cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of the Colorado Mineral Belt in Upper Cretaceous Niobrara Formation Source Rock Maturity Data from the Denver Basin

Abstract New source rock maturity data along the Colorado Mineral Belt trend in the Denver Basin reveal that source rocks in the deepest portion of the basin range from the onset of oil generation to wet gas maturity across a distance of less than 30 miles along present day structure. Additionally, sampled rock core and cuttings along a northeast-southwest transect reveal that the Niobrara Formation is within the oil maturity window all the way to the Nebraska-Colorado border. The correlation of these analyses to an identified thermal anomaly demonstrate that maturity along these trends is affected by a historical increase in heat flow that can still be seen in the present-day bottom-hole temperatures. The identified maturity anomaly has significant implications for Niobrara prospectivity within the basin. Crossplotting, mapping, and numerical modeling show the onset of hydrocarbon maturity in the Niobrara is represented by 432 °C Tmax and that hydrocarbon expulsion occurs between 438 °C and 443 °C Tmax. In the Niobrara Formation of the Denver Basin there is a strong correlation between oil and gas shows, elevated bottom-hole temperatures (and thermal gradients), and geochemical maturity parameters. Through mapping of maturity and free hydrocarbon anomalies, more than 80% of the present day production can be predicted with source rock mapping.
Preventing excess narcotic prescriptions in MIS urologic oncology discharges (PENN): A prospective cohort quality improvement initiative.

6502Background: In the setting of the national opioid crisis, there is increasing interest in non-narcotic pain strategies, particularly for oncology patients. Robotic urologic surgeries for cancer...
Customizing surveillance of patients with esophageal or esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (E-EGA) after trimodality therapy (TMT).

4085 Background: Follow-up strategy for E-EGA patients after TMT has varied and is debated often due to the lack of evidence. It is an expensive endeavor and the literature provides little guidance...
Towards End-To-End Design of Spacecraft Swarms for Small-Body Reconnaissance.

The exploration of small bodies in the Solar System is a high priority planetary science. Asteroids, comets, and planetary moons yield important information about the evolution of the Solar System. Additionally, they could provide resources for a future space economy. While much research has gone into exploring asteroids and comets, dedicated spacecraft missions to planetary moons are few and far between. There are three fundamental challenges of a spacecraft mission to the planetary moons: The first challenge is that the spheres of influence of most moons (except that of Earth) are small and, in many cases, virtually absent. The second is that many moons are tidally locked to their planets, which means that an observer on the planet will have an entire hemisphere, which is always inaccessible. The third challenge is that at a given time about half of the region will be in the Sun's shadow. Therefore, a single spacecraft mission to observe the planetary moon cannot provide complete coverage. Such a complex task can be solved using a swarm approach, where the mapping task is delegated to multiple low-cost spacecraft. Clearly, the design of a swarm mission for such a dynamic environment is challenging. For this reason, we have proposed the Integrated Design Engineering & Automation of Swarms (IDEAS) software to perform automated end-to-end design of swarm missions. Specifically, it will use a sub-module known as the Automated Swarm Designer module to find optimal swarm configurations suited for a given mission. In our previous work, we have developed the Automated Swarm Design module to find swarm configurations for asteroid mapping operations. In this work, we will evaluate the capability of the Automated Swarm module to design missions to planetary moons.
Navigating specialty pharmacies to get oral agents to patients in a timely manner.

220Background: Increasing numbers of oncology patients require oral therapies provided by specialty pharmacies. Our experience indicates patients receiving care in a facility without specialty phar...
A Unified Switching System Perspective and O.D.E. Analysis of Q-Learning Algorithms.

In this paper, we introduce a unified framework for analyzing a large family of Q-learning algorithms, based on switching system perspectives and ODE-based stochastic approximation. We show that the nonlinear ODE models associated with these Q-learning algorithms can be formulated as switched linear systems, and analyze their asymptotic stability by leveraging existing switching system theories. Our approach provides the first O.D.E. analysis of the asymptotic convergence of various Q-learning algorithms, including asynchronous Q-learning and averaging Q-learning. We also extend the approach to analyze Q-learning with linear function approximation and derive a new sufficient condition for its convergence.
Cardiovascular Regulation after Stroke: Evidence of Impairment, Trainability, and Implications for Rehabilitation

Purpose: To discuss the role of the vascular system and regulation of blood flow delivery in individuals with chronic stroke. This paper will discuss mechanisms of blood flow, vascular remodeling in chronic stroke, exercise as an intervention to improve blood flow delivery, and the role of physical therapy practice in promoting exercise. Key Points: Evidence suggests that people with chronic stroke may experience reduced blood flow and decreased arterial diameter in the hemiparetic limb. These arterial changes may influence exercise performance and functional ambulation. However, exercise training can be an effective intervention for improving blood flow delivery in the hemiparetic limb. Statement of Recommendations: Physical therapists working with people post-stroke should routinely prescribe aerobic exercise training within the plan of care during stroke rehabilitation. This may minimize declines in the cardiorespiratory and vascular systems and provide greater functional capacity to perform functional activities during and after discharge from physical therapy services.
Investigation of de novo variation in pediatric cardiomyopathy

Pediatric cardiomyopathies can be caused by variants in genes encoding the sarcomere and cytoskeleton in cardiomyocytes. Variants are typically inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with variable expressivity. De novo variants have been reported, however their overall frequency is largely unknown. We sought to determine the rate of de novo, pathogenic and likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in children with a diagnosis of hypertrophic, dilated, or restrictive cardiomyopathy (HCM, DCM, or RCM), and to compare disease outcomes between individuals with and without a de novo variant. A retrospective record review identified 126 individuals with HCM (55%), DCM (37%), or RCM (8%) ≤18 years of age who had genetic testing. Overall, 50 (40%) had positive genetic testing and 18% of P/LP variants occurred de novo. The rate of de novo variation in those with RCM (80%) was higher than in those with HCM (9%) or DCM (20%). There was evidence of germline mosaicism in one family with RCM. Individuals with de novo variants were more likely than those without to have a history of arrhythmia (p = .049), sudden cardiac arrest (p = .024), hospitalization (p = .041), and cardiac transplantation (p = .030). The likelihood of de novo variation and impact on family risk and screening should be integrated into genetic counseling.
Androgen receptor degraders overcome common resistance mechanisms developed during prostate cancer treatment

Androgen receptor (AR) antagonists, such as enzalutamide, have had a major impact on the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, even with the advent of AR antagonist therapies, patients continue to develop resistance, and new strategies to combat continued AR signalling are needed. Here, we develop AR degraders using PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeric (PROTAC) technology in order to determine whether depletion of AR protein can overcome mechanisms of resistance commonly associated with current AR-targeting therapies. ARD-61 is the most potent of the AR degraders and effectively induces on-target AR degradation with a mechanism consistent with the PROTAC design. Compared to clinically-approved AR antagonists, administration of ARD-61 in vitro and in vivo results in more potent anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic effects and attenuation of downstream AR target gene expression in prostate cancer cells. Importantly, we demonstrate that ARD-61 functions in enzalutamide-resistant model systems, characterized by diverse proposed mechanisms of resistance that include AR amplification/overexpression, AR mutation, and expression of AR splice variants, such as AR-V7. While AR degraders are unable to bind and degrade AR-V7, they continue to inhibit tumor cell growth in models overexpressing AR-V7. To further explore this, we developed several isogenic prostate cell line models in which AR-V7 is highly expressed, which also failed to influence the cell inhibitory effects of AR degraders, suggesting that AR-V7 is not a functional resistance mechanism for AR antagonism. These data provide compelling evidence that full-length AR remains a prominent oncogenic driver of prostate cancers which have developed resistance to AR antagonists and highlight the clinical potential of AR degraders for treatment of CRPC.
Portable Data Logger for Long-Time Storage of Bio-Signals Implemented with an Auto-Range Amplifier and an Analog Multiplexer

The main goal of this project was to design a Portable Low Voltage Amplifier in which the amplification level is based on the signal strength being detected and was implemented with the use of analog filter, operational amplifiers and an analog multiplexer. Using this device, a portable data logger was constructed with the use of an Arduino microcontroller. The ultimate purpose of designing and fabricating this device is to a have a portable data logger to capture bio-signals for different applications. In particular the device will be used to capture the heartbeat of mollusk in the field.
ACE-Informed Responses in Central Texas: Findings from a Needs Assessment.

The objectives of this study were to examine: a) adverse childhood experience (ACE) knowledge among healthcare professionals in Central Texas; b) prevalence of screening and patient disclosure of A...
Effect of Clothing on Measurement of Bone Mineral Density

It is unknown whether allowing patients to have BMD (bone mineral density) studies acquired while wearing radiolucent clothing adlib contributes appreciably to the measurement error seen. To examine this question, a spine phantom was scanned 30 times without any clothing, while draped with a gown, and while draped with heavy winter clothing. The effect on mean BMD and on SD (standard deviation) was assessed. The effect of clothing on mean or SD of the area was not significant. The effect of clothing on mean and SD for BMD was small but significant and was around 1.6% for the mean. However, the effect on BMD precision was much more clinically important. Without clothing the spine phantom had an least significant change of 0.0077 gm/cm(2), while when introducing variability of clothing the least significant change rose as high as 0.0305 gm/cm(2). We conclude that, adding clothing to the spine phantom had a small but statistically significant effect on the mean BMD and on variance of the measurement. It is unlikely that the effect on mean BMD has any clinical significance, but the effect on the reproducibility (precision) of the result is likely clinically significant.
Regulation of cytoplasmic dynein behaviour and microtubule organization by mammalian Lis1

Whereas total loss of Lis1 is lethal, disruption of one allele of the Lis1 gene results in brain abnormalities, indicating that developing neurons are particularly sensitive to a reduction in Lis1 dosage. Here we show that Lis1 is enriched in neurons relative to levels in other cell types, and that Lis1 interacts with the microtubule motor cytoplasmic dynein. Production of more Lis1 in non-neuronal cells increases retrograde movement of cytoplasmic dynein and leads to peripheral accumulation of microtubules. These changes may reflect neuron-like dynein behaviours induced by abundant Lis1. Lis1 deficiency produces the opposite phenotype. Our results indicate that abundance of Lis1 in neurons may stimulate specific dynein functions that function in neuronal migration and axon growth.
A new face of the Rhesus antigen.

The Mep ammonium transporters of Saccharomyces cerevisiae share amino acid sequence identity with the Rh blood group antigen proteins. A new study shows that the Rhg glycoproteins transport ammonium when heterologously expressed in mep mutant yeast cells, indicating a role for the Rh antigen complex.
Evidence for Direct Transfer of 1, 2-3H Testosterone From Testicular Veins to the Rete Testis in Rats

To investigate the origin and route of entry of testosterone into the rat rete testis, samples were drawn from the rete, deep testicular veins, testicular lymph and systemic arteries during testicular or femoral vein infusion of 3H-testosterone. During infusion into the femoral vein, the level of label in the rete testis fluid (RTF) was only 50% of that in the deep testicular veins. During infusion into the testicular collecting veins at the base of the pampiniform plexus, RTF radioactivity averaged two to three times the level in the deep testicular veins. Premixing the labeled testosterone with albumen prior to infusion may reduce this difference between RTF and deep testicular venous radioactivity. The levels of RTF radioactivity during 14C-urea infusion were doubled when the labeled molecule was introduced into the testicular collecting veins, in contrast to the femoral vein. However, levels of radioactivity in the RTF never exceeded those in the deep testicular veins. Following stimulation of endogenous testosterone secretion by a single dose of luteinizing hormone, testosterone concentrations in both testicular vein and RTF increased in parallel, and peaked at approximately the same time. The conclusion from this study was that a rapid exchange of testosterone can occur between the rete testis and the veins at the base of the pampiniform plexus.
Identification of a New Gene Expressed Specifically in Early Mouse Embryos. (mouse embryo/gene expression/e5.5.)

To identify genes involved in retinoic acid signaling during early embryogenesis, specifically during implantation and early postimplantation, cDNA libraries constructed from mouse embryos at e4.5 and e5.5, respectively, have been screened. Based upon DNA sequence homology, one clone has been isolated by using mouse retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) as the probe. This clone, designated as 80.3, is expressed in the embryonic portion at early egg cylinder stage, and is highly expressed in the entire embryo at e6.5. Its expression decreases in embryos older than e9.5 and can not be detected in any adult tissues. In vitro transcription/translation of this cDNA has produced a protein product with a molecular weight of approximately 50 kDa. The central to C-terminal portion of this gene is highly homologous to a human orphan receptor, TR-2. This homologous region contains a potential zinc-finger DNA binding motif followed by a putative ligand-binding domain. However, this gene is very different from TR2 in the N-terminal region and appears to be a newly identified gene with a specific pattern of expression during early embryogenesis.
Characterization of the cysteine-rich zinc-binding domains of protein kinase C by X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the characterization of the cysteine-rich zinc-binding domains of protein kinase c (PKC) by x-ray absorption spectroscopy. Protein kinase C (PKC) plays a key role in the regulation of cellular signaling events in eukaryotic organisms from yeast to humans, catalyzing the transfer of the terminal phosphate of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to specific serine or threonine residues of substrate proteins. Protein kinase C forms a family of closely related isozymes which are activated at the inner surface of the plasma membrane by diacylglycerol, a product of receptor-mediated phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis. Phosphatidylserine is an essential cofactor for activation, and calcium is required for a subset of isozymes. The combination of X-ray fluorescence (XF) and extended X-ray absorption fine structures (EXAFS) techniques enabled us to show that PKC tightly binds four zinc ions which are coordinated primarily by sulfur atoms. An alternative technique to XF that is often used to characterize metalloproteins is atomic absorption spectroscopy. This technique has been applied to PKC, and the derived zinc stoichiometry is consistent with XF result. Atomic absorption spectroscopy is a more sensitive technique than XF, requiring less concentrated protein samples, but it provides no information regarding the chemical nature of the metal site.
Pencils and pens: an under-recognized source of penetrating injuries in children

Unlike other sharp objects, pens and pencils are readily available to children both at home and school. Although case reports are published, no series of pen or pencil injuries have been reported in the recent literature. We therefore reviewed the incidence and injury profiles of writing instruments as compared with other sources of penetrating trauma. The trauma registry from a large urban pediatric hospital system was queried for nonmissile, nonbite penetrating injuries from 2005 through 2009. Retrospective data was collected on demographics, injuries, operations, admissions, and mortalities. Additionally, data regarding pen and pencil injuries from 2009 to 2010 were collected prospectively, and one case from 2003 was included retrospectively. Fourteen injuries from writing instruments were seen and involved the head and neck (9), chest (1), bladder/perineum (2), and extremities (2). Eleven children were admitted and eight required surgical intervention. One child died from a transhemispheric brain injury after intraorbital penetration by a pencil. Penetrating trauma from writing instruments is not an uncommon source of injury and often requires surgical intervention to remove the object. Injuries from pens and pencils can be severe or even fatal. Appropriate parent and teacher education regarding the potential risks may help to prevent such injuries. Language: en
Prograde transcatheter aortic arch intervention in patients with single-ventricle physiology: a word of caution.

Objective We sought to review and analyze the hemodynamic derangements during prograde transcatheter aortic intervention (PTAI) in single ventricle patients. Background Although PTAI for postsurgical recurrent coarctation in single ventricle patients has been described; hemodynamic instability during the intervention is variably reported. Methods Pre-, intra-, and postprocedural records and outcomes of patients with SVP undergoing PTAI for post-Norwood aortic coarctation were retrospectively reviewed. The full disclosure waveform review was used to further categorize hemodynamic derangements during the intervention. Results A total of 26 PTAIs were performed in 11 patients between October 2007 and December 2013. The median age and weight was 4.2 (2.3–43) months and 5.3 (3.2–15.7) kg. PTAI included balloon angioplasty (BA) in 73% of procedures (n = 19) and stent implantation (SI) in 27% (n = 7). Hemodynamic derangement was more severe in the SI group compared with the BA group. Two of seven (29%) of the SI group required cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Conclusions Hemodynamic instability during PTAI is common in patients with SVP and more profound during SI. These findings have important implications for informed consent, anesthetic considerations, inotropic support, additional central venous access, and extracorporeal support/surgical backup.
Asymmetric Information and Bank Runs

It is known that sunspots can trigger panic-based bank runs and that the optimal banking contract can tolerate panic-based runs. The existing literature assumes that these sunspots are based on a publicly observed extrinsic randomizing device. In this paper, I extend the analysis of panic-based runs to include an asymmetric-information, extrinsic randomizing device. Depositors observe different, but correlated, signals on the stability of the bank. I find that if the signals that depositors obtain are highly correlated, there exists a correlated equilibrium for some demand deposit contracts. In this equilibrium, either a full bank run, or a partial bank run, or non bank run occurs depending on the realization of the signals. Computed examples indicate that in some economies, a demand-deposit contract that tolerates bank runs and partial bank runs is optimal; while in some other economies a run-proof contract is optimal.
Phononic properties for enhanced signal-to-noise photodetector

A reduced signal-to-noise reduced photodetector has been designed using single-and double-quantum well structures as well as phonon assisted transitions. To increase electron carriers, delta-doping is used in the first single well. In this contribution, the energy levels of the single-well-double-well structure are prescribed by determining the energy spectrum for the interface phonon potentials and their dispersion curves. And delta-doping at middle of well is shown to have advantage in obtaining higher absorption coefficient than uniform doping.
Response of cow pea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to CO2 enrichment environment on growth, dry-matter production and yield components at different stages of vegetative and reproductive growth

This study examines the effects of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations on vegetative and reproductive growth and partitioning of biomass during pod and seed development of cow pea in controlled environment chambers at 350, 675, and 1000μl CO2/l.The length of main stem and branches, the number of leaves and branches, and leaf area were all greater at high CO2 than at low CO2 concentration. The appearance of flowers was 10–12 days earlier in high CO2 than in ambient CO2 atmosphere. The senescence of leaves started about 7 days earlier in plants grown at 675 and 1000 μl CO2/l than in those grown at 350 μl CO2/l. The rate of leaf senescence was more rapid in 1000 μl/l than in 675 μl CO2/l. The dry weight of roots, stems and leaves increased with CO2 enrichment, being greater in 675 μl/l than in 1000 μl CO2/l. Plants grown in 675 and 1000 μ1/1 produced more pods and seeds than in 350 μl CO2/l. Total seed weight and number of pods, as well as number of seeds per pod, were significantly greater in CO2 enriched atmosphere than ambient CO2 level. Although CO2 enrichment caused a significant increase in the total number and weight of seeds as well as pods, it did not affect the ratio of seed dry weight to the total dry weight of above-ground plant parts (harvest index). It is concluded from the present investigation that CO2 enrichment significantly enhanced vegetative as well as reproductive growth resulting in the increase in yield and early plant maturation in this leguminous crop.
Triplet diffusion leads to triplet–triplet annihilation in organic phosphorescent emitters

Abstract In organic materials, triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) can be dominated by triplet diffusion or triplet-to-triplet energy transfer. Here, we discuss the diffusion and transfer dominated mechanisms in the context of photoluminescence (PL) transient measurements from thin films of archetype phosphorescent organic light emitters based on Ir and Pt complexes. We find that TTA in these emitters is controlled by diffusion due to a Dexter-type exchange interaction, suggesting triplet radiative decay and TTA are independent processes. Minimizing the PL and absorption spectral overlap in phosphorescent emitters can lead to a significantly decreased TTA rate, and thus suppressed efficiency roll-off in phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes at high brightness.
A Survey Of Flash X-Ray Techniques And Applications

Flash x-ray diagnostics of high speed dynamic tests need to be reliable as the test may be quite expensive and time consuming. Preparation for a first time test can involve many partial or preliminary tests to verify adequacy of x-ray energy, x-ray exposure, film/screen combination, film holder protection, flash x-ray generator protection, triggering and timing techniques. Once these preparations have been successfully completed, very informative results are attainable for a variety of tests including jetting, welding and casting.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hormone therapy not recommended for chronic disease prevention in menopausal women

Commentary on: Nelson HD, Walker M, Zakher B, et al. Menopausal hormone therapy for the primary prevention of chronic conditions: a systematic review to update the US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations. Ann Intern Med 2012;157:104–13.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] In 2005, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated its 2002 hormone replacement therapy recommendations, advising against the routine use of oestrogen and progestin (E+P) and unopposed oestrogen (E) to prevent chronic conditions in menopausal women. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) had been commonly prescribed to prevent conditions such as cardiovascular disease, dementia and osteoporosis. Clinical trial data dramatically changed clinical practice. The Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study (HERS) examined conjugated equine oestrogen (CEE)+medroxyprogesterone acetate in women with coronary disease; hormone therapy did not decrease coronary events. Primary prevention was studied in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial: E+P or E in women with … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DAnnals%2Bof%2BInternal%2BMedicine%26rft.stitle%253DANN%2BINTERN%2BMED%26rft.issn%253D0003-4819%26rft.aulast%253DNelson%26rft.auinit1%253DH.%2BD.%26rft.volume%253D157%26rft.issue%253D2%26rft.spage%253D104%26rft.epage%253D113%26rft.atitle%253DMenopausal%2Bhormone%2Btherapy%2Bfor%2Bthe%2Bprimary%2Bprevention%2Bof%2Bchronic%2Bconditions%253A%2Ba%2Bsystematic%2Breview%2Bto%2Bupdate%2Bthe%2BU.S.%2BPreventive%2BServices%2BTask%2BForce%2Brecommendations.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.7326%252F0003-4819-157-2-201207170-00466%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F22786830%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.7326/0003-4819-157-2-201207170-00466&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=22786830&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F18%2F3%2F109.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000307787900016&link_type=ISI
Cell width as a taxonomic character with special reference to Zygnema circumcarinatum Czurda

Cell width is a much used taxonomic character in the algae. Yet no data are available on its genetic transmission and inheritance. To obtain evidence on the genetic stability of this character, cell-width inheritance in Zygnema circumcarinatum Czurda was investigated. Measurements of cell width were made on 63 F1 clones produced by germinating zygospores of a known mating. The cell widths of 60 of these clones were distributed around the parental mean width of 23 µm in an interval between 21 and 28 µm. Three clones had significantly greater cell widths and were placed in two groups (30–31 µm and 33–34 µm). Since the culturing environment was identical for all clones, the clustering of all cell-width measurements around parental values is attributed to the influence of polygenic factors. It is proposed from the results of this investigation that cell width is not a valid taxonomic character for Z. circumcarinatum. Further, it is suggested that cell width should be questioned as a valid taxonomic character ...
Lens‐effect in Santa Monica?

We used finite-difference simulations of 10-Hz P-SV and SH waves to estimate the contribution from the deep basin structure to the large ground motion amplification in Santa Monica, California, observed for seismic waves incident from the north. Our simulations of a 17-km deep Northridge aftershock with epicenter 30 km north of Santa Monica show that focusing at the lens-shaped boundary of the sediments can only account for less than half the amplification observed in the area that was heavily damaged during the 1994 M 6.7 Northridge earthquake. The focusing in the simulations caused amplification of up to 1.6 times in a zone 0.65–2.4 km south of the Santa Monica fault and de-amplification at sites just south of the fault where some of the largest amplification is observed in the data.
Large-format 0.85- and 2.5-μm HgCdTe detector arrays for low-background applications

The demand for large-format NIR arrays has grown for both ground-based and space-based applications. These arrays are required for maintaining high resolution over very large fields of view for survey work. We describe results of the development of a new 2048 x 2048 HgCdTe/CdZnTe array with 20-micron pixels that responds with high quantum efficiency over the wavelength range 0.85 to 2.5 microns. With a single-layer anti-reflection (AR) coating, the responsive quantum efficiency is expected to be greater than 85% from 0.9 micron to 2.4 microns. The modular package for this array, dubbed the VIRGO array, allows three-side butting to form large mosaic arrays of 4K x 2nK format. The VIRGO readout integrated circuit (ROIC) utilizes a Source Follower per Detector (SFD) input circuit with a well capacity of about 2 x 105 electrons and with a read noise of less than 20 e-rms with off-chip Correlated Double Sampling (CDS). Other features of the VIRGO array include 4 or 16 outputs (programmable), and a frame rate of up to 1.5 Hz in 16-output mode. Power dissipation is about 7 mW at a 1 Hz frame rate. Reset modes include both global reset and reset by row (ripple mode). Reference pixels are built-in to the output data stream. The first major application of the VIRGO array will be for VISTA, the United Kingdom’s Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy. The VISTA FPA will operate near 80K. Dark current is less than 0.1e-/sec at 80K. The cutoff wavelength of the HgCdTe detector can be adjusted for other applications. Space applications might include SNAP, the Supernova/Acceleration Probe, which requires a shorter detector cutoff wavelength of about 1.7 microns. For applications which require both visible and NIR response, the detector CdZnTe substrate can be removed after hybridization, allowing the thinned detector to respond to visible wavelengths as short as 0.4 microns.
Functional properties of recombinant GABAA receptors composed of single or multiple β subunit subtypes

GABAA receptor (GABAR) isoforms in the central nervous system are composed of combinations of α(1–6), β(1–4), γ(1–4), δ(1) and e(1) subunit subtypes arranged in a pentamer. Many regions of the brain express high levels of mRNA encoding several different subunits and even multiple subunit subtypes. The stoichiometry of GABAR isoforms is unclear, and the number and identity of individual subunit subtypes that are coassembled remain uncertain. To examine the role of β subunit subtypes in the functional properties of GABARS and to determine whether multiple β subtypes can be coassembled in functional GABARs, plasmids containing cDNAs encoding rat β1 and/or β3, α5 and γ2L subtypes were cotransfected into L929 fibroblasts. The properties of the expressed receptor populations were determined using whole-cell and single-channel recording techniques. The α5β1γ2L isoform was less sensitive to GABA than the α5β3γ2L isoform. α5β1γ2L isoform currents were also insensitive to the allosteric modulator loreclezole, while α5β3γ2L isoform currents were strongly potentiated by loreclezole. Fibroblasts transfected with plasmids containing cDNAs for both β1 and β3 subtypes along with α5 and γ2L subtypes produced a receptor population with an intermediate sensitivity to GABA which was insensitive to loreclezole. These results suggest that functional GABARs can be formed that contain two different β subunit subtypes with properties different from receptors that contain only a single β subtype and that the β subunit subtypes influence the response of GABARs to GABA and to the allosteric modulator loreclezole.
Hot tar burns: twenty-seven hospitalized cases.

Between July 1, 1984, and December 31, 1991, 27 consecutive patients required admission to the Grady Memorial Hospital Burn Unit for care of hot tar burns. This group represented 1.4% of all admissions to this burn unit. Injuries occurred at the workplace and occurred mostly during the summer. They most commonly involved the patient slipping while carrying a bucket of hot tar. Ninety-six percent were male. The mean age was 33.7 years. Mean burn size was 13.1% total body surface area. Burn topography centered on the upper extremities and hands. Forty-one percent required a surgical procedure for their burn. Mean hospitalization time for survivors was 16.6 days. The survival rate was 92.6%. Both of the patients who died had large burns and/or preexisting medical problems. Hot tar burns occur under predictable circumstances, appear to be preventable, and have accounted for only a small fraction of all admissions to this burn unit. Language: en
A chemical procedure for determination of the C14-distribution in labelled xylose.

A series of reactions reported previously for the degradation of glucose has been modified and extended to permit the determination of carbon-14 in each of the five carbons of a single 2 mM. xylose sample. Methyl xylopyranoside was oxidized with periodic acid giving C-3 as formic acid, and a dialdehyde which was converted to strontium methoxy-diglycolate. The purified salt was hydrolyzed to glyoxylic and glycolic acids. The glyoxylic acid was isolated as the 2, 4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (C-1 + C-2) which was decarboxylated to give carbon dioxide from C-2. The glycolic acid was oxidized by lead tetraacetate to give C-4 as carbon dioxide and C-5 as formaldehyde. The activity in C-1 was determined by difference. The method was applied to xylose-1-C14, xylose-5-C14, and a biologically synthesized xylose sample with satisfactory results. This degradation procedure is theoretically applicable to other aldopentoses and aldotetroses.
Development of the light-harvesting chlorophyll antenna in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is regulated by the novel Tla1 gene.

The Chlamydomonas reinhardtiitla1 (truncated light-harvesting chlorophyll antenna size) mutant was generated upon DNA insertional mutagenesis and shown to specifically possess a smaller than wild type (WT) chlorophyll antenna size in both photosystems. Molecular and genetic analysis revealed that the exogenous plasmid DNA was inserted at the end of the 5′ UTR and just prior to the ATG start codon of a hitherto unknown nuclear gene (termed Tla1), which encodes a protein of 213 amino acids. The Tla1 gene in the mutant is transcribed with a new 5′ UTR sequence, derived from the 3′ end of the transforming plasmid. This replacement of the native 5′ UTR and promoter regions resulted in enhanced transcription of the tla1 gene in the mutant but inhibition in the translation of the respective tla1 mRNA. Transformation of the tla1 mutant with WT Tla1 genomic DNA successfully rescued the mutant. These results are evidence that polymorphism in the 5′ UTR of the Tla1 transcripts resulted in the tla1 phenotype and that expression of the Tla1 gene is a prerequisite for the development/assembly of the Chl antenna in C. reinhardtii. A blast search with the Tla1 deduced amino acid sequence revealed that this protein is highly conserved in many eukaryotes. It showed homology to a protein of unknown function in Arabidopsis thaliana (73%), Oryza sativa (76%), Drosophila melanogaster (71%) and Homo sapiens (67%). The Tla1 gene apparently regulates genes that define the Chl antenna size in the photosynthetic apparatus of C. reinhardtii. Potential applications of the Tla1 gene in photosynthesis and biotechnology are discussed.
Oxidations of NADH analogues by cis-[RuIV(bpy)2(py)(O)]2+ occur by hydrogen-atom transfer rather than by hydride transfer.

Oxidations of the NADH analogues 10-methyl-9,10-dihydroacridine (AcrH2) and N-benzyl 1,4-dihydronicotinamide (BNAH) by cis-[RuIV(bpy)2(py)(O)]2+ (RuIVO2+) have been studied to probe the preferences for hydrogen-atom transfer vs hydride transfer mechanisms for the C−H bond oxidation. 1H NMR spectra of completed reactions of AcrH2 and RuIVO2+, after more than ∼20 min, reveal the predominant products to be 10-methylacridone (AcrO) and cis-[RuII(bpy)2(py)(MeCN)]2+. Over the first few seconds of the reaction, however, as monitored by stopped-flow optical spectroscopy, the 10-methylacridinium cation (AcrH+) is observed. AcrH+ is the product of net hydride removal from AcrH2, but hydride transfer cannot be the dominant pathway because AcrH+ is formed in only 40−50% yield and its subsequent oxidation to AcrO is relatively slow. Kinetic studies show that the reaction is first order in both RuIVO2+ and AcrH2, with k = (5.7 ± 0.3) × 103 M-1 s-1 at 25 °C, ΔH‡ = 5.3 ± 0.3 kcal mol-1 and ΔS‡ = −23 ± 1 cal mol-1 K-1. A ...
Achieving Differential Privacy of Data Disclosure in the Smart Grid

The smart grid introduces new privacy implications to individuals and their family due to the fine-grained usage data collection. For example, smart metering data could reveal highly accurate real-time home appliance energy load, which may be used to infer the human activities inside the houses. One effective way to hide actual appliance loads from the outsiders is Battery-based Load Hiding (BLH), in which a battery is installed for each household and smartly controlled to store and supply power to the appliances. Even though such technique has been demonstrated useful and can prevent certain types of attacks, none of existing BLH works can provide probably privacy-preserving mechanisms. In this paper, we investigate the privacy of smart meters via differential privacy. We first analyze the current existing BLH methods and show that they cannot guarantee differential privacy in the BLH problem. We then propose a novel randomized BLH algorithm which successfully assures differential privacy, and further propose the Multitasking-BLH-Exp3 algorithm which adaptively updates the BLH algorithm based on the context and the constraints. Results from extensive simulations show the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method over existing BLH methods. Index Terms—Smart Grid, Smart Meter, Privacy, Differential Privacy, Data Disclosure
Stock volatility and margin trading

Abstract This study examines additions of OTC issues to the list of marginable securities and tests the hypothesis that margin trading destabilizes prices and contributes to volatility. No detrimental effects are found. Instead, evidence suggests that margin eligibility increases the flow of information and enhances depth. Though volumes are 30% larger, volatility and noise decrease with the inception of margin trading. Further, margin eligibility is valuable: increases in value of 2% occur upon the announcement of eligibility. Analysis of a small sample of margin eligibility revocations provides no evidence that tightening margin restrictions reduces volatility.
Cardiovascular anomalies in patients diagnosed with a chromosome 22q11 deletion beyond 6 months of age.

Objective. Cardiovascular anomalies are present in 75% to 80% of patients with a chromosome 22q11 deletion. In the majority of cases, the cardiovascular defect becomes evident in the neonatal period and is often the initial manifestation of the chromosome 22q11 deletion syndrome. However, a 22q11 deletion may also be associated with cardiovascular defects that are less obvious, such as a vascular ring, which may not be diagnosed until the patient is older. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and types of cardiovascular anomalies in patients diagnosed with a chromosome 22q11 deletion beyond 6 months of age. Methods. We studied 29 patients diagnosed with a chromosome 22q11 deletion at a median age of 6.2 years (9 months to 45 years) who were subsequently referred for cardiovascular evaluation. Comprehensive cardiologic evaluation was performed, with transthoracic echocardiography ( N = 28) and/or magnetic resonance imaging ( N = 6), including imaging of the aortic arch. The frequency of cardiovascular anomalies diagnosed in these patients and the need for intervention were assessed. Results. Cardiovascular anomalies were detected in 11 (38%) patients: 3 with a vascular ring formed by a right aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery and left-sided ligamentum arteriosum, 3 with a right aortic arch with mirror-image branching of the brachiocephalic arteries (no vascular ring; 1 with a patent ductus arteriosus), 4 with a left aortic arch with an aberrant right subclavian artery (no vascular ring; 1 with a patent ductus), and 1 with a left superior vena cava draining to the coronary sinus. The median age at diagnosis in these 11 patients was 3 years (9 months to 28 years). The remaining 18 patients had normal cardiovascular anatomy. All 3 patients with vascular rings subsequently underwent surgical repair, and 1 patient with a ductus arteriosus underwent transcatheter coil occlusion. Conclusions. The frequency of cardiovascular anomalies necessitating intervention in patients referred for cardiovascular evaluation after diagnosis of a chromosome 22q11 deletion beyond 6 months of age is 14% in our experience. Routine screening for cardiovascular anomalies, including echocardiography and other imaging studies to identify the laterality and branching pattern of the aortic arch, is indicated in patients diagnosed with 22q11 deletion beyond 6 months of age and is particularly critical for patients with respiratory or feeding disorders.
The origin of spectral modal noise in a fiber-coupled spectrometer

We discuss the origin of spectral modal noise in a fiber-coupled echelle spectrograph for astronomical applications. Computer simulation is used to show how the interference of optical modes in a multi-mode optical fiber leads to a periodic variation in transmission spectra, as observed experimentally.
Folks, Friends, and Foes: Relationships between Humans and Animals in Some Eastern and Western Folktales.

There is no limit to the universe, and humans' exploration of nature will never end. What is beyond the ken of our scientific knowledge, we reach with our imagination and our hearts. Whether in the East or in the West, folktales have been and will continue to be an imaginative projection of our exploration of nature and of our love and hate relationship with nature. As part of nature, animals will remain our friends and foes in our imaginary world in the centuries to come.
Late Cenozoic structure and correlations to seismicity along the Olympic-Wallowa Lineament, northwest United States

Late Cenozoic fault geometry, structure, paleoseismicity, and patterns of recent seismicity at two seismic zones along the Olympic-Wallowa lineament (OWL) of western Idaho, northeast Oregon, and southeast Washington indicate limited right-oblique slip displacement along multiple northwest-striking faults that constitute the lineament. The southern end of the OWL originates in the Long Valley fault system and western Snake River Plain in western Idaho, where it accommodates basin-and-range extension. Several kilometers west of the Long Valley fault system, post-middle Miocene displacement along the OWL has resulted in adjacent areas of uplift and subsidence. The OWL in northeast Oregon consists of a wide zone of northwest-striking faults and is associated with several large, inferred, pull-apart basins. The OWL then emerges from the Blue Mountain uplift as a much narrower zone of faults in the Columbia Plateau known as the Wallula fault zone (WFZ). Structural relationships in the WFZ strongly suggest that it is a right-slip extensional duplex. An ash horizon that correlates with the Mount St. Helens "J" composition (10.7 Ka) is displaced vertically 5 m by a normal fault along a segment of the WFZ. The intensity center for a damaging M = 6.1 earthquake in 1936 is located in the WFZ only a few kilometers northeast of this Holocene fault. Other youthful-appearing, strike-slip and thrust faults are located farther northwest along the OWL and may pose a seismic hazard to adjacent population centers and critical facilities.
Evaluation and management of acute uvular edema

Acute uvular edema is a potentially life-threatening condition with a variety of causes. Other upper airway structures, most notably the epiglottis, may also become involved, and complete or partial airway obstruction may ensue rapidly. An accurate diagnosis may be essential in establishing effective treatment.
Quantitative Frank vectorcardiograms of normal children and a comparison to those of patients with atrial defects

Abstract Frank VCG's were subjected to detailed quantitative analysis for a large group of normal children, and a tabulation of normal values is presented. The values are based on examination of the vectors in the form of x, y, and z components. For children with secundum atrial septal defects, statistically significant differences from normal children were found throughout most of the QRS. From these measurements it was determined that easily measurable scalar lead variables Sx, Ry, and Sz were highly discriminating between the two categories, and an arbitrary method was defined for placement of an individual patient's vector into either the ASD or the normal category. The results indicate that application of such statistical methods, which do not require a computer, may be useful in differentiating diagnostic categories on an individual patient basis.
The perception–action dynamics of action competency are altered by both physical and observational training

Action competency is defined as the ability of an individual to self-evaluate their own performance capabilities. The current experiment demonstrated that physical and observational training with a motor skill alters action competency ratings in a similar manner. Using a pre-test and post-test protocol, the results revealed that action competency is constrained prior to training by the intrinsic dynamics of relative phase (ϕ), with in-phase (ϕ = 0°) and anti-phase (ϕ = 180°) patterns receiving higher competency ratings than other relative phase patterns. After 2 days of training, action competency ratings for two trained relative phase patterns, +60° and +120°, increased following physical practice or observational practice. A transfer test revealed that both physical performance ability and action competency ability transferred to the symmetry partners (−60° and −120°) of the two trained relative phase patterns following physical or observational training. The findings also revealed that relative motion direction acts as categorical information that helps to organize action production and facilitate action competency. The results are interpreted based on the coordination dynamics theory of perception–action coupling, and extend this theory by showing that visual perception, action production, and action competency are all constrained in a consistent manner by the dynamics of the order parameter relative phase. As a whole, the findings revealed that relative motion, relative phase, and possibly relative amplitude information are all distinct sources of information that contribute to the emergence of a kinematic understanding of action in the nervous system.