with ALL. Evaluation of oxidative stresses (malondialdehyde and total anti‐oxidant capacity) was made at diagnosis and at the end of the induction phase. Apoptosis level was determined by fluorometric terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling system for patients at diagnosis and after 1 week of treatment. Our study showed that there was increased oxidative stress at diagnosis and after treatment with chemotherapy. Apoptosis index was higher after 1 week of treatment with chemotherapy when compared to its level at diagnosis.
Stereoselective synthesis of (±)-erythro- and threo-γ-hydroxynorvaline

Abstract Both diastereomers of racemic γ-hydroxynorvaline were prepared from 4-penten-2-ol to illustrate a new general method for stereoselective synthesis of either erythro- or threo-1,3-amino alcohol systems from a single precursor.
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (Stat) Binding Sites But Not Stat3 Are Required for Fasting-Induced Transcription of Agouti-Related Protein Messenger Ribonucleic Acid

Energy homeostasis depends on the regulation of hypothalamic neurons by leptin, an adipocyte hormone whose circulating levels communicate body energy stores. Leptin activates the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) in hypothalamic neurons, including neuronal subtypes producing Agouti-related protein (Agrp), a neuropeptide that stimulates feeding. Previous studies have suggested a model in which high levels of Agrp transcription during fasting represent a default state that is actively repressed by phospho-Stat3 induced by leptin signaling in the fed state. We identify putative Stat3 binding elements in the Agrp promoter that have been highly conserved during vertebrate evolution. Using a reporter assay in transgenic mice that faithfully recapitulates normal regulation of Agrp, we show that these sites are required, but in a way opposite to that predicted by the existing model: mutation of the sites leads to a default state characterized by a low level of Agrp tr...
Aspirin-sensitive asthma: The effect of aspirin on the release of prostaglandins from nasal polyps

Summary Nasal polyp pieces and homogenates from 14 aspirinsensitive patients and 22 subjects without this sensitivity were incubated in the presence of arachidonic acid (33 μM) and aspirin (167 μM). The prostaglandin-like material generated was bioassayed in PGE2 — equivalents. In polyp pieces of aspirin sensitive patients aspirin completely inhibited the arachidonate-stimulated release of prostaglandins (p 0.1). Aspirin also more effectively inhibited prostaglandin biosynthesis in polyp homogenates from aspirin-sensitive patients than in the control group. Thus, the enzymic system generating prostaglandins in polyp pieces of aspirin-sensitive patients has an increased susceptibility to the inhibitory action of aspirin.
TAREEG: a MapReduce-based web service for extracting spatial data from OpenStreetMap

Real spatial data, e.g., detailed road networks, rivers, buildings, parks, are not really available in most of the world. This hinders the practicality of many research ideas that need a real spatial data for testing experiments. Such data is often available for governmental use, or at major software companies, but it is prohibitively expensive to build or buy for academia or individual researchers. This demo presents TAREEG; a web-service that makes real spatial data, from anywhere in the world, available at the fingertips of every researcher or individual. TAREEG gets all its data by leveraging the richness of OpenStreetMap dataset; the most comprehensive available spatial data of the world. Yet, it is still challenging to obtain OpenStreetMap data due to the size limitations, special data format, and the noisy nature of spatial data. TAREEG employs MapReduce-based techniques to make it efficient and easy to extract OpenStreetMap data in a standard form with minimal effort. TAREEG is accessible via {http://www.tareeg.org/}
The use of dynamic adaptive chemistry in combustion simulation of gasoline surrogate fuels

A computationally efficient dynamic adaptive chemistry (DAC) scheme is described that permits on-the-fly mechanism reduction during reactive flow calculations. The scheme reduces a globally valid full mechanism to a locally, instantaneously applicable smaller mechanism. Previously we demonstrated its applicability to homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) problems with n-heptane [L. Liang, J.G. Stevens, J.T. Farrell, Proc. Combust. Inst. 32 (2009) 527-534]. In this work we demonstrate the broader utility of the DAC scheme through the simulation of HCCI and shock tube ignition delay times (IDT) for three gasoline surrogates, including two- and three-component blends of primary reference fuels (PRF) and toluene reference fuels (TRF). Both a detailed 1099-species mechanism and a skeletal 150-species mechanism are investigated as the full mechanism to explore the impact of fuel complexity on the DAC scheme. For all conditions studied, pressure and key species profiles calculated using the DAC scheme are in excellent agreement with the results obtained using the full mechanisms. For the HCCI calculations using the 1099- and 150-species mechanisms, the DAC scheme achieves 70- and 15-fold CPU time reductions, respectively. For the IDT problems, corresponding speed-up factors of 10 and two are obtained. Practical guidance is provided for choosing the search-initiating species set,more » selecting the threshold, and implementing the DAC scheme in a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) framework. (author)« less
N-body quantum scattering theory in two Hilbert spaces. III. Theory of approximations

Abstract A rigorous mathematical theory of approximations is developed for abstract nonrelativistic quantum scattering systems within the two-Hilbert-space framework. An approximate space of asymptotic states and an approximate asymptotic Hamiltonian must be specified initially. An approximate N -particle Hamiltonian is then constructed and proved to be self-adjoint. Approximate wave operators are shown to exist and, in certain interesting cases, to be asymptotically complete. Certain sequences of the approximate wave operators are proved to converge to the exact wave operators in an appropriate limit. Thus approximate scattering operators are unitary and converge to the exact scattering operator.
Energy return on energy invested (eroi): a quintessential but possibly inadequate metric for sustainability in a solar-powered world? [point of view]

Explores the open question of whether mankind, having run through its dowry of fossil fuels, will be able to maintain its advanced global society. Given our present knowledge base, no definite answer can be reached. It seems only common sense to believe that, to survive, a band of hunter gatherers must arrange its activities to acquire at least as much energy as it expends both directly in hunting and gathering and indirectly in essential ancillary activities, such as basal metabolism, which support the hunting and gathering.
Grain Sorghum Yield and Susceptibility to Insects as Affected by Early Season Growth

(...) The center two rows of each six-row planting configuration grew more slowly than and reached the boot and bloom growth stage approximately 7 to 10 d after the outside rows. During early grainfill this delayed growth and development resulted in more than 90% infestation of the center rows by Heliothis zea compared with less than 10% infestation in the outside rows. Differential growth and subsequent Heliothis damage to the crop were similar across all soil map units (...)
gS = 99 and Σ = 41 Grain boundaries

Abstract The structure and crystallography of two special high-angle grain boundaries which have been observed in spinel are discussed in terms of coincident-site lattice concepts. The two grain boundaries correspond to relatively high-Σ values; the value of Σ = 99 is higher than that which is usually considered to be significant for grain boundaries. It is proposed that it is not the actual value of Σ which is important for these interfaces but rather the fact that the misorientations which are responsible for producing the grain boundaries cause several pairs of low-index crystal lattice planes to be nearly parallel to one another at the interface. The relationship between this interpretation and the frequent observation of both low-Σ interfaces and asymmetric grain boundaries in this and other materials is emphasized.
Two variants of DRw52, DR3, and DQw2 specificities distinguish two different DR3-bearing extended haplotypes

HLA-DRβ and DQβ MHC antigens present on B-lymphoblastoid cell lines homozygous for either {HLA-B8,DR3,SC01} or {HLA-B18,DR3,F1C30} were studied by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Comparison of neuraminidase-treated DR proteins from these cells showed that DR3-bearing cells express two DRβ genes. However, one DRβ chain (βa) is nonpolymorphic, whereas the other β chain (βb) is polymorphic. Two variants of DRβ (DR3 or DRw52) and two of DQβ (DQw2) were found, with all the examples of each extended haplotype carrying only one of these sets of variants. The variants thus absolutely distinguished the two DR3-bearing extended haplotypes. These results support the hypothesis of extended haplotypes at the protein level, and demonstrate the fixity of alleles on them in the HLA-B-D/DR region.
In vivo gene therapy of hemophilia B: sustained partial correction in factor IX-deficient dogs

The liver represents a model organ for gene therapy. A method has been developed for hepatic gene transfer in vivo by the direct infusion of recombinant retroviral vectors into the portal vasculature, which results in the persistent expression of exogenous genes. To determine if these technologies are applicable for the treatment of hemophilia B patients, preclinical efficacy studies were done in a hemophilia B dog model. When the canine factor IX complementary DNA was transduced directly into the hepatocytes of affected dogs in vivo, the animals constitutively expressed low levels of canine factor IX for more than 5 months. Persistent expression of the clotting factor resulted in reductions of whole blood clotting and partial thromboplastin times of the treated animals. Thus, long-term treatment of hemophilia B patients may be feasible by direct hepatic gene therapy in vivo.
The binding of Ca2+ and Mg2+ to human serium albumin: A calorimetric study

Abstract The binding of calcium and magnesium to human serum albumin has been studied in the pH region 2.5–8.0 by a calorimetric procedure. Both metal ions bind to the carboxylate groups of albumin. 36 and 44 carboxylate groups appear to be involved in the binding of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ , respectively. Based on previously reported results that twelve Ca 2+ ions are the maximum which can bind to albumin, the results given here support previous X-ray crystallographic evidence that three carboxylate groups can be involved in the binding of a Ca 2+ by a protein. The data also confirm that Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ binding is competitive. Binding of the cations to the carboxylate groups appears to involve the breaking of carboxylate-imidazole hydrogen bonds in the protein. Log K , Δ H and Δ S values obtained for the binding of metal ions to albumin in aqueous solution at 25°C are 2.72 ± 0.02, 0.0 ± 0.1 kcal/mole, and 12.4 ± 0.3 cal/mole K for Ca 2+ and 1.12 ± 0.05, −0.2 ± 0.1 kcal/mole, and 4.5 ± 0.3 cal/mole K for Mg 2+ , respectively.
Putting the brakes on neutrophils

Comment on Hayhoe et al, page [2123][1] The glucocorticoid-induced annexin 1 system controls neutrophil trafficking. Hayhoe and colleagues report the receptors and anti-inflammatory mechanisms for annexin 1 and its N-terminal peptide Ac2-26 that limit neutrophil rolling, adhesion, and diapedesis.
Scattering of P and S waves by spherical inclusions and cavities

Abstract The solutions are presented for six problems of the scattering of low frequency plane harmonic elastic P and S waves when they impinge on a movable or an immovable rigid spherical inclusion or a spherical cavity. In each problem, the scatterer is embedded in an infinite homogeneous isotropic elastic medium. Formulas are derived for the scalar wave functions, components of the displacement vectors, stress tensors, far field amplitudes, scattering cross-sections and dynamic stress intensity factors.
Geoarchaeology of dissected loess uplands in Western Illinois

Late Quaternary hillslope and valley evolution of the loess-mantled uplands between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers has produced a landscape composed of surfaces of different ages. Archaeological remains occur in a variety of geological contexts, including intact surfaces that predate the artifacts upon them, as lag on surfaces formed by subsequent erosion, and buried within alluvium, colluvium, and upland loess soil profiles. Holocene channel belts are largely confined to trenches formed by deep stream incision during the late Pleistocene, and much of the alluvial record is intact, especially in valleys with aggraded floodplains. Modest Holocene hillslope retreat in backslope and shoulder landscape settings and temporary storage of footslope colluvium is documented at some sites. Historic land use practices have resulted in severe hillslope retreat and near complete burial of Holocene valleys with a 0.5-1-m-thick veneer of historic sediment. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Kuhn, Lakatos, and the History of Economic Thought

This article attempts to tackle a fundamental methodological question in economics. The task is to investigate whether competing traditions in the history of economics are commensurable or not, that is, whether there is a firm ground on which a researcher could adjudicate the truth content of a theory. Thomas Kuhn in philosophy and Donald McClosky in economics among others are understood to advance the thesis that theories are incommensurable since there is no empirical ground to resort to in order to resolve disputes among traditions in economics. Karl Popper in philosophy and Mark Blaug in economics among others argue that theories are commensurable since there is a sharp and distinct criterion which could determine the scientific content of a theory. A more sophisticated version of Popper's falsificationism has been advanced in philosophy by Imre Lakatos and has been correspondingly followed in economics by Spiro Latsis, E. Roy Weintraub and others.
The vibrational spectra of sulfate ions in alkali halide crystals

Abstract Single crystals of KCl and KBr grown from melts doped with magnesium, calcium, barium and lead sulfates at about 0.1 mole per cent have been examined in the fundamental vibrational region of the sulfate ion with an infrared grating spectrometer at 35 and −190°C. Some samples employed sulfate enriched in 34S to about 45 per cent. Except in the case of magnesium, the infrared absorption spectra can be interpreted on the basis of C2v symmetry arising from the perturbation of the sulfate Td symmetry by an adjacent divalent cation, i.e. the barium, calcium and lead ions form ion pairs with the sulfate within the alkali halide lattice. The triply degenerate SO stretching and bending modes are split into three unequal components; the observed frequencies in the stretching region are in reasonable quantitative agreement with values calculated on the basis of changes in the bond stretching force constants induced by the adjacent excess positive charge of the metal ions; such changes are calculated to be of the order of Δf = 1 mdynA compared with observed values ranging from 0.6 to 0.9 mdynA.
Identification of serines‐1035/1037 in the kinase domain of the insulin receptor as protein kinase Cα mediated phosphorylation sites

Abstract A new site of serine phosphorylation (Ser-1035/1037) has been identified in the kinase domain of the insulin receptor. Mutant receptors missing these two serines were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells overexpressing protein kinase Cα. These mutant receptors lacked a phorbol ester-stimulated phosphoserine containing tryptic peptide as demonstrated by both high percentage polyacrylamide/urea gel electrophoresis and two-dimensional tlc. Moreover, a synthetic peptide with the sequence of this tryptic peptide was phosphorylated by isolated protein kinase Cα, and co-migrated with the phosphopeptide from in vivo labeled receptor. These results indicate that serine-1035 and/or 1037 in the kinase domain of the insulin receptor are phosphorylated in response to activation of protein kinase Cα.
Building bridges: what migration scholarship and cultural sociology have to say to each other

Abstract This article illustrates how more intensive exchanges between migration scholars and cultural sociologists would yield greater analytical purchase in both fields. It uses tools from cultural sociology to illuminate aspects of the transnational migration experience and, in turn, brings to light additional dimensions and levels of cultural production that cultural sociologists could profitably take into account. Cultural sociology asks migration scholars to take culture seriously and to pay more explicit attention to the dynamics of meaning-making and boundary construction. It asks researchers to look not only at the process of adaptation from one culture to another but at what is inside the “black box” and how it changes over time. On the other hand, transnational migration studies complicate cultural sociology by encouraging researchers to move beyond the expectation that the nation is the natural container for social life. Instead, transnational migration scholarship foregrounds how boundary creation and meaning-making can involve multiple cultural repertoires that transcend national contexts and are available at multiple levels.
Lessons learned about access to government information after World War II can be applied after September 11

Abstract The cost of unrestricted dissemination of government information to Americans' safety and security has been a topic of heated debate since September 11, 2001. The risks of dissemination seem to have skyrocketed in this age of terrorist attacks. However, the United States faced similar risks after World War II, when the secret of the atom bomb required close protection. Congress can learn from the process that the U.S. government went through to pass the Atomic Energy Act of 1946 [Atomic Energy Act of 1946. Pub. L. No. 79-585, 60 Stat. 755] during a similar time of national stress and fear and work to pass laws regulating the dissemination of information to the public. In the absence of legislative guidance, agencies have been left to restrict information as they think is best, with inconsistent and disastrous results.
Optimal independent-encoding schemes for input-symmetric degraded broadcast channels

An input-symmetric (IS) degraded broadcast channel (DBC) is a discrete DBC whose component channels are input-symmetric and the intersection of their input-symmetry groups is transitive. The discrete additive DBC and the group-additive DBC are IS-DBCs. This paper introduces an independent encoding scheme which employs permutation functions of the independent codes. This permutation encoding approach for the group-additive DBC is to employ group additions of the independent codes. This paper shows that the permutation encoding approach achieves the boundary of the capacity region for IS-DBCs, and yields a simple characterization of that capacity region.