cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA Polymerase Beta Germline Variant Confers Cellular Response to Cisplatin Therapy

Resistance to cancer chemotherapies leads to deadly consequences, yet current research focuses only on the roles of somatically acquired mutations in this resistance. The mutational status of the germline is also likely to play a role in the way cells respond to chemotherapy. The carrier status for the POLB rs3136797 germline mutation encoding P242R DNA polymerase beta (Pol β) is associated with poor prognosis for lung cancer, specifically in response to treatment with cisplatin. Here, it is revealed that the P242R mutation is sufficient to promote resistance to cisplatin in human cells and in mouse xenografts. Mechanistically, P242R Pol β acts as a translesion polymerase and prefers to insert the correct nucleotide opposite cisplatin intrastrand cross-links, leading to the activation of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway, removal of crosslinks, and resistance to cisplatin. In contrast, wild-type (WT) Pol β preferentially inserts the incorrect nucleotide initiating mismatch repair and cell death. Importantly, in a mouse xenograft model, tumors derived from lung cancer cells expressing WT Pol β displayed a slower rate of growth when treated with cisplatin, whereas tumors expressing P242R Pol β had no response to cisplatin. Pol β is critical for mediating crosstalk in response to cisplatin. The current data strongly suggest that the status of Pol β influences cellular responses to crosslinking agents and that Pol β is a promising biomarker to predict responses to specific chemotherapies. Finally, these results highlight that the genetic status of the germline is a critical factor in the response to cancer treatment. Implications: Pol β has prognostic biomarker potential in the treatment of cancer with cisplatin and perhaps other intrastrand crosslinking agents. Mol Cancer Res; 15(3); 269–80. ©2017 AACR.
Editorial: A Brief History of the Material in Sociomateriality

Sociomateriality is gaining acceptance in the IS field as a way of taking technology more seriously, but not without its share of criticism. Technology itself is defined in many different ways. Coupled with the broader debates surrounding the complex issues and controversies around the relationship between the social and the material, discussions on how technology is tied to work and organizations will continue to develop. The goal of this special issue is to contribute towards clarifying what the tenets of sociomateriality mean for IS research. Beginning with this editorial that elaborates on material agency in IT, the articles in the special issue discuss post-humanism and notion of separability and inseparability, compare the tenets of sociomateriality with critical realism, propose a method for researching sociomateriality, and elaborate on how a view of ontological fusion provides a more holistic view of a digitally-infused society.
Lessons learned from the national household food acquisition and purchase survey in the United States

Abstract The National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey conducted in 2012 (FoodAPS-1) was an ambitious survey of Americans’ food acquisitions sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The survey was challenging due to its goals of collecting comprehensive acquisition information and including data from extant sources to broaden the survey’s research capabilities. Some challenges were foreseen, and efforts were taken to overcome them through survey design features. Other challenges came as a surprise. This paper shares the experiences of the authors and others at USDA with survey design, survey implementation, and post-survey processing of data to ensure the availability of high-quality data to the research community. Lessons from FoodAPS-1 can inform similar future data collections both in the U.S. and abroad.
Impact of number of co-existing rotors and inter-electrode distance on accuracy of rotor localization.

Abstract Background Conflicting evidence exists on the efficacy of focal impulse and rotor modulation on atrial fibrillation ablation. A potential explanation is inaccurate rotor localization from multiple rotors coexistence and a relatively large (9–11 mm) inter-electrode distance (IED) of the multi-electrode basket catheter. Methods and results We studied a numerical model of cardiac action potential to reproduce one through seven rotors in a two-dimensional lattice. We estimated rotor location using phase singularity, Shannon entropy and dominant frequency. We then spatially downsampled the time series to create IEDs of 2–30 mm. The error of rotor localization was measured with reference to the dynamics of phase singularity at the original spatial resolution (IED = 1 mm). IED has a significant impact on the error using all the methods. When only one rotor is present, the error increases exponentially as a function of IED. At the clinical IED of 10 mm, the error is 3.8 mm (phase singularity), 3.7 mm (dominant frequency), and 11.8 mm (Shannon entropy). When there are more than one rotors, the error of rotor localization increases 10-fold. The error based on the phase singularity method at the clinical IED of 10 mm ranges from 30.0 mm (two rotors) to 96.1 mm (five rotors). Conclusions The magnitude of error of rotor localization using a clinically available basket catheter, in the presence of multiple rotors might be high enough to impact the accuracy of targeting during AF ablation. Improvement of catheter design and development of high-density mapping catheters may improve clinical outcomes of FIRM-guided AF ablation.
A chance-constrained two-stage stochastic programming model for reliable microgrid operations under power demand uncertainty

Abstract In this study, we present a scalable quantitative modeling framework to evaluate the impacts of variability in renewable resources (e.g., solar energy) in the microgrid operation. The problem is formulated as a chance-constrained two-stage stochastic programming model. We use three different policies to ensure that the utilization of renewable energy is high in microgrid operations. More specifically, the first policy enforces a certain percentage of renewable energy utilization from the overall time period while the second and third policies enforce renewable energy utilization for specific hours and every operating hours, respectively. The proposed optimization model is solved using a combined Sample Average Approximation algorithm. Computational results indicate that policy three is more restrictive than the other two policies; thus, we observe high utilization of renewable energy resources in the microgrid operation under this policy. Further, we observe potential benefits of having solar panels under different fuel based generation (FBG) or distributed energy sources (DES) units on fulfilling the required energy demand during a power outage. Finally, the proposed model provides an optimal dispatch of available resources (e.g., renewable energy, DES, FBG units) in such a way that the overall microgrid operational cost is minimized.
Discursive Representations of Difference and Multilingualism in "Himalaya with Michael Palin".

In this article, I discuss how mediatised tourism constructs various discourses of othering through representations of the ‘tourist self’ vis-a-vis the ‘local other’. In order to do so, I analyze a six-hour travelogue Himalaya with Michael Palin broadcast by the BBC in 2004. The analysis shows that despite the forces of globalisation that have made national and cultural boundaries more porous than ever before, common stereotypes about otherness continue to shape the experience of travel narratives at present. While the liberal discourses used in the travelogue appear to celebrate the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world, they simultaneously reproduce the moral superiority of the West when the traveller is presented as an authority to give the judgmental accounts of otherness under the guise of equality and tolerance. Himalaya with Michael Palin as a form of mediatised tourism does in fact invoke cultural stereotypes to commodify local authenticities, languages, and identities in order to make the travelogue a ‘good’ TV programme.
Prognostic significance of circulating plasma cells by multi-parametric flow cytometry in light chain amyloidosis.

We evaluated the prognostic impact of clonal circulating plasma cells (cPCs) detected by six-color multi-parametric flow cytometry (MFC) in light chain (AL) amyloidosis at diagnosis. Of the 154 patients who underwent MFC, cPCs were detected in 42% (n = 65) patients. Median number of cPCs was 81 per 150,000 events (range: 6–17,844). High bone marrow plasma cell percentage was an independent predictor of presence of cPCs. Presence of cPCs at diagnosis was associated with inferior overall survival (OS) (90 vs. 98 months, p = 0.003) and inferior progression free survival (PFS) (31 vs. 52 months, p = 0.02). Estimated 1, 2 and 5 year OS in the two groups was: 74, 64 and 57 and 89, 87, and 80%, respectively. Estimated PFS at 1, 2, and 5 years was: 69, 56, and 23% and 80, 74, and 37%, respectively. Furthermore, the presence of cPCs at diagnosis was an independent adverse predictor of OS in multivariable analysis. Achieving a very-good partial response, or better, was able to overcome the adverse impact of cPCs at diagnosis. Patients with cPCs at diagnosis may warrant closer monitoring post-treatment, especially if they do not achieve a deep hematologic response.
Generational Cohort Groups’ Hedonic and Utilitarian Attitudes Toward Shopping for HomeFurnishings Case Goods

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether hedonic and utilitarian attitudes toward shopping for home furnishings case goods differed across generational cohorts. The generational cohorts included in the study were: Silent Generation (born between 1925 and 1942), Baby Boomers (born between 1943 and 1960), Generation X (born between 1961 and 1981), and Generation Y (born between 1982 and 2000).
Extraction of Surface Wax from Whole Grain Sorghum

Sorghum has potential as a domestic source of wax for applications in the food and nonfood industries. The waxes extracted from sorghum have similar physical properties to those of Carnauba wax, a common imported commercial wax. This work focused on the extraction, fractionation, and characterization of waxes from sorghum kernels. Extraction was performed by varying the extraction conditions including temperature and solvents (hexane, ethanol, and methanol). A fractionation technique was developed to separate and quantify waxes from nonwaxes. The fractions were then characterized using a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method developed in our laboratory that utilizes an evaporative lightscattering detector for quantification. The results showed that the average amount of wax extracted from the surface of intact sorghum kernels was about 0.3 wt% using hexane at temperatures between 25 and 120C and 1000 psi. The yield of wax via hexane extraction increased with temperature and ranged from about 0.06 to 0.39 wt%. Extraction with alcohols resulted in higher yields of extracts, but after fractionation to remove nonwax components, the yield of waxes was reduced by 31% for ethanol and 47% for methanol compared to hexane.
Appendix: Complete Intersections and Serre’s Conjecture

This Appendix is a somewhat expanded version of the “Appendix on Complete Intersections” that appeared in the original (1978) version of this book. The goal here is to offer some comments on the problem of complete intersections in algebraic geometry, and to explain some of its connections to Serre’s Conjecture in the period 1955–1976 (when the Conjecture stood open). Since such discussions are still essential today in coming to a full understanding of Serre’s Conjecture, I have chosen to preserve the Appendix in this version of the book, in spite of the fact that the main text of it was written in 1977.
Revaluing Places: Hidden Histories from the Margins

Re-Placing Revaluing Places: Hidden Histories from the Margins Angel David Nieves As a fourth-generation Washingtonian who lives in the same house in which my grandparents raised my father and his brothers and sisters, I am intimately aware of what this neighborhood has meant to this city generally, and African Americans in particular. I am also sufficiently versed in the history of this community to know that the “Little Ethio- pia” proposal is an attempt to attach a label to this commu- nity that is not supported by the historical record. 1 These sentiments, expressed by a local blogger, reflect tensions surrounding the effort to designate an area in the Greater U Street/Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C., as “Little Ethiopia.” The direct subject of the quote is an on-line petition that exhorts readers to support the renaming of a once largely abandoned retail corridor along Ninth Street. 2 More than seventeen hundred people have signed the petition, circulated by Tamrat G. Medhin, chairman of the Ethiopian-American Constituency Foun- dation. Others, however, see the effort as historically unjustified, and “a slap in the face to the memory of all the important African-American individuals, organizations, and institutions that have made that neighborhood great.” 3 In specific terms, the proposal under review by the Washington, D.C., Council would allow the name Little Ethiopia to be posted on street signs and on placards in the windows of area businesses. 4 But, more generally, it illustrates the difficulties facing cultural-heritage profes- sionals, like preservationists, in the new multicultural urban centers of the United States. Where once there was consensus as to what constituted America’s urban heri- tage, this is now being contested as new immigrant groups stake claims to neighborhoods formerly associated with older marginalized groups. Above: Little Ethiopia. Streetscape along Ninth Street NW, Washington, D.C. Places 20.1
Dynamics of CEO Disclosure Style

ABSTRACT We examine changes in CEOs' disclosure styles in quarterly earnings conference calls over their tenure. Our longitudinal analysis of newly hired CEOs shows that CEOs' forward-looking discl...
Evaluating a measure of the research training environment in a sample of pharmacy residents.

Abstract Introduction While an important predictor of future research involvement, formal assessment of the quality of the research training environment in pharmacy residency training has not been examined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a modified version of the shortened form of the revised Research Training Environment Scale (RTES-R-S) in pharmacy residents. Methods The original wording of the 18 items from RTES-R-S was modified to reflect pharmacy residency training. Data were collected as part of a larger study involving a random sample of pharmacy residents in the United States during the 2016–2017 residency year. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's α. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the fit of the factor structures examined previously during the original RTES-R-S development. Results Based on confirmatory factor analysis, the preferred model proposed a single, second-order factor predicting nine factors reflecting Gelso’s previously described ingredients of the research training environment. This model had acceptable fit indices and was statistically better than models without second-order factors. Cronbach's α for the global scale was 0.86, with the two subscales >0.7. Conclusions Minor rewording of an existing instrument to measure residents’ perceptions of the quality of the research training environment demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. The factor structure of the recommended use proposed by the original developers of the RTES-R-S was supported in this sample of pharmacy residents. Continued work with additional samples is needed to generate additional validity evidence supporting the use of this tool in pharmacy residents.
Intracellular cardiomyocytes potential recording by planar electrode array and fibroblasts co-culturing on multi-modal CMOS chip

Intracellular action potential signals reveal enriched physiological information. Patch clamp techniques have been widely used to measure intracellular potential. Despite their high signal fidelity, they suffer from low throughput. Recently, 3D nanoelectrodes have been developed for intracellular potential recording. However, they are limited by scalability, yield, and cost, directly constraining their use in monitoring large number of cells and high throughput applications. In this paper, we demonstrate intracellular potential monitoring of cardiomyocytes using simple 2D planar electrode array in a standard CMOS process without patch clamps or post fabricated 3D nanoelectrodes. This is enabled by our unique cardiomyocytes/fibroblasts co-culturing technique and electroporation. The co-cultured fibroblasts promote tight sealing of cardiomyocytes on electrodes and enable high-fidelity intracellular potential monitoring based on 2D planar electrode. Compared to existing technologies, our platform has a unique potential to achieve an unprecedented combination of throughput, spatiotemporal resolution, and a tissue-level field-of-view for cellular electrophysiology monitoring.
Parcel delivery by vehicle and drone

We investigate a single-vehicle parcel delivery problem in which customers may be served either by the vehicle or by a portable companion drone launched from the vehicle. The problem may be viewed ...
Long-term financial outcomes and quality of life in partners of colorectal cancer survivors.

7048Background: Many patients with colorectal cancer face financial toxicity, but little is known about financial outcomes among their partners. Moreover, virtually nothing is known about associati...
The Disciplinary Identity of Second Language Writing

Abstract Second language writing has been variously described as a field, as an interdiscipline, and a transdiscipline. Not only are these characterizations of second language writing inaccurate; they are also precarious, fostering an intellectual climate in which other theories and practices emerge as substitutes. In fact, SLW acts as if it were a discipline, so the label discipline makes sense epistemologically and practically. Owning a disciplinary identity strengthens SLW’s theoretical and practical claims and supports researchers, practitioners, graduate students, and above all, multilingual writers.
Analyzing the Effects of Problem Parameters on the Operation Cost of the Networked Microgrids

In this study, the effects of problem parameters on the operation cost minimization of networked microgrids are investigated for the given planning period. These parameters include load growth, economic factors (ratio of inflation rate to interest rate), size of distributed generation (DG), and size of capacitor bank. Herein, to minimize the total cost of problem, the networked microgrids is optimally reconfigured, and the DGs and capacitor banks are optimally sized and installed in the best locations. The total cost of problem comprises several cost terms including investment costs for purchasing capacitor banks and DGs, maintenance costs of capacitors and DGs (proportional to their application period), network reconfiguration cost (switching cost), and network energy loss cost. To achieve the realistic results, the yearly load growth, daily variation of load throughout each year of the planning period, variation of load in each load level (low, medium, and high), and inflation and interest rates are considered in the planning problem. Moreover, the switches, DGs, and capacitors are switched in each load level of a day.
A New Spectral Feature on the Trailing Hemisphere of Europa at 3.78 microns

We present hemispherically resolved spectra of the surface of Europa from ~3.1--4.13 microns, which we obtained using the near infrared spectrometer NIRSPEC on the Keck II telescope. These include the first high-quality L-band spectra of the surface to extend beyond 4 microns. In our data we identify a previously unseen spectral feature at 3.78 microns on the trailing hemisphere. The longitudinal distribution of the feature is consistent with that of a radiolytic product created by electron or Iogenic ion bombardment. This feature is coincident with an absorption feature of SO2 frost seen in both laboratory spectra and spectra of Io. However, the corresponding, typically stronger 4.07 micron feature of SO2 frost is absent from our data. This result is contrary to the suggested detection of SO2 at 4.05 microns in Galileo NIMS data of the trailing hemisphere, which was severely affected by radiation noise. We use simple spectral modeling to argue that the 3.78 micron feature is not easily explained by the presence of SO2 frost on the surface. We explore alternative explanations and discuss other potential candidate species.
Problem-fluent models for complex decision-making in autonomous materials research

Abstract We review our recent work in the area of autonomous materials research, highlighting the coupling of machine learning methods and models and more problem-aware modeling. We review the general Bayesian framework for closed-loop design employed by many autonomous materials platforms. We then provide examples of our work on such platforms. We finally review our approaches to extend current statistical and ML models to better reflect problem specific structure including the use of physics-based models and incorporation operational considerations into the decision-making procedure.
Target sites: hematopoietic

Abstract Recent progress in uderstanding of hematopoiesis includes new insights into the kinetics, properties, regulation, and heterogeneity of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs); better understanding of the molecular biology of immune and cytokine networks and of the complex roles of the stem cell niche in regulating hematopoiesis; interactions of cytokines and their receptors in regulating hematopoiesis and maintaining homeostasis; and computational models of normal and perturbed hematopoiesis. This chapter identifies resources that can be used to help quickly understand aspects of the current state-of-the-art in hematopoiesis that are most useful in toxicology and modeling.
Estimation of Chiller Electric Power of Central Air Conditioner using Feedforward Neural Network

With the development of technology, the proportion of renewable energy with stochastic and intermittent characteristic, like wind power, photovoltaic power, is higher and higher in generation side, which results in the controllability of power generation decreases. And accordingly, the potential of demand response receives attention. Central air conditioning loads are suitable for demand response for their high proportion in load and large heat inertia. And accordingly, the power estimation of chiller of central air conditioner is essential. However, the control technique of chiller is trade secret for central air conditioner company. In this paper, a novel power estimation method of chiller using feedforward neural network is proposed. Furthermore, central air conditioning loads are explored to participate in AGC control of power system according to the estimated chiller power. Experiment and simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Advancing Water Conservation in Cooling Towers through Energy-Water Nexus

Life without water is not possible on the earth, while modern humans need water not only for drinking, sanitization, and agriculture but also for industrial activities including electricity and cooling generations. Hence, emphasis on water sustainability through different sectors including thermoelectric and cooling plants is an intelligent strategy while the tight connections of water and energy guide study towards energy-water nexus investigations. Cooling towers are equipment for dissipating the excess heat by water evaporation or they hidden gates for wasting water. The objective of the present study is to elaborate on the role of cooling towers in improving environment sustainability by presenting various methods of energy and water modeling, categorizing various methods for modifying water and energy consumptions through past studies and mapping future studies. regarding cooling towers. Presenting a history of energy-water modeling methods of cooling towers, the Markel, the Poppe, and the effectiveness– Number of Transfer Unit (NTU) models, has followed by assessing the environmental impact of cooling towers in the form of excess water consumption, plume, and energy usage. Summarizing and organizing the past efforts for upgrading water management in cooling towers have been in two directions either providing more water supply, or modifications of the cooling tower to use less water. Then the different methodologies for each direction are introduced for further elaborations. This study’s practical outcome is proposing the methods of improving water sustainability for any cooling towers from past studies to assist engineers in the industry in modifying cooling towers water consumption. Showing the roadmap for the planning future investigations on the cooling towers based on the past efforts is another outcome of the present study to provide an insight for academia with research interest on cooling towers.
Theme-Based Book Review: Shifting Views of Public Sector Corruption

This theme-based book review considers three recent titles related to public sector corruption: Populism and corruption: The other side of the coin, edited by Jonathan Mendilow and Eric Phelippeau; Critical perspectives on public systems management in India, by Amar KJR Nayak and Ram Kumar Kakani; and Handbook on corruption, ethics and integrity in public administration, edited by Adam Graycar.
Computed tomography of the airways and lungs in congenital heart disease

The presence of airway and lung disease in children with congenital heart disease is commonly observed with both cardiac CT angiography and routine chest CT. In this review we discuss abnormalities encountered on CT imaging of the chest beyond the heart and central vasculature, focusing on the airways, lung parenchyma and peripheral vasculature. Preoperative and postoperative findings are reviewed as well.
MODIFICATION OF CYTOSKELETAL PROTEINS BY LIPID-DERIVED ALDEHYDES IN THE LENS EPITHELIAL CELLS

Oxidative stress has been implicated both in senile and diabetic cataractogenesis and recent evidence suggest that the lipid peroxidation product, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) mediates the oxidation-induced toxicity. Using human lens epithelial cells (HLEC) and rat lens we have demonstrated that HNE and oxidants such as Fenton reagent induce opacification in the rat lens and apoptosis in HLEC and lens epithelium with a concommitant formation of protein-HNE adducts and disruption of the cytoskeleton. Vimentin and actin were the major cytoskeletal proteins to be degraded by these agents. Tubulin on the other hand was resistant to degradation and displayed a compensatory increase in expression. Our studies suggest that under oxidative stress antioxidants/ HNE-scavengers could ameliorate the formation of protein-HNE adducts, stabilize the lens cytoskeleton and thus prevent cataractogenesis.
Chapter 5 Preparation of Mitochondria from Protozoa and Algae

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the preparation of mitochondria from protozoa and algae. The isolation and properties of mitochondria from various higher plants and from the tissues of animals are extensively studied. Oxidative phosphorylation has been observed in cell-free systems isolated from bacteria, yeast, and Neurospora. Until recently there was little success in the isolation of mitochondria from protozoa and algae. This chapter brings together the recently developed techniques on these latter cell types. So far, tightly coupled mitochondria have been isolated only from Tetrahymena pyriformis and from Prototheca zopfii. A wide variety of techniques for determining yields of mitochondria1 protein are available. Two commonly used techniques are those of Lowry et al . and Gornall et al . The trypanosome Crithidia fasciculata has been used recently in mitochondria studies by several investigators.
Rethinking the Fairness Hypothesis: Procedural Justice in Simple Bargaining Games

I consider two new simple bargaining games in which two players bargain over division of a fixed amount of money. Both games are strategically equivalent to the dictator game, in that one player has the unilateral ability to determine the allocation. However, that player can instead choose to share decision-making power with the other. In this way, I take a broader view of fairness than past experiments, considering both distributive justice (how much I get) and procedural justice (the rules governing how I get it). First, players often decide to empower the other player, even though there is no strategic reason to do so, implying an innate concern with procedural justice. Second, divisions in these games are much more equitable than in traditional dictator games, suggesting that a fair procedure may elicit fair distribution. Thus, past rejection of the fairness hypothesis (arguing that fairness concerns would lead to similar distributions in the ultimatum and dictator games) may be due to a failure to account for fairness as both a distributive and procedural concern.
Design and Implementation of Scheduling Systems: More Advanced Concepts

This chapter focuses on a number of issues that have come up in recent years in the design, development, and implementation of scheduling systems. The first section discusses issues concerning uncertainty, robustness, and reactive decision-making. In practice, schedules often have to be changed because of random events. The more robust the original schedule is, the easier the rescheduling is. This section focuses on the generation of robust schedules as well as on the measurement of their robustness. The second section considers machine learning mechanisms. No system can consistently generate good solutions that are to the liking of the user. The decision-maker often has to tweak the schedule generated by the system in order to make it usable. A well-designed system can learn from past adjustments made by the user; the mechanism that enables the system to do this is called a learning mechanism. The third section focuses on the design of scheduling engines. An engine often contains an entire library of algorithms.
The road to ruin?: Impacts of economic shock therapy on urban transport in Poland

Abstract Radical economic reforms in Poland since 1990 have had important impacts on transport. Increased political and economic freedom, access to Western consumer markets, reductions in government subsidies, increases in public transport fares and service cutbacks have led to a striking modal shift away from public transport to the automobile. Increased auto use and the deterioration of public transport are causing serious social and environmental problems such as air pollution, noise, congestion, traffic accidents, and reduced mobility for the poor. Although minimal government involvement may be appropriate in other economic sectors, the government must intervene in urban transport to correct for many important external effects. Simply leaving transport to the private market seems certain to end in excessive auto use and such deteriorated public transport systems that irreversible damage would be done to Polish cities.
Regulatory finance in alternative models of regulation: General fund financing versus earmarked taxation

Abstract Nowhere in studies of regulation does one confront the issue of how to account for the costs of the regulator's services. In this paper we treat the cost of the regulator as an integral component of the positive theory of regulation. In particular, we examine what difference it makes whether the cost of the regulator is financed through general-fund appropriations or through special charges imposed upon the regulated activity.
Multiscale Modeling: A Review

This review of multiscale modeling covers a brief history of various multiscale methodologies related to solid materials and the associated experimental influences, the various influence of multiscale modeling on different disciplines, and some examples of multiscale modeling in the design of structural components. Although computational multiscale modeling methodologies have been developed in the late twentieth century, the fundamental notions of multiscale modeling have been around since da Vinci studied different sizes of ropes. The recent rapid growth in multiscale modeling is the result of the confluence of parallel computing power, experimental capabilities to characterize structure-property relations down to the atomic level, and theories that admit multiple length scales. The ubiquitous research that focus on multiscale modeling has broached different disciplines (solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials science, physics, mathematics, biological, and chemistry), different regions of the world (most continents), and different length scales (from atoms to autos).
Advanced polymers for advanced RF packaging applications

This paper presents advanced polymers for RF packaging applications including filters and antennas. First, micro-scaled LCP technology for front-end modules is presented. Next, nano-scaled ultra-thin RXP technology is introduced with its integration capability and embedded passive performances. Simulated results of bandpass filter, and antennas for 60 GHz are also presented in this paper. RXP technology provides low cost and promising high performance solution for wireless applications operating around microwave and millimeter frequencies. Magneto-dielectric substrates are proposed for effective miniaturization of antennas.
Sustainable Anode Effect Based Perfluorocarbon Emission Reduction

Commercial aluminum reduction is a significant anthropogenic emission source of the perfluorocarbon (PFC) gases carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) and hexafluoroethane (C2F6). Given the high global warming potentials of these two gases (6500 and 9200 respectively), concerted efforts are underway to monitor and reduce emissions of PFCs from aluminum smelters.
Adaptive simultaneous coronary border detection: a method for accurate analysis of small diameter vessels

Accurate automated identification of coronary borders is difficult to achieve in vessels smaller than 1 mm. In diameter using existing techniques. The authors new approach uses a two-stage automated adaption of edge operator parameters to match the local lumen diameter. In the first stage, approximate lumen diameters are detected using a half-resolution simultaneous coronary border detection algorithm. At each point along the vessel, the approximate diameter is used to select an optimal edge operator for the second full-resolution border detection stage. The method was tested in a set of 72 segments of 9 angiographic phantom vessels with diameters ranging from 0.46 mm to 4.14 mm. Performance of the adaptive method was compared to performance of a conventional coronary border detection, method. Adaptive simultaneous coronary border detection significantly reduced diameter estimation errors in comparison to conventional border detection (p >
A Theory of the Formation of HCI by the Stomach

Summary A theory of the formation of HCl is proposed, the main tenets of which are 1.The EMF's of the mucosa send electric current across the canalicular border of the parietal cells in the direction of the canaliculi. 2.This flow of current in the presence of a gastric stimulant results in the production of H+ ions. 3.The flow of current can control the production of H+ ions without furnishing a major portion of the free energy needed for the osmotic work involved in the formation of the H+ ions. 4.The return flow of current would be in the opposite direction, and the flow of current in this direction results in the transport of Cl- ions from the interstitial fluid to the gastric juice. In this general formulation, the theory is not committed as to the site or sites of the return flow of current, nor to the location of the mucosal EMF's. A chemical reaction that could give rise to H+ ions, and conceivably could be controlled by the flow of current, is suggested. An analysis is made of the possible location of the mucosal EMF's.
A BIM-Compatible Schema for Architectural Programming Information

Architectural programming, although a key part of AECFM processes, has not been well integrated into Building Information Modeling (BIM). Having access to architectural programming information throughout the lifecycle of a building can add value to design evaluation, facility management, renovation and extension. There is not currently a comprehensive and standard data model to store architectural programming information. Our research is producing a universal format for an architectural program of requirements (UFPOR) that can connect the architectural programming information to the IFC BIM schema. The result is a data model for architectural programming that is inherently interoperable with BIM standard schema. A graphical user interface facilitates data creation and manipulation. The schema and effectiveness of the bridging fields has been tested by entering the content of three two different architectural programming documents into the UFPOR database.
On-chip learning in the analog domain with limited precision circuits

The precision constraints imposed by gradient descent learning in the analog domain are considered. Previous studies have investigated the precision necessary to perform weight update calculations with weights stored in digital registers. These studies have found that the learning calculations must be performed with at least 12 b of precision while the feedforward precision can be as low as 6 b. In the present work, the effect of offsets when performing calculations in the analog domain is investigated. An alteration to the standard weight perturbation algorithm is proposed. It allows learning with offsets as large as 1 part in 8 b, thus allowing fast on-chip learning with weights stored in dense analog memory. >
A visual study in the near field of turbulent jets and implications for estimating accidental discharges

A series of dye flow visualization experiments are carried out in water to study the visible flow features in the near field of turbulent jets and to assess their usefulness in estimating the discharge rate of a turbulent jet in a homogeneous medium. The jet Reynolds numbers are 0.3–2.2 × 105. The large eddies at the core of the flow and the smaller eddies at the edge show disparate, independent length scales. Their convection speeds are more than an order of magnitude apart. Discharge rate estimates based on large-scale core features are useful. However, their reliability depends on a priori knowledge of the state of the bulk flow upstream of the discharge location. A useful method for estimating discharge rates based on the small-scale outer edge features is not obvious.
Metabotropic glutamate receptor modulation of synaptic transmission in corticostriatal co-cultures: Role of calcium influx

Modulation of excitatory glutamatergic transmission at corticostriatal synapses by a metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) was examined using a newly developed cell culture preparation in which small explants of cortical tissue are grown in co-culture with isolated striatal neurons. Electrical stimulation of cortical tissue evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) observed during tight-seal, whole-cell recordings from striatal neurons. Transmission was mediated by activation of AMPA/kainate-type glutamate receptors. The mGluR agonists, 1SR,3RS-ACPD and DCG-IV, reduced eEPSC amplitude. The effect of 1SR,3RS-ACPD increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Application of phorbol diacetate (PDAc) potentiated eEPSC amplitude and reduced the inhibitory effect of mGluR activation. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) also reduced inhibition by 1SR,3RS-ACPD. Under conditions in which transmission was independent of the function of voltage-gated calcium channels, mGluR activation reduced the frequency of occurrence of miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs), but did not alter mEPSC amplitude. This effect of mGluR activation was reduced by PDAc treatment. mGluR activation modulates glutamatergic transmission via a presynaptic autoreceptor at corticostriatal synapses in this newly-developed corticostriatal co-culture preparation as in striatal slices. Modulation of transmission occurs whether or not transmission involves activation of voltage-gated calcium channels. Furthermore, many of the characteristics of mGluR modulation of eEPSCs are shared by mGluR modulation of mEPSCs. These findings indicate that mechanisms downstream from calcium entry may contribute to modulation of synaptic transmission by mGluR autoreceptors.
Aspects of Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics

Abstract We review the properties of supersymmetric quantum mechanics for a class of models proposed by Witten. Using both Hamiltonian and path integral formulations, we give general conditions for which supersymmetry is broken (unbroken) by quantum fluctuations. The spectrum of states is discussed, and a virial theorem is derived for the energy. We also show that the euclidean path integral for supersymmetric quantum mechanics is equivalent to a classical stochastic process when the supersymmetry is unbroken (E0 = 0). By solving a Fokker-Planck equation for the classical probability distribution, we find Pc(y) is identical to |Ψ0(y)|2 in the quantum theory.
Adhesive Devices on the Thumb of Vespertilionoid Bats (Chiroptera)

We describe pads on the thumb of five vespertilionoid bats based on microanatomy and scanning microscopy and make inferences about their function. The pad of Thyroptera adheres by means of suction, and that of Tylonycteris uses dry adhesion. The pad of Glischropus has no true adhesive function and probably functions using friction. Topography of the pad of Pipistrellus nanus could interlock with substrate features, but the pad may have a minor function as a suction device. Glueing is most likely involved in the adhesion of Myzopoda to its substrate.
Assembly of functional regulatory complexes on MHC class II promoters in vivo

Regulatory factors that bind to the X box 1 to 5 (RFX1 to RFX5) and p36 interact with the X box in major histocompatibility class II promoters. RFX1 and RFX5 bind to DNA as a homodimer (RFX1) and heterodimer with p36 (RFX5:p36, the RFX complex), respectively. In this study, we characterized the binding of RFX1 and the RFX complex to the X box in vivo, and evaluated contributions of other proteins that bind to flanking conserved upstream sequences (CUS: S, X, X2, and Y boxes) to these protein-DNA interactions. For this purpose, an intracellular DNA-binding assay was developed. Hybrid protein effectors between RFX1 and RFX5 and the activation domain of VP16 from the herpes simplex virus were co-expressed with plasmid targets, which contained the isolated X box, X box and selected flanking CUS, or the entire DRA promoter. Whereas RFX1 bound better to isolated X boxes, the Y box selected for the binding of the RFX complex and against the binding of RFX1 to the X box. With proper spacing, S and X boxes stabilized the binding of both RFX1 and the RFX complex. The X2 box did not contribute significantly to the binding of either RFX1 or the RFX complex to the X box. Thus, complex protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions dictate the binding of functionally relevant proteins to conserved upstream sequences which regulate class II transcription.
Metabolism of prostaglandin E1 in stomach, jejunum chyle and plasma of the dog and the rat.

The metabolic degradation of PGE, was studied by the incubation of 3H-PGE1 with rat and dog plasma and thoracic lymph and the homogenates of various rat and dog tissues. It was observed that rat and dog plasma metabolize very little PGE1 even when incubated for one hr. Very little metabolic degradation of PGE1 was found by dog thoracic lymph. In contrast, rat and dog lung and kidney metabolize PGE1 very rapidly, and approx. 95% of PGE1 was converted to a less polar metabolite within 20 min of incubation. The metabolic degradation of PGE, was also rapid in the homogenates of rat stomach and jejunum, but the velocity of this reaction in these homogenates was slower than that in the rat or dog lung and kidney homogenates.
Benzene and thiophene formation from acetylene on sulfided Pd(111) studied by LITD/FTMS

We report the first laser-induced thermal desorption (LITD) studies of acetylene on Pd(111). LITD coupled with Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) probes the surface molecular composition. Our results show simultaneous formation of thiophene and benzene at 120 K after a 6 L dose of acetylene at 80 K on a Pd(111) surface with 0.06 ML of sulfur. Simultaneous formation implies that formation of the C4H4 intermediate is the slow step in the formation of both cyclic products. The relative amounts of thiophene and benzene observed with LITD/FTMS are comparable, while thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) yields integrated thiophene signals that are < 2% as intense as for benzene. This indicates that thiophene primarily decomposes upon heating. Low coverage (0.5 L) results confirm reports that the presence of sulfur enhances benzene production.
Infrastructure Privatization and Regulation: Promises and Perils

Infrastructure is crucial for generating growth, alleviating poverty, and increasing international competitiveness. For much of the twentieth century and in most countries, the network utilities that delivered infrastructure services such as electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, railroads, and water supply were vertically and horizontally integrated state monopolies. But this approach often resulted in extremely weak services, especially in developing and transition economies and especially for poor people. Common problems included low productivity, high costs, bad quality, insufficient revenue, and shortfalls in investment. Over the past two decades many countries have implemented far-reaching institutional reforms restructuring, privatizing, and establishing new approaches to regulation. This article identifies the challenges involved in this massive policy redirection within the historical, economic, and institutional context of developing and transition economies. It also reviews the outcomes of these policy changes, including their distributional consequences especially for poor households and other disadvantaged groups. Drawing on a range of international experiences and empirical studies, it recommends directions for future reforms and research to improve infrastructure performance.
Stretch injury selectively enhances extrasynaptic, GluN2B-containing NMDA receptor function in cortical neurons

Alterations in the function and expression of NMDA receptors are observed after in vivo and in vitro traumatic brain injury. We recently reported that mechanical stretch injury in cortical neurons ...
Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the stomach. A report of three cases with immunohistochemical and ultrastructural observations

The authors report three cases of sarcomatoid carcinoma arising in the stomach. This uncommon tumor is characterized by a mixture of malignant epithelial and spindle cell elements. All three tumors were large (average diameter, 5 cm) and infiltrated deep into the stomach wall. Two of the tumors had a polypoid configuration; the third was ulcerated and endophytic. Intestinal metaplasia was present adjacent to the tumor in all cases, with dysplasia in two. Immunohistochemical studies showed positivity for cytokeratin, carcinoembryonic antigen, and epithelial membrane antigen in the epithelial component of all tumors, and Leu-M1 was positive in the epithelial component of one. The spindle cell components contained vimentin, and in tumor 2, the spindle cell component was also positive for desmin. Two tumors showed focal positivity for cytokeratin in the spindle cells immediately adjacent to the epithelial component. Ultrastructurally, the spindle cell component of two tumors was composed of undifferentiated cells without specific epithelial or mesenchymal features. The third tumor contained occasional cells with features of myofibroblasts.