cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of UK Biobank Cohort Reveals Novel Insights for Thoracic and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Abstract Background Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are known to have a strong genetic component. Methods and Results In a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using the UK Biobank, we analyzed the genomes of 1,363 individuals with AAA compared to 27,260 age, ancestry, and sex-matched controls (1:20 case:control study design). A similar analysis was repeated for 435 individuals with TAA compared to 8,700 controls. Polymorphism with minor allele frequency (MAF) >0.5% were evaluated. We identified novel loci near LINC01021, ATOH8 and JAK2 genes that achieved genome-wide significance for AAA (p-value Conclusions Our GWAS found that AAA and TAA were associated with distinct sets of genes, suggesting distinct underlying genetic architecture. We also found association between baseline bradycardia and TAA. These findings, including JAK2 association, offer plausible mechanistic and therapeutic insights. We also found a common FBN1 linkage group that is associated with TAA and aortic dissection in patients who do not have Marfan syndrome. These FBN1 variants suggest shared pathophysiology between Marfan disease and sporadic TAA. Condensed Abstract In genome-wide association study (GWAS) of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) using UK Biobank database, we found 3 novel loci associated with TAA, and 3 novel loci associated AAA. We also found significant association between baseline bradycardia and TAA. These findings, including JAK2 association, offer plausible mechanistic and therapeutic insights. Additionally, we identified a common FBN1 linkage group associated with TAA in patients who do not have Marfan syndrome. In the FinnGen cohort, this haplotype is associated with aortic dissection. These results suggest a shared pathophysiology between Marfan disease and sporadic TAA. Study Limitations As with any GWAS study, the discovery of novel loci associated with aortopathies does not prove functional causality, and the findings described herein needs to be validated by analysis of other databases, ideally in a patient population of more diverse genetic origins than the UK Biobank. The use of the ICD10 codes to classify disease carriers and noncarriers in a population cohort may not be the most accurate assessment of prevalence of aortopathies. The association between baseline bradycardia and TAA does not take into account the concurrent use of medications that may impact heart rate. Highlights Identification of 3 novel AAA-associated loci near LINC01021, ATOH8 and JAK2 genes. Identification of 3 novel TAA-associated loci near CTNNA3, FRMD6 and MBP genes. Identification of a linkage group of common FBN1 variants associated with non-syndromic TAA in the UK Biobank and with aortic dissection in the FinnGen cohort, strengthening the evidence for a shared pathophysiology between Marfan disease and nonsyndromic aortopathy. Association between baseline bradycardia and TAA but not AAA.
Dictyostelium: Differentiation and Adhesion in the Aggregate

As they collect in the mound, cells begin the transcription of cell type-specific genes, develop adhesion mechanisms, and secrete an acellular covering called the sheath. The loose mound goes on to form a compact hemispherical aggregate and prepares the anterior-posterior pattern of the future slug. The mound has been called the crucible of cellular differentiation and morphogenesis. In earlier days of Dictyostelium research, it was difficult to detect the complex gene induction events and cellular movements that occur within the mound, but as markers of cell-type differentiation have improved, the nature of the differentiation events has begun to unfold. Great efforts in microscopy, notably by the laboratories of Weijer, Siegert, McNally, and Soll, have detected elaborate coordinated movements of cells, not just during aggregation, but within the confines of the aggregate. In this chapter we will examine some of the early events that occur after the amoebae aggregate – how they secrete a covering and how they induce new genes in the loose aggregate. The aggregate is where most prestalk- and prespore-specific genes are first transcribed. This subject encompasses a large and complex literature, and an attempt will be made to put this in context. Following an examination of how the pattern of prestalk and prespore cells forms, the cellular adhesion mechanisms that Dictyostelium employs to hold cells together will be analyzed.
Variability in Phytoplankton Absorption Spectra: Photoadaptation and Mixing in Vestfjord, Norway

Absorption spectra were measured for particles collected on glass filters in Vestfjord, Norway during September, 1990. Particles from this dinoflagellate-dominated phytoplankton community exhibited strong absorption peaks and shoulders in the absorption spectra at 415 nm. In the euphotic zone, the absorption signal was dominated by phytoplankton, with detrital or other nonphytoplanktonic particles dominating at depth.
Multigrid Methods in Economics

I present a self-contained introduction to multigrid methods with an emphasis on techniques relevant to dynamic programming problems. A probabilistic interpretation of the numerical principles is highlighted. Multigrid solvers are shown to be naturally matched to the challenges posed by intractable structural dynamic models routinely encountered in applied work. I argue that multigrid techniques have potential to substantially extend the scale and complexity of models under consideration. While most techniques in this paper can be found in other sources, their probabilistic interpretation and application to economics appear to be original.
Effects of Three Algorithmic Representations on Critical Thinking, Laboratory Efficiency, and Final Grade.

Does the way instructions for carrying out elementary operations are presented affect the time required to complete those procedures, student’s critical thinking ability, and student’s final grade? This investigation sought answers by presenting prescriptions — or algorithms — in three ways to university students in an introductory laboratory-chemistry course. Differences in the effects of the three representation modes — flow charts, lists, and standard prose — were complex and changed over the 10 lab sessions. There was no evidence that representation mode affected either critical thinking ability or final grade.
Array beamforming for slow FH spread-spectrum WLANs

A beamforming algorithm is presented for slow frequency-hopping wireless LAN which does not require prior knowledge of direction-of-arrival. The algorithm is motivated by Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 FH networks, in which training sequences are transmitted to establish connections. Using prior knowledge of the training sequence, or post-beamforming data decisions, it is shown that correlation matrices containing interference-only and interference-plus-signal are readily formed. Established SNR maximization techniques are then employed to jointly suppress interference spatially, and beamform in the direction of the desired signal.
Distribution system reconfiguration scheme using integer interior point programming technique

This paper presents a novel, fast integer interior point programming method that incorporates a branch and bound technique with the interior point linear programming technique to optimize the multi-objective problem under operating and radiality constraints to solve the stressed distribution system. The reliability of the integrated reconfiguration scheme for performing service restoration and load balancing on a stressed distribution system are investigated. Reliability assessments of different reconfigured topologies are performed using reliability indices based on the expected unserved energy (EUE) and the number of outage customers for each topology considered. The integrated scheme has been tested on a benchmark 32-bus distribution system under different contingencies considering service restoration and load balancing as constraints. The accuracy and speed of the integer optimization based scheme has been compared to the well-known methods.
Molecular Phylogeny as a Basis for the Classification of Transport Proteins from Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya

Although enzymes catalyzing chemical reactions have long been classified according to the system developed by the Enzyme Commission (EC), no comparable system has been developed or proposed for transport proteins catalyzing transmembrane vectorial reactions. We here propose a comprehensive system, designated the Transport Commission (TC) system, based both on function and phylogeny. The TC system initially categorizes permeases according to mode of transport and energy coupling mechanism, and each category is assigned a one-component TC number (W). The secondary level of classification corresponds to the phylogenetic family (or superfamily) to which a particular permease is assigned, and each family is assigned a two-component TC number (W.X). The third level of classification refers to the phylogenetic cluster within a family (or the family within a superfamily) to which the permease belongs, and each cluster receives a three-component TC number (W.X.Y). Finally, the last level of categorization is based on substrate specificity and polarity of transport, and each entry is assigned a four component TC number (W.X.Y.Z). This system is based on the observation that mode of transport and energy coupling mechanism are fundamental properties of transport systems that very seldom transcend familial lines, but substrate specificity, being readily alterable by point mutations, is a superficial characteristic that often transcends familial lines. The proposed system has the potential to include all known permeases for which sequence data are available and has the flexibility to accommodate the multitude of permeases likely to be revealed by future genome sequencing and biochemical analysis. Major conclusions resulting from our classification efforts are described. The classification system, which will be continuously updated, is available on our World Wide Web site (http:/(/)www-biology.ucsd.edu/ approximately msaier/transport/titlepage.html).
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AS AN ENABLER OF SUPPLY CHAIN COLLABORATION: A DYNAMIC-CAPABILITIES PERSPECTIVE

Despite substantial information technology (IT) investments, many organizations have failed to obtain hoped-for improvements in supply chain (SC) performance. Therefore, we investigate the mechanisms through which IT influences SC performance. Specifically, we use the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm to ascertain how IT can be exploited to obtain a distinctive SC advantage. We do this via a multimethod (survey and case-study) approach at two periods of time. We use a nested structural equation model (SEM) to test six hypotheses. Likewise, we content analyze interviews to contextualize the SEM findings. Importantly, we find that investments in IT make their greatest competitive contribution when they enable a dynamic SC collaboration capability. The findings provide valuable insight to guide IT investments designed to improve SC performance.
Structure-Toxicity Relationships for Industrial Chemicals Causing Type (II) Narcosis Syndrome

Several structure-activity relationships have been published for estimating the lethality of nonpolar nonelectrolytes to fish. The vast majority of non-reactive industrial chemicals produce toxicity symptoms consistent with narcosis. However, we have found that many chemicals which appear to produce narcosis, are substantially more toxic than the published structure-toxicity relationship predicts. We observed that these chemicals are more polar and often have acidic hydrogen bond donor functional groups. The data are consistent with the “polar” narcotic class proposed by Ferguson five decades ago.
The Dynamic in vivo Distribution of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells after Infusion

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to differentiate along different mesenchymal lineages including those forming bone, cartilage, tendon, fat, muscle and marrow stroma that supports hematopoiesis. This differentiation potential makes MSCs candidates for cell-based therapeutic strategies for mesenchymal tissue injuries and for hematopoietic disorders by both local and systemic application. In the present study, rat marrow-derived MSCs were ex vivo culture-expanded, labeled with (111)In-oxine, and infused into syngeneic rats via intra-artery (i.a.), intravenous (i.v.) and intraperitoneal cavity (i.p.) infusions. In addition, for i.a. and i.v. infusions, a vasodilator, sodium nitroprusside, was administered prior to the cell infusion and examined for its effect on MSC circulation. The dynamic distribution of infused MSCs was monitored by real-time imaging using a gamma camera immediately after infusion and at 48 h postinfusion. After 48 h, radioactivity in excised organs, including liver, lungs, kidneys, spleen and long bones, was measured in a gamma well counter and expressed as a percentage of injected doses. After both i.a. and i.v. infusion, radioactivity associated with MSCs was detected primarily in the lungs and then secondarily in the liver and other organs. When sodium nitroprusside was used, more labeled MSCs cleared the lungs resulting in a larger proportion detected in the liver. Most importantly, the homing of labeled MSCs to the marrow of long bones was significantly increased by the pretreatment with vasodilator. These results indicate multiple homing sites for injected MSCs and that the distribution of MSCs can be influenced by administration of vasodilator.
The Bose Molecule in One Dimension

We give the Green function, momentum distribution, two-particle correlation function, and structure factor for the bound state of N indistinguishable bosons with an attractive delta-function interaction in one dimension, and an argument showing that this boson “molecule” has no excited states other than dissociation into separated pieces.
Effects of histamine and increased venous pressure on transmicrovascular protein transport.

Abstract Histamine administered locally into canine forelimbs increases lymph flow, lymph protein concentration, and lymph protein transport. In this study we examined the time course of these changes and compared them to the changes produced by mechanically increasing venous pressure alone and during the infusion of histamine or acetylcholine. Intrabrachial infusion of histamine at 4 μg base/min produced 25- and 45-fold increases in lymph flow and protein transport, respectively, and a 50% increase in lymph protein concentration. These effects, however, waned with time. Qualitatively similar changes were seen with histamine infused at 16 and 64 μg base/min. Increased venous pressure alone produced 8- and 5-fold increases in lymph flow and protein transport, respectively, and decreased total protein concentration. Increasing venous pressure during histamine infusion further increased lymph flow and protein transport, which then waned with time. However, protein transport during histamine plus increased venous pressure was always greater than with the infusion of histamine alone. Increasing venous pressure during acetylcholine infusion increased lymph flow but decreased lymph protein concentration, resulting in only a small increase in total protein transport. These data indicate that the effects of histamine on protein transport are much greater than during increased venous pressure alone but that they wane with time. Increasing venous pressure during histamine infusion further increases protein transport relative to histamine alone. Histamine appears to increase microvascular efflux of protein, at least in part, through a mechanism which is sensitive to changes in microvascular pressure.
Performance-based seismic assessment of a large diameter extended pile shaft in a cohesionless soil

The seismic behavior of a large diameter extended pile shaft founded on a dense sandy site is investigated in this paper. First, a deterministic analysis is conducted including both nonlinear dynamic analysis (NDA) and pushover analysis to gain insights into the behavior of the pile and make sure an appropriate modeling technique is utilized. Then a probabilistic analysis is performed using the results of NDA for various demands. To this end a set of 40 pulse-like ground motions are picked and subsequently 40 nonlinear dynamic and pushover analyses are performed. The data obtained from NDA are used to generate probabilistic seismic demand model (PSDM) plots and consequently the median line and dispersion for each plot are computed. The NDA and pushover data are also plotted against each other to find out to what extent they are correlated. These operations are done for various engineering demand parameters (EDPs). A sensitivity analysis is done to pick the most appropriate intensity measure (IM) which would cause a minimum dispersion in PSDM plots out of 7 different IMs. Peak ground acceleration (PGA) is found to be the most appropriate IM. Pushover coefficient equations as a function of PGA are proposed which can be applied to the pushover analysis data to yield a better outcome with respect to the NDA. At the end, the pacific earthquake engineering research (PEER) center methodology is utilized to generate the fragility curves using the properties obtained from PSDM plots and considering various states of damage ranging from minor to severe. The extended pile shaft shows more vulnerability with a higher probability with respect to minor damage compared to severe damage.
A Method of Fibre-Length Analysis Using the Fibrograph:

The fibrograph is an optical instrument employing photovoltaic cells for scanning samples of parallel fibres and tracing a type of length- frequency curve. The theory is developed for a sample of parallel fibres in which the fibres are positioned at random. The geometrical interpreta tion of the resulting curve, or fibrogram, indicates simple length and area measurements that give various average lengths and statistical quantities, such as standard deviation and coefficient of variation. Experimental fibrograms are compared with the equivalent data derived from absolute length measurements, using a projection method. The waviness and taper of the fibres, along with other minor factors, cause the fibrogram to be too short. When the length coordinates are increased 19%, the fibrogram is equivalent to the curve obtained from absolute measurements. The instrument makes possible the rapid measurement of fibre length and fibre-length uniformity of raw fibre samples.
On maturation of the bacteriophage lambda chromosome.

Repressed lambda chromosomes that possess a duplication of the cohesive end site (cos site) are matured during lytic growth of ϕ80. This result is in contrast to repressed non-duplication lambda chromosomes that are not matured by ϕ80. DNA molecules matured by ϕ80 are unreplicated and lack the duplication: both cos sites are cleaved. These results indicate that in normal lambda development, mature, unit-length chromosomes are generated from a multichromosomal length of lambda DNA by cleavage of two cos sites.
Can the initial history predict whether a child with a head injury has been abused

Objective. Previous studies of child abuse have used the presenting history as part of the case definition of abuse. Thus, data from these studies cannot be used to determine the diagnostic utility of historical features for identifying cases of abuse. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic utility of certain historical features for identifying cases of abusive head trauma. Methods. We retrospectively studied all children, aged 0 to 3 years, who had acute traumatic intracranial injury and were admitted to a tertiary care pediatric hospital from 1993 to 2000. Cases were categorized as either “definite abuse” or “not definite abuse” on the basis of radiologic, ophthalmologic, and physical examination findings, without regard to the presenting history. Results. Forty-nine (30%) of 163 children met the criteria for definite abuse. Having no history of trauma had a high specificity (0.97) and positive predictive value (PPV; 0.92) for abuse. Among the subgroup of patients with persistent neurologic abnormality at hospital discharge (n = 34), having a history of no or low-impact trauma had a specificity of 1.0 and a PPV of 1.0 for definite abuse. Injuries were blamed on home resuscitative efforts in 12% of definite abuse cases and 0% of not definite abuse cases. The initial history of trauma was changed in 9% of definite abuse cases, as compared with 0% of not definite abuse cases. Conclusion. Among young children with a head injury, certain historical features have high specificity and PPV for diagnosing child abuse.
Single Amino Acid Change in Tat Determines the Different Rates of Replication of Two Sequential HIV-1 Isolates

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates display differences in their patterns of replication in vitro. Previous studies with recombinant viruses generated between two sequential HIV-1 isolates that differ in replication rates have shown that the determinant for this biological property maps to a region of the viral genome that encompasses the tat gene. In the present study, we examined if there is a functional difference in the Tat protein of the two isolates. We observed that the level of transactivation induced by Tat of the fast replicating, highly cytopathic virus (HIV-1SF13mc) was three- to eightfold higher than the level seen by the Tat of the slow replicating virus (HIV-1SF2mc). Furthermore, a single amino acid mutation in the HIV-1SF13mc. Tat leads to reduced transactivation activity of the mutant protein and a delayed replication rate of the mutant virus. Thus, selection of a Tat variant with higher transactivation potential could be responsible for the increased virus production that is often associated with a pathogenic HIV strain.
Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t: The Conundrum of Adipose Tissue Vascularization

The plasticity of adipose tissue requires highly regulated changes in accompanying blood vessels. In obesity, adipose tissue angiogenesis plays a complex role to support tissue growth and promote metabolic disease. Emerging research (Sung et al., 2013) indicates that exploiting the mediators of adipose tissue angiogenesis may offer the possibility for therapeutic interventions.
Manufacturing modeling methods: virtual reality simulation of a mechanical assembly production line

This paper presents our work on the application of virtual-reality simulation to the design of a production line for a mechanically-assembled product. The development of this simulation was undertaken as a part of the Manufacturing Simulation and Visualization Program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, MD. The major research problem is the partitioning and analysis of the assembly operation of the prototype product into different tasks and allocation of these tasks to different assembly workstations. Issues such as cycle times, material handling and assembly line balancing complicate the problem. This paper demonstrates the difficulties of using simulation modeling for concurrent graphical simulation of assembly operations and discrete event analysis of a production process in the same model. It also points out the need to speed up the modeling process and reduce the level of effort required in the construction of a simulation model.
Understanding Gender Differences in Referral of Children to Mental Health Services

In this study, gender differences in the referral of children to mental health services were investigated. A total of 135 first-, second-, and third-grade teachers read vignettes describing girls a...
Modelling and Control of Consumable Double-Electrode Gas Metal Arc Welding Process

Abstract Consumable double-electrode gas metal arc welding (DE-GMAW) is an innovative process, which offers unique advantages to increase productivity and reduce heat distortion. However, it must be appropriately feedback controlled for any practical use. To this end, the authors identified two critical variables as outputs for the control system to be developed. The control variables were then selected to ease the modeling and control design through establishing two decoupled SISO subsystems. Each SISO subsystem was modeled as an interval model, whose parameters were unknown but bounded by known intervals. The intervals were obtained through a set of designed step response experiments. A prediction based interval model control algorithm was then implemented to control the resultant interval models. Closed-loop control experiments verified the effectiveness of the developed control system for this novel welding process.
Evaluating knowledge benefits of automotive lightweighting materials R&D projects

This paper presents a set of metrics used to evaluate short-run knowledge benefits that accrued from research and development (R&D) projects funded in fiscal years 2000–2004 by automotive lightweighting materials (ALM) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Although DOE presents to Congress energy, environmental, and security benefits and costs of its R&D efforts under the Government Performance and Results Act, DOE has yet to include knowledge benefits in that report [U.S. Department of Energy. (2007). Projected benefits of federal energy efficiency and renewable energy programs: FY2008 budget request. NREL/TP-640-41347 (March). Washington, DC: National Renewable Energy Laboratory for DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Retrieved February 12, 2007 from http://www1.eere.energy.gov/ba/pba/2008_benefits.html]. ALM focuses on development and validation of advanced technologies that significantly reduce automotive vehicle body and chassis weight without compromising other attributes such as safety, performance, recyclability, and cost [U.S. Department of Energy. (2005a). Automotive lightweighting materials 2004 annual progress report. Washington, DC: DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Retrieved March 30, 2005 from http://www.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/resources/fcvt_alm_fy04.shtml]. The ultimate goal of ALM to have lightweighter materials in vehicles hinges on many issues, including the (1) collaborative nature of ALMs R&D with the automobile industry and (2) manufacturing knowledge gained through the R&D effort. The ALM projects evaluated in this paper yielded numerous knowledge benefits in the short run. While these knowledge benefits are impressive, there remains uncertainty about whether the research will lead to incorporation of lightweight materials by the Big Three automakers into their manufacturing process and introduction of lightweight vehicles into the marketplace. The uncertainty illustrates a difference between (1) knowledge benefits and (2) energy, environmental, and security benefits emanating from R&D.
The Cupric Ion as an Inhibitor of Photosynthetic Electron Transport in Isolated Chloroplasts

Strong inhibition of uncoupled photosynthetic electron transport by Cu(2+) in isolated spinach chloroplasts was observed by measuring changes in O(2) concentration in the reaction medium. Inhibition was dependent not only on the concentration of the inhibitor, but also on the ratio of chlorophyll to inhibitor. Binding of Cu(2+) to the chloroplast membranes resulted in removal of Cu(2+) from solution. When chloroplasts were exposed to preincubation in light, there was increased inhibition as a result of Cu(2+) binding to inhibitory sites. Preincubation in the dark resulted in Cu(2+) binding to noninhibitory sites and decreased inhibition. The degree of inhibition was lower at low light intensities than at high light intensities.When the photosystems were assayed separately, photosystem I was more resistant to inhibition than photosystem II. The most sensitive site to the inhibitor was the oxidizing side of photosystem II.
Role and impact of 'technology' in the service development process: a research study

While services sector has been studied vastly to explore various facets of it, the role and relationship of technology in the service development process has remained under-explored. This paper analyses different segments in the service sector, exploring the relationship between technology (development) and variations in the service development processes. The Service-Process matrix (Schmenner, 1986) is used to form service segments. The analysis includes case studies, formed, to study the service development process in the different service segments of the Service-Process matrix. Conclusions are drawn based on case studies posing the role and impact of technology in the service development process.
Characterization of shallow semiconductor interfaces

Abstract The state-of-the-art analysis for the evaluation of structural and electrical properties of thin layers in VLSI substrates are discussed. The properties of implanted n-p-n junctions, Si−SiO 2 interface, SiO 2 −Si 3 N 4 −Si “bird's-beak” structure, Ge + implant amorphization of Si and misfit dislocation interface in epitaxial Si are emplified to illustrate the features and limitations of the techniques.
Epidemiology of women and depression

Background: Depression is the leading cause of disease-related disability among women in the world today. Depression is much more common among women than men, with female/male risk ratios roughly 2:1. Aims: Recent epidemiological research is reviewed. Implications are suggested for needed future research. Results: The higher prevalence of depression among women than men is due to higher risk of first onset, not to differential persistence or recurrence. Although the gender difference first emerges in puberty, other experiences related to changes in sex hormones (pregnancy, menopause, use of oral contraceptives, and use of hormone replacement therapy) do not significantly influence major depression. These observations suggest that the key to understanding the higher rates of depression among women than men lies in an investigation of the joint effects of biological vulnerabilities and environmental provoking experiences. Conclusions: Advancing understanding of female depression will require future epidemiologic research to focus on first onsets and to follow incident cohorts of young people through the pubertal transition into young adulthood with fine-grained measures of both sex hormones and gender-related environmental experiences. Experimental interventions aimed at primary prevention by jointly manipulating putative biological and environmental risk factors will likely be needed to adjudicate between contending causal hypotheses regarding the separate and joint effects of interrelated risk factors.
Increasing relevance of memory hardware errors: a case for recoverable programming models

It is a common belief that most of computer system failures nowadays stem from programming errors. Computer systems are becoming more complex and harder to maintain and administer, making software errors an even more common case, while contemporary computer architectures are optimized for price and performance and not for availability. In this paper, we raise a case for an increasing relevance of memory hardware soft-errors. In particular with the introduction of 64-bit processors, memory scaling is significantly increased, resulting in higher probability for memory errors. At the same time, due to the ubiquitous use of computers, such as at higher altitudes, environmental conditions impact errors (terrestrial cosmic rays). Finally, in shared memory systems, the failure of one node's memory can take the whole machine down. Current commodity systems do not tolerate memory errors, neither commodity hardware (processors, memories, interconnects) nor software (operating systems, applications, application environments). At the same time, users expect increased reliability. We present the problems of such errors and some solutions for memory error recovery at the processor, operating system and programming model level.
Comparison of the prognostic value of normal regadenoson with normal adenosine myocardial perfusion imaging with propensity score matching.

Objectives The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that patients with normal regadenoson myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) have a low rate of cardiac events, similar to patients with normal adenosine MPI. Background Regadenoson, a new selective adenosine A2A receptor agonist, is now a widely used stress agent for MPI. The low rate of cardiac events in patients with normal adenosine MPI is well-documented, but the prognostic implications of a normal regadenoson MPI have not been examined and compared with those with adenosine. Methods Data on primary composite endpoint (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and coronary revascularization) were collected for 2,000 patients (1,000 regadenoson, and 1,000 adenosine stress) with normal myocardial perfusion and left ventricular ejection fraction referred for vasodilator MPI. In addition, propensity scores were used to assemble a balanced cohort of 505 pairs of patients who were balanced on 36 baseline characteristics. Results The primary endpoint occurred in 21 (2.1%; 1.1%/year) patients in the regadenoson group and 33 (3.3%; 1.7%/year) patients in the adenosine group (hazard ratio [HR] for regadenoson vs. adenosine: 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36 to 1.08; p = 0.090). In the propensity-matched pairs, the primary endpoint occurred in 7 (1.4%; 0.7%/year) patients in the regadenoson group and 13 (2.6%; 1.3%/year) patients in the adenosine group (matched HR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.23 to 1.48; p = 0.257). Cardiac deaths were infrequent in the entire sample and in the propensity-matched groups; the cardiac death rate was 0.9%/year and 1.15%/year in the regadenoson and adenosine groups (HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.42 to 1.43; p = 0.404) in the pre-match sample and 0.5%/year and 0.7%/year in the matched groups, respectively (HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.25 to 2.73; p = 0.763). Conclusions Major cardiac events are infrequent in patients with normal regadenoson MPI. These findings provide assurance that normal MPI using a simpler stress protocol with regadenoson provides prognostic data similar to normal adenosine MPI.
Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Women

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex clinical process with multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms. There has recently been a shift in the treatment of patients with severe IBS symptoms to disease-modifying therapies as opposed to symptomatic treatment. Because pathophysiologic differences exist between men and women, so does the efficacy of treatment options. These differences could further explain gender-related differences in disease prevalence and treatment response. A brief discussion of the definition, epidemiology, and diagnostic criteria of IBS is followed by a comprehensive review of the current treatment choices and potential future therapeutic options of IBS in women.
Study on Seismic Fortification Level of Electrical Equipment

Considering the important role of the electrical equipments in the power grid, electrical equipment seismic fortification level should be further improved. Through comparison of electrical equipment related seismic codes in China and abroad,it is recommended that the seismic fortification level of electrical equipment is taken as strong shock, whose exceeding probability is 2% in 50 years.Combined with the results of typical groundby seismic hazardanalysis in different fortification intensity zones, the peak acceleration values corresponding to suggest seismic fortification level was proposed, that is 2 times of the value of medium shock.
A Dislocation Model of Seismic Wave Attenuation and Micro-creep in the Earth: Harold Jeffreys and the Rheology of the Solid Earth

A microphysical model of seismic wave attenuation is developed to provide a physical basis to interpret temperature and frequency dependence of seismic wave attenuation. The model is based on the dynamics of dislocation motion in minerals with a high Peierls stress. It is proposed that most of seismic wave attenuation occurs through the migration of geometrical kinks (micro-glide) and/or nucleation/migration of an isolated pair of kinks (Bordoni peak), whereas the long-term plastic deformation involves the continuing nucleation and migration of kinks (macro-glide). Kink migration is much easier than kink nucleation, and this provides a natural explanation for the vast difference in dislocation mobility between seismic and geological time scales. The frequency and temperature dependences of attenuation depend on the geometry and dynamics of dislocation motion both of which affect the distribution of relaxation times. The distribution of relaxation times is largely controlled by the distribution in distance between pinning points of dislocations, L, and the observed frequency dependence of Q, Q ∝ w α, is shown to require a distribution function of P(L) ∝ L −m with m = 4 − 2α. The activation energy of Q −1 in minerals with a high Peierls stress corresponds to that for kink nucleation and is similar to that of long-term creep. The observed large lateral variation in Q −1 strongly suggests that the Q −1 in the mantle is frequency dependent. Micro-deformation with high dislocation mobility will (temporarily) cease when all the geometrical kinks are exhausted. For a typical dislocation density of ~ 108 m−2, transient creep with small viscosity related to seismic wave attenuation will persist up to the strain of ~10−6, thus even a small strain (~10−6 − 10−4) process such as post-glacial rebound is only marginally affected by this type of anelastic relaxation. At longer time scales continuing nucleation of kinks becomes important and enables indefinitely large strain, steady-state creep, causing viscous behavior.
Regulation of mouse myelin basic protein gene transcription by a sequence-specific single-stranded DNA-binding protein in vitro

Cell- and stage-specific transcription of the myelin basic protein (MBP)-encoding gene (Mbp) in brain is regulated by arrays of cis-acting regulatory elements positioned at the 5'-flanking region of the gene. The proximal element between nucleotides -14 to -50, termed MB1, has previously been shown to have an important role in the cell-type-specific transcription of Mbp in cells derived from the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we utilized band-shift and in vitro transcription assays to examine the ability of MEF-2, an expression factor encoded by a cDNA isolated from mouse brain, in binding to the MB1 element and regulating transcription of the Mbp promoter. Results from the band-shift assays indicated that the bacterially produced MEF-2 recognizes specific nt in the MB1 motif, and its binding to these nt reduces the overall transcriptional activity of Mbp in a cell-free extract.
Hexacoordination via Sulfur Donor Action in Nitrogen and Chlorine Bonded Bicyclic Tetraoxyphosphoranes1

Oxidative addition reactions of a quinone with the sulfur containing cyclic chlorophosphine S[(t-Bu)MeC6H2O]2PCl (1) yielded the new bicyclic tetraoxyphosphoranes, S[(t-Bu)MeC6H2O]2PCl(O2C6Cl4) (2) and S[(t-Bu)MeC6H2O]2PCl(O2C14H8) (5). Further new derivatives of this class were prepared by chlorine displacement reactions of 2 and 5 to give S[(t-Bu)MeC6H2O]2P(NHC6H4Me)(O2C6Cl4) (3), S[(t-Bu)MeC6H2O]2P(NMe2)(O2C6Cl4) (4), S[(t-Bu)MeC6H2O]2P(NHCH2C6H5)(O2C14H8) (6), and S[(t-Bu)MeC6H2O]2P(NMe2)(O2C14H8) (7). X-ray studies of 2−6 revealed hexacoordination due to donor action by sulfur which is present as part of an eight-membered ring system. The series 2−6 formed geometries that were displaced along a coordinate from a square pyramid to an octahedron, ranging from 24% to 71%. The respective P−S distance decreased along this series from 3.04 to 2.48 A as the octahedral character increased. Increased 31P NMR shielding accompanied the chloro derivatives 2 and 5, while increased π P−N back-bonding resulted in t...
Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Tissue Scaffold Arrays Using Laser Foaming

The goal of our research is to develop a manufacturing method to create 3D cell-based microarrays for biomedical applications. Cells will be cultured in a large array of microscaled tissue engineering scaffolds that are fabricated on a polymer chip. In this paper, we present an experimental study and process modeling of a laser foaming process. Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) was used as the substrate material and CO2 was used as the blowing agent. Microstructures containing pores with varying topographical features at designed locations were created using laser. The effects of major process parameters such as gas concentration and laser intensity were investigated with respect to pore size and the size of foamed regions. The microstructure was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that high intensity laser resulted in both a larger foamed region and an inverse cone-shaped well, which could be beneficial for cell culturing. A numerical model was developed to understand the laser foaming process and to predict the shape and size of the foamed region.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Description Is a Drag, and Vice Versa: Issues with Vocabulary Control

How do controlled vocabularies address transgender topics?This talk explores the use of hierarchical taxonomic structures to describe people’s often-fluid gender identities and sexuality, particularly the lack of accurate and appropriate language in most commonly used subject thesauri, and how the lack of this accurate and appropriate language can affect potential users. More specifically, this refers to individuals who identify as gender nonconforming.This term, as defined by the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, refers to “people who do not follow other people's ideas or stereotypes about how they should look or act based on the female or male sex they were assigned at birth.” The phrase is frequently used as an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of gender identities,including transsexual, drag queen, gender queer, and butch. Many standard vocabularies have a long and complicated history with regards to prescriptive access points for marginalized groups and sexualities. This talk offers a historical overview of the ways in which authorizedvocabularies have differed from vernacular language commonly used by community members and LGBTQ scholars to describe their own lives, and explores well- and lesser-known subject vocabularies such as the Library of Congress Subject Headings, Medical Subject Headings, terminology used by community archives and libraries, and tags assigned by LGBTQ people when describing their personal collections. The proposal builds on research by Melissa Adler, Sanford Berman, Ellen Greenblatt, Matt Johnson, Patrick Keilty, and Hope Olson.
Internal Modification of U2 Small Nuclear (Snrna) Occurs in Nucleoli of Xenopus Oocytes

U2 small nuclear (sn)RNA contains a large number of posttranscriptionally modified nucleotides, including a 5′ trimethylated guanosine cap, 13 pseudouridines, and 10 2′-O-methylated residues. Using Xenopus oocytes, we demonstrated previously that at least some of these modified nucleotides are essential for biogenesis of a functional snRNP. Here we address the subcellular site of U2 internal modification. Upon injection into the cytoplasm of oocytes, G-capped U2 that is transported to the nucleus becomes modified, whereas A-capped U2 that remains in the cytoplasm is not modified. Furthermore, by injecting U2 RNA into isolated nuclei or enucleated oocytes, we observe that U2 internal modifications occur exclusively in the nucleus. Analysis of the intranuclear localization of fluorescently labeled RNAs shows that injected wild-type U2 becomes localized to nucleoli and Cajal bodies. Both internal modification and nucleolar localization of U2 are dependent on the Sm binding site. An Sm-mutant U2 is targeted only to Cajal bodies. The Sm binding site can be replaced by a nucleolar localization signal derived from small nucleolar RNAs (the box C/D motif), resulting in rescue of internal modification as well as nucleolar localization. Analysis of additional chimeric U2 RNAs reveals a correlation between internal modification and nucleolar localization. Together, our results suggest that U2 internal modification occurs within the nucleolus.
Predicting bankruptcy via induction

Research has consistently shown that auditors disclose going-concern problems for less than 50% of all business failures. As evidenced by widespread litigation, investors and creditors believe that this performance needs to be improved. This paper reports on research which analysed financial data for 60 public companies via an inductive inferencing algorithm. The end result was a simple and theoretically consistent model that was 97% accurate in predicting bankruptcy. Auditors, investors and creditors may find the model useful in improving their bankruptcy prediction capability.
Finite-element analyses of water flooding in irregularly shaped reservoirs

Abstract A finite-element solution is developed for flow of two immiscible and incompressible fluids through compressible porous media, representing subsurface oil reservoirs. The spatial domain is discretized using three-noded triangular and four-noded rectangular elements. The element matrices are derived by the Galerkin method. The resulting non-linear system of equations is solved by a new technique introduced in the present study. This technique eliminates instabilities or oscillations even for relatively large time increments used to advance the solution in time. The method is demonstrated by simulating two-phase flow through a regular square domain, a domain with impervious pockets, a domain with varying material properties, and a lense-shaped domain. The analytical results are confirmed qualitatively by comparing the immiscible front profiles with those observed experimentally in similar systems.
Predicting the Band Structure of Mixed Transition Metal Oxides: Theory and Experiment

Fuel production from sunlight using mixed metal oxide photocatalysts is a promising route for harvesting solar energy. While photocatalytic processes can operate with high efficiency using UV light, it remains a challenge of paramount importance to drive them with visible light. Engineering the electronic energy band structure of mixed metal oxides through judicious control of atomic composition is a promising route to increasing visible light photoresponse. The goal of this paper is to develop a simple mixed metal oxide band structure (MMOBS) method to predict the electronic band structure of mixed metal oxides. Several materials in the Ti−Fe−O system that span the composition spectrum were considered in this study: anatase TiO2, Fe-doped anatase TiO2, ilmenite TiFeO3, Ti-doped hematite α-Fe2O3, and hematite α-Fe2O3. The predictions by the MMOBS method for the Ti−Fe−O system were tested and confirmed using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental UV−visible absorptio...
Monitoring the influence of compression therapy on pathophysiology and structure of a swine scar model using multispectral imaging system

Scar contractures can lead to significant reduction in function and inhibit patients from returning to work, participating in leisure activities and even render them unable to provide care for themselves. Compression therapy has long been a standard treatment for scar prevention but due to the lack of quantifiable metrics of scar formation scant evidence exists of its efficacy. We have recently introduced a multispectral imaging system to quantify pathophysiology (hemoglobin, blood oxygenation, melanin, etc) and structural features (roughness and collagen matrix) of scar. In this study, hypertrophic scars are monitored in-vivo in a porcine model using the imaging system to investigate influence of compression therapy on its quality.