cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
bHLH factors in muscle development: dead lines and commitments, what to leave in and what to leave out.

In recent years, skeletal muscle has become an important model for understanding the mechanisms that regulate tissue-specific gene expression. The formation of skeletal muscle during embryogenesis involves commitment of mesodermal progenitors to the myogenic lineage and subsequent differentiation of skeletal myoblasts into terminally differentiated myotubes. Like many cell types, skeletal myoblasts do not express markers of terminal differentiation until they are forced to exit the cell cycle in response to environmental cues. Growth factor signals play a central role in regulating the program for muscle-specific transcription by maintaining myoblasts in a proliferative state that is nonpermissive for the expression of muscle-specific genes. Analysis of the mechanisms that regulate muscle differentiation in tissue culture led to the discovery of the four skeletal muscle-specific regulatory factors, MyoD (Davis et al. 1987), myogenin (Edmondson and Olson 1989; Wright et al. 1989), Myf5 (Braun et al. 1989a), and MRF4 (Rhodes and Konieczny 1989; Miner and Wold 1990; Braun et al. 1990), each of which can activate skeletal muscle gene transcription when expressed ectopically in a variety of nonmuscle cell types. Although many mammalian cell type-specific transcription factors have been identified, the myogenic factors are unique in their abilities to orchestrate an entire program of tissuespecific transcription when introduced into diverse cell types. This activity led to the notion that these factors function as master regulators of muscle cell fate during development. However, recent studies in which these genes have been inactivated through homologous recombination in transgenic mice have resulted in surprising phenotypes (or lack thereof) and have necessitated a reevaluation of the potential roles of these factors in the control of determination and differentiation in the myogenic lineage. Here, we review the models that emerged from studies of the myogenic factors in tissue culture and reconsider the potential functions of these factors in the embryo in light of recent gene-targeting experiments. For more comprehensive reviews on the control of muscle gene expression, the reader is referred to several recent reviews (Olson 1990, 1993; Weintraub et al. 1991; Buckingham 1992; Sassoon 1992; Emerson 1993; Wright 1992).
The Expression of an Aquaporin Promoter from Mesembryanthemum crystallinum in Tobacco

The promoter region of the MipB gene encoding an aquaporin from Mesembryanthemum crystallinum was isolated and used in a transcriptional fusion to control uidA expression in tobacco. The sequence of the promoter was determined for 2 kb upstream of the translation initiation site. Three start sites were utilized with approximately equal frequency, located 176, 170, and 161 bases, respectively, upstream of the translation initiation site. As judged by analysis of GUS expression, promoter MipB retains its specificity in transgenic tobacco. In germinating seedlings, all cells showed GUS expression of different intensities with the strongest signals in root meristems. In older seedlings, GUS staining was observed in rapidly expanding cells— root and apical meristem, and lateral root primordia. In mature plants, strong GUS activity was located to glandular trichomes, subepidermal cells of the stem and petioles, to cells surrounding vascular tissues as well as in xylem parenchyma cells. In immature floral organs, GUS expression was strong in sepals, petals, stamen, and pistil. The intensity declined as they matured. In general, this promoter was active in rapidly expanding cells and cells with high water flux capacity, especially in the xylem parenchyma.
Quantifying simulation output variability using confidence intervals and statistical process control

Two types of variability can occur in model output: variability between replications and variability within each replication. The objective of the model combined with the type of output variability determines which tool is more appropriate for output analysis. Many output analysis techniques are used to translate simulation model results into a format that answers the model objective. This paper compares two tools for output analysis: confidence intervals and statistical process control. Each tool quantifies a different type of variation from the model results. As such, statistical process control is applied beyond monitoring the consistency of run data. A supply chain example with one factory, multiple parts, and multiple distribution centers is used throughout the paper to illustrate these concepts.
System engineering-the basis for management of engineering and technology

The newly formed National Council on System Engineering (NCOSE) is attempting to improve the practice of system engineering and stimulate the education and training of qualified individuals who can enter this practice. The author summarizes the history and fundamentals of system engineering that have been discussed by the NCOSE membership. The basic paradigm of system engineering-(1) to define functions (F) to be performed, (2) to specify measurable and testable requirements (R) describing how well each function must be performed, and (3) to conduct tradeoff studies among possible alternative solutions (A)-is a formalized method of common problem solving. Most popular management techniques are variations of this basic three-step process. It is concluded that understanding the application of these basic three Steps (F-R-A) is essential to evaluating alternative management processes for use in technical program management. >
INVESTIGATING THE UTILITY OF THE FILM WAR ZONE IN THE PREVENTION OF STREET HARASSMENT

Street harassment, the act of sexual harassment by strangers in public, is a common experience shared by many women. This paper reports the first experimental evaluation of the impact of a popular documentary-style film, War Zone, on men’s attitudes toward street harassment and empathy for women who experience it. The sample was an ethnically diverse group of undergraduate men attending an urban university (N = 98). Given the film’s primary focus on women’s perspectives and the relation of street harassment to rape, we predicted the film would decrease acceptance of street harassment and increase empathy toward women who experience street harassment. We did not find support for these main effects. Hostility toward women, however, was negatively related to cognitive empathy and feelings of distress following the film, and hostility toward women moderated the effect of film condition on distress. Peer acceptance predicted greater self-acceptance of street harassment. Implications for future street harassment research and prevention strategies are discussed. Street harassment, sexual harassment by strangers in public, is an experience shared by so many women that it is an expected part of womanhood (Bowman, 1993; Gardner, 1995). Street harassment includes catcalls, whistles, and sexual gestures and comments. It shares defining features with sexual assault: Targets are most often women, initiators are most often men, and targets are forced to endure the often degrading, objectifying, and threatening behavior (Bowman, 1993; Lenton, Smith, Fox, & Morra, 1999; Quina, 1990). Compared to other forms of sexual victimization,thephenomenonofstreetharassmentisunderstudied. This paper reports findings from an experimental examination of whether a popular film, War Zone (Hadleigh-West, 1998), affects men’s acceptance of street harassment and empathy for women who experience street harassment and whether theseimpactsaremoderated bypeer attitudesand hostility toward women.
Defining Recovery and Detecting when IT Occurs

ABSTRACT We define recovery of a biological resource as occurring when the injured resource reaches the state it would have been, had the impact not occurred. The recovery process, and natural spatial and temporal variation affect the abundance of an injured resource and will confound to either delay or accelerate detection of recovery. The effects of natural variation can be reduced by sampling design and statistical analyses, both of which remove potentially confounding influences of temporal and spatial variation. Reference areas are useful when they respond in the same way as the impacted areas to changes in climate and anthropogenic influences. Historical data and time series data collected after the impact event are useful for detecting recovery and for assessing ecological assumptions implied in statistical analyses. Corroborative evidence from co-occurring studies of toxicity and chemistry, and supplementary data on regional changes in climate and abundance can be useful for assessing recovery. Ex...
Cytoplasmic Free Calcium, Myosin Light Chain Phosphorylation, and Force in Phasic and Tonic Smooth Muscle

The time course of [Ca2+]i, tension, and myosin light chain phosphorylation were determined during prolonged depolarization with high K+ in intact tonic (rabbit pulmonary artery) and phasic (longitudinal layer of guinea pig ileum) smooth muscles. [Ca2+]i was monitored with the 340 nm/380 nm signal ratio of the fluorescent indicator fura-2. The fluorescence ratio had a similar time course in both muscle types during depolarization with 109 mM [K+]o; after a transient peak, there was a decline to 70% of its peak value in tonic smooth muscle, and to 60% in phasic smooth muscle. Tension, however, continued to increase in the pulmonary artery, while in the ileum it declined in parallel with the [Ca2+]i. On changing [K+]o from 109 to 20 mM, tension and [Ca2+]i either remained unchanged or declined in parallel in the pulmonary artery. Phosphorylation of the 20-kD myosin light chain, measured during stimulation of muscle strips with 109 mM [K+]o in another set of experiments, increased from 3% to a peak of 50% in the intact pulmonary artery, and then declined to a steady state value of 23%. In the intact ileum, a very rapid, early transient phosphorylation (up to 50%) at 2-3 s was seen. This transient declined by 30 s to a value that was close to the resting level (7%), while tension remained at 55% of its peak force. A quick release during maintained stimulation induced no detectable change in the [Ca2+]i in either type of smooth muscle. We discuss the possibility that the slowly rising tonic tension in pulmonary artery could be due to cooperativity between phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated crossbridges.
Micro time cost analysis of parallel computations

The authors investigate the modeling and analysis of time cost behavior of parallel computations. It is assumed parallel computations reside in a computer system in which there is a limited number of processors, all the processors have the same speed, and they communicate with each other through a shared memory. It has been found that the time costs of parallel computations depend on the input, the algorithm, the data structure, the processor speed, the number of processors, the processing power allocation, the communication, the execution overhead, and the execution environment. The authors define time costs of parallel computations as a function of the first seven factors as listed. The computation structure model is modified to describe the impact of these seven factors on time cost. Techniques based on the modified computation structure model are developed to analyze time cost. A software tool, TCAS (time cost analysis system), that uses both the analytic and the simulation approaches is designed and implemented to aid users in determining the time cost behavior of their parallel computations. >
Body, Soul, and (Holy) Spirit: Karl Barth's Theological Framework for Understanding Human Ontology

: Interpretations of Karl Barth's anthropological ontology are often characterized by significant disagreement as to whether it is best understood in essentially dualist or monist terms. Such arguments are misguided in that they miss the thrust of Barth's argument. This article will show that Barth's christological understanding of the mind–body relationship generates a number of important ontological implications, which can in turn serve as a basis for developing a christologically adequate mind/body theory, but that it does not provide the actual development of such a theory.
ANALOGS OF GLUTAMIC ACID : SYNTHESIS AND BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION

Abstract The reaction of bromodiester 6 with base in liquid ammonia affords good yields of aminocyclopropane diesters 8 and 9. The corresponding diacids were not inhibitors of AAT.
Methodology for estimating instantaneous heat removal from human skin in response to cryogen spray cooling

Cryogen spray cooling (CSC) reduces epidermal damage during laser treatment of various dermatoses. The goal of this study was to determine the instantaneous surface heat removal from skin by CSC. Thermocouples were imbedded in four substrates with a range of thermal diffusivities, greater than three orders of magnitude in difference, to measure internal temperature profiles in response to CSC. An inverse heat conduction model was subsequently used to quantify the instantaneous heat removal from the substrates using the measured temperatures. The ratio of the average values of the instantaneous heat removal among pairs of substrates was plotted as a function of the ratio of the thermal diffusivity among the pairs. The resulting correlation was then used to estimate the instantaneous heat removal from skin. This work will aid in the modeling of heat transfer in skin during laser irradiation in conjunction with CSC.
An analysis of parallel synchronous and conservative asynchronous logic simulation schemes

A recent paper by Bailey (1992) contains a theorem stating that the idealized execution times of unit-delay, synchronous and conservative asynchronous simulations are equal under the conditions that unlimited number of processors are available and the evaluation time of each logic element is equal. Further it is shown that the above conditions result in a lower bound on the execution times of both synchronous and conservative asynchronous simulations. Bailey's above important conclusions are derived under a strict assumption that the inputs to the circuit remain fixed during the entire simulation. We remove this limitation and by extending the analyses to multi-input, multi-output circuits with an arbitrary number of input events show that the conservative asynchronous simulation executes faster than synchronous simulation in general. Our conclusions are supported by a comparison of the idealized execution times of synchronous and conservative asynchronous algorithms on ISCAS combinational and sequential benchmark circuits. >
Use of contrast in MR imaging of the lumbar spine.

Gadolinium chelates are often useful in sorting out different causes of lower back pain and lumbar radiculopathy. Gadolinium is particularly useful, for example, in distinguishing recurrent disc herniation from epidural scarring in the postoperative spine. Enhancement can demonstrate nerve roots in viral or inflammatory conditions (e.g., cytomegalovirus or Guillain-Barre syndrome), and define compression resulting from herniated discs or spiral stenoses. Gadolinium enhancement also is useful in diagnosing tumors in the intramedullary space (e.g., conus ependymoma), in the extramedullary space (e.g., drop metastases, meningioma, schwannoma), and extradural space (e.g., extraosseus extension of osseus metastases or infections).
Investing in Nursing Education: Some Evidence of Immediate Private Monetary Benefits

Sir Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin and Wilhelm Roentgen's detection of X rays are two of the more famous illustrations of research findings coming about accidentally. Fleming and Roentgen each was working in the general field of his major breakthrough when a significant disclosure occurred quite fortuitously. Results presented in this article also came about somewhat unintentionally. While studying the benefits of investment in cooperative education, positive outcomes in completing a baccalaureate degree with a specialization in nursing, turned up. A study of Lehman College alumni (1980-1985) revealed that nursing students fared better in the labor market upon graduation than did their nonnursing counterparts. This article examines several of the employment variables, such as wage rate and search costs, in light of factors including background differences of graduates, and market conditions such as the nursing shortage. Evidence suggests that the relative advantage enjoyed by the nursing group is associated with the additional human capital obtained through pursuing an academic concentration in nursing.
Adjustment Strategy Use in Minority Family Businesses: Differences Across Gender

The objectives of this study were to explore the adjustment strategies employed by minority female owners of small family firms and to compare their use of adjustment strategies with those of their male counterparts. There were significant gender differences in the adoption of adjustment strategies among minority-owned family firms. The major findings of this study suggest that minority female business owners were more likely to reallocate family resources to help with business tasks and were more likely to intertwine both tasks than minority male business owners when demands were particularly great for the family or the firm. In addition, compared to male business owners, a relatively higher proportion of female business owners used volunteer help without pay during hectic times. Implications for business consultants and educators working with minority business owners are discussed.
Models of Ion Solvation Thermodynamics in Ethylene Carbonate and Propylene Carbonate.

Ethylene carbonate (EC) and propylene carbonate (PC) are organic solvents used extensively in energy storage applications such as lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. Using statistical mechanical theory and computer simulations, this paper compares and contrasts the thermodynamics of ion solvation in EC and PC with the behavior observed in water. The EC and PC solvents are modeled with the AMBER (GAFF) force field. Ion–solvent interactions are treated with two point-charge models: one using an existing Lennard-Jones ion parameter set optimized for solvation in water, and the other based on high-level quantum calculations on ion–solvent dimers and fitting to a Buckingham-type potential form. The second model produces a coordination number for the Li+ ion in closer agreement with experiment. Neither model yields consistently accurate solvation thermodynamic quantities (free energies, enthalpies, and entropies), however. The simulations and thermodynamic analysis illustrate key physical aspects of the ...
Use Of Nursing Home Compare Website Appears Limited By Lack Of Awareness And Initial Mistrust Of The Data

In December 2008 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a five-star rating system of nursing homes as part of Nursing Home Compare, a web-based report card detailing quality of care at all CMS-certified nursing homes. Questions remain, however, as to how well consumers use this rating system as well as other sources of information in choosing nursing home placement. We used a qualitative assessment of how consumers select nursing homes and of the role of information about quality, using semistructured interviews of people who recently placed a family member or friend in a nursing home. We found that consumers were receptive to using Internet-based information about quality as one source of information but that choice was limited by the need for specialized services, proximity to family or health care providers, and availability of Medicaid beds. Consumers had a positive reaction when shown Nursing Home Compare; however, its use appeared to be limited by lack of awareness and, to som...
Quantitative high resolution electron microscopy of grain boundaries

The {Sigma}11 (113)/[1{bar 1}0] symmetric tilt grain boundary has been characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The method by which the images are prepared for analysis is described. The statistics of the image data have been found to follow a normal distribution. The electron-optical imaging parameters used to acquire the image have been determined by nonlinear least-square image simulation optimization within the perfect crystal region of the micrograph. A similar image simulation optimization procedure is used to determine the atom positions which provide the best match between the experimental image and the image simulation.
Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Investigation of Ln3+ (Ln = Sm, Eu, and Yb) Solvation in Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide-Based Ionic Liquids and Coordination by N,N,N′,N′-Tetraoctyl-3-oxa-pentane Diamide (TODGA) and Chloride

The electrochemistry and electronic absorption spectroscopy of samarium, europium, and ytterbium were investigated in the 1-(1-butyl)trimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BuMe3NTf2N) and 1-butyl-3-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BuMePyroTf2N) ionic liquids and in these solvents containing the neutral tridentate ligand N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyl-3-oxo-pentane diamide (TODGA) and the anionic hard ligand chloride. Lanthanide ions were introduced into the ionic liquids by controlled potential oxidation of the respective metals to yield solutions containing Eu2+, Sm3+, and Yb3+, and it was possible to cycle between Eu2+ and Eu3+ as well as Yb3+ and Yb2+ using controlled potential electrolysis. Electronic absorption spectroscopy suggested that the Ln3+ species are weakly solvated by Tf2N– anions as [Ln(Tf2N)x](x−3)– in the neat ILs. The quasireversible Ln3+/2+ couples of all three elements were readily accessible in these ILs, but Sm2+ was only stable on the voltammetric time sca...
3-D Vortex Particle Aerodynamic Modelling and Trajectory Optimization of Perching Manoeuvres

This paper describes the development and use of a 3-D vortex particle method to rapidly model the time-dependent aerodynamics of wings performing perching manoeuvres where the angle of attack ranges from zero to well above stall. The focus is on bird size Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) where highly three-dimensional flow can occur due to low aspect ratios, post-stall flight, wing flexibility, and planform changes, and strongly time dependent flows can occur due to rapid pitch manoeuvres and even flapping of the wing. To be used as a design tool to optimize trajectories, and the design of the vehicle itself, the aerodynamic model must be fast enough that many trajectories can be simulated in a few hours or days. Once developed the optimal perching trajectories using the 3-d vortex particle method were compared to optimal trajectories calculated using 2-d particle methods, timedelay calculations, and analytical models.
Reductive dehalogenation activity of indigenous microorganism in sediments of the Hackensack River, New Jersey

Organohalogen pollutants are of concern in many river and estuarine environments, such as the New York-New Jersey Harbor estuary and its tributaries. The Hackensack River is contaminated with various metals, hydrocarbons and halogenated organics, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins. In order to examine the potential for microbial reductive dechlorination by indigenous microorganisms, sediment samples were collected from five different estuarine locations along the Hackensack River. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexabromobenzene (HBB), and pentachloroaniline (PCA) were selected as model organohalogen pollutants to assess anaerobic dehalogenating potential. Dechlorinating activity of HCB and PCA was observed in sediment microcosms for all sampling sites. HCB was dechlorinated via pentachlorobenzene (PeCB) and trichlorobenzene (TriCB) to dichlorobenzene (DCB). PCA was dechlorinated via tetrachloroaniline (TeCA), trichloroanilines (TriCA), and dichloroanilines (DCA) to monochloroaniline (MCA). No HBB debromination was observed over 12 months of incubation. However, with HCB as a co-substrate slow HBB debromination was observed with production of tetrabromobenzene (TeBB) and tribromobenzene (TriBB). Chloroflexi specific 16S rRNA gene PCR-DGGE followed by sequence analysis detected Dehalococcoides species in sediments of the freshwater location, but not in the estuarine site. Analysis targeting 12 putative reductive dehalogenase (rdh) genes showed that these were enriched concomitant with HCB or PCA dechlorination in freshwater sediment microcosms.
Experimental Parameter Control of SHPB Based on the Geopolymer Concrete

In order to test the impact mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete(GC)effectively,the slag and fly ash were used to fabricate the highly fluidized C30 GC.Based on the prepared GC,the parameter control of split Hopkinson pressure bar(SHPB)system was investigated,and the law between striker velocity,pulse shaper diameter and the optimum constant strain rate was obtained.The results indicate that the pulse shaping technique eliminates the phenomenon of wave oscillation and reduces the dispersion effect effectively;the rise time of the stress wave after shaping is higher than that of rectangular wave,which guarantees the dynamic stress equilibrium;a nearly constant strain-rate loading can be achieved through the integrated control of striker velocity and pulse shaper diameter.
What new therapeutic options exist for the relief of menopausal symptoms

Two new products recently approved for the treatment of menopausal symptoms contain estrogen receptor agonists/antagonists, which have varying effects on bone, breast, endometrial, and vaginal tissues. Ospemifene improves symptoms of dyspareunia associated with vulvovaginal atrophy. Bazedoxifene combined with conjugated estrogens improves vasomotor symptoms and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Clinicians must consider the increased risk for venous and arterial thromboembolic disease posed by these drugs. Clinical trials are ongoing to fully evaluate the drugs' efficacy and safety compared with traditional estrogen-based regimens.
Electron Transport in Cytochrome C

The results of the X-ray crystal analysis of the oxidized and reduced forms of cytochrome c in eukaryotes [1–3] have prompted, in recent years, a large number of investigations all aimed at the understanding of the mechanism of electron transfer through this component of mitochondrial transport chains. To this end, a major point of controversy has been the characterization of the nature of the site(s) of oxidation and reduction. Dickerson and co-workers [3] have suggested that the left side of the cytochrome c molecule is the binding site to cytochrome reductase, while Salemme et al. [4] have held the opposing view that reduction (and oxidation) takes place at the exposed edge of the heme. The implication of the latter proposal is that the physiological mechanism of oxidoreduction in mitochondrial cytrochrome c is similar to that of cytochrome c2 of procaryotic Rhodospirillium rubrum [4, 5]. It is known that [3, 6] oxidation and reduction of cytochrome c is accompanied by a significant conformational change. The conformational differences in the two redox states have been explained in detail by Dickerson and co-workers [7–10], who have also suggested an electron pathway for reduction based on the rearrangements of the aromatic residues tyrosine 74, tryptophan 59 and tyrosine 67. Their hypothesis is supported by observations indicating separate intramolecular pathways [11] and separate sites [12, 13] for oxidation and reduction. More recent fluorescence studies of cytochrome c1-cytochrome c complex [14] also indicate that the heme edge of cytochrome c probably remains exposed in the complex.
From Economic Man to Economic System: ECONOMIC MAN'S ESCAPE FROM MALTHUS'S POPULATION TRAP

T he pursuit of one's narrowly defined self-interest may sometimes come at the expense of the group to which one belongs. It is easy to give examples of this. A person in possesion of important military secrets finds it in his or her interest to offer them for sale to an enemy nation, putting his or her own country into jeopardy; at the other extreme, a person, too lazy to look for a trash can, tosses gum wrappers onto a public sidewalk. Between these two examples is the driver who enters a freeway without concern for the added congestion this causes others. These examples illustrate that Adam Smith's most important insight might not always hold under some circumstances. This insight – the invisible hand that transforms private actions into social benefits – would seem to require a set of constraints whose effects are to put private actions to the service of the larger public, and, in Smith's defense, he discovers the invisible hand in the context of the constraints imposed by the legal arrangements that underlie a market-based economy. These discourage theft and disregard for the property of others. The world being as it is, strict conditions of ownership and contract cannot be satisfied perfectly, and, so, situtions do arise in which private interests may fail to serve the interests of others in the group to which one belongs.
From territorial claims to identity claims: The Issue Correlates of War (ICOW) Project

The Issue Correlates of War (ICOW) research project began nearly 20 years ago by collecting data on territorial claims in South America. Since then, the ICOW territorial claims dataset has expanded...
Structural and Morphological Influences on Neptunium Incorporation in Uranyl Molybdates

The in situ incorporation of pentavalent neptunium has been studied in the structurally related uranyl molybdate frameworks (NH4)4[(UO2)5(MoO4)7](H2O)5 and (NH4)2[(UO2)6(MoO4)7](H2O)2 prepared under similar synthetic conditions. The presence of Np(V) was confirmed by UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy in the first compound, whereas Np(VI) was identified in the second based on the observation of a unit-cell contraction and the lack of a spectral signature for Np(V). The incorporation of neptunium does not affect the overall structure of the host compound based on the crystallographic unit-cell parameters. Neptunium appears to preferentially incorporate in the structure of (NH4)2[(UO2)6(MoO4)7](H2O)2 due to the formation of Np(VI) during synthesis, although higher total uptakes were observed in (NH4)4[(UO2)5(MoO4)7](H2O)5 due to a higher initial concentration of neptunium in solution despite maintaining the same ratio of U:Np.
Autonomous lighting assessments in buildings: part 2 – light identification and energy analysis

ABSTRACTApproximately 40% of all U.S. energy usage and carbon emissions are attributed to buildings. Energy audits of buildings are an effective way to identify significant energy savings, but the extensive training required by auditors and cost of the labour intensive audits result in only a small fraction of buildings receiving an audit. Automation of the audit process using robots can offer more detailed information for better recommendations, greater consistency in analysis and recommendations, and greatly reduce the cost of audits. One of the most common subsystems evaluated, especially in industrial and commercial settings, is lighting. This paper presents an automated process to collect and analyse data to make recommendations regarding lighting in a building. Image analysis and information from the robot navigation and exploration systems are used to quantify lighting and determine lighting location. Spectrometer data is used to classify lighting type, which, with lighting quantification, provides...
Serial MRI Findings in a Phase 2B Clinical Trial of Normobaric Oxygen Therapy (NBO) in Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) (IN7-2.002)

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of NBO in AIS, using advanced MRI techniques. BACKGROUND: Rodent and pilot human studies have shown that NBO reduces diffusion-MRI (DWI) lesion growth and improves apparent-diffusion-coefficient (ADC) values in AIS. DESIGN/METHODS: tPA-ineligible subjects with DWI-confirmed AIS 4 were randomized to NBO or Room Air (RA), delivered for 8h. The presence of diffusion-perfusion (DWI/PWI) 9mismatch9 was not required for inclusion. DWI/PWI and MRA were obtained at 0h, 4h (during therapy) and 24h, and non-contrast MRI at 48h and 3mo. Analysis was blinded to therapy and timing/chronology of MRI. RESULTS: Serial MRI was obtained in n=60 subjects (NBO 29, RA 31). The NBO arm had more women (69% vs 39%, p=0.02) and shorter mean onset to MRI time (4:14 vs 5:35, p=0.01). There was no significant difference between NBO and RA arms for baseline DWI volume (50+55 vs 41+57 cc), mean transit time (MTT) lesion volume (119+95 vs 108+87 cc), DWI/MTT 9mismatch9 >30% (72% vs 79%), mean ADC values (0.620+0.15 vs 0.647+0.09), or the rates of brain hemorrhage, brain edema, FLAIR dense vessel sign, HARM sign, CSF-space hyperintensity, the site of arterial occlusion, arterial recanalization, or tissue reperfusion. There was no significant difference in the pre-specified Primary Outcome Measure for Safety (percent DWI growth from 0-48h, 123+76 vs 90+84 cc, p=0.3) or Efficacy (percent DWI growth from 0-4h, 20+31 vs 16+28 cc, p=0.7). The pre-specified automated MRI analysis of Voxel Fates showed a significant difference in the number of voxels showing transient ADC reversal by 4h i.e. during NBO (5% vs 2%, p=0.02), and no difference in the number of voxels with ADC values worsening to ischemic levels by 24h (61% vs 61%, p=0.97). CONCLUSIONS: In this trial NBO had no effect on infarct growth, however its temporal effects on voxel-based ADC values suggests efficacy and safety. Supported by: NIH-NINDS. Disclosure: Dr. Singhal has received personal compensation as an expert witness in medicolegal cases involving stroke in young adults. Dr. Singhal9s wife is an employee of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Singhal has received research support from Pfizer and Photothera, Inc. Dr. On Behalf of Partners SPOTRIAS Investigators has nothing to disclose.
The Invention of News: How the World Came to Know About Itself. By Andrew Pettegree. (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2014. Pp. v, 445. $35.00.)

In Plato's Phaedrus, Socrates relates how Theuth, the Egyptian god of invention, tells King Thamus that writing will enhance the memory and wisdom of its users. The king replies with a caution: “Th...
Western diets, gut dysbiosis, and metabolic diseases: Are they linked?

Obesity afflicts 36.5% of the US population and 600 million individuals world-wide. Thus, it is imperative to understand the risk factors underlying metabolic disease including diet, activity level...
Development and characterization of the first infectious clone of alfalfa latent virus, a strain of Pea streak virus

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a natural host plant for many plant pathogens including fungi, bacteria, nematodes and viruses. Alfalfa latent virus (ALV) is strain of Pea streak virus, a member of the carlavirus group that occurs symptomlessly in alfalfa. The first complete genomic sequence of the ALV that was recently obtained in our laboratory showed that the virus differs substantially from other members of the genus Carlavirus. Here we report generation of infectious RNA transcripts from the constructed full-length viral cDNA clone as a proof that ALV nucleotide sequence is correct and as an initial step toward development of the ALV-based vector for gene silencing and expression of foreign proteins in alfalfa. This is the first report describing the development of a complete cDNA clone of the ALV strain of Pea streak virus and its infectivity in the diagnostic pea (Pisum sativum) and natural alfalfa hosts.
Directed Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Microglia.

Microglia, the immune cells of the brain, are crucial to proper development and maintenance of the CNS, and their involvement in numerous neurological disorders is increasingly being recognized. To improve our understanding of human microglial biology, we devised a chemically defined protocol to generate human microglia from pluripotent stem cells. Myeloid progenitors expressing CD14/CX3CR1 were generated within 30 days of differentiation from both embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Further differentiation of the progenitors resulted in ramified microglia with highly motile processes, expressing typical microglial markers. Analyses of gene expression and cytokine release showed close similarities between iPSC-derived (iPSC-MG) and human primary microglia as well as clear distinctions from macrophages. iPSC-MG were able to phagocytose and responded to ADP by producing intracellular Ca2+ transients, whereas macrophages lacked such response. The differentiation protocol was highly reproducible across several pluripotent stem cell lines.
Multiple Migrations: Partition and South Asian Canadian Writing

(2016). Multiple Migrations: Partition and South Asian Canadian Writing. South Asian Review: Vol. 37, 'New Directions in South Asian Canadian Literature and Culture', Guest edited by Chandrima Chakraborty and Robin E. Field, pp. 51-69.
Review of Neurosurgery Medical Professional Liability Claims in the United States.

Background Due to disparaging costs and rates of malpractice claims in neurosurgery, there has been significant interest in identifying high-risk specialties, types of malpractice claims, and characteristics of claim-prone physicians. Objective To characterize the malpractice claims against neurosurgeons. Methods This was a comprehensive analysis of all malpractice liability claims involving a neurosurgeon as the primary defendant, conducted using the Physician Insurers Association of America Data Sharing Project from January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2012. Results From 2003 to 2012, 2131 closed malpractice claims were filed against a neurosurgeon. The total amount of indemnity paid collective between 1998 to 2002, 2003 to 2007, and 2008 to 2012 was $109 614 935, $140 031 875, and $122 577 230, respectively. Of all the neurosurgery claims, the most prevalent chief medical factor was improper performance (42.1%, $124 943 933), presenting medical condition was intervertebral disc disorder (20.6%, $54 223 206), and operative procedure performed involved the spinal cord and/or spinal canal (21.0%, $62 614 995). Eighty-five (22.91%) of the total neurosurgery claims resulted in patient death, resulting in $32 067 759 paid. Improper performance of the actual procedure was the most prevalent and highest total paid cause for patient death ($9 584 519). Conclusion From 2003 to 2012, we found that neurosurgery malpractice claims rank among one of the most costly and prevalent, with the average indemnities paid annually and the overall economic burden increasing. Diagnoses and procedures involving the spine, along with improper performance, were the most prevalent malpractice claims against neurosurgeons. Continued medical malpractice reform is essential to correct the overall health care cost burdens, and ultimately improve patient safety.
Method using in vivo quantitative spectroscopy to guide design and optimization of low-cost, compact clinical imaging devices: emulation and evaluation of multispectral imaging systems.

With recent proliferation in compact and/or low-cost clinical multispectral imaging approaches and commercially available components, questions remain whether they adequately capture the requisite spectral content of their applications. We present a method to emulate the spectral range and resolution of a variety of multispectral imagers, based on in-vivo data acquired from spatial frequency domain spectroscopy (SFDS). This approach simulates spectral responses over 400 to 1100 nm. Comparing emulated data with full SFDS spectra of in-vivo tissue affords the opportunity to evaluate whether the sparse spectral content of these imagers can (1) account for all sources of optical contrast present (completeness) and (2) robustly separate and quantify sources of optical contrast (crosstalk). We validate the approach over a range of tissue-simulating phantoms, comparing the SFDS-based emulated spectra against measurements from an independently characterized multispectral imager. Emulated results match the imager across all phantoms (<3 % absorption, <1 % reduced scattering). In-vivo test cases (burn wounds and photoaging) illustrate how SFDS can be used to evaluate different multispectral imagers. This approach provides an in-vivo measurement method to evaluate the performance of multispectral imagers specific to their targeted clinical applications and can assist in the design and optimization of new spectral imaging devices.
Some Questions in the Theory of Pseudoholomorphic Curves

This survey article, in honor of G. Tian’s 60th birthday, is inspired by R. Pandharipande’s 2002 note highlighting research directions central to Gromov–Witten theory in algebraic geometry and by G. Tian’s complexgeometric perspective on pseudoholomorphic curves that lies behind many important developments in symplectic topology since the early 1990s.
Towards the design of a soft robotic third arm for assisted living tasks

In this work, we introduce an innovative Soft Robotic 3rd arm (SR3A), which acts as an additional limb that users can control to complete daily living tasks (Fig. 1). The SR3A provides the user with a wearable soft robotic limb to help manipulate objects. The SR3A can support individuals with upper limb impairments, such as those with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM) [1], by acting in place of or in addition to their existing arms. Design: The design process of the SR3A describes each soft actuator unit with embedded sensors, followed by a closed-loop controller, the user-intent detection methodology, and finally schemes for its evaluation. The introduction of SR3A, allows: a lightweight soft arm directed towards safe human-centric operations in unknown environments, high flexibility, high-power-to-weight ratio, and low fabrication costs.
On Asymptotic Inference in AR and Cointegrated Models With Unit Roots and Heavy Tailed Errors

Consider the AR(q) model $$ {{{\text{X}}}_{i}} = {{\beta }^{{\left( 1 \right)}}}{{{\text{X}}}_{{i - 1}}} + \cdots + {{\beta }^{{\left( q \right)}}}{{{\text{X}}}_{{i - q}}} + {{ \in }_{i}},fori = 1,2, \ldots ,n, $$ (1) where ∈ i i ≥ 1, are i.i.d., independent of (X 0 ,…, X i-q ). The characteristic polynomial associated with the model (1) is defined by $$\phi \left( z \right) = 1 - {{\beta }^{{\left( 2 \right)}}}{{z}^{2}} - \cdots - {{\beta }^{{\left( q \right)}}}{{z}^{q}} $$ (2) .
Chemical Persuasion in Salamanders

The mating system of group of terrestrial salamander species is described in detail, with a focus on the red-legged salamander (Plethodon shermani). A major feature of this system is the male production and delivery of a pheromone that is used during courtship. This pheromone is used only if the male encounters a less-than-receptive female. In this case, the male delivers specialized pheromones to this female. A female receiving these pheromones mates more quickly than a female lacking this pheromone stimulation.
Local/Regional Air Pollution from Stationary Sources

We summarize the basic trends in criteria pollutants from stationary sources for various countries, focusing particularly on the United States between 1970 and 2000. The article discusses the role of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its amendments in reducing emissions of criteria pollutants, stressing the critical importance of spatially disaggregated methods to properly measure the effects of the CAA on emissions. We also survey the methods and key results from studies that quantified the overall benefits from emissions reductions, focusing on housing markets, including hedonic pricing and locational equilibrium models. A brief discussion of the distributional impacts of regulations to reduce emissions from criteria pollutants is presented. We conclude by outlining potential directions for future research.
'Relativistic λ3' regime: From relativistic electrons to relativistic ions

Lasers that provide a focal volume of a few cubic wavelengths (λ3) create relativistic intensity with maximal gradients, using minimal energy. Simulations indicate that millijoule- and joule-scale laser can generate relativistic electrons and ions, respectively.
Dynamic Optimization of High-Altitude Solar Aircraft Trajectories Under Station-Keeping Constraints

This paper demonstrates the use of nonlinear dynamic optimization to calculate energy-optimal trajectories for a high-altitude, solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The objective is to maxi...
Manipulated: graphic health warnings on smokeless tobacco in rural India

India is unique in its dual burden of tobacco use. Nearly 200 million individuals use smokeless tobacco (SLT) products in India,1 with almost 200 000 deaths attributed to SLT use in 2010.2 SLT users tend to live in rural areas and have lower levels of education.1 India has made substantial strides in tobacco control in recent years, including the 2016 increase in health warning label (HWL) coverage to 85% on all tobacco products sold, including SLT. The Tobacco Pack Surveillance System (TPackSS) has been monitoring HWL compliance in India and other low-income and middle-income countries since 2013. After 5600 tobacco products purchased globally, we noticed something truly unique. Following data collection of 240 unique SLT products purchased in rural India in 2017, 133 (55%) packs had the current SLT-specific Indian HWL. We observed that several current HWLs on packs appeared to be altered (figure 1). After …
Management of Nonfunctioning Recurrent Pituitary Adenomas

Pituitary adenomas are typically slow-growing benign tumors. However, 50% to 60% of tumors progress following subtotal resection and up to 30% recur after apparent complete resection. Options for treatment of recurrent pituitary adenomas include repeat surgical resection, radiation therapy, and systemic therapies. There is no consensus approach for the management of recurrent pituitary adenomas. This article reviews the natural history of recurrent adenomas and emerging biomarkers predictive of clinical behavior as well as the outcomes associated with the various treatment modalities for these challenging tumors, with an emphasis on the surgical treatment.
The added value of screening fetal echocardiography after normal cardiac views on a detailed ultrasound.

Objective Evaluate fetal echocardiography's ability to detect critical (lesions requiring immediate neonatal intensive care) congenital heart disease (CHD) after normal anatomic cardiac views on detailed ultrasound. Methods Singletons with both a detailed ultrasound at 18 + 0 to 22 + 6 weeks and echocardiogram performed at least 14 days later and at 20 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks. Cases with cardiac pathology on detailed ultrasound were excluded. Different combinations of cardiac views were described: Basic (four-chamber, outflow tracts), Expanded (plus three-vessel view), and Complete (plus ductal/aortic arches). "Normal" was defined on either 2D gray scale or color Doppler. Primary outcome was rates of critical CHD missed on ultrasound but seen on fetal echocardiogram. Results One thousand two hundred twenty-three women had normal Basic cardiac views. One thousand one hundred ninety (97.3%) were confirmed normal on echocardiogram. Twenty-one (1.71%) total CHDs were missed, and three were critical (0.25%; 95% CI, 0.03%-0.53%). Of the 1,223 women, 763 had Complete views. Ten (1.31%) total CHDs were missed and one (0.13%; 95% CI, 0.13%-0.36%) was confirmed critical. Conclusion Fetal echocardiography can increase CHD detection despite normal cardiac anatomy on detailed ultrasound; however, CHDs missed are rarely critical. Approximately 750 fetal echocardiograms need to be performed to detect one critical CHD with Complete normal cardiac views on detailed ultrasound.