cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel low-cost hybrid composites from asphaltene/SBS tri-block copolymer with improved thermal and mechanical properties

A continuous demanding in raw chemicals cost reduction and processing simplification facilitates the exploration and development of new materials in current plastics industries. In this study, a novel carbonaceous filler material “asphaltene” extracted from inexpensive and abundant asphalt is blended into a thermoplastic elastomer poly(styrene–butadiene–styrene) copolymer (SBS) for the fabrication of hybrid composites at different loadings via melt-compounding. Due to its intrinsic molecular rigidness and desirable compatibility with SBS, the prepared asphaltene/SBS composites displays excellent thermo-mechanical properties by improving the storage modulus in the glassy region by 19 % and in the rubbery region by 305 %, as well as increasing the thermal stability by up to 20 °C. The overall mechanical properties are also enhanced substantially by incorporation of asphaltene into the SBS matrix according to the filler loading in SBS: the tensile strength increased by 2.2 MPa, the maximum elongation by 268 %, Young’s modulus by 214 %, and toughness by 100.4 %. Although the introduced asphaltene inevitably led to a gradual increment in the viscosity of polymer melts from the filler–filler and filler–polymer interactions, homogeneous dispersion of the reinforcing fillers at optimum loading (20–30 wt%) in SBS matrix is still sustained.
Hypergeometric Functions over Finite Fields

We discuss recent work of the authors in which we study the translation of classical hypergeometric transformation and evaluation formulas to the finite field setting.
The Use of the Monodromy Theorem and Entire Functions with Nonvanishing Derivative

(1974). The Use of the Monodromy Theorem and Entire Functions with Nonvanishing Derivative. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 81, No. 6, pp. 639-642.
Relationship between renal plasma flow response to angiotensin II and blood pressure in a population-based sample

Objective To assess whether interindividual variation in renal plasma flow or in its response to angiotensin II infusion is associated with interindividual differences in blood pressure in a population-based sample of 287 non-Hispanic whites (143 women and 144 men), aged 20-49.9 years. Methods After seven days of eating a high-sodium diet (260 mmol/day), the renal plasma flow was determined by measuring the clearance of p-aminohippurate before and after infusion of 3 ng/kg per min angiotensin II. Multiple linear regression methods were used to assess whether measures of the renal plasma flow and of its response to angiotensin II infusion were predictive of systolic or diastolic blood pressures measured prior to administration of the high-sodium diet, on day 6 of the high-sodium diet, or during the renal clearance procedure on day 7 prior to angiotensin II infusion. Results There was some evidence that measures of the renal plasma flow and of its response to angiotensin II infusion during the high-sodium diet were statistically significant predictors of measures of blood pressure in women; there was less evidence for this for blood pressures in men. Interindividual variation in measures of the renal plasma flow and of its response to angiotensin II infusion explained less than 10% of the interindividual variation in any measure of the blood pressure in both sexes. Conclusion These results suggest that interindividual variation in renal plasma flow ad in its response to angiotensin II infusion during a high-sodium diet will be of limited utility in elucidating the basis for interindividual differences in blood pressure.
Review of efficacy and safety of laxatives use in geriatrics

CONCLUSION: Senna combinations and PEG appear to have a more favorable profile over the other traditionally used laxatives in elderly patients with constipation.
Epidemiological analysis of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis in Beibei district of Chongqing municipal, from 2006 to 2010

Objective To understand the recent trends and characteristics of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis diseases (AHC) in Beibei, Chongqing. Methods Describe epidemiological methods. Was used to analyzed the reported cases of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis diseases between 2006-2010. Results 1 152 were reported between 2006-2010, with an annual average incidence of 38.39/100 000. There was significant difference of annual incidence(χ2=992.88,P0.05). Tongjiaxi town(225), Tianshen street(161) and Xiema town(85) reported cases were more than others. The peak was from August to October. The age range of the reported cases was from 10 to 19 years old. The incidence rate of male was significantly higher than that of female (χ2=117.18,P0.05). The vocation of infected individual was mainly student (58.68%) and farmer (10.42%). Conclusions The peak season of AHC in Beibei was from May to July, and mainly occurred in male, students and farmers.Middle school was the main sites of outbreak. We should strengthen the health education propaganda. Effective control measure after AHC outbreak was the key measure to prevent and control AHC outbreak and epidemic in Beibei.
CULTURE OF RAT RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM

A method of preparing monolayer cultures of retinal pigment epithelium from normal pigmented neonatal rats is described. Critical features include incubating the eyes in balanced salt solution and treating with trypsin before dissecting the eyes. The tissue also has been cultured from RCS rats with inherited retinal degeneration. Since the pigment epithelium has been shown to be the primary site of action of the gene for retinal dystrophy in the RCS rat, the method should be useful in studying the defect(s) associated with this mutation.
Design Methods for Thick-Liquid Protection of Inertial Fusion Chambers

High-temperature, low-vapor-pressure liquid jets can provide neutron shielding for inertial fusion energy (IFE) target chambers. To minimize pumping power, free liquid jets must be located close to the target to reduce the total liquid volume required for shielding each fusion shot. For heavy ion drivers compact liquid geometry provides additional benefits by reducing focus-magnet stand off distance. The disruption of the liquid by targets involves complex fluid mechanics, as does the subsequent droplet clearing and pocket regeneration. The ranges of time, length, and energy-density scales in IFE target chambers are extreme compared to most engineered systems. Scaling, discussed in detail here, can identify optimal approaches to study and model liquid response, and minimize experimental distortion. More broadly, the systematic categorization of IFE phenomena by duration and location is shown to provide a natural format for selecting experiments to study IFE phenomena ranging from beam transport to chamber activation.
Embolization of Hepatic Tumors—Part 1: Bland and Chemoembolization

This section provides a comprehensive procedural report for embolization of hepatic tumors (bland and chemoembolization) procedure with up-to-date explanatory notes, synopsis of the indications and contraindications, and potential complications in an organized and practical format.
45–110 GHz quad-ridge horn antenna

A V-W band quad-ridge horn antenna with stabilized gain and minimum differential E-H plane half power beamwidth (HPBW) is discussed. Multi-step flaring and corrugations on a finite ground plane are applied to achieve required stable gain above 16 dBi from 45 to 110 GHz. The computational studies conducted in HFSS are verified with CST and it is demonstrated that the designed antenna achieves gain variation < 2 dB, VSWR < 2:1, difference in E-H plane HPBWs of < 10°, and acceptable patterns over the entire frequency band.
TMBIM-mediated Ca2+ homeostasis and cell death ☆

Ca2+ is a ubiquitous intracellular messenger that regulates numerous physiological activities in humans, animals, plants, and bacteria. Cytosolic Ca2+ is kept at a low level, but subcellular organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus maintain high-concentration Ca2+ stores. Under resting conditions, store Ca2+ homeostasis is dynamically regulated to equilibrate between active Ca2+ uptake and passive Ca2+ leak processes. The evolutionarily conserved Transmembrane BAX Inhibitor-1 Motif-containing (TMBIM) proteins mediate Ca2+ homeostasis and cell death. This review focuses on recent advances in functional and structural analysis of TMBIM proteins in regulation of the two related functions. The roles of TMBIM proteins in pathogen infection and cancer are also discussed with prospects for treatment. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: ECS Meeting edited by Claus Heizmann, Joachim Krebs and Jacques Haiech.
Existence of Optimal Controls for Compressible Viscous Flow

We formulate a control problem for a distributed parameter system where the state is governed by the compressible Navier–Stokes equations. Introducing a suitable cost functional, the existence of an optimal control is established within the framework of strong solutions in three dimensions.
Access to Long Term Debt and Effects of Firm's Performance: Lessons from Ecudaor

The lower the risk of expropriation and the greater the rule of law (that is, the greater the security of property and contract rights), the greater the research and development spending in developing countries and the greater the likelihood that foreign direct investment will increase - two routes to technological deepening. Clarke assesses the effect of institutional quality on research and development (R&D) expenditures in developing countries. He finds that the risk of expropriation and the rule of law - two measures used as proxies for the security of property and contract rights - are correlated with R&D spending. Both institutional variables increase as institutional quality improves (that is, as the risk of expropriation decreases and the rule of law improves). This suggests that strong institutions encourage greater spending on R&D. R&D is not the main way developing countries gain access to technology, but this result is interesting for at least two reasons: R&D might encourage technological deepening better than other approaches developing countries take to gain access to technology (for example, through foreign direct investment or through imports of capital goods). Past work has shown that another important way countries gain access to technology - foreign direct investment - is also positively correlated with institutional quality. That is, foreign direct investment increases as institutional quality improves. This paper - a product of Regulation and Competition Policy, Development Research Group - is part of a larger effort in the group to identify institutional factors that affect enterprise productivity and growth.
Discrete element simulations of gravitational volcanic deformation

We have carried out two-dimensional particle dynamics simulations of granular piles subject to frictional Coulomb failure criteria to gain a first-order understanding of different modes of gravitational deformation within volcanoes. Under uniform basal and internal strength conditions, granular piles grow self-similarly, developing distinctive stratigraphies, morphologies, and structures. Piles constructed upon cohesive substrates exhibit particle avalanching, forming outward dipping strata and angle of repose slopes. Systematic decreases in basal strength lead to progressively deeper and steeper internal detachment faults and slip along a basal decollement; landslide forms grade from shallow slumps to deep-seated landslide and, finally, to axial subsidence and outward flank displacements, or volcanic spreading. Surface slopes decrease and develop concave up morphologies with decreasing decollement strength; depositional layers tilt progressively inward. Spatial variations in basal strength cause lateral transitions in pile structure, stratigraphy, and morphology. This approximation of volcanoes as Coulomb granular piles reproduces the richness of deformational structures and surface morphologies in many volcanic settings. The gentle slopes of Hawaiian volcanoes and Olympus Mons on Mars suggest weak basal decollements that enable volcanic spreading. High-angle normal faults, favored above weak decollements, are interpreted in both settings and may explain catastrophic sector collapse in Hawaii and broad aureole deposits surrounding Olympus Mons. In contrast, steeper slopes and shallow detachment faults predominate in the Canary Islands, thought to lack a weak decollement, favoring smaller, more frequent slope failures than predicted for Hawaii. The numerical results provide a useful predictive tool for interpreting dynamic behavior and associated geologic hazards of active volcanoes.
Optical fluorescence to assess abnormal tryptophan metabolic activity in brain samples from Alzheimer's patients

Brain samples from Alzheimer's patients and aged-matched controls were studied using label-free fluorescence. Increased tryptophan metabolite to tryptophan ratios were seen in the hippocampus and Brodmann's area 9 in Alzheimer's patients as compared to normal.
The causes and consequences of subgenome dominance in hybrids and recent polyploids

Contents Summary 87 I. Introduction 87 II. Evolution in action: subgenome dominance within newly formed hybrids and polyploids 88 III. Summary and future directions 90 Acknowledgements 92 References 92 SUMMARY: The merger of divergent genomes, via hybridization or allopolyploidization, frequently results in a 'genomic shock' that induces a series of rapid genetic and epigenetic modifications as a result of conflicts between parental genomes. This conflict among the subgenomes routinely leads one subgenome to become dominant over the other subgenome(s), resulting in subgenome biases in gene content and expression. Recent advances in methods to analyze hybrid and polyploid genomes with comparisons to extant parental progenitors have allowed for major strides in understanding the mechanistic basis for subgenome dominance. In particular, our understanding of the role that homoeologous exchange might play in subgenome dominance and genome evolution is quickly growing. Here we describe recent discoveries uncovering the underlying mechanisms and provide a framework to predict subgenome dominance in hybrids and allopolyploids with far-reaching implications for agricultural, ecological, and evolutionary research.
Central Corneal Thickness Increase Due to Stromal Thickening With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Severity.

Purpose To investigate the relationship between central corneal thickness (CCT) and diabetes disease severity among patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) compared with controls. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 34 participants were examined. DPN status was assessed by clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, and quantitative sensory testing. All participants underwent comprehensive eye examination that included intraocular pressure measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry. CCT was measured by ultrasound pachymetry, and the thickness of corneal layers was assessed by corneal confocal microscopy. Association of CCT and DPN was examined using ANOVA. Results Among the 34 participants, there were 9 controls, 16 patients with mild DPN, and 9 patients with severe DPN. CCT was significantly increased in the DPN groups compared with controls (P = 0.0003). Mean CCT among controls was 552.7 ± 29.2 μm compared with 583.4 ± 25.0 μm in the mild DPN group and 613.3 ± 28.8 μm in the severe DPN group. In addition, stromal thickness differed significantly between the 3 study groups (P = 0.045). Mean stromal thickness among controls was 439.5 ± 23.5 μm compared with 478.9 ± 37.5 μm in the mild DPN group and 494.5 ± 39.1 μm in the severe DPN group. Conclusions This study demonstrates that CCT increases with DPN severity because of an increase in stromal thickness. CCT increase associated with DPN has important clinical implications including glaucoma progression, keratoconus susceptibility, and intraocular pressure assessment and should be accounted for when evaluating patients with diabetes.
Absolute Calibration of AVHRR Channels 1 and 2

This chapter considers the calibration of channels 1 and 2 of the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometers (AVHRR), a crucial process for the quantitative interpretation of remotely sensed data acquired through time. In this chapter, a new method of absolute calibration of the first two AVHRR channels based on observation of oceans and deep thick clouds is presented, along with sensitivity tests on the possible error sources. Calibration results obtained by this method for NOAA– 7, –9 and –11 from 1981 to the present are also included, as is a comparison of the derived NOAA-9 values with other recently published ones.
Dual-Process Theories in Social Cognitive Neuroscience

Dual-process theories seek to explain the observation that mental processes vary in the degree to which they are consciously controllable. Although the resulting distinction between automatic processing and controlled processing has been influential in social psychology, its application to social cognitive neuroscience research has been limited. Here, I will discuss both a categorical approach and dimensional approach to dual-process theories of brain function and will suggest how the latter approach may provide a more precise description of the complex, interactive, and conditional nature of neurocognitive functions.
Spatial repeatability of dynamic wheel loads for heavy vehicles: a literature review

As part of the US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) truck pavement interaction research programme on trucks sizes and weights, a review of the work devoted to the study of heavy vehicles and road interaction is presented in this paper. In particular, this review focuses on answering one of the most pressing questions in the area of heavy vehicle–generated road damage and deals with the spatial repeatability of dynamic wheel loads produced by heavy road vehicles for different type of suspension systems. The outcome of this review will play a determining role in assessing heavy trucks suspension systems and their contribution to pavement damage along with defining 'road–friendly' subsystems.
Insecticide resistance and prospects for its Management

After a decade of relative neglect, resistance to insecticides1 is again beginning to receive the attention it deserves as a challenging problem that requires new solutions.
Cataloging at the Crossroads: Combining Students and Cataloging Librarians to Create Brief Bibliographic Records

New technologies have made it easier for libraries to make collections accessible using a more-product-less-process (MPLP) model. Librarians at Bowling Green State University’s Bill Schurk Sound Ar...
Energy metabolism couples hepatocyte integrin-linked kinase to liver glucoregulation and postabsorptive responses of mice in an age-dependent manner.

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a critical intracellular signaling node for integrin receptors. Its role in liver development is complex, as ILK deletion at E10.5 (before hepatocyte differentiation...
Characteristics of Intense Convection in Subtropical South America as Influenced by El Niño–Southern Oscillation

AbstractEl Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is known to have teleconnections to atmospheric circulations and weather patterns around the world. Previous studies have examined connections between EN...
A Management Science Perspective on Resilience

The practice of resilience within many industries, especially aviation, oil, and nuclear power, focuses on practice at the individual, system, and organizational level. At the individual and system levels, near-miss events, mishaps, and incidents are investigated to determine causal factors to proactively rectify the problems. At the organizational level, resilient behavior begins with a strategic model that encompasses management commitment to safety. The field of resilience engineering has made great strides in understanding resilience at each of these levels. However, work in this field sometimes fails to consider additional perspectives provided by other fields that may fill gaps in our knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to consider how theories from management science may augment ideas in resilience engineering to allow for a more complete understanding of resilience as a multi-level phenomenon.
Cost implications of HIV retesting for verification in Africa

Introduction HIV misdiagnosis leads to severe individual and public health consequences. Retesting for verification of all HIV-positive cases prior to antiretroviral therapy initiation can reduce HIV misdiagnosis, yet this practice has not been not widely implemented. Methods We evaluated and compared the cost of retesting for verification of HIV seropositivity (retesting) to the cost of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for misdiagnosed cases in the absence of retesting (no retesting), from the perspective of the health care system. We estimated the number of misdiagnosed cases based on a review of misdiagnosis rates, and the number of positives persons needing ART initiation by 2020. We presented the total and per person costs of retesting as compared to no retesting, over a ten-year horizon, across 50 countries in Africa grouped by income level. We conducted univariate sensitivity analysis on all model input parameters, and threshold analysis to evaluate the parameter values where the total costs of retesting and the costs no retesting are equivalent. Cost data were adjusted to 2017 United States Dollars. Results and discussion The estimated number of misdiagnoses, in the absence of retesting was 156,117, 52,720 and 29,884 for lower-income countries (LICs), lower-middle income countries (LMICs), and upper middle-income countries (UMICs), respectively, totaling 240,463 for Africa. Under the retesting scenario, costs per person initially diagnosed were: $40, $21, and $42, for LICs, LMICs, and UMICs, respectively. When retesting for verification is implemented, the savings in unnecessary ART were $125, $43, and $75 per person initially diagnosed, for LICs, LMICs, and UMICs, respectively. Over the ten-year horizon, the total costs under the retesting scenario, over all country income levels, was $475 million, and was $1.192 billion under the no retesting scenario, representing total estimated savings of $717 million in HIV treatment costs averted. Conclusions Results show that to reduce HIV misdiagnosis, countries in Africa should implement the WHO’s recommendation of retesting for verification prior to ART initiation, as part of a comprehensive quality assurance program for HIV testing services.
A hybrid scheduling platform: a runtime prediction reliability aware scheduling platform to improve HPC scheduling performance

The performance of scheduling algorithms for HPC jobs highly depends on the accuracy of job runtime values. Prior research has established that neither user-provided runtimes nor system-generated runtime predictions are accurate. We propose a new scheduling platform that performs well in spite of runtime uncertainties. The key observation that we use for building our platform is the fact that two important classes of scheduling strategies (backfilling and plan based) differ in terms of sensitivity to runtime accuracy. We first confirm this observation by performing trace-based simulations to characterize the sensitivity of different scheduling strategies to job runtime accuracy. We then apply gradient boosting tree regression as a meta-learning approach to estimate the reliability of the system-generated job runtimes. The estimated prediction reliability of job runtimes is then used to choose a specific class of scheduling algorithm. Our hybrid scheduling platform uses a plan-based scheduling strategy for jobs with high expected runtime accuracy and backfills the remaining jobs on top of the planned jobs. While resource sharing is used to minimize fragmentation of resources, a specific ratio of CPU cores is reserved for backfilling of less predictable jobs to avoid starvation of these jobs. This ratio is adapted dynamically based on the resource requirement ratio of predictable jobs among recently submitted jobs. We perform extensive trace-driven simulations on real-world production traces to show that our hybrid scheduling platform outperforms both pure backfilling and pure plan-based scheduling algorithms.
The Prevalence of Autoimmune Disorders in Women: A Narrative Review.

Autoimmune disorders are characterized as a condition in which the host's immune system mistakenly attacks itself. These disorders cause the immune system to cause a systemic reaction by attacking multiple organs or may be localized to attacking one specific organ, such as the skin. The exact mechanism of such autoimmune conditions is not well understood; however, the presumed mechanism tends to vary amongst the disorders. Autoimmune diseases present with a clear gender bias with a greater prevalence amongst women, occurring at a rate of 2 to 1. Many autoimmune disorders tend to affect women during periods of extensive stress, such as pregnancy, or during a great hormonal change. A far greater number of women are affected every year with autoimmune diseases, leading to researchers attempting to identify the underlying factors, which could be responsible for this disparity. Autoimmune disorders occur as a result of multiple factors as some disorders may be genetic, while others are sporadic. Throughout this review, various hypotheses are explored that provide insight into the increased susceptibility of autoimmune disorders within women.
Roles of the Non-Structural Proteins of Influenza A Virus.

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a segmented, negative single-stranded RNA virus that causes seasonal epidemics and has a potential for pandemics. Several viral proteins are not packed in the IAV viral particle and only expressed in the infected host cells. These proteins are named non-structural proteins (NSPs), including NS1, PB1-F2 and PA-X. They play a versatile role in the viral life cycle by modulating viral replication and transcription. More importantly, they also play a critical role in the evasion of the surveillance of host defense and viral pathogenicity by inducing apoptosis, perturbing innate immunity, and exacerbating inflammation. Here, we review the recent advances of these NSPs and how the new findings deepen our understanding of IAV–host interactions and viral pathogenesis.
Randomized Controlled Trials: Informing Clinical Practice for Traumatically Injured Patients

Well-designed randomized controlled trials have changed trauma resuscitation dramatically over the past few decades. Randomized controlled trials have established the effectiveness of permissive hypotension and the use of balanced blood product resuscitation to minimize mortality in traumatically injured patients. Together, these therapeutic concepts are termed “damage control resuscitation” and are now the standard of care for traumatically injured patients at risk of hemorrhagic shock and therefore trauma-induced coagulopathy.
Correlation between perioperative outcomes and long-term survival for non-small lung cancer treated at major centers.

Abstract Background The public is placing increased emphasis on specialty specific rankings, thereby affecting patients' choices of clinical care programs. In the spirit of transparency, public reporting initiatives are underway or being considered by various surgical specialties whose databases rank programs based on short-term outcomes. Of concern, short-term risk avoidance excludes important comparative cases from surgical database participation and may adversely affect overall long-term oncologic treatment team results. To assess the validity of comparing short-term perioperative and long-term survival outcomes of all patients treated at major centers, we studied the correlations between these variables. Methods The National Cancer Database was queried for patients diagnosed with non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) between 2008 and 2012, yielding 5-year follow-up data for all patients at centers treating at least 100 patients annually. Mortality (30- and 90-day), unplanned 30-day readmissions, and hospital length of stay were modeled using logistic regression with sex, race, age, Charlson–Deyo combined comorbidity, extent of surgery, income, insurance status, histology, grade, and analytic stage as predictors, all with 2-way interaction terms. The differences between the predicted rates and observed rates were calculated for each short-term outcome, and the average of these was used to create a short-term metric (STM). A similar approach was used to create a long-term metric (LTM) that used overall survival as a single dependent variable. Centers were ranked into deciles based on these metrics. Visual plotting as well as correlation coefficients were used to judge correlation between STM and LTM. Results A total of 298,175 patients from 541 centers were included in this analysis, of whom 102,860 underwent surgical resection for NSCLC. The correlation between STM and LTM was negative using parametric estimates (Pearson correlation coefficient = −0.09 [P = .03] and −0.22 [P Conclusions Short-term perioperative outcome rankings correlate poorly with long-term survival outcome rankings when cancer treatment centers are compared. Factors explaining this discrepancy merit further study. Rankings based on short-term outcomes alone may be incomplete for public reporting.
Self-Regularity of Non-Negative Output Weights for Overparameterized Two-Layer Neural Networks.

We consider the problem of finding a two-layer neural network with sigmoid, rectified linear unit (ReLU), or binary step activation functions that "fits" a training data set as accurately as possible as quantified by the training error; and study the following question: \emph{does a low training error guarantee that the norm of the output layer (outer norm) itself is small?} We answer affirmatively this question for the case of non-negative output weights. Using a simple covering number argument, we establish that under quite mild distributional assumptions on the input/label pairs; any such network achieving a small training error on polynomially many data necessarily has a well-controlled outer norm. Notably, our results (a) have a polynomial (in $d$) sample complexity, (b) are independent of the number of hidden units (which can potentially be very high), (c) are oblivious to the training algorithm; and (d) require quite mild assumptions on the data (in particular the input vector $X\in\mathbb{R}^d$ need not have independent coordinates). We then leverage our bounds to establish generalization guarantees for such networks through \emph{fat-shattering dimension}, a scale-sensitive measure of the complexity class that the network architectures we investigate belong to. Notably, our generalization bounds also have good sample complexity (polynomials in $d$ with a low degree), and are in fact near-linear for some important cases of interest.
Raman spectroscopy reveals high phloem sugar content in leaves of canopy red oak trees.

A robust understanding of phloem functioning in tall trees evades us because current methods for collecting phloem sap do not lend themselves to measuring actively photosynthesizing canopy leaves. We show that Raman spectroscopy can be used as a quantitative tool to assess sucrose concentration in leaf samples. Specifically, we found that Raman spectroscopy can predict physiologically relevant sucrose concentrations (adjusted R2 of 0.9) in frozen leaf extract spiked with sucrose. We then apply this method to estimate sieve element sucrose concentration in rapidly frozen petioles of canopy red oak (Quercus rubra) trees and found that sucrose concentrations are > 1100 mM at midday and midnight. This concentration is predicted to generate a sieve element turgor pressure high enough to generate bulk flow through the phloem, but is potentially too high to allow for sucrose diffusion from photosynthetic cells. Our findings support the Munch hypothesis for phloem transport once the carbon is in the phloem and challenge the passive-loading hypothesis for carbon movement into the phloem for red oak. This study provides the first ˜in-situ (frozen in the functioning state) source sieve element sucrose concentration characterization in any plant, opening a new avenue for investigation of phloem functioning.
Review of Low-Rank Data-Driven Methods Applied to Synchrophasor Measurement

There is a growing acceptance of using synchrophasor data collected over large power systems in control centers to enhance the reliability of power system operations. The spatial and temporal nature of power system ambient and disturbance response allows the analysis of large amount of synchrophasor data by low-rank methods. This paper provides an overview of several applications of synchrophasor data utilizing the low-rank property. The tools to capitalize on the low-rank property include matrix completion methods, tensor analysis, adaptive filtering, and machine learning. The applications include missing data recovery, bad data correction, and disturbance recognition.
Cost-versus environmentally-optimal production in institutional food service operations

Abstract We explore production planning in all-you-care-to-eat food service operations, where lack of marginal revenue associated with lost sales constrains the applicability of cost-minimizing strategies. We integrate forecast uncertainty considerations into an operational model of food service production, and derive strategies that minimize food waste subject to target shortfall probabilities. We model this situation using a nonlinear penalty function formulation, utilizing kernel density estimation to characterize deviations from demand forecasts, allowing enumeration of the efficient frontier between conflicting objectives of demand shortfall and food waste, where food waste is measured by either its mass or its embodied CO2-equivalent emissions. When food waste is measured using the weight of wasted food, reducing the substitution threshold (minimum-allowable production level for leftover substitution) for meat-based items at certain meals is preferable. Alternatively, when using CO2-equivalents embodied in wasted food, a variety of strategies, including reducing the substitution threshold at certain meals, increasing the percentage of demands that are satisfied from leftovers at certain meals, and increasing the allowable shortfall probability for beef-based meals, are all attractive. The results provide insight into targeted production level modifications, rather than broad increases or decreases, that can help food service operators manage the tradeoff between these conflicting objectives.
Compound jetting from bubble bursting at an air-oil-water interface.

Bursting of bubbles at a liquid surface is ubiquitous in a wide range of physical, biological, and geological phenomena, as a key source of aerosol droplets for mass transport across the interface. However, how a structurally complex interface, widely present in nature, mediates the bursting process remains largely unknown. Here, we document the bubble-bursting jet dynamics at an oil-covered aqueous surface, which typifies the sea surface microlayer as well as an oil spill on the ocean. The jet tip radius and velocity are altered with even a thin oil layer, and oily aerosol droplets are produced. We provide evidence that the coupling of oil spreading and cavity collapse dynamics results in a multi-phase jet and the follow-up droplet size change. The oil spreading influences the effective viscous damping, and scaling laws are proposed to quantify the jetting dynamics. Our study not only advances the fundamental understanding of bubble bursting dynamics, but also may shed light on the airborne transmission of organic matters in nature related to aerosol production. How structurally complex interfaces mediate bubble bursting might significantly impact environmental and industrial processes. Here, authors investigate the bubble-bursting jets dynamics of oil-covered aqueous surface and show how these can also disperse insoluble organic contaminants.
Modellierungsmethodologie in statistischen Datenmodellen

In diesem Kapitel werden die im weiteren Verlauf des Buches benotigten Kenntnisse uber multidimensionale Datenmodellierung vermittelt. Die multidimensionale Darstellung statistischen Zahlenmaterials ist jedoch nicht erst seit [CoCS93] durch die Pragung des Terminus ‘Online Analytical Processing’ bekannt, sondern entspricht einem fundamentalen Bestandteil statistischer Datenmodelle und deren Anwendungen, die eine lange Historie aufweisen. Der erste Abschnitt in diesem Kapitel versucht daher eine Brucke zwischen dem im statistischen Anwendungsgebiet benutzten Arbeitsmittel einer statistischen Tabelle und dem allgemeinen Konzept eines multidimensionalen Datenwurfels zu schlagen. Weiterhin werden aus dieser Gegenuberstellung graphische Notationen abgeleitet, welche im Bereich der statistischen multidimensionalen Datenmodelle als Entwurfsmittel eines konzeptionellen Schemas ublicherweise Anwendung finden.
Vesical Denervation Testing

This test is similar to urethral denervation testing in that it relies on Cannon’s hypothesis that a denervated end organ will give an exaggerated response when re-exposed to its neural transmit-ter. The test is performed to identify detrusor areflexia in cases of decentralization of the bladder. The test is performed by first obtaining a baseline cystometrogram. This is followed by the administration of 0.03 mg/kg of bethanecol chloride subcutaneously. The usual dose is 2.5 mg. Bethanecol should not be used in patients with asthma, cardiac disease or hyperthyroidism as it may induce bronchospasm, hypotension and atrial fibrillation in these patients. A second postadministration cystometrogram is done 30 min later. Alternatively, the intravesical pressure can be measured continuously after the introduction of a known amount of fluid into the bladder. Recording continues until an increase of 15 cmH2O occurs or 30 min has passed.
Cluster Policy: A Guide to the State of the Debate

Although there is increasing consensus that the presence of clusters enhances economic outcomes, there is little consensus on whether there is a case for policy intervention. If cluster policy is understood as government efforts to create agglomeration artificially, the existing research finds clear reasons to be pessimistic about the ultimate welfare implications of such interventions. But if cluster policy describes government efforts to use existing agglomerations to deliver economic policies or upgrade a region’s competitiveness more effectively, the outlook is much more positive. The evidence on cluster policies actually implemented provides examples of both types, but the large majority falls into the second category. Remaining challenges have more to do with scaling up the impact of cluster efforts, dealing with emerging clusters, and adopting cluster policy to conditions in developing economies.
Increased hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen after chronic ethanol consumption in the rat

Abstract This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of chronic ethanol consumption on the hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pair fed a nutritionally adequate liquid diet containing either ethanol or isocaloric carbohydrate for 4–6 wk. Acetaminophen (0.5 g/kg body wt) was given intraperitoneally 12 h after ethanol withdrawal. By 36 h, frank hepatic centrilobular necrosis and a decrease in hepatic aminopyrine n-demethylase activity were observed in the ethanol-fed rats, whereas in controls the changes were minimal. Serum glutamyl oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities were significantly increased in ethanol-fed rats. Hepatic damage in ethanol fed rats was apparent already at 6 h, as evidenced by elevated serum enzyme activities and ultrastructural changes, particularly of the mitochondria. The depletion of hepatic glutathione content and the covalent binding of acetaminophen metabolite(s) were significantly greater in ethanol-fed rats than in controls. Urinary excretion of mercapturic acid conjugate during the first 12 h was also increased in ethanol-fed rats. In an in vitro study, covalent binding of acetaminophen metabolite(s) to microsomal protein was increased after ethanol feeding for 4–6 wk. Thus, chronic ethanol feeding increases the hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen; enhanced production of reactive metabolite(s) may be responsible.
Offensive Issue Preclusion in the Criminal Context: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

This article addresses whether the expansion of the doctrine of issue preclusion in the federal criminal area should mirror the expansion of the doctrine in the federal civil area. The article examines the general requirements of issue preclusion and the evolution of issue preclusion in both the civil and criminal context. Next, this article examines the current status of offensive and defensive issue preclusion when the first suit is civil and the second suit is criminal, the first suit is criminal and the second suit is civil, and where both the first and second action is criminal. The article then analyzes whether the approach taken by the courts in the civil area should be applied to the criminal area, and the appropriate parameters of that approach. Finally, the article concludes that although the courts should allow the government to use offensive collateral estoppel in criminal cases, the courts must be vigilant in ensuring that there is no prejudice.
Stand by Me: Wartime Alliance Dynamics in World War II

The literature makes two contradictory claims about alliances in wartime. First, states pass the buck to their allies whenever they can. Second, alliance capabilities reflect the member’s aggregate capabilities: the function of an alliance is to increase the total capabilities of its members, which assumes that states contribute to the alliance, not free ride on it. This paper resolves this contradiction by specifying the conditions under which states opt for either buck-passing or participation.The challenge for states is to reconcile the sometime conflicting objectives of defeating the enemy and ensuring a favorable post-war distribution of power. They have to worry about the potential for new rivalries after the war, including with their former allies, while also achieving victory. States therefore have to shoulder or shift the burden of fighting to keep their allies in the war, without strengthening them so much that they become threatening after victory.We can expect wartime alliances between strong states to have low levels of cooperation, as the allies have to worry about distributing the spoils of victory. When an ally needs reinforcement but is not in danger of being knocked out of the war, its bargaining power is low. However, a seriously weakened ally may drop out of the war and endanger the alliance, thus increasing its bargaining power. In such a case the imperatives of the immediate military balance will prevail over longer-term considerations of distribution and extraordinary cooperative measures will be implemented.The argument is supported by two cases: Anglo-American and Soviet-American cooperation during WWII. Results suggest that given systemic pressures (distributional issues and power differential), U.S. aid to its allies during WWII was strongly correlated with the military balance.
Cost model and adaptive scheme for publish/subscribe systems on mobile grid environments

Publish/subscribe model is appropriate in many push based data dissemination applications. This paper presents cost model for publish/subscribe systems, analyze its performance, and compare to other interaction-based models such as the client-server model and the polling model. Based on the cost analysis, we have proposed an adaptive model which can dynamically select an appropriate model for each client independently.
Attitudes Toward Computers: Views of Older Adults Compared With Those of Young Adults

AbstractThe 20-item Attitudes Toward Computer Usage Scale (ATCUS), which measures feelings or behaviors toward a variety of computer usage situations, was administered to 184 older adults and 235 young adults. It was hypothesized that the young adults would reveal more positive attitudes toward computers than would the older respondents. A stepwise multiple discriminant analysis revealed 11 ATCUS items that were significant discriminators between the two age groups. MANOVA results indicated significant differences on 17 of the 20 ATCUS items, with the older adults indicating a less favorable attitude toward the use of computers. Discussion focused on the need for familiarization with computers and the impact of exposure to computers on the independence of older adults.
Purification and kinetic properties of acyl and alkyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate oxidoreductase.

Abstract The enzyme NADPH:acyl or NADPH:alkyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate oxidoreductase has been purified from Ehrlich ascites cell microsomes and guinea pig liver mitochondria. The membrane bound enzyme was extracted by the treatment of the particles with a sodium deoxycholate-KCl-NADPH solution and purified by chromatography on either a Sephadex G-200 or a Sepharose 4B column. The enzyme from ascites cell microsomes was eluted from the Sepharose column in two peaks, A and B. Peak A came out in the void volume of the column and probably represented small membrane fragments. The elution position of the Peak B enzyme suggested that it was a large molecule. However, on sucrose density gradient centrifugation the Peak B enzyme had a sedimentation coefficient of 5 S. This low sedimentation value was probably due to the high phospholipid content of the purified enzyme. The over-all purification of the enzyme from the microsomes was 5-fold. The solubilized enzyme was very unstable and could only be stabilized by adding the cosubstrate NADPH. The enzyme was shown to bind [4-3H]NADPH by Sephadex chromatography. NADPH was present during all stages of enzyme purification and storage. The purified enzyme had similar Km values toward both acyl and alkyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate. Competition experiments with the two substrates and heat denaturation studies indicate that the same enzyme reduced both acyl and alkyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate. The product NADP+, but not 1-acyl- or 1-alkyl-sn-glycerol 3-phosphate, inhibited the enzyme reaction. 1-Acyl-rac-glycerol 3-phosphate in the presence of NADP+ was not oxidized by the enzyme showing that the reaction was probably not reversible. The dephosphorylated substrates acyl and alkyl dihydroxyacetone inhibited the enzymatic reduction of acyl or alkyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate and the mode of inhibition showed that the dihydroxyacetone lipids compete with the substrates for the same active site of the enzyme. Kinetic data and the mode of product inhibition suggested that the substrates form a ternary complex with the enzyme.
Yeast Glutathione Reductase I. SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC AND KINETIC STUDIES OF ITS INTERACTION WITH REDUCED NICOTINAMIDE ADENINE DINUCLEOTIDE

Abstract The interaction of the flavoprotein glutathione reductase from yeast with NADH has been studied. A reduced enzyme species resulting from addition of 2 electrons per enzyme-bound FAD is formed on addition of NADH to oxidized enzyme. This 2-electron reduced enzyme is stable toward further reduction to the 4-electron reduced state by excess NADH. Yeast glutathione reductase reduced by excess NADH has spectral properties distinct from those of yeast glutathione reductase reduced by excess NADPH, the physiological substrate, but virtually identical with the spectral properties reported by Massey and Williams (J. Biol. Chem., 240, 4470 (1965)) for yeast glutathione reductase reduced by a 526-fold molar excess of GSH. It is concluded that glutathione reductase reduced by a small molar excess of NADH is the free, 2-electron reduced enzyme with no oxidized or reduced pyridine nucleotide bound to it. A bimolecular rate constant of 1.8 x 104 m-1 sec-1 was measured using stopped flow techniques for reduction of the enzyme-bound FAD by NADH. The rate of reduction of the enzyme-bound FAD by NADH is identical with the steady state rate of NADH-dependent GSSG reduction, suggesting that reduction of enzyme-bound FAD is rate limiting in the over-all reaction.