cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A member of the peptidase M48 superfamily of Porphyromonas gingivalis is associated with virulence in vitro and in vivo

Background: In vivo-induced antigen technology was previously used to identify 115 genes induced in Porphyromonas gingivalis W83 during human infection. One of these, PG2197, a conserved hypothetical protein which has homology to a Zn-dependent protease, was examined with respect to a role in disease. Design: The expression of PG2197 in human periodontitis patients was investigated, but as there is increasing evidence of a direct relationship between P. gingivalis and cardiovascular disease, a mutation was constructed in this gene to also determine its role in adherence, invasion, and persistence within human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) and neutrophil killing susceptibility. Results: Plaque samples from 20 periodontitis patients were analyzed by real-time PCR, revealing that PG2197 was expressed in 60.0% of diseased sites compared to 15.8% of healthy sites, even though P. gingivalis was detected in equal numbers from both sites. The expression of this gene was also found to be up-regulated in microarrays at 5 and 30 min of invasion of HCAEC. Interestingly, a PG2197 mutant displayed increased adherence, invasion, and persistence within HCAEC when compared to the wild-type strain. Conclusion: This gene appears to be important for the virulence of P. gingivalis , both in vivo and in vitro. Keywords: Porphyromonas gingivalis ; IVIAT; periodontitis; cardiovascular disease (Published: 25 November 2009) Citation: Journal of Oral Microbiology 2009. DOI: 10.3402/jom.v1i0.2021
Two Dimensional NMR Studies of Marine Natural Products. III.1 Reassignment of the 13C-NMR Spectrum of Brianthein-X Using Heteronuclear Relayed Coherence Transfer

Abstract During an investigation of the diterpene constituents of Briareum asbestinum we isolated the previously reported brianthein-X. Through the use of two-dimensional heteronuclear chemical shift correlation and relayed coherence transfer, four of the previously reported 13C-resonance assignments are revised.
Melanopsidium Colla (Rubiaceae, Gardenieae): a monospecific Brazilian genus with a complex nomenclatural history

Melanopsidium is a poorly known monospecific genus, represented by dioecious shrubs endemic to Brazilian restingas. Its systematic relationships have been considered ambiguous by some authors, but recent phylogenetic studies strongly support its position in the tribe Gardenieae, and more precisely within the “Alibertia-group”. Its complex taxonomic history, full description, lectotypification, synonymy, and biogeographic observations are presented; original plates here selected as lectotypes are reproduced; staminate and pistillate flowers are illustrated; and a distribution map is included.
Hybrid craft: showcase of physical and digital integration of design and craft skills

This article introduces the Hybrid Craft exhibition, positioning 15 hybrid projects in the context of today's Maker culture. Each project demonstrates a unique integration of contemporary making practice with traditional craft. The presenters in the show represent a wide range of professional backgrounds: independent makers, students and teachers, designers associated with research institutes, and commercial organizations. The background of Hybrid Craft, the makers and their works, including tool-making, jewelry, bowl-making and interactive design, are presented. The discussion focuses on integrating human skill and design to introduce a diverse portfolio of technologies used in this hybrid making process.
Interference between Electric and Magnetic Concepts in Introductory Physics.

We investigate student confusion of concepts of electric and magnetic force. At various times during a traditional university-level course, we administered a series of simple questions about the direction of force on a charged particle moving through either an electric or a magnetic field. We find that after electric force instruction but before magnetic force instruction most students answer electric force questions correctly, and we replicate well-known results that many students incorrectly answer that magnetic forces are in the same direction as the magnetic field. After magnetic force instruction, most students answer magnetic force questions correctly, but surprisingly many students incorrectly answer that electric forces are perpendicular to electric fields, as would happen if a student confused electric forces with magnetic forces. As a further indication of interference between electric and magnetic concepts, we also find that students' responses depend on whether electric or magnetic force questions are posed first, and this effect depends on whether electric or magnetic force was most recently taught.
An Evaluation of Unit Stream Power Theory for Estimating Soil Detachment and Sediment Discharge From Tilled Soils

Unit Stream Power (USP) and the associated Yang (1973) sediment transport equations were compared to soil detachment rates and sediment concentrations in runoff from eroding soils. Although USP was significantly correlated with rill detachment rates, potential energy dissipation rate per unit rill area was a better predictor of soil detachment rates. The Yang (1973) equations estimated sediment concentrations within a factor of 10 of the observed concentrations, if the median soil aggregate diameter was within the range of diameters used by Yang to estimate the equation parameters. When median aggregate sizes were less than 0.15 mm, the lower limit of Yang’s (1973) calibration range, the equations tended to produce unrealistically large estimates of sediment concentration.
Speech disfluency in school-age children's conversational and narrative discourse.

Purpose This study was designed to (a) compare the speech fluency of school-age children who do and do not stutter (CWS and CWNS, respectively) within 2 standard diagnostic speaking contexts (conversation and narration) while also controlling for speaking topic, and (b) examine the extent to which children’s performance on such discourse tasks is affected by age. Method Participants were 44 school-age children who were divided evenly into four groups, depending on their age (older, younger) and fluency status (CWS, CWNS). Children conversed with an examiner about a series of pictures and then told a story about the same pictures. Results School-age CWS produced more instances of atypical (stuttering-like) disfluencies in the narrative context than in the conversational context. Younger school-age children produced more instances of typical (nonstuttering-like) disfluencies in the conversational sample than did older school-age children. Age did not affect the frequency of children’s stuttering-like disflu...
Solvent Extraction of Separated Macerals in Carbon Disulfide/N-Methylpyrrolidone

Maceral fractions derived from density separations of six coals were extracted at room temperature in carbon disulfide/N-methylpyrrolidone based media. Vitrinite was found to have the highest extract yield. Both liptinites and inertinites exhibited lower extractability. In addition, differences in extractability were found within individual fractions of the same maceral group, such as the vitrinite group. The results show that extraction of vitrinite can be a heterogeneous process where certain submaceral vitrinite particles extract differently. This may have implications for experiments that rely on extracts or residues from extractions to determine the nature of the original coal structure.
The Ferric Uptake Regulator (Fur) Protein from Bradyrhizobium japonicum Is an Iron-responsive Transcriptional Repressor in Vitro

The Fur protein represses transcription of iron-responsive genes in bacteria. The discovery that Fur is a zinc metalloprotein and the use of surrogate metals for Fe(2+) for in vitro studies question whether Fur is a direct iron sensor. In the present study, we show that the affinity of Fur from Bradyrhizobium japonicum (BjFur) for its target DNA increases 30-fold in the presence of metal, with a K(d) value of about 2 nM. DNase I footprinting experiments showed that BjFur protected its binding site within the irr gene promoter in the presence of Fe(2+) but not in the absence of metal, showing that DNA binding is Fe(2+)-dependent. BjFur did not inhibit in vitro transcription from the irr promoter using purified components in the absence of metal, but BjFur repressed transcription in the presence of Fe(2+). Thus, BjFur is an iron-responsive transcriptional repressor in vitro. A regulatory Fe(2+)-binding site (site 1) and a structural Zn(2+)-binding site (site 2) inferred from the recent crystal structure of Fur from Pseudomonas aeruginosa are composed of amino acids highly conserved in many Fur proteins, including BjFur. BjFur mutants containing substitutions in site 1 (BjFurS1) or site 2 (BjFurS2) bound DNA with high affinity and repressed transcription in vitro in an Fe(2+)-dependent manner. Interestingly, only a single dimer of BjFurS2 occupied the irr promoter, whereas the wild type and BjFurS1 displayed one- or two-dimer occupancy. We suggest that the putative functions for metal-binding sites deduced from the structure of P. aeruginosa Fur cannot be extrapolated to bacterial Fur proteins as a whole.
COMBINING ISOTOPIC AND GENETIC MARKERS TO IDENTIFY BREEDING ORIGINS OF MIGRANT BIRDS

A quantitative method for linking reproductive and nonreproductive phases of migratory life cycles is fundamental to understanding the biology of migratory organisms. Here we combine genetic (mtDNA) and biochemical (stable isotope) information to examine seasonal movements in the Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus), a Neotropical migrant. We show that when these intrinsic markers are used in concert, they can predict the site-specific origin of thrushes with 76–80% accuracy. Genetic and isotope data needed for these classifications can be obtained from migratory organisms at any phase of the life cycle. We demonstrate how this classification analysis can be used to infer breeding origins of samples gathered during the nonreproductive phases of the life cycle. Based on these results, we argue that further integration of methodologies will refine the scale at which linkages between reproductive and nonreproductive phases of the life cycle can be quantified.
A pattern-based approach to bowel obstruction in the newborn

Intestinal obstruction is common in newborns, and the radiologist plays a critical role in the care of these children. Diagnosing and managing the potentially obstructed newborn can be challenging, especially given the myriad underlying pathologies that range from benign to acutely life-threatening. A familiarity with the most common diagnoses is essential, but equally important to the radiologist is a systematic approach to management of the child in this setting. We propose an approach based on the recognition of eight radiographic patterns, five upper gastrointestinal examination (UGI) patterns and four contrast enema patterns. Recognition of these patterns directs further imaging when necessary and allows triage of children who can be managed medically, those requiring elective or urgent surgery and those requiring emergent surgery.
Late Onset Renal Failure and Nephrotic Syndrome after Autologous Stem Cell Transplant for AL Amyloidosis

We present a patient with AL amyloidosis who had an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) over 9 years ago. She has since then developed slowly progressive renal insufficiency and the nephrotic syndrome. Hematologic evaluation has failed to identify recurrent disease and a renal biopsy demonstrated extensive amyloid deposition and substantial glomerulosclerosis. We suggest that the patient has chronic glomerulosclerosis as a consequence of renal damage associated with her disease process and her treatment.
Heats of mixing of liquids

Experimental data are presented for the heats of mixing of liquids at 25°C. and 1 atm. pressure for ten binary and five ternary systems. For nonpolar binary systems a two-constant equation has been developed which correlates the data within experimental accuracy. Several equations which have been proposed for the calculation of ternary heats of mixing from binary data are tested for the systems studied. The method of Jost and Rock (4) for determining the constants in power-series functions from experimental data is considered.
Invariant submodules in semi-prime rings with involution

(1978). Invariant submodules in semi-prime rings with involution. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 75-96.
SPATIALLY‐VARYING EFFECTS OF REZONING ON HOUSING PRICE

A hedonic price equation is estimated at the parcel level to capture the spatially-varying effects of rezoning on housing prices using a geographically weighted regression - spatial autoregressive error model (GWR-SEM). The empirical results highlight a number of points. Firstly, the positive amenities from rezoning to office use act as a buffer and transition the zones between single family housing to commercial zones near downtown areas may be applicable to approving the same kind of rezoning in other areas. Secondly, when approving rezoning from agriculture to residential or commercial use, it may be necessary to anticipate the positive amenities from rezoning in less well-off neighborhoods and the negative amenities from rezoning in well-off neighborhoods. Thirdly, the positive amenities from well-designed open space preservation districts may encourage county planners to consider similar types of projects in the future.
Ultra Low Power Energy Storage Circuit for Piezoelectric Nanogenerators

MEMS and NEMs devices benefit many applications due to their unique performance and tiny size. We have researched replacing components of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) mote with several such devices. In this paper, we present an energy conversion and storage circuit that can be used with piezoelectric nanogenerators for self powered motes. Energy from external vibration or environmental acoustics is capacitively stored and released at certain time intervals according to the application. Stored and lost power is compared against a detailed WSN mote power budget to size the generator and capacitor.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Tunneling in AlGaAs by Γ-X scattering

Abstract The tunneling rate is calculated in a AlGaAs (100)-oriented barrier in GaAs, for a Fowler-Nordheim process in which electrons are scattered between the Γ minimum and the four lateral X minima by the alloy disorder. The effective exponent is found to be that given by the transverse X-valley mass, and the prefactor is estimated to be small but not negligible.
Application of Papkovich-Neuber potentials to a crack problem.

The problem of an elastic solid containing a semi-infinite plane crack subjected to concentrated shears parallel to the edge of the crack is considered in this paper. A closed form solution using four harmonic functions is found to satisfy the finite displacement and inverse square root stress singularity at the edge of the crack. Explicit expressions in terms of elementary functions are given for the distribution of stress and displacement in the solid. These are obtained by employing Fourier and Kontorovich-Lebedev integral transforms and certain singular solutions of Laplace equations in three dimensions. The variations of the intensity of the local stress field along the crack border are shown graphically.
Rules of thumb for judging ecological theories

An impressive fit to historical data suggests to biologists that a given ecological model is highly valid. Models often achieve this fit at the expense of exaggerated complexity that is not justified by empirical evidence. Because overfitted theories complement the traditional assumption that ecology is 'messy', they generally remain unquestioned. Using predation theory as an example, we suggest that a fit-driven appraisal of model value is commonly misdirected; although fit to historical data can be important, the simplicity and generality of a theory--and thus its ecological value--are of comparable importance. In particular, we argue that theories whose complexity greatly exceeds the complexity of the problem that they address should be rejected. We suggest heuristics for distinguishing between valuable ecological theories and their overfitted brethren.
Design of tree structures for efficient querying

A standard information retrieval operation is to determine which records in a data collection satisfy a given query expressed in terms of data values. The process of locating the desired responses can be represented by a tree search model. This paper poses an optimization problem in the design of such trees to serve a well-specified application. The problem is academic in the sense that ordinarily the optimal tree cannot be implemented by means of practical techniques. On the other hand, it is potentially useful for the comparison it affords between observed performance and that of an intuitively attractive ideal search procedure.As a practical application of such a model this paper considers the design of a novel tree search scheme based on a bit vector representation of data and shows that essentially the same algorithm can be used to design either an ideal search tree or a bit-vector tree. An experimental study of a small formatted file illustrates the concepts.
Development of chicken intrafusal muscle fibers

The first sign of developing intrafusal fibers in chicken leg muscles appeared on embryonic day (E) 13 when sensory axons contacted undifferentiated myotubes. In sections incubated with monoclonal antibodies against myosin heavy chains (MHC) diverse immunostaining was observed within the developing intrafusal fiber bundle. Large primary intrafusal myotubes immunostained moderately to strongly for embryonic and neonatal MHC, but they were unreactive or reacted only weakly with antibodies against slow MHC. Smaller, secondary intrafusal myotubes reacted only weakly to moderately for embryonic and neonatal MHC, but 1–2 days after their formation they reacted strongly for slow and slow-tonic MHC. In contrast to mammals, slow-tonic MHC was also observed in extrafusal fibers. Intrafusal fibers derived from primary myotubes acquired fast MHC and retained at least a moderate level of embryonic MHC. On the other hand, intrafusal fibers developing from secondary myotubes lost the embryonic and neonatal isoforms prior to hatching and became slow. Based on relative amounts of embryonic, neonatal and slow MHC future fast and slow intrafusal fibers could be first identified at E14. At the polar regions of intrafusal fibers positions of nerve endings and acetylcholinesterase activity were seen to match as early as E16. Approximately equal numbers of slow and fast intrafusal fibers formed prenatally; however, in postnatal muscle spindles fast fibers were usually in the majority, suggesting that some fibers transformed from slow to fast.
Prognostic significance of ischemia location on stress myocardial perfusion SPECT: Tracing the fingerprints of the widow maker.

One of the great advantages of myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging is its ability to localize and quantify ischemia with good correlation with invasive angiographic findings. Although the extent of perfusion abnormalities has been consistently associated with death and cardiac events, little is known about whether ischemia in a certain coronary arterial territory is particularly more predictive of adverse events. In this issue of the journal, Nudi et al demonstrated that ischemia in the distribution of the left anterior coronary artery (LAD) was independently predictive of mortality and hard cardiac events. This risk was incremental to clinical data, stress test parameters, and the number of ischemic segments. The study was conducted in patients with moderate to severe ischemia. The study supports previous findings in patients undergoing exercise stress echocardiography. The previous study was conducted in unselected patients and included those with normal test as well as mild ischemia. Both resting and inducible wall motion abnormalities were correlated with prognosis. The association of LAD-related ischemia with more adverse outcome may not be surprising considering the known larger myocardial territory served by LAD compared to the right and left circumflex coronary arteries. However, the most interesting finding is that this association persisted after adjustment for the total number of ischemic segments, suggesting that other clinical, angiographic, and imaging characteristics come into play. The bases for such an independent association with prognosis may not be entirely understood. Many hypotheses could be suggested to explain this association.
Comparative Effectiveness of Childhood Obesity Interventions in Pediatric Primary Care: A Cluster-Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance Evidence of effective treatment of childhood obesity in primary care settings is limited. Objective To examine the extent to which computerized clinical decision support (CDS) delivered to pediatric clinicians at the point of care of obese children, with or without individualized family coaching, improved body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) and quality of care. Design, Setting, and Participants We conducted a cluster-randomized, 3-arm clinical trial. We enrolled 549 children aged 6 to 12 years with a BMI at the 95% percentile or higher from 14 primary care practices in Massachusetts from October 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012. Patients were followed up for 1 year (last follow-up, August 30, 2013). In intent-to-treat analyses, we used linear mixed-effects models to account for clustering by practice and within each person. Interventions In 5 practices randomized to CDS, pediatric clinicians received decision support on obesity management, and patients and their families received an intervention for self-guided behavior change. In 5 practices randomized to CDS + coaching, decision support was augmented by individualized family coaching. The remaining 4 practices were randomized to usual care. Main Outcomes and Measures Smaller age-associated change in BMI and the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) performance measures for obesity during the 1-year follow-up. Results At baseline, mean (SD) patient age and BMI were 9.8 (1.9) years and 25.8 (4.3), respectively. At 1 year, we obtained BMI from 518 children (94.4%) and HEDIS measures from 491 visits (89.4%). The 3 randomization arms had different effects on BMI over time ( P = .04). Compared with the usual care arm, BMI increased less in children in the CDS arm during 1 year (−0.51 [95% CI, −0.91 to −0.11]). The CDS + coaching arm had a smaller magnitude of effect (−0.34 [95% CI, −0.75 to 0.07]). We found substantially greater achievement of childhood obesity HEDIS measures in the CDS arm (adjusted odds ratio, 2.28 [95% CI, 1.15-4.53]) and CDS + coaching arm (adjusted odds ratio, 2.60 [95% CI, 1.25-5.41]) and higher use of HEDIS codes for nutrition or physical activity counseling (CDS arm, 45%; CDS + coaching arm, 25%; P Conclusions and Relevance An intervention that included computerized CDS for pediatric clinicians and support for self-guided behavior change for families resulted in improved childhood BMI. Both interventions improved the quality of care for childhood obesity. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01537510
2,3-Dithien-2-yl­quinoxalin-1-ium perchlorate

As a minor by-product from the reaction of copper(II) perchlorate, hydrazine, and 2,3-dithien-2′-yl­quinoxaline, the title compound, C16H11N2S2+·ClO4−, was synthesized. Its crystal structure has been determined at 100 K. The two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit both display hydrogen bonding from a protonated quinoxaline N atom on the cation to a neighboring O atom on a perchlorate anion.
Osteogenic comparison of expanded and uncultured adipose stromal cells.

Background aims. Adipose stromal cells (ASC) are a promising alternative to progenitor cells from other tissue compartments because of their multipotential and capacity to retrieve signifi cantly more progenitor cells. Initial cell samples are heterogeneous, containing a collection of cells that may contribute to tissue repair, but the sample becomes more homogeneous with each passage. Therefore, we hypothesized that the osteogenic potential of culture-expanded ASC would differ from uncultured ASC. Methods. Adipose tissue was collected from a yearling colt, and ASC were isolated and expanded using standard protocols or prepared by a commercial vendor using proprietary technology (proprietary stromal vascular fraction, SVFp). Cells were seeded on collagen sponges and maintained in osteogenic culture conditions for up to 21 days to assess osteogenic potential. The ability of each population to stimulate neovascularization and bone healing was determined upon implanting cell-loaded sponges into a rodent calvarial bone defect. Neovascularization was measured 3 weeks post-implantation, while bone formation was monitored over 12 weeks using in vivo microcomputed tomography (microCT). Results. SVFp exhibited increased intracellular alkaline phosphatase activity compared with cultured ASC but proliferated minimally. Histologic analysis of explanted tissues demonstrated greater vascularization in defects treated with cultured ASC compared with SVFp. We detected increases in bone volume for defects treated with cultured cells while observing similar values for bone mineral density, regardless of cell type. Conclusions. These results suggest that expanded ASC are advantageous for neovascularization and bone healing in this model compared with SVFp, and provide additional evidence of the utility of ASC in bone repair.
Spatially Discordant Alternans in Cardiac Tissue: Role of Calcium Cycling

Spatially discordant alternans, where the action potential duration (APD) and intracellular calcium transient (Ca i ) alternate with opposite phase in different regions of tissue, is known to promote wave break and reentry. However, this phenomenon is not completely understood. It is known that alternans at the cellular level can be caused by dynamical instabilities arising from either membrane voltage ( V m ) attributable to steep APD restitution or to calcium (Ca) cycling. Here, we used a mathematical model of intracellular Ca cycling, coupled with membrane ion currents, to investigate the dynamics of V m and Ca i transient alternans in an isolated cell, in two electrotonically coupled cells, and in 1D spatially homogeneous tissue. Our main finding is a novel instability mechanism in which the bidirectional coupling of V m and Ca i can drive the Ca i transient of two neighboring cells to be out of phase. This instability is manifested in cardiac tissue by the dynamical formation of spatially discordant alternans. In this case, Ca i transient alternans can reverse phase over a length scale of one cell, whereas APD alternans reverses phase over a much longer length scale set by the electrotonic coupling. We analyze this mechanism in detail and show that it is a robust consequence of experimentally established properties of the bidirectional coupling between Ca cycling and V m dynamics. Finally, we address the experimental relevance of these findings and suggest physiological conditions under which these patterns can be observed.
Immunosuppressant-induced metabolic toxicities

Efforts to improve long-term allograft survival and quality of life after solid-organ transplantation need to relate to the toxicities of immunosuppressant drugs as a factor in long-term survival that can be addressed by the transplant team. Nephrotoxic, hyperlipidemic, hypertensive, and, to some extent, neurotoxic and hepatotoxic effects of immunosuppressants, are well recognized and well documented in the literature. Others, such as effects on bone metabolism, diabetogenesis, and cosmetic factors, are less well understood or are considered less significant because they do not directly affect the transplanted organ or threaten the survival of the patient. Nevertheless, they may have an important impact on patient compliance and quality of life, and serious consideration should be given to their treatment or, preferably, prevention. This review presents the current understanding of the effects of the immunosuppressants, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, glucocorticoids, mycophenolate mofetil, and sirolimus, on bone, lipid, and glucose metabolism and various cosmetic aspects. Consideration is also given to the development of protocols that could potentially limit the severity and impact of the toxic side effects.
Inventing myself in multimodality: Encouraging senior faculty to use digital media

In this essay, I narrate how and why I, as a “senior faculty member,” have begun to compose and teach with digital media. I reflect on my experiences learning to use multimodality, consider what is at stake for English faculty who, like me, make this move later in their academic careers, and offer strategies for inducing senior colleagues to compose and teach with digital media.
Compassion Fatigue in Liver and Kidney Transplant Nurse Coordinators: A Descriptive Research Study:

Context—Because of the nature of the helping professions, nurses are at high risk for compassion fatigue and burnout. In the past, many researchers have studied compassion fatigue and burnout in nurses. However, reports of research assessing liver and kidney transplant nurse coordinators' compassion fatigue and burnout are rare.Objective—To assess liver and kidney transplant nurse coordinators' levels of compassion fatigue and burnout.Design—A nonexperimental, exploratory descriptive study was conducted using the Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5 (ProQOL-V), a 30-item self-report instrument to measure participants' level of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress.Setting and Participants—This study sampled 14 liver and kidney transplant nurse coordinators from a large multiorgan transplant center in the Southeast region.Results—Transplant nurse coordinators had an average level of compassion satisfaction, an average level of burnout, and an average level of secondary tr...
Issue Voting An Empirical Examination of Individually Necessary and Jointly Sufficient Conditions

This paper argues that six conditions must be met to conclude that issue voting exists: (1) candidates must take different positions on the issues of the day; (2) the campaign issues must be salien...
Evaluation of the Weather Research and Forecasting model on forecasting low‐level jets: implications for wind energy

Nocturnal low-level jet (LLJ) events are commonly observed over the Great Plains region of the USA, thus making this region more favorable for wind energy production. At the same time, the presence of LLJs can significantly modify vertical shear and nocturnal turbulence in the vicinities of wind turbine hub height, and therefore has detrimental effects on turbine rotors. Accurate numerical modeling and forecasting of LLJs are thus needed for precise assessment of wind resources, reliable prediction of power generation and robust design of wind turbines. However, mesoscale numerical weather prediction models face a challenge in precisely forecasting the development, magnitude and location of LLJs. This is due to the fact that LLJs are common in nocturnal stable boundary layers, and there is a general consensus in the literature that our contemporary understanding and modeling capability of this boundary-layer regime is quite poor. In this paper, we investigate the potential of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model in forecasting LLJ events over West Texas and southern Kansas. Detailed observational data from both cases were used to assess the performance of the WRF model with different model configurations. Our results indicate that the WRF model can capture some of the essential characteristics of observed LLJs, and thus offers the prospect of improving the accuracy of wind resource estimates and short-term wind energy forecasts. However, the core of the LLJ tended to be higher as well as slower than what was observed, leaving room for improvement in model performance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of the Effects of Biofouling on Voltammetric and Potentiometric Measurements

Biofouling of sensors is a common problem when measuring biological samples. The adherence of proteins and biomolecules, called hemostasis, is the first of four steps that lead to biofouling and eventually a foreign body response. This typically occurs within the first hours after the exposure of the biosensor to a biological sample. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of this initial step of biofouling on cyclic voltammetry and potentiometric measurements. The results show that biofouling occurred rapidly within minutes and strongly affected cyclic voltammetry measurements, while potentiometric measurements were minimally affected even after 24 hours.
Handling Asymmetry in Power Heterogeneous Ad Hoc Networks: A Cross Layer Approach

Power heterogeneous ad hoc networks are characterized by link layer asymmetry: the ability of lower power nodes to receive transmissions from higher power nodes but not vice versa. This not only poses challenges at the routing layer, but also results in an increased number of collisions at the MAC layer due to high power nodes initiating transmissions while low power communications are in progress. Previously proposed routing protocols for handling unidirectional links largely ignore MAC layer dependencies. In this paper, we propose a cross layer framework that effectively improves the performance of the MAC layer in power heterogeneous ad hoc networks. In addition, our approach seamlessly supports the identification and usage of unidirectional links at the routing layer. The framework is based on intelligently propagating low power MAC layer control messages to higher power nodes so as to preclude them from initiating transmissions while the low power communications are in progress within their sensing range. The integrated approach also constructs reverse tunnels to bridge unidirectional links thereby facilitating their effective usage at the routing layer. Extensive simulations are performed to study the proposed framework in various settings. The use of our framework improves the overall throughput of the power heterogeneous network by as much as 25% over traditional layered approaches. In summary, our framework offers a simple, yet effective and viable approach for media access control and to support routing in power heterogeneous ad hoc networks
Distribution of the chi-squared test in nonstandard situations

Abstract : The distribution of the chi square test under the null hypothesis is studied, when the parameters are estimated by the method of moments. A general formula, applicable also to other situations is given. Three examples are studied in more detail and numerical results are given, indicating how unsafe it can be to use a chi square distribution with a number of degrees of freedom smaller than or equal to the number of cells. (Author)
Aerial image registration based on joint feature-spatial spaces, curve and template matching

Image registration has wide applications in remote sensing, medicine, cartography, and computer vision. This paper describes a method for aerial image registration, which is based on joint feature-spatial spaces, curve matching, and template matching. The entire algorithm consists of (i) segmentation and region representation, (ii) region matching based on joint feature-spatial space, (iii) transformation model estimation based on curve matching and template matching, and (iv) image transformation. Experiment results show the effectiveness of this algorithm.
A Control System for a Flexible Spine Belly-Dancing Humanoid

Recently, there has been a lot of interest in building anthropomorphic robots. Research on humanoid robotics has focused on the control of manipulators and walking machines. The contributions of the torso towards ordinary movements (such as walking, dancing, attracting mates, and maintaining balance) have been neglected by almost all humanoid robotic researchers. We believe that the next generation of humanoid robots will incorporate a flexible spine in the torso. To meet the challenge of controlling this kind of high-degree-of-freedom robot, a new control architecture is necessary. Inspired by the rhythmic movements commonly exhibited in lamprey locomotion as well as belly dancing, we designed a controller for a simulated belly-dancing robot using the lamprey central pattern generator. Experimental results show that the proposed lamprey central pattern generator module could potentially generate plausible output patterns, which could be used for all the possible spine motions with minimized control parameters. For instance, in the case of planar spine motions, only three input parameters are required. Using our controller, the simulated robot is able to perform complex torso movements commonly seen in belly dancing as well. Our work suggests that the proposed controller can potentially be a suitable controller for a high-degree-of-freedom, flexible spine humanoid robot. Furthermore, it allows us to gain a better understanding of belly dancing by synthesis.
Selection Criteria for Choosing Mental Health Service Providers: A Pilot Study

Although there is an established literature concerned with the manner in which consumers select providers of general health care, far less attention has been given to the nature of the process used by consumers to select providers of mental health services. The present study provides further insight into this process by identifying dimensions used by consumers to differentiate among potential providers. A sample of 153 undergraduate college students was asked to read a scenario describing a situation in which they had decided that they were in need of mental health services and then to complete a questionnaire pertaining to the importance of a therapist possessing various characteristics. The results indicated that whereas demographic characteristics of potential providers were not heavily weighted as selection criteria, credentials, specific expertise, as well as personal characteristics of the therapist were of considerable importance.
Transcriptional kinases: Less is more (or less)

Two new studies describe potent and selective inhibitors of CDK8/CDK19. Application of these high-quality probes to several cancer models provides new mechanistic insight and reveals functional dichotomy with respect to Mediator kinases in signal-dependent gene regulation, with important implications for targeted cancer therapy.
Unconventional monetary policy and capital flows

Abstract This paper examines the connection between the stance of domestic monetary policy and international capital flows. It first provides a simple theoretical framework describing the mechanisms behind the cross-border spillovers of domestic monetary policy. Then, it empirically investigates the impact of U.S. unconventional monetary policies (UMPs), implemented in the aftermath of the recent global financial crisis, on U.S. capital flows to developing economies and non-UMP advanced economies. The results suggest that the use of quantitative easing by the Federal Reserve has been associated with increased net portfolio flows to developing countries and, to a lesser extent, non-UMP advanced economies. An exit from these UMPs is likely to cause capital flow reversals in U.S. capital-importing countries. Countries with greater exchange rate flexibility, stronger fiscal and current account positions, and higher capital mobility are likely to fare well following an exit from UMPs in the U.S.
Principles of Solidification Strengthening and Processing

In almost all metals and alloys, as well as in many semiconductors, composites, ceramics, and polymers, the material at one point in its processing is a liquid. The liquid solidifies as it cools below its freezing temperature. The material may be used in the as-solidified condition or may be further processed by mechanical working or heat treatment. The structures produced during solidification affect mechanical properties and influence the type of further processing needed. In particular, grain size and shape may be controlled by solidification.
Regulation of connective tissue hexosamine levels by the anterior pituitary and thyroid glands.

Summary1. A decrease in the concentration of hexosamine in orbital connective tissue is observed with increasing age in normal rats but is abolished following thyroidectomy. It can be reversed, however, by the administration of thyroxin. The concentration of connective tissue hexosamine in hypophysectomized rats is similar to controls of the same age and is unaffected by either small or large doses of thyroxin. Growth hormone, on the other hand, produces an increase in the amounts of connective tissue and hexosamine with no change in the concentration of hexosamine. 2. It is suggested that the concentration and amount of hexosamine in orbital connective tissue in the rat is determined by a balance between the production of hormones of thyroid and anterior pituitary (growth hormone). 3. The response of rat orbital connective tissue to thyroidectomy or to the administration of pituitary extract appears to be less sensitive than that in the guinea pig.
MODELING THE PERFORMANCE OF TURBULENCE MITIGATION ALGORITHMS IN TARGETING IMAGERS

Mitigation algorithms can improve the target acquisition performance of imaging systems in atmospheric turbulence. We quantify this improvement using perception tests and develop a model that predicts sensor/observer ID performance with software-based turbulence mitigation algorithms.
Fluorescence Confocal Mosaicing Microscopy of Basal Cell Carcinomas to Potentially Guide Mohs Surgery

Fluorescence confocal mosaicing detects basal cell carcinomas in 10-20 mm-large Mohs surgical skin excisions within 5-9 minutes, compared to 20-45 minutes for frozen histology. Confocal mosaicing microscopy may enable rapid pathology-at-the-bedside to guide Mohs surgery.
Modeling narrative conflict to generate interesting stories

From subtle political intrigue to outright physical combat, conflict is essential to interesting stories. Narratology research emphasizes that conflict provides structure and engagement, so narrative systems stand to benefit greatly from a computational model of this phenomenon. We present such a model based on AI planing, along with formulas for measuring seven essential properties: participants, subject, duration, directness, intensity, balance, and resolution. We also sketch an algorithm which uses this model to create stories structured around a central struggle.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy treatment of calculi in horseshoe kidneys.

AbstractFrom June 1985 to November 1986, 17 patients with calculi in horseshoe kidneys presented to our hospital for evaluation and possible treatment with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Of these patients 14 were treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy; the calculi in 2 could not be localized and focused at the F2 focal point, and 1 was asymptomatic and has been followed conservatively. Four patients required repeat extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Adjunctive procedures included preoperative retrograde catheter placement (5 patients), postoperative percutaneous nephrostolithotomy (1), ureteroscopy for ureteral fragments (2) and placement of a double pigtail stent (1). Of 14 patients 11 (79 per cent) have been rendered free of fragments with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and adjunctive measures as needed. We conclude that most patients with calculi in a horseshoe kidney can be managed primarily with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.
John Maynard Keynes, Man or Myth? The Incident of the Spanish Pesetas

John Maynard Keynes was and still is one of the world's most famous economists. One of the most fascinating stories about Keynes appeared in his obituary in the 1946 Proceedings of the British Academy. The story stated that during World War I with minimal financial resources Keynes broke the Spanish-British foreign exchange market, a manipulation that is illegal today. This research investigates if the story is myth or truth. Archival materials suggest Keynes did manipulate this foreign exchange market in April of 1918 and he potentially earned about 30 percent on his trades.
Context matters: A community-based study of urban minority parents' views on child health.

BACKGROUND Among children, there are substantial ethno-racial minority disparities across a broad range of health-related behaviors, experiences, and outcomes. Addressing these disparities is important, as childhood and adolescence establish health trajectories that extend throughout life. METHODS The current study employed a community-based participatory research approach to gain community insight on child health priorities and to frame an intervention aimed at improving the health of minority children. Eight focus groups were conducted among seventy-five African American parents in a Southeastern city. The current study was guided by an ecological theoretical framework. RESULTS Although the focus of this investigation was on community identification of child health priorities, participants cited, as root determinants, contextual factors, which included lack of healthy food options, lack of spaces for physical activity, and community violence. These co-occurring factors were related to limited engagement in outdoor activities and physical activity, increased obesity, and poor mental health and coping. Poor parenting was cited as the most substantial barrier to improving child health outcomes, and quality parenting was identified as the most important issue to address for community programs focused on promoting the health and success of children. For improving health outcomes for children in their neighborhoods, establishment of positive social capital and constructive activities were also cited. CONCLUSIONS These results reinforce social determinants of health as influences on child health outcomes and describe how community engagement can address potential solutions through interventions that resonate with program participants.
Patterns of Cost for Patients Dying in the Intensive Care Unit and Implications for Cost Savings of Palliative Care Interventions.

Abstract Background: Terminal intensive care unit (ICU) stays represent an important target to increase value of care. Objective: To characterize patterns of daily costs of ICU care at the end of life and, based on these patterns, examine the role for palliative care interventions in enhancing value. Design: Secondary analysis of an intervention study to improve quality of care for critically ill patients. Setting/Patients: 572 patients who died in the ICU between 2003 and 2005 at a Level-1 trauma center. Methods: Data were linked with hospital financial records. Costs were categorized into direct fixed, direct variable, and indirect costs. Patterns of daily costs were explored using generalized estimating equations stratified by length of stay, cause of death, ICU type, and insurance status. Estimates from the literature of effects of palliative care interventions on ICU utilization were used to simulate potential cost savings under different time horizons and reimbursement models. Main Results: Mean cos...
Conducting Research in Financial Planning

Financial planning is an emerging profession supported by academic research that explores new planning techniques and understands household financial behaviors. This chapter provides an introduction for scholars who are new to the broad field of financial planning research. We begin by describing the differences between normative and positive research, provide a brief overview of main topic areas and examples of financial planning research, and conclude with an example of a positive research analysis that incorporates behavioral and neoclassical economic theories.