cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can semantic knowledge influence motion correspondence

Semantic factors are presumed to have little influence on motion perception. Two experiments examined the effects of an object's semantic identity on motion correspondence using the Ternus paradigm. Motion correspondence was not influenced by whether the object depicted is typically moving or stationary, but it was influenced by the way(s) in which an object's components typically move relative to one another: perceived correspondence differed depending on whether the motion tokens constituted the feet of a person walking or the wheels of a car. Apparently, semantic knowledge can influence motion correspondence, although such influence is weak and may be restricted to certain types of semantic information. The adaptive significance of such restricted influences is considered.
Impact of Mating Type, Serotype, and Ploidy on the Virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans

Hybridization with polyploidization is a significant biological force driving evolution. The effect of combining two distinct genomes in one organism on the virulence potential of pathogenic fungi is not clear. Cryptococcus neoformans, the most common cause of fungal infection of the central nervous system, has a bipolar mating system with a and α mating types and occurs as A (haploid), D (haploid), and AD hybrid (mostly diploid) serotypes. Diploid AD hybrids are derived either from a-α mating or from unisexual mating between haploid cells. The precise contributions of increased ploidy, the effect of hybridization between serotypes A and D, and the combination of mating types to the virulence potential of AD hybrids have remained elusive. By using in vitro and in vivo characterization of laboratory-constructed isogenic diploids and AD hybrids with all possible mating type combinations in defined genetic backgrounds, we found that higher ploidy has a minor negative effect on virulence in a murine inhalation model of cryptococcosis. The presence of both mating types a and α in AD hybrids did not affect the virulence potential, irrespective of the serotype origin. Interestingly, AD hybrids with only one mating type behaved differently, with the virulence of αADα strains similar to that of other hybrids, while aADa hybrids displayed significantly lower virulence due to negative epistatic interactions between the Aa and Da alleles of the mating type locus. This study provides insights into the impact of ploidy, mating type, and serotype on virulence and the impact of hybridization on the fitness and virulence of a eukaryotic microbial pathogen.
Replication-Based Fault Tolerance for MPI Applications

As computational clusters increase in size, their mean time to failure reduces drastically. Typically, checkpointing is used to minimize the loss of computation. Most checkpointing techniques, however, require central storage for storing checkpoints. This results in a bottleneck and severely limits the scalability of checkpointing, while also proving to be too expensive for dedicated checkpointing networks and storage systems. We propose a scalable replication-based MPI checkpointing facility. Our reference implementation is based on LAM/MPI; however, it is directly applicable to any MPI implementation. We extend the existing state of fault-tolerant MPI with asynchronous replication, eliminating the need for central or network storage. We evaluate centralized storage, a Sun-X4500-based solution, an EMC storage area network (SAN), and the Ibrix commercial parallel file system and show that they are not scalable, particularly after 64 CPUs. We demonstrate the low overhead of our checkpointing and replication scheme with the NAS Parallel Benchmarks and the High-Performance LINPACK benchmark with tests up to 256 nodes while demonstrating that checkpointing and replication can be achieved with a much lower overhead than that provided by current techniques. Finally, we show that the monetary cost of our solution is as low as 25 percent of that of a typical SAN/parallel-file-system-equipped storage system.
Necrotizing lymphadenitis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may have protean manifestations, including necrotizing lymphadenitis. After describing an illustrative case, we discuss the incidence, clinical features, and pathologic findings of SLE-associated necrotizing lymphadenitis. Methods: A case of SLE associated with necrotizing lymphadenitis is reported.The patient's clinical presentation, course, and response to therapy is detailed. The literature on lupus lymphadenitis is reviewed. Results: A young man who presented with a febrile illness characterized by multifocal necrotizing lymphadenitis is described. Glomerulonephritis, meningo-encephalitis, pericarditis, and hemolytic anemia evolved. The diagnosis of SLE was based on the clinical features, positive antinuclear antibody (ANA), and characteristic renal biopsy. High dose corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide induced a complete remission. In recent series from the literature the prevalence of lymphadenopathy was 12% to 59% of patients with SLE. The most common nodal groups involved were cervical (43%), mesenteric (21 %), axillary (18%), and inguinal (17%). Lymph node pathology was characterized by paracortical foci of necrosis and infiltration by histiocytes, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and immunoblasts. The hematoxylin body, an amorphic aggregate of basophilic material, was pathognomonic of lupus lymphadenitis. The necrotizing lymphadenitis of SLE is pathologically similar to Kikuchi-Fujumoto disease (KFD), a distinctive, self-limited form of necrotizing lymphadenitis. The pathologic and clinical literature support a close link between SLE and KFD. Conclusions: SLE can be complicated by necrotizing lymphadenitis, with distinctive pathologic features. Lupus lymphadenitis and KFD share some common clinical and pathologic features, supporting a relationship between the disorders.
Abstract 5553: Development of novel selenium-NSAIDs as potential cancer therapeutics.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Several non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to be effective chemopreventive agents in both pre-clinical and clinical studies on various cancer types. Here in, we developed several selenium (Se)-NSAID hybrid molecules and evaluated their efficacy as cancer therapeutics. The rationale for introducing Se into the NSAIDs is that this redox-active trace element is an essential micronutrient and a normal component of diets with chemopreventive and anticancer properties. Our recent studies have also shown that appropriately designed organoselenium compounds exhibited promising anti-tumor properties in various preclinical cancer models. We hypothesized that the rational incorporation of Se into NSAIDs should enhance their anti-cancer properties and therefore, we synthesized 16 novel Se-NSAID hybrid agents designed by incorporating Se moieties into the structures of aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. In the first phase, a selenocyanate moiety was incorporated to these NSAIDs and screened for their cytotoxicity in various cancer cell lines. The cell viability results at 24 and 48 h showed that the introduction of this Se functionality on aspirin scaffold achieved a dramatic increase in the activity as compared to aspirin, as well as other NSAIDs or their Se hybrids. Thus, we continued optimization of aspirin with a variety of Se moieties, such as selenides and selenomethyl functionalities. Most of these compounds reduced cell viability in a dose dependent manner, while aspirin had no significant effect. Based on these studies we identified two Se-aspirin hybrid compounds; ASD-43, having a selenide functionality and ASD-49, with a selenocyanate functionality, as the most potent compounds for further development. The IC50 values after 48 h treatment in HCT116 cells were 2.5μM and 1.0 μM and in MiaPaCa-2 cells were 5.0 μM and 2.5 μM for ASD-43 and ASD-49, respectively. To further establish the cytotoxic potential of these compounds, an esterase staining (live and dead) assay was performed in colon (HCT116) and pancreatic (MiaPaCa-2) cancer cells. Treatment of ASD-43 and ASD-49 reduced cell viabilities dose dependently in both HCT116 and MiaPaCa-2 cells, while aspirin had no significant effects. In addition, both these compounds induced caspase-mediated PARP cleavage as early as 24 h in HCT116 cells. In conclusion, new Se-NSAID hybrid agents have been developed which showed a solid potential to be effective cancer therapeutics in our initial studies. Detailed results of these investigations will be presented. Citation Format: Daniel Plano, Deepkamal Karelia, Manoj Pandey, Shantu Amin, Arun K. Sharma. Development of novel selenium-NSAIDs as potential cancer therapeutics. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5553. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5553
An architecture for collaborative driving systems

Vehicle automation has progressed from systems that monitor the operation of a vehicle and assist a driver, with functions such as antilock braking and cruise control, to systems that detect the operation of adjacent vehicles, to implement emergency braking and intelligent cruise control. The next generation of systems will share sensor readings and collaborate to control braking operations by looking several cars ahead or by creating safe gaps for merging vehicles. The rules that control the interaction between automobiles are protocols.
Environmental Legionella Assessment in Office Buildings Of Continental United States

An environmental assessment of Legionella bacteria was conducted in five office buildings in the continental United States where no legionellosis was reported. The purpose of this investigation was to (i) determine the presence of Legionella bacteria in potable and non-potable water systems, (ii) provide a baseline information for management, and (iii) evaluate the effectiveness of the remedial actions taken. Water samples were collected from all possible water sources in surveyed buildings. The samples were analyzed by both direct fluorescent antibody microscopy (DFA) and the bacterial cultural method for the presence of Legionella species. Legionella bacteria were detected in some samples collected from various water distribution systems in the buildings. Remedial action was taken to eliminate these bacteria, and case-by-case results are presented.
Resistance Training Effects on Arterial Compliance in Premenopausal Women

Endurance training has been shown to increase arterial compliance; however, the effect of resistance training is unclear. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect lower body resistance training on arterial compliance in healthy premenopausal women. Methods: Thirty-two women were assigned to a resistance training group (n = 21) or a control group (n = 11). Large (C1) and small (C2) arterial compliance (Pulse Contour Analysis) were measured at baseline and after twelve weeks of training. Results: Two-way (group × time) repeated measured ANOVA did not detect significant group, time effects or group × time interactions for small arterial compliance (P > 0.05). There was a significant time effect for large arterial compliance (P < 0.05), which increased in both groups. Conclusions: In contrast to previous studies in men, which found decrease in arterial compliance with resistance training, no decrease in arterial compliance was observed.
“Just Like I'm Saving Money in the Bank”: Client Perspectives on Care Coordination Services

Older adults face many challenges to community living. The literature has not sufficiently explored the roles of care coordination in the maintenance of housing and access to health care among older adults, particularly from their own perspectives. This qualitative study analyzes the findings from 25 interviews and 6 focus group discussions (48 participants) with a multiethnic sample of older adults in the New York City area. Care coordination services appear to assist older adults access health care, and to a lesser extent, maintain affordable housing. Disparities in access to care coordination appear to remain for immigrant, minority and suburban populations.
Serine/arginine-rich splicing factors belong to a class of intrinsically disordered proteins

Serine/arginine-rich (SR) splicing factors play an important role in constitutive and alternative splicing as well as during several steps of RNA metabolism. Despite the wealth of functional information about SR proteins accumulated to-date, structural knowledge about the members of this family is very limited. To gain a better insight into structure-function relationships of SR proteins, we performed extensive sequence analysis of SR protein family members and combined it with ordered/disordered structure predictions. We found that SR proteins have properties characteristic of intrinsically disordered (ID) proteins. The amino acid composition and sequence complexity of SR proteins were very similar to those of the disordered protein regions. More detailed analysis showed that the SR proteins, and their RS domains in particular, are enriched in the disorder-promoting residues and are depleted in the order-promoting residues as compared to the entire human proteome. Moreover, disorder predictions indicated that RS domains of SR proteins were completely unstructured. Two different classification methods, the charge-hydropathy measure and the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the disorder scores, were in agreement with each other, and they both strongly predicted members of the SR protein family to be disordered. This study emphasizes the importance of the disordered structure for several functions of SR proteins, such as for spliceosome assembly and for interaction with multiple partners. In addition, it demonstrates the usefulness of order/disorder predictions for inferring protein structure from sequence.
The U─Zr─C Ternary Phase Diagram above 2473 K

The U─Zr─C tertnary phase diagram is optimized by graphical and numerical curve fitting of self-consistent thermodynamic and phase diagram data reported in the literature. The system is described from 2473 to 3693 K using isothermal ternary phase diagrams. The solidus and liquidus curves of the UxZr1−xCy solid solution were estimated from combined thermodynamic and phase diagram data. The solidus and liquidus curves in the ternary system were calculated using a modified form of a free-energy minimization method developed by Rudy and Chang. The calculated curves agree with experimental data.
A Review of Microbiological Aspects of Poultry Processing

(1971). A Review of Microbiological Aspects of Poultry Processing. World's Poultry Science Journal: Vol. 27, No. 3, pp. 223-240.
Retooling the Creatinine Clearance Equation to Estimate Kinetic GFR when the Plasma Creatinine Is Changing Acutely

It is often desirable to estimate the GFR (eGFR) at the bedside to assess AKI or renal recovery. Current eGFR equations estimate kidney function when the plasma creatinine is stable, but do not work if the plasma creatinine is changing rapidly. To analyze kidney function in the acute setting, a simple formula is proposed that requires only a modest number of inputs that are readily obtainable from clinical laboratory data. The so-called kinetic eGFR (KeGFR) formula is derived from the initial creatinine content, volume of distribution, creatinine production rate, and the quantitative difference between consecutive plasma creatinines over a given time. For that period, the deciphered creatinine excretion then yields the creatinine clearance rate. The additional formula variables needed are any steady-state plasma creatinine, the corresponding eGFR by an empirical formula, and the maximum increase in creatinine per day if anuric. The kinetic formula complements clinical intuition but also adds a quantitative and visual dimension to the assessment of kidney function, demonstrated by its analysis of GFRs underlying the plasma creatinine fluctuations in several scenarios of AKI or renal recovery. Deduced from first principles regarding the physiology of creatinine balance, the KeGFR formula enhances the fundamental clearance equation with the power and versatility to estimate the kidney function when the plasma creatinine is varying acutely.
Locating the DJ: Black Popular Music, Location and Fields of Cultural Production

Extending Bourdieu’s work, this paper introduces the concept of location as a supplement to the concepts of position and disposition in understanding how strategies are enacted in cultural fields. To illustrate my argument, this paper is organized into four sections. First, the applicability and extension of Bourdieu’s theory of cultural production is discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on illustrating how the concept of location adopts an intersubjective understanding of reflexivity in order to address some of the limitations of Bourdieu’s concepts of position, disposition and strategy. Second, two different strategies of legitimation (crowd pleasing and crowd commanding) adopted by DJs within the field are outlined. Third, the importance of location in the use of these strategies in the field of black popular music-making is illustrated. Finally, this paper concludes by summarizing the key dimensions of the concept of location and suggesting how the concept has broader applicability in other cultur...
Compound 21 is pro-angiogenic in the brain and results in sustained recovery after ischemic stroke.

Introduction Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) stimulation is neuroprotective after experimental stroke. However, the therapeutic utility of AT2R stimulation has been hampered by the lack of a specific agonist with favourable bioavailability. Compound 21 (C21) - the first non-peptide AT2R agonist - offers a potential option to enhance stroke recovery. This study aimed to investigate the effect of C21 administration on early and late stroke outcomes, and the molecular mediators involved. Methods Rats were subjected to 3 h or 90 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and randomized to intraperitoneal C21 (0.03 mg/kg) or saline at reperfusion. Animals were sacrificed at 24 h or 7 days and brains were collected for molecular analysis and immunostaining, respectively. Functional outcome at days 1, 4 and 7 was assessed blindly. C21 angiogenic potential was assessed in vitro. Results After 3 h of MCAO, C21 treatment reduced infarct size and improved behavioural outcome at 24 h without affecting blood pressure. Co-administration of the AT2R antagonist (PD123319) blocked these effects. On the molecular level, C21 decreased brain haemoglobin content, down-regulated apoptotic and oxidative markers, and increased pro-survival molecules in the brain. After 90 min of MCAO, C21 treatment resulted in sustained functional improvement at 7 days, together with increased vascular density in the ischemic penumbra. In vitro, C21 showed a pro-angiogenic effect that was blocked with brain-derived neurotrophic factor neutralization. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that a single dose of C21 is neurovascular-protective and improves stroke outcome possibly through increasing neurotrophin activity, mitigating brain inflammation, and promoting antioxidant and pro-angiogenic effects.
Pediatric Palliative Care Instruction for Residents: An Introduction to IPPC

A 1-day training event for pediatric residents with interdisciplinary staff was held, which was modeled after the Initiative for Pediatric Palliative Care (IPPC). Training included relational communication, cultural humility, pain-symptom management, family-centered care, team problem solving, and strategic planning using didactic, small group, and plenary platforms. Two bereaved parents were co-learners and trainers. Twenty-six interdisciplinary staff participated. A positive impact was measured in new knowledge gained, value in collaborative learning with health care professionals and families, and ability to work with professionals outside participants' own unit. Confidence to advocate for improved pediatric palliative care was also noted. The IPPC curriculum is easily adapted for resident education. Incorporating family members as co-learners and teachers is valuable. Advocacy for pediatric palliative care may follow this type of experience.
Spherulitic Morphology and Thermal Stability of PP/ZnO Nanocomposites

Polypropylene nanocomposites were prepared using zinc oxide as the filler by melt mixing process. Nanocomposites were also prepared using maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene and methylated-zinc oxide using the same method. The samples were analyzed for observing changes in morphology and thermal stability using various characterizing instruments. The results showed that zinc oxide induced changes in the morphology and thermal stability of polypropylene, though by varying amounts depending on the type of nanocomposite prepared. The nanocomposites prepared from g-PP and methylated zinc oxide showed significant changes in crystallization temperature, decomposition temperature and residue formed upon decomposition, as compared to the rest of the composites or control samples. This was attributed to higher degree of interaction existing at the interphase between the organic and inorganic phases for these nanocomposites.
Structures of the nucleoid occlusion protein SlmA bound to DNA and the C-terminal domain of the cytoskeletal protein FtsZ.

Cell division in most prokaryotes is mediated by FtsZ, which polymerizes to create the cytokinetic Z ring. Multiple FtsZ-binding proteins regulate FtsZ polymerization to ensure the proper spatiotemporal formation of the Z ring at the division site. The DNA-binding protein SlmA binds to FtsZ and prevents Z-ring formation through the nucleoid in a process called “nucleoid occlusion” (NO). As do most FtsZ-accessory proteins, SlmA interacts with the conserved C-terminal domain (CTD) that is connected to the FtsZ core by a long, flexible linker. However, SlmA is distinct from other regulatory factors in that it must be DNA-bound to interact with the FtsZ CTD. Few structures of FtsZ regulator–CTD complexes are available, but all reveal the CTD bound as a helix. To deduce the molecular basis for the unique SlmA–DNA–FtsZ CTD regulatory interaction and provide insight into FtsZ–regulator protein complex formation, we determined structures of Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholera, and Klebsiella pneumonia SlmA–DNA–FtsZ CTD ternary complexes. Strikingly, the FtsZ CTD does not interact with SlmA as a helix but binds as an extended conformation in a narrow, surface-exposed pocket formed only in the DNA-bound state of SlmA and located at the junction between the DNA-binding and C-terminal dimer domains. Binding studies are consistent with the structure and underscore key interactions in complex formation. Combined, these data reveal the molecular basis for the SlmA–DNA–FtsZ interaction with implications for SlmA’s NO function and underscore the ability of the FtsZ CTD to adopt a wide range of conformations, explaining its ability to bind diverse regulatory proteins.
Transient Characteristics of UHVDC Converter Valve under Non-Periodic Firing Condition

The ±800 kV/4 750 A ultra-high voltage direct current(UHVDC) converter valve with independent intellectual property rights has passed type test.The saturated reactor is one of the series protection components for thyristors in HVDC converter valve.Further studies on saturated reactors are important for UHVDC converter valve reliability improvement.The turn-on process and electrical stresses of thyristors are studied under non-periodic firing condition.The impacts of several electrical parameters,such as iron core inductance and dynamic characteristic of equivalent eddy current resistance,on saturated reactor turn-on stress are analyzed.Based on the coordination between the saturated reactor and the converter valve,an electrical design method for saturated reactor is proposed.Simulation results prove that the proposed saturated reactor can protect the thyristor and restrict both its peak inrush current and current variation within withstand limits under non-periodic firing condition.
Study on the Location of Urban Hotels Based on the Theory of Industrial Spatial Organization and the Method of Spatial Econometrics

Location is an important traditional study area as well as the important affecting factors of investment and operation in hospitality industry.Domestic and foreign researches on the location of urban hotels are still based on the traditional theory of location and traditional statistical methods,seriously lagging behind the lastest development of location theory and measuring methods.In the paper,the authors point out that frontier theory of industrial spatial organization and methods of spatial measurement should be integrated and their underlying mechanism and regulation should be re-examined.These will not only make important breakthroughs in specific study area,but also have important academic significance in methodological level(integration of theory and methods of spatial relations) and interdisciplinary level(promoting cross and dialogue between geography and economics).Future research orientations include: spatial fluctuations of urban hospitality industry,spatial distribution simulation of urban hotels,spatial interaction of urban hotels,optimal positioning of urban hotels under multi-dimensional decision-making and government involvement that affects the location choice of urban hotels(urban planning,property system and competitions among local governments).
Interleukin-2 Immunotherapy Followed by Resection of Residual Renal Cell Carcinoma

We administered 10 (E5) units per kg. interleukin-2, 3 times daily, with or without lymphokine-activated killer cells, to 10 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. All patients had metastases to the lung, and 3 of 5 patients who had previously undergone nephrectomy had metastases to the renal fossa. Of the 9 patients who completed at least 1 course of therapy 3 had complete regression of disease outside the abdomen, including 2 who were rendered disease-free after subsequent cytoreductive surgery (nephrectomy in 1 and resection of the renal fossa recurrence in 1). Viable tumor comprised less than 1% of each surgical specimen. Our results support the view that initial treatment with interleukin-2 immunotherapy, followed by abdominal cytoreductive surgery if the peripheral metastases have regressed, may be preferable to the practice of performing abdominal cytoreductive surgery before administering interleukin-2 immunotherapy for patients with widely metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Revolution of 3D printing technology and application of Six Sigma methodologies to optimize the output quality characteristics

The term 3D printing covers a host of processes and technologies that offer a full spectrum of capabilities for the production of parts and products using different materials. This paper talks about the revolution of 3D printing in the present world. It talks about the reasons why 3D printing is rapidly surfacing in many small and large scale industries. The benefits are discussed as how this new technology replaces traditional manufacturing. Competition will drive the market forward, and over time the barriers will come down. History has shown that once a disruption starts, adoption occurs much faster than anyone can imagine. In the context of Additive manufacturing using 3D printers, there is a need of identifying optimal settings of quality characteristic parameters to provide the best solutions by offering least cycle times, high strength, flexibility, machinability, etc. Amongst many statistical approaches to improve the process, DMAIC Six Sigma methodology is used to identify the optimal parameter setting that can result in producing parts with desired tensile strengths. The framework is based on Taguchi design which has been developed as the case study and successfully demonstrated to optimize the output of the quality characteristics of 3D printed parts. An orthogonal array L9 (34) is used in Taguchi experiment design for four controllable factors and one non-controllable/noise factor.
Cultivating a Reflective Stance

This was a conversation between two new teachers as they engaged in a peer conference about their own portfolios under construction. Anyone listening in to this conversation would probably agree that these teachers were involved in reflective thinking. Faced with a moment of uncertainty, they searched for answers that would settle their doubt. Chloe’s analogy about reflection to novels points to one of the desired outcomes of reflection—that it leads to transformation or change. But if the target of our reflection is our teaching practice, not a novel, does reflection always lead to transformative outcomes?
Modifying Spin Injection Characteristics in the Co/Alq3 System by Using a Molecular Self-Assembled Monolayer

We present the results of experiments that explore the influence of molecular self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on characteristics of spin injection into an organic semiconductor, Alq3 [tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum], from a ferromagnetic metal, Co. Two different SAMs, MHA (16-mercaptohexadeconic acid, HS(CH2)15CO2H) and ODT (1-octadecanethiol, CH3(CH2)17SH), are inserted between Alq3 and Co layers, and their effects on electronic structure hybridization and related changes in energy levels and spin-dependent properties at the interface are investigated. X-ray photoelectron measurements of the surface structure for the MHA, ODT, and Alq3 organic layers provide bonding and chemical conformational information. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) measurements reveal that both MHA and ODT treatments lower the work function of Co. X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) spectra imply that SAMs reduce the hybridization between Co and Alq3, and furthermore, they enhance the spin magnetic moment of Co.
Combined Cycle Engine Cascades Achieving High Efficiency

Two combined cycle engine cascade concepts are presented in this paper. The first uses a traditional open loop gas turbine engine (Brayton cycle) with a combustor as the topping cycle and a series of supercritical carbon dioxide (S–CO2) engines as intermediate cycles and a bottoming cycle. A global optimization of the engine design parameters was conducted to maximize the combined efficiency of all of the engines. A combined cycle efficiency of 65.0% is predicted. The second combined cycle configuration utilizes a fuel cell inside of the topping cycle in addition to a combustor. The fuel cell utilizes methane fuel. The waste heat from the fuel cell is used to heat the high pressure air. A combustor is also used to burn the excess fuel not usable by the fuel cell. After being heated, the high pressure, high temperature air expands through a turbine to atmospheric pressure. The low pressure, intermediate temperature exhaust air is then used to power a cascade of supercritical carbon dioxide engines. A combined efficiency of 73.1% using the fuel lower heating value is predicted with this combined fuel cell and heat engine device. Details of thermodynamics as well as the (S–CO2) engines are given.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Role of statins in delirium prevention in critical ill and cardiac surgery patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background The data evaluating the role of statins in delirium prevention in the intensive care unit are conflicting and limited. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature from 1975 to 2015. All English-language adult studies evaluating delirium incidence in statin and statin nonusers were included and studies without a control group were excluded. Mantel-Haenszel model was used to calculate pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was defined as CI not including unity and P value less than .05. Results Of a total 57 identified studies, 6 were included. The studies showed high heterogeneity (I2 = 73%) for all and moderate for cardiac surgery studies (I2 = 55%). Of 289 773 patients, statins were used in 22 292 (7.7%). Cardiac surgery was performed in 4382 (1.5%) patients and 2321 (53.0%) used statins. Delirium was noted in 710 (3.2%) and 3478 (1.3%) of the patients in the statin and nonstatin groups, respectively, with no difference between groups in the total cohort (RR, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.85-1.29]; P = .56) or in cardiac surgery patients (RR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.68-1.56]; P = .89). Conclusions In critically ill and cardiac surgery patients, this meta-analysis did not show a benefit with statin therapy in the prevention of delirium.
Decrystallization of Crystals Using Gold "Nano-Bullets" and the Metal-Assisted and Microwave-Accelerated Decrystallization Technique.

Gout is caused by the overproduction of uric acid and the inefficient metabolism of dietary purines in humans. Current treatments of gout, which include anti-inflammatory drugs, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, and systemic glucocorticoids, have harmful side-effects. Our research laboratory has recently introduced an innovative approach for the decrystallization of biological and chemical crystals using the Metal-Assisted and Microwave-Accelerated Evaporative Decrystallization (MAMAD) technique. In the MAMAD technique, microwave energy is used to heat and activate gold nanoparticles that behave as “nano-bullets” to rapidly disrupt the crystal structure of biological crystals placed on planar surfaces. In this study, crystals of various sizes and compositions were studied as models for tophaceous gout at different stages (i.e., uric acid as small crystals (~10–100 μm) and l-alanine as medium (~300 μm) and large crystals (~4400 μm). Our results showed that the use of the MAMAD technique resulted in the reduction of the size and number of uric acid and l-alanine crystals up to >40% when exposed to intermittent microwave heating (up to 20 W power at 8 GHz) in the presence of 20 nm gold nanoparticles up to 120 s. This study demonstrates that the MAMAD technique can be potentially used as an alternative therapeutic method for the treatment of gout by effective decrystallization of large crystals, similar in size to those that often occur in gout.
Pharmacological Rescue of Long-Term Potentiation in Alzheimer Diseased Synapses.

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is an activity-dependent and persistent increase in synaptic transmission. Currently available techniques to measure LTP are time-intensive and require highly specialized expertise and equipment, and thus are not well suited for screening of multiple candidate treatments, even in animal models. To expand and facilitate the analysis of LTP, here we use a flow cytometry-based method to track chemically induced LTP by detecting surface AMPA receptors in isolated synaptosomes: fluorescence analysis of single-synapse long-term potentiation (FASS-LTP). First, we demonstrate that FASS-LTP is simple, sensitive, and models electrically induced LTP recorded in intact circuitries. Second, we conducted FASS-LTP analysis in two well-characterized Alzheimer9s disease (AD) mouse models (3xTg and Tg2576) and, importantly, in cryopreserved human AD brain samples. By profiling hundreds of synaptosomes, our data provide the first direct evidence to support the idea that synapses from AD brain are intrinsically defective in LTP. Third, we used FASS-LTP for drug evaluation in human synaptosomes. Testing a panel of modulators of cAMP and cGMP signaling pathways, FASS-LTP identified vardenafil and Bay-73–6691 (phosphodiesterase-5 and -9 inhibitors, respectively) as potent enhancers of LTP in synaptosomes from AD cases. These results indicate that our approach could provide the basis for protocols to study LTP in both healthy and diseased human brains, a previously unattainable goal. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Learning and memory depend on the ability of synapses to strengthen in response to activity. Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a rapid and persistent increase in synaptic transmission that is thought to be affected in Alzheimer9s disease (AD). However, direct evidence of LTP deficits in human AD brain has been elusive, primarily due to methodological limitations. Here, we analyze LTP in isolated synapses from AD brain using a novel approach that allows testing LTP in cryopreserved brain. Our analysis of hundreds of synapses supports the idea that AD-diseased synapses are intrinsically defective in LTP. Further, we identified pharmacological agents that rescue LTP in AD, thus opening up a new avenue for drug screening and evaluation of strategies for alleviating memory impairments.
Nano-additive Reinforcement of Thermoplastic Microballoon Epoxy Syntactic Foams

Syntactic foams comprised of glass microballoons have gained considerable attention over the past several years due to mechanical and thermal properties that are advantageous for use as a core material in naval and aerospace applications. Recently, advancements in the production of thermoplastic microballoon syntactic foams have allowed for an increase in microballoon volume fraction (up to 90 volume fraction), with corresponding lower densities but reduced mechanical properties. In this work, carbon nanofibers and halloysite nanotubes were incorporated in thermoplastic microballoon-based syntactic foam to enhances its mechanical properties, and the effects of these two nanoscale reinforcements are compared. X-Ray micro-computed tomography (MCT) was employed to analyze the microstructure of the materials produced, and scanning electron microscopy was used to assess the dispersion of nano-additives within the resin. Through characterization of the tensile and compressive strength properties of these materials, it was observed that dramatic mechanical property enhancements can be engineered through additions of either nano-additive at specific loading levels.
Intelligent Mitigation in Multilevel Feedback Queues

The performance of Multi-Level Feedback Queues (MLFQ) has been explored as a mechanism for allocating CPU time in a multiprogramming operating systems. MLFQ-based systems have the advantage of not requiring data to be saved and updated for each process after each burst of CPU time. Thus, the overhead computation time to run the scheduling algorithm is small. But MLFQs along with other algorithms risk starvation of those processes needing large CPU bursts, which drop down to the lowest-priority queue(N) of the stack of queues. This research extends previous work investigating the safety of reallocating a small quantity of CPU time from higher-priority queues to the final queue in order to prevent starvation called MLFQ-No Starvation (MLFQ-NS). This research explores an extension of MLFQ-NS with the new idea of Intelligent Mitigation (MLFQ-IM) which redirects time not just to the final queue Qn, but also to Qn-1, which is studied through simulation to understand its effectiveness and safety in reallocating a percentage of CPU time to the two lowest priority queues Queue(N) and Queue(N-1) when under heavy load, at and exceeding the maximum CPU processing capacity.
Modeling the response of dielectric slabs on ground planes using CW focused millimeter waves

We present a novel non-iterative model based on ray analysis to characterize non-metallic, weak dielectric objects (like threat objects) on the surface of a highly conducting background (like the human body) using a focused continuous millimeter-wave sensor. For a simple constant thickness dielectric slab on a ground plane, there are five primary scattering phenomena that must be considered.
Diarrhea of Travelers (Emporiatric Enteritis)

Travelers from certain industrialized countries who visit less well-developed areas, particularly areas with reduced levels of food hygiene and water sanitation, run a special risk of developing diarrhea. Thoughts of how to prevent the common problem or how best to treat it occupy the minds of nearly all travelers. The economic aspects of travelers’ diarrhea are profound. Considering that $45 billion per year is spent by persons crossing national boundaries, that a high percentage of travelers develop troublesome diarrhea which often modifies the travel itinerary, and that nearly everyone purchases drugs to prevent or treat the disorder, the overall cost to the traveler is great. The economic implications to developing countries are of even greater importance. It has been projected that by the early 1980s, persons from various regions will spend $100 billion in foreign travel.’ If the current travel trends continue, 80% of these dollars will be spent in travel to Canada, Japan, and western Europe, while only 20% will be spent in the developing areas where economic support is needed the most. If the threat of diarrhea could be lessened, greater travel to Latin America, Africa, and Asia undoubtedly would be stimulated. A great deal of new information recently has become available in this area, and many researchers in the field are encouraged about the future.
Predicting child protective services (CPS) involvement among low-income U.S. families with young children receiving nutritional assistance

This exploratory study examines combinations of income-tested welfare benefits and earnings, as they relate to the likelihood of child maltreatment investigations among low-income families with young children participating in a nutritional assistance program in one U.S. state (Wisconsin). Using a sample of 1065 parents who received the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits in late 2010 and early 2011, we find that relying on either work in the absence of other means-tested welfare benefits, or a combination of work and welfare benefits, reduces the likelihood of CPS involvement compared to parents who rely on welfare benefits in the absence of work. Additionally, we find that housing instability increases the risk of CPS involvement in this population. The findings from this investigation may be useful to programs serving low-income families with young children, as they attempt to identify safety net resources for their clientele.
Radiation-induced swelling and radiation-induced segregation & precipitation in dual beam irradiated Ferritic/Martensitic HT9 steel

Abstract Ferritic/Martensitic HT9 steel was irradiated at 432 °C to 16.6 displacements per atom (dpa) (at the depth of 600 nm) using a defocused beam of 5 MeV Fe++ ions, while co-implanted with 3.22 appm He at the same depth. The helium concentration profile was designed so to follow the damage curve with a 0.22 appm He/dpa ratio at the depth from 300 to 1000 nm in the material. The depth-dependence of the cavity size and number density were characterized by both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging methods. A comparison between the two techniques was done showing good agreement. Cavity number density and the resulting swelling were found to be suppressed by the injected interstitial effect in the vicinity of the ion induced damage peak. The region between 300 and 750 nm depth which excludes the injected interstitial effect was thus proposed for improved cavity swelling analysis. The swelling ratio in this region was found to be ~(0.86–1.02) × 10− 2%/dpa. In addition, ChemiSTEM characterization revealed radiation-induced segregation occurring throughout the irradiated region and precipitation of G-phase particles. Segregation of Ni to cavity surfaces was also observed and its possible synergistic influence on swelling was discussed.
Approximation by measure-preserving homeomorphisms

Theorem i. l_~f T is an invertlble, measurable, and ~-preservlng transformation of X (that is, T: X-~X is l-l, onto, and ~(T-1E) = /~ (EJ = ix (TE# whenever E i_~s /%-measurablej, then for each c ~ 0 there exists a j~-preserving homeomorohism S o_~f X onto itself such that S is equal t_~o T except on a set of measure less than ~, and S i_~s equal two the identity outside some compact r-cell contained in M.
Cityscape quality and resource manipulation affect natural enemy biodiversity in and fidelity to urban agroecosystems

Complex landscapes with high resource availability can support more diverse natural enemy communities and better natural pest control by providing resources and facilitating organism dispersal. Moreover, in agricultural landscapes, local agroecosystem management can support biodiversity maintenance and pest control by adding resources in less complex landscapes with fewer resources. However, we lack an understanding of how local and landscape factors interact to affect natural enemy communities and their site fidelity to agroecosystems in urban landscapes (i.e., cityscapes). To better understand how local and landscape factors influence natural enemies in urban agroecosystems, we used urban community gardens as a model system to test if and how local resource manipulation and differences in cityscape quality affect natural enemy (ladybird beetles, parasitoid wasps) communities and their fidelity to urban habitats. We performed two manipulations. First, we added local floral resources in 6 of 12 gardens situated in different cityscapes to measure differences in natural enemy biodiversity. Second, in those 12 gardens, with and without resource additions, we manipulated populations of a common natural enemy, Hippodamia convergens, to assess fidelity to the gardens. Floral resource additions increased parasitoid abundance and changed community composition, but had little effect on ladybeetle abundance, richness or site fidelity. Rather, ladybeetle fidelity to gardens was lower in gardens in low quality cityscapes with high impervious cover. Cityscape quality influences natural enemies in and fidelity to gardens. Landscape-moderated biodiversity patterns observed in rural landscapes likely differ from urban contexts with implications for pest control.
The politics of place: Presidential voting patterns and providers' prescription of emergency contraception

Abstract Objective The most effective forms of emergency contraception (EC) require a prescription or a medical procedure; therefore, provider willingness to offer EC remains critical to patient access. This study seeks to assess whether political alignment of a provider's county is associated with provider attitudes and behaviors regarding EC. Study design We analyzed survey data collected from 1313 healthcare providers from February 2013 to April 2014 at 14 academic medical centers in the United States. Using logistic regression, we estimated associations between the county political alignment of a provider's practice and his or her EC-related beliefs and practices: 1) if the provider is aware of the most effective EC methods; 2) if knowing that a hypothetical EC method prevented implantation would make a provider less likely to prescribe that method because of personal ethical or religious reasons; and 3) if the provider prescribes any form of EC in his or her practice. Results In multivariate models, a one percentage-point increase in county Republican vote share was associated with a 2.9% decrease in the odds of a provider prescribing EC, after accounting for provider knowledge and attitudes about EC. Conclusions EC provides a critical last chance to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, yet women living in Republican-leaning counties may face difficulty obtaining EC from healthcare providers. Programs seeking to improve access to EC should focus on areas likely to have fewer providers willing to prescribe EC, which may be those that are more Republican-leaning. Implications The most effective forms of emergency contraception require a prescription or a medical procedure; therefore, provider willingness to offer EC remains critical to patient access. Women living in Republican-leaning counties may face difficulty obtaining emergency contraception from healthcare providers.