cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Configuration, optics, and performance of a 7-GEV Energy Recovery Linac upgrade for the advanced photon source

The Advanced Photon Source (APS) is a 7-GeV storage ring light source that has been in operation for over a decade. In order to make revolutionary improvements in the performance of the existing APS ring, we are exploring the addition of a 7-GeV energy recovery linac (ERL) [1] to the APS complex. In this paper, we show the possible configuration of such a system, taking into account details of the APS site and the requirement that stored beam capability be preserved. We exhibit a possible configuration for the single-pass, 7-GeV linac. We discuss optical solutions for transport from 10 MeV to 7 GeV and back, including a large turn-around are that would support 48 additional user beamlines. Tracking results are shown that include incoherent and coherent synchrotron radiation, resulting in predictions of the beamline performance. We also demonstrate the desirability of operation at high beam energy.
Implementation of pin point landing vision components in an FPGA system

Pin-point landing is required to enable missions to land close, typically within 10 meters, to scientifically important targets in generally hazardous terrain. In Pin Point Landing both high accuracy and high speed estimation of position and orientation is needed to provide input to the control system to safely choose and navigate to a safe landing site. A proposed algorithm called VISion aided Inertial NAVigation (VISINAV) has shown that the accuracy requirements can be met. [2][3] VISINAV was shown in software only, and was expected to use FPGA enhancements in the future to improve the computational speed needed for pin point landing during Entry Descent and Landing (EDL). Homography, feature detection and spatial correlation are computationally intensive parts of VISINAV. Homography aligns the map image with the descent image so that small correlation windows can be used, and feature detection provides regions that spatial correlation can track from frame to frame in order to estimate vehicle motion. On MER the image Homography, Feature Detection and Correlation would take approximately 650ms tracking 75 features between frames. We implemented Homography, Feature detection and Correlation on a Virtex 4 LX160 FPGA to run in under 25ms while tracking 500 features to improve algorithm reliability and throughput. 1 2
Hardware emulation of VLSI designs

A commercially available hardware emulation system and its expected capabilities are described, and results of an evaluation using an existing VLSI chip are reviewed. Based on this experience, the potential of the emulation system in ASIC design is assessed and areas of improvement are suggested. A forecast is also given of possible evolution of hardware emulation. >
A parametric emergency response project management system

This paper proposes a system for emergency response project management based on a parametric approach. Such a system will allow quick adaptation of pre-generated project plans for responding to an emergency. The system should include procedures for adjusting the pre-prepared plan based on the type and magnitude of the emergency. The effort for developing the parametric project plans need to comprehend and integrate the planning systems and applicable documents developed by relevant federal, state and local agencies. The approach should utilise data and experience from past incidents and exercises to develop its knowledgebase. A basic architecture for the parametric project system implementation is proposed.
The Statistical Frame of Mind in Systematic Biology from Quantitative Zoology to Biometry

The twentieth century witnessed a dramatic increase in the useof statistics by biologists, including systematists. The modern synthesis and new systematics stimulated thisdevelopment, particularly after World War II. The rise of ``thestatistical frame of mind'' resulted in a rethinking of relationship between biological and mathematical points of theview, the roles of objectivity and subjectivity in systematicresearch, the implications of new computing technologies, and theplace of systematics among the biological disciplines.
Thermodynamics of an All-Atom Off-Lattice Model of the Fragment B of Staphylococcal Protein A: Implication for the Origin of the Cooperativity of Protein Folding

An off-lattice all-atom (except nonpolar hydrogen) model of proteins based on Go j-type discontinuous interactions is developed and applied to study the folding thermodynamics of fragment B of Staphylococcal protein A. Unlike simpler CR based off-lattice models, which fold into a molten globule-like state from the coil state, the new model transits directly to the native state. The transition is strongly first-order-like and the dynamics of the native state is in approximate agreement with experimental data. The results suggest that a large well-packed solid core is the origin of the folding cooperativity of proteins.
Potential Retroviruses in Plants: Tat1 Is Related to a Group of Arabidopsis thaliana Ty3/gypsy Retrotransposons That Encode Envelope-Like Proteins

Tat1 was originally identified as an insertion near the Arabidopsis thaliana SAM1 gene. We provide evidence that Tat1 is a retrotransposon and that previously described insertions are solo long terminal repeats (LTRs) left behind after the deletion of coding regions of full-length elements. Three Tat1 insertions were characterized that have retrotransposon features, including a primer binding site complementary to an A. thaliana asparagine tRNA and an open reading frame (ORF) with approximately 44% amino acid sequence similarity to the gag protein of the Zea mays retrotransposon Zeon-1. Tat1 elements have large, polymorphic 3' noncoding regions that may contain transduced DNA sequences; a 477-base insertion in the 3' noncoding region of the Tat1-3 element contains part of a related retrotransposon and sequences similar to the nontranslated leader sequence of AT-P5C1, a gene for pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase. Analysis of DNA sequences generated by the A. thaliana genome project identified 10 families of Ty3/gypsy retrotransposons, which share up to 51 and 62% amino-acid similarity to the ORFs of Tat1 and the A. thaliana Athila element, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses resolved the plant Ty3/gypsy elements into two lineages, one of which includes homologs of Tat1 and Athila. Four families of A. thaliana elements within the Tat/Athila lineage encode a conserved ORF after integrase at a position occupied by the envelope gene in retroviruses and in some insect Ty3/gypsy retrotransposons. Like retroviral envelope genes, this ORF encodes a transmembrane domain and, in some insertions, a putative secretory signal sequence. This suggests that Tat/Athila retrotransposons may produce enveloped virions and may be infectious.
Diverse Genetic Regulatory Motifs Required for Murine Adenosine Deaminase Gene Expression in the Placenta

Murine adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a ubiquitous purine catabolic enzyme whose expression is subject to developmental and tissue-specific regulation. ADA is enriched in trophoblast cells of the chorioallantoic placenta and is essential for embryonic and fetal development. To begin to understand the genetic pathway controlling Ada gene expression in the placenta, we have identified and characterized a 770-base pair fragment located 5.4 kilobase pairs upstream of the Ada transcription initiation site, which directs reporter gene expression to the placenta of transgenic mice. The expression pattern of the reporter gene reflected that of the endogenous Ada gene in the placenta. Sequence analysis revealed potential binding sites for bHLH and GATA transcription factors. DNase I footprinting defined three protein binding regions, one of which was placenta-specific. Mutations in the potential protein binding sites and footprinting regions resulted in loss of placental expression in transgenic mice. These findings indicate that multiple protein binding motifs are necessary for Ada expression in the placenta.
A Limited Review of Water Diffusivity and Solubility in Glasses and Melts

A limited review of the literature dealing with water solubility and diffusion in oxide glasses and melts is presented, with an emphasis on simple and commercial compositions and on work during the past decade. Several methods for determination of water solubilities and diffusivities are discussed. Experimental results are presented for silicate, borate, and germanate glasses and melts. Water diffusivities always increase with increasing temperature and modifier oxide content in these melts. Variations in water solubility and diffusivity with alkali and alkaline earth identity for otherwise identical compositions are small, while variations with the identity of the glass-forming oxide are large. Water solubility increases with increasing modifier oxide content in alkali silicate melts, but decreases with increasing modifier oxide content in alkali borate and germanate melts.
Simulation validation using direct execution of wireless Ad-Hoc routing protocols

Computer simulation is the most common approach to studying wireless ad-hoc routing algorithms. The results, however, are only as good as the models the simulation uses. One should not underestimate the importance of validation, as inaccurate models can lead to wrong conclusions. In this paper, we use direct-execution simulation to validate radio models used by ad-hoc routing protocols, against real-world experiments. This paper documents a common testbed that supports direct execution of a set of ad-hoc routing protocol implementations in a wireless network simulator. The testbed reads traces generated from real experiments, and uses them to drive direct-execution implementations of the routing protocols. Doing so we reproduce the same network conditions as in real experiments. By comparing routing behavior measured in real experiments with behavior computed by the simulation, we are able to validate the models of radio behavior upon which protocol behavior depends. We conclude that it is possible to have fairly accurate results using a simple radio model, but the routing behavior is quite sensitive to one of this model's parameters. The implication is that one should: i) use a more complex radio model that explicitly models point-to-point path loss; or ii) use measurements from an environment typical of the one of interest; or iii) study behavior over a range of environments to identify sensitivities.
Performance analysis of multichannel reservation random access protocol for mobile cellular network

Two multichannel media access protocols with different frequency channels for a mobile cellular environment are investigated. MPRMA is a multichannel PRMA protocol and MSAC is a multichannel protocol with a slotted ALOHA based control channel. Fixed total bandwidth is used. For integrated services and different quality service requirements, only the voice packet can reserve the future slot during talkspurt when the information packet is transmitted successfully. A semi-Markov model was developed to study the operations of the protocols. The comparisons of these protocols are investigated through analytical models as well as discrete-event simulation in terms of the number of simultaneous users, packet dropping probability with the variations of the number of channels and the information packet size.
Biaxial incremental homeostatic elastic moduli of coronary artery: two-layer model

The detailed mechanical properties of various layers of the coronary artery are important for understanding the function of the vessel. The present article is focused on the determination of the incremental modulus in different layers and directions in the neighborhood of the in vivo state. The incremental modulus can be defined for any material subjected to a large deformation if small perturbations in strain lead to small perturbations of stresses in a linear fashion. This analysis was applied to the porcine coronary artery, which was treated as a two-layered structure consisting of an inner intima-media layer and an outer adventitia layer. We adopted a theory based on small-perturbation experiments at homeostatic conditions for determination of incremental moduli in circumferential, axial, and cross directions in the two layers. The experiments were based on inflation and axial stretch. We demonstrate that under homeostatic conditions the incremental moduli are layer- and direction dependent. The incremental modulus is highest in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, in the circumferential direction, the media is stiffer than the whole wall, which is stiffer than the adventitia. In the axial direction, the adventitia is stiffer than the intact wall, which is stiffer than the media. Hence, the coronary artery must be treated as a composite, nonisotropic body. The data acquire physiological relevance in relation to coronary artery health and disease.
X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies of the bonding of phenyl sulfides to copper

The chemisorption and bonding of different phenyl sulfides with copper have been studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Volatile phenyl sulfides were employed: phenyl mercaptan, diphenyl sulfide and diphenyl disulfide. The reactions were conducted in an evacuated chamber adjacent to the analytical chamber of the XPS spectrometer so that the oxidation state of the copper could be controlled. Chemisorption and bonding depend both upon the phenyl sulfide species and the oxidation state of copper. The mercaptan reacts with copper in either state; oxygen is displaced from the oxidized copper surface and copper phenyl mercaptide is formed. Phenyl sulfide does not react with copper metal but displaces oxygen from the oxidized copper, along with the formation of a mercaptide. Diphenyl disulfide forms a mercaptide with unoxidized copper but does not react with oxidized copper. Some evidence for the formation of another unknown sulfide species is found in the reaction of diphenyl disulfide with copper.
Libraries 2000: Transforming Libraries Using Document Delivery, Needs Assessment, and Networked Resources

The Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College (LSU) Libraries are transforming traditional research library practices by containing serial expenditures, implementing network developments, and attracting grant support. This paper describes three projects designed to utilize document delivery and electronic access to expand collections, identify faculty journal needs, and share resources among Louisiana libraries. It reports the results of document-delivery pilots and journal needs assessment surveys of LSU science and social sciences faculty and compares findings. Data on the use and cost of subsidized document delivery are included. The article also summarizes the libraries’ grant activities, which have been awarded more than $6 million in three years.
Mechanism of instability in abortive cycling by T7 RNA polymerase.

Abortive transcription, the premature release of short transcripts 2–8 bases in length, is a unique feature of transcription, accompanying the transition from initiation to elongation in all RNA polymerases. The current study focuses on major factors that relate to the stability of initially transcribing abortive complexes in T7 RNA polymerase. Building on previous studies, results reveal that collapse of the DNA from the downstream end of the bubble is a major contributor to the characteristic instability of abortive complexes. Furthermore, transcription from a novel DNA construct containing a nick between positions –14 and –13 of the nontemplate strand suggests that the more flexible promoter reduces somewhat the strain inherent in initially transcribing complexes, with a resulting decrease in abortive product release. Finally, as assessed by exonuclease III footprinting and transcription profiles, a DNA construct defective in bubble collapse specifically from the downstream end exhibits less abortive cycling and little perturbation of the final transition to elongation, including the process of promoter release.
Increasing the Power and Efficiency of Disease-Marker Case-Control Association Studies through Use of Allele-Sharing Information

Case-control disease-marker association studies are often used in the search for variants that predispose to complex diseases. One approach to increasing the power of these studies is to enrich the case sample for individuals likely to be affected because of genetic factors. In this article, we compare three case-selection strategies that use allele-sharing information with the standard strategy that selects a single individual from each family at random. In affected sibship samples, we show that, by carefully selecting sibships and/or individuals on the basis of allele sharing, we can increase the frequency of disease-associated alleles in the case sample. When these cases are compared with unrelated controls, the difference in the frequency of the disease-associated allele is therefore also increased. We find that, by choosing the affected sib who shows the most evidence for pairwise allele sharing with the other affected sibs in families, the test statistic is increased by >20%, on average, for additive models with modest genotype relative risks. In addition, we find that the per-genotype information associated with the allele sharing–based strategies is increased compared with that associated with random selection of a sib for genotyping. Even though we select sibs on the basis of a nonparametric statistic, the additional gain for selection based on the unknown underlying mode of inheritance is minimal. We show that these properties hold even when the power to detect linkage to a region in the entire sample is negligible. This approach can be extended to more-general pedigree structures and quantitative traits.
The effects of contraceptive use on the initiation and duration of lactation

This literature review of the few studies which have investigated the effects of contraceptives on the initiation of lactation leaves the reader with an unclear picture of how the early administration of hormonal contraception affects that process. Many of these studies are 10 years old; since then the trend seems to have been away from research that involves the early administration of contraceptives to lactating women. In view of the ethical problems associated with research on the effects which contraception has on the initiation of lactation clinical studies of this type are likely to be rare in the future. Studies of the effects of contraception on the duration of lactation on child growth and on milk quantity and quality seem to be more likely areas for future research. The perceived benefits of the early use of contraception by lactating women derive primarily from the assumption that women are most open to family planning advice in the immediate postpartum period. Research is needed to determine if amenorrheic lactating women are consistent and effective users of contraceptives when these are distributed in the this period. The duration of lactation is not a particularly satisfactory outcome variable for studies of lactational performance. Because of the difficulty in determining the precise duration of lactation it is important that studies on this topic include other variables--such as the weight gain of the infant and the volume and composition of breast milk. The results from studies of oral contraception and its effects on the duration of lactation have shown positive and negative associations; it is difficult to reach conclusions from this data. Studies of the effects of Depo-Provera on the duration of lactation are not entirely conclusive but the data seem to suggest an increase in mean duration and an improvement in lactation. From this we can conclude that Depo-Provera can be recommended for lactating women. Decisions about appropriate contraceptive methods for use by lactating women involve consideration not only of the effects which hormonal contraceptives have but also an examination of alternatives to their use. The question of delaying the introduction of contraception until 3 or 6 months postpartum or until 1st menses remains open. The answer to this question is likely to differ for different populations to depend on the prevailing pattern of breast feeding and on the logistics of program organization.
Global Migration and the Formation of Transnational Families

A critical feature of globalization is the movement of individuals, both within countries and across borders. As the process of global integration accelerates, we are witnessing a growing number of people on the move. While migration is not a new phenomenon, it has grown in volume and impact since 1945, and especially since the 1980s (Castles and Miller 2003). Due to growing inequalities within and between societies, large numbers of people are moving from rural to urban areas, and from developing to industrialized countries in search of opportunities and resources. Refugee flows, the growth of global organizations, and the creation of new free trade areas are also contributing to significant international migration. While actual migration numbers are low in proportion to the global population, the impacts of migration are significant. Most individuals migrate as families or in groups, and their leaving and resettlement has crucial social, political, and economic implications for their home and receiving societies. International migration provides the basis for the creation of new forms of transnational families and the movement of information and capital.
Hyperspectral classification using a composite kernel driven by nearest-neighbor spatial features

There is increasing interest in driving supervised classification of hyperspectral imagery by a support vector machine using a composite kernel employing both spectral and spatial features. While the spectral signature of the current hyper-spectral pixel is often used directly to supply the spectral feature, a statistic — such as the mean — calculated across a spatial window surrounding the pixel is typically employed as a spatial feature. In contrast, a nearest-neighbor spatial feature is proposed in which the nearest neighbors in Euclidean distance to the current pixel are used to calculate the spatial feature. It is argued that the proposed nearest-neighbor spatial feature is more likely to incorporate relevant, same-class neighbor pixels than window-based features for which borders between coherent single-class regions may give rise to misclassification. Experimental results illustrate the performance advantage of the proposed nearest-neighbor framework at supervised hyperspectral classification in comparison to several competing benchmark algorithms that also employ kernel-based support vector machines.
Reservations About Donor Standing: Should the Law Allow Charitable Donors to Reserve the Right to Enforce a Gift Restriction?

While charitable donors are often eager to enforce the terms of their gift in court, principles of charitable trust law traditionally preclude a donor from litigating restrictions governing the use of a gift. This article analyzes the most recent decisions that erode the common law prohibition of donor standing and proposes a model for legislative reform that would create a limited right to reserve donor standing.
Literature & Models to Integrate Doctrine and Skills in Law Schools

To succeed in law school, students must self-regulate their learning, demonstrate problem-solving ability, and evince mastery of doctrine. Legal problem-solving is taught implicitly in every doctrinal class-room, but many law schools teach the skills explicitly only within the context of Academic Success. Some educational psychology research and independent law school studies suggest that teaching skills and cognitive strategies within the context of doctrine leads to better outcomes for students. This issue of The Learning Curve features a number of articles on existing approaches to integration. To place the pieces included in this newsletter in context, this introductory article provides a short overview of some of the relevant literature on integration, as well as a brief outline of the different integration models currently in use.
Of ladders and looms: Moving through Walter Benjamin’s ‘Storyteller’

In this article I take a closer look at Walter Benjamin’s essay ‘The Storyteller’ by connecting the craft of carpet weaving to storytelling. I reveal that Benjamin has encoded a ladder in his essay...
331 NADPH OXIDASE-DERIVED REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES GENERATION IS INCREASED IN PUROMYCIN AMINONUCLEOSIDE NEPHROPATHY

Recent evidence has suggested that increased protein concentration in the urine can be toxic to renal proximal tubular cell function. In cases of proteinuric renal disease, the protein itself may be responsible for interstitial fibrosis and progressive deterioration in renal function. Oxidant stress has been implicated as a mechanism of disease in puromycin aminonucleoside (PA) nephropathy. This study investigates the NADPH oxidase activity in the renal cortex of rats with acute PA nephropathy in comparison to control animals. Methods PA-treated adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 8) were given a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 15 mg PA/100 g body weight. Control rats (n = 8) were given an equivalent IP injection of normal saline. Rats from each group were sacrificed on days 2, 6, 9, and 21 after initial injection. NADPH-dependent superoxide anion generation was assessed in renal cortical homogenates using lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. 24-hour urine samples were obtained from each rat prior to days 2, 6, 9, and 21. Results Proteinuria was greatest in the PA-treated rats on day 9, which is consistent with the known course of this disease. NADPH oxidase activity, expressed as relative light units (RLU)/mg protein, was similar between the two groups of animals on day 2. NADPH oxidase activity was significantly elevated on day 6 in the PA-treated rats as compared to the control animals. NADPH oxidase activity remained elevated in the PA-treated rats compared to controls on days 9 and 21. Conclusions We found that in acute PA nephropathy, NADPH-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) production occurs shortly after the onset of clinical proteinuria. The fact that the two groups showed similar ROS generation at day 2 suggests that the proteinuria is responsible for these findings rather than the PA itself. Our results suggest that ROS production by NADPH-dependent superoxide generating enzymes may be stimulated by elevated concentrations of protein within the proximal tubule. This may represent one of the mechanisms by which the renal cortex becomes damaged in proteinuric states.
Epidemic Characteristics of Leptospirosis in Yibin City From 2002 to 2006

Objective To analyse the epidemic characteristics of leptospirosis so as to provide basis for making out effective control measures.Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis on leptospirosis data in Yibin City from 2002 to 2006 was made.Results During the period from 2002 to 2006,393 cases,with an average annual incidence rate of 1.52/105 were reported,and 2 of them died.The disease showed remarkable seasonal rise in August-September.The ratio of male to female among cases was 2.14∶1.The main cases distributed in 10-35 years age-group,and 97.46% cases were farmers and students.ConclusionIn the past 5 years,the leptospirosis incidence revealed velatioely higher level in Yibin City.Comprehensire measures including reservoir control and management,health education and immunization should be strengthened.
Gene profiles of thymidine de novo and salvage pathways in 136 patients raises question of using FLT for imaging prostate cancer

1448 Objectives To assess the likelihood of FLT application in primary prostate cancer by the gene profile related to FLT uptake in primary prostate cancer tissue samples, measured by array chips (over 20,000 transcripts and variants). Methods A U133A array dataset published by YP Wang et al. (GSE8218) was used in the study. The dataset includes 136 prostate samples with documented percentages of tumor, stroma, hypertrophy, and atrophy. Since the nucleoside transporter, thymidine kinase, thymidylate synthetase, and thymidine phosphorylase are directly involved in FLT retention in cells, a stepwise linear regression model was used to search for genes that were associated with the percentage of tumor in the sample. Results SLC29A2 was positively correlated with the prostate tumor component (p Conclusions 33% of the variation in the percentage tumor in these prostate samples was predicted by nucleoside transporters, thymidine kinases and thymidylate synthase, suggesting that FLT might not be an optimal probe to detect early primary prostate cancer. Research Support T32EB006351
Pathophysiology of metabolic alkalosis.

Metabolic alkalosis is common—half of all acid-base disorders at one medical center—and severe cases are associated with substantial mortality. To understand the pathophysiology of the various type...
The Paraclavicular Approach

This approach is a combination of a supraclavicular and an infraclavicular incision. It is designed to expose the subclavian vein, the origin of the jugular vein and part of the innominate vein combined with a direct repair of the vein with or without patching, and to accomplish a thrombectomy combined with decompression of the thoracic inlet. The combination of these two incisions together allows for the simultaneous removal of the subclavius tendon, the costoclavicular ligament and the first rib. The approach was introduced by Cormier and Amrane [1] in order to achieve adequate exposure of the vessels of the thoracic outlet, used mostly for arterial repairs in patients with cervical ribs. The approach was later termed “Paraclavicular” by Thompson [2]. Satisfactory results have recently been reported by Melby [3]. The dual incision approach is adequate as long as the entire innominate vein does not need to be exposed, because it only provides limited visualization of the most proximal part of that vein. Therefore the approach is not sufficient in cases where the innominate vein has already endovascular stents placed or if the fibrous process has advanced into the innominate vein. A different incision must be utilized in these instances as described below. The paraclavicular approach has the merit of not dividing or partially removing the clavicle, which creates a very obvious chest deformity in the patient. The approach also allows the surgeon to repair directly the vein if necessary, and is preferable to any transaxillary approach to relieve the obstruction of the subclavian vein. Its clear limitations pertain to cases of chronic subclavian obstruction extending into the innominate (as noted above) or in patients who had been treated previously with implants and in whom there is a need to clamp the innominate vein near the superior vena cava in order to apply a patch to enlarge the vein. In such cases, we definitely prefer to use the transmanubrial extension of the subclavicular incision to obtain adequate control of the entire involved venous component.
Identification of the formation of metal-vinylidene interfacial bonds of alkyne-capped platinum nanoparticles by isotopic labeling.

Stable platinum nanoparticles were prepared by the self-assembly of 1-dodecyne and dodec-1-deuteroyne onto bare platinum colloid surfaces. The nanoparticles exhibited consistent core size and optical properties. FTIR and NMR measurements confirmed the formation of Pt–vinylidene (PtCCH–) interfacial linkages rather than Pt–acetylide (Pt–CC–) and platinum–hydride (Pt–H) bonds.
The Poet’s Calling

Most readers of The Prelude would agree with Abrams’ account of the overall order of events or the ‘three stages’ that make up the basic narrative of The Prelude: ‘a process of mental development’; with this in turn ‘broken by a crisis of apathy and despair’; the mind is restored but at ‘a level higher than the initial unity’; it enjoys benefits which are ‘the products of the critical experiences it has undergone’ (Nat. Supernat. 77).
Influencing Antibody-Mediated Attenuation of Methamphetamine CNS Distribution through Vaccine Linker Design

Active vaccination examining a single hapten engendered with a series of peptidic linkers has resulted in the production of antimethamphetamine antibodies. Given the limited chemical complexity of methamphetamine, the structure of the linker species embedded within the hapten could have a substantial effect on the ultimate efficacy of the resulting vaccines. Herein, we investigate linker effects by generating a series of methamphetamine haptens that harbor a linker with varying amino acid identity, peptide length, and associated carrier protein. Independent changes in each of these parameters were found to result in alterations in both the quantity and quality of the antibodies induced by vaccination. Although it was found that the consequence of the linker design was also dependent on the identity of the carrier protein, we demonstrate overall that the inclusion of a short, structurally simple, amino acid linker benefits the efficacy of a methamphetamine vaccine in limiting brain penetration of the free ...
Cardiovascular Adiponectin Resistance: The Critical Role of Adiponectin Receptor Modification

For the past two decades, a great deal of research has been published concerning adiponectin (APN), an abundant protein responsible for regulating numerous biologic functions including antioxidative, antinitrative, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. A review of APN and its two major receptors is timely because of new findings concerning the mechanisms by which APN signaling may be altered in pathologic processes such as diabetes and heart failure. In this review we elaborate on currently known information regarding the physiologic role of APN and the known mechanisms underlying pathologic APN resistance − namely, APN receptor downregulation and phosphorylation − and provide insight regarding the future directions of APN research including an assessment of the clinical applicability of preventing pathologic post-translational modification of the APN receptor.
Accounting for the Spatial Observation Window in the 2-D Fourier Transform Analysis of Shear Wave Attenuation.

Abstract Recent measurements of shear wave propagation in viscoelastic materials have been analyzed by constructing the 2-D Fourier transform (2DFT) of the shear wave signal and measuring the phase velocity c ( ω ) and attenuation α( ω ) from the peak location and full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the 2DFT signal at discrete frequencies. However, when the shear wave is observed over a finite spatial range, the 2DFT signal is a convolution of the true signal and the observation window, and measurements using the FWHM can yield biased results. In this study, we describe a method to account for the size of the spatial observation window using a model of the 2DFT signal and a non-linear, least-squares fitting procedure to determine c ( ω ) and α( ω ). Results from the analysis of finite-element simulation data agree with c ( ω ) and α( ω ) calculated from the material parameters used in the simulation. Results obtained in a viscoelastic phantom indicate that the measured attenuation is independent of the observation window and agree with measurements of c ( ω ) and α( ω ) obtained using the previously described progressive phase and exponential decay analysis.
Temperature, charging current and state of charge effects on iron-vanadium flow batteries operation

Abstract Reliable and low cost energy storage technologies are required in order to store electrical energy on a large scale, as the power generated from intermittent renewable resources is continuously growing. Redox flow batteries are considered as a promising technology to lead a balanced solution for the future low emissions power sector challenges. The effect of temperature, charge/discharge current and state of charge on the performance of an iron-vanadium flow battery has been investigated in this study. VCl3 and FeCl2 in HCl(aq) electrolytes have been used for the anolyte and catholyte respectively, while graphite felt has been used for the electrodes. The results reveal an optimum operating temperature of ∼47 °C and an optimum charging current of 50 mA cm−2 when the battery is in a state of charge between 20 and 80%. The calculated voltage and coulombic efficiencies were estimated to be ∼85%. Under a mean linear flow velocity of ∼40 cm s−1, it has been found that the process is controlled by the sluggish kinetics of the V2+/V3+ half-reaction. The kinetic constant has been calculated equal to 0.8 · 10−5 cm s−1 at 30 °C and 4.5 · 10−5 cm s−1 at 47 °C, resulting in an activation energy of ∼110 kJ mol−1. A model based on the exchange current density values and the state of charge, has been used to calculate the charge transfer coefficient. The latter was found to decrease with respect to temperature from 0.63 at 30 °C to 0.13 at 52 °C.
Displacement comparison of CAD–CAM titanium and zirconia abutments to implants with different conical connections

Abstract Purpose To compare the displacements of CAD–CAM zirconia and titanium abutments into different internal connection systems after torquing. Methods OsseoSpeed EV and OsseoSpeed TX implants (n = 10) were placed in resin blocks. Zirconia and titanium abutments (n = 5) were first hand tightened and then tightened to the recommended torque (20 N cm for TX and 25 N cm for EV). Displacements of abutments between screw tightening by hand and torque driver was measured using three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D DIC) technique. Displacements were measured in U (front/back), V (into/outward), W (right/left) directions and 3-dimensionally (3D). ANOVA with restricted maximum likelihood estimation method was used to analyze the data. Bonferroni-corrected t tests was used to determine the statistical differences (α = 0.05). Results 3D displacement of zirconia and titanium abutments was significantly greater in OsseoSpeed EV implant (P Conclusion Abutments displaced more in the implant that required higher torque values to tighten the abutment. The amount of displacement in both systems was clinically small. Abutment material did not affect the magnitude of displacement.
Variability of absorption heat pump efficiency for domestic water heating and space heating based on time-weighted bin analysis

Abstract Natural gas-driven absorption heat pumps (AHPs) are under renewed scrutiny as a viable technology for space conditioning and water heating for residential and commercial applications because of natural gas production trends, pricing, and the speculation that it might be a “bridge fuel” in the global transition toward energy sustainability. Since any level of natural gas combustion contributes to atmospheric carbon dioxide accumulation, the merits of natural gas–consuming absorption technology are reexamined in this paper from the point of view of expected efficiency as a driver for AHPs throughout the United States using a time-weighted bin temperature analysis. Such analyses are necessary because equipment standards for rated performance are restricted to one set ambient condition; whereas in actual practice, the AHP must perform over a considerably wider range of external conditions in which its efficiency may be vastly different from that at the rated condition. Quantification of variations in efficiency and system performance is imperative to address how to provide the desired application with the least environmental impact. In this paper, we examine limiting features in AHPs and relate them to systemic performances in 16 cities across all 8 climate zones in the United States, each containing 15 bin temperatures. The results indicate that the true expectation for AHP performance is significantly less than what might be optimized for the rated condition. Statistical measures of the variation in water heating COPs show that for most cities, the COP at the rated conditions is outside the 95% Confidence Interval. It is concluded that deployment of AHP water heaters may be restricted geographically by outdoor temperature constraints.
Dynamic Blocking Problems for a Model of Fire Propagation

This paper contains a survey of recent work on a class of dynamic blocking problems. The basic model consists of a differential inclusion describing the growth of a set in the plane. To restrain its expansion, it is assumed that barriers can be constructed, in real time. Here the issues of major interest are: (i) whether the growth of the set can be eventually blocked, and (ii) what is the optimal location of the barriers, minimizing a cost criterion. After introducing the basic definitions and concepts, the paper reviews various results on the existence or non-existence of blocking strategies. A theorem on the existence of an optimal strategy is then recalled, together with various necessary conditions for optimality. Sufficient conditions for optimality and a numerical algorithm for the computation of optimal barriers are also discussed, together with several open problems.
Comorbid Psychiatric Disease Is Associated With Lower Rates of Thrombolysis in Ischemic Stroke.

Background and Purpose—Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) improves outcomes after acute ischemic stroke but is underused in certain patient populations. Mental illness is pervasive in the United States...
How the Talmud Works and Why the Talmud Won

A single document, the Talmud of Babylonia – that is to say, the Misha, a philosophical law code that reached closure at ca 100 C.E., as read by the Gemara, a commentary to thirty-seven of the sixty-three tractates of that code, compiled in Babylonia, reaching closure by ca 600 C.E. – from ancient times to the present day has served as the medium of instruction for all literate Jews, teaching, by example alone, the craft of clear thinking, compelling argument, correct rhetoric. That craft originated in Athens with Plato’s Socrates for the medium of thought, and with Aristotle for the method of thought, and predominated in the intellectual life of Western civilization thereafter. When we correlate the modes of thought and analysis of the Talmud with the ones of classical philosophy that pertain, we see how the Talmud works, by which I mean, how its framers made connections and drew conclusions, for the Mishnah and Gemara respectively. And when we can explain how the Talmud works, I claim, we may also understand why it exercised the remarkable power that it did for the entire history of Judaism from its closure in the 7th century into our own time. These two questions – how it works, why it won – define the task of this presentation.
Instability after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background This study evaluated patients with and without a prosthetic dislocation after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) to identify risk factors for instability. Methods Dislocation and nondislocation cohorts were established for analysis in 119 patients who had undergone RTSA at our institution between 2011 and 2014. Preoperative history and parameters pertaining to RTSA design were evaluated for correlation with instability. A logistic regression model was used to analyze independent predictors. Results Eleven patients (9.2%) demonstrated instability in the early postoperative period. Dislocations occurred at an average of 8 weeks postoperatively (range, 3 days-5 months). The mean follow-up of all patients was 28 months (range, 6-106 months). Postoperative instability was associated with male gender, history of prior open shoulder surgery, and preoperative diagnoses of fracture sequelae, particularly proximal humeral or tuberosity nonunion. Absence of subscapularis repair was an independent predictor of instability. In addition, 5 of the 11 patients (45%) in the instability cohort sustained a second dislocation requiring another operation. Conclusions Redislocation after revision surgery for the initial dislocation was an unexpected and alarming finding. Treatment for the initial dislocation event by placement of a thicker polyethylene insert was inadequate in 45% of patients of our cohort and required another revision with a larger glenosphere and thicker humeral inserts. Initial instability after RTSA must be carefully managed, especially in the revision and post-traumatic setting. Exchange to a thicker polyethylene insert only carries a higher risk of recurrent instability.
Teaching Diversity in Public Administration: A Missing Component?

AbstractSince its inception, the discipline of public administration has been challenged by its dual mission of educating both practitioner and academician (Golembiewski, 1977; Denhardt, 2001). Nor...
Neutrinos in Cosmology--Good Nus from the Big Bang

According to the standard hot big bang model, the early evolution of the universe provided a cosmic accelerator in which elementary particles, those already known as well as those yet to be discovered, were produced copiously. During the expansion and cooling of the universe from its early, high density, high temperature state, the environmental impact was severe and very few particles survived. Fortunately, some hardy “relics” from earlier epochs do survive to influence the subsequent evolution of the universe. Indeed, the present universe is the debris of earlier epochs.
Porphyrins and Related Compounds

Since the solubility of porphyrins in the usual infrared solvents (e. g., carbon disulfide and carbon tetrachloride) is limited, spectral studies of porphyrins in such solvents are limited. Bromoform has been used as a solvent for some porphyrins (Alben and Caughey, 1968). Aqueous solutions have been used for porphyrin-containing substances, e. g., metmyoglobin of the sperm whale (McCoy and Caughey, 1967) and various hemoglobins and myoglobins (Caughey et al., 1969). The pressed-disk method is especially suited, although porphyrins can also be studied as films deposited from solution on silver chloride slides, and as mineral oil mulls. Porphyrin spectra are so complex that extraneous bands due to moisture or contaminants must be excluded. Spectra of poorer quality frequently result from hydrates and free acids, as compared with esters. Changes from a crystalline form to an amorphous film may cause changes in shapes or positions of absorption bands. Also, spectral changes frequently become appreciable when recrystallization begins to take place within a plated-out film. Schwartz et al. (1960) have reported that large effects of this kind have been found for coproporphyrin III ester and mesoporphyrin IX ester.
Design quality: The untapped potential of group technology

Publisher Summary The impact of group technology (GT) on domestic manufacturing firms has been essentially limited to two of its basic applications. First is the process of restructuring the shop floor to a cellular layout. Identification of part families and machine cells dedicated to their manufacture has demonstrated great potential for productivity improvement. The most common usage of classification and coding systems is for the retrieval of designs (from the design database) to be used as the basis for new designs and for determining part families and cells. This chapter considers an expansion of the domain of the retrieval-oriented application of these classification and coding systems. The notion is of fully utilizing the information contained within the firm's various databases to enable design evaluation and control design retrieval in a manner consistent with design quality objectives. The operational form of such an application, as well as some of the benefits and technical obstacles, is discussed in the chapter. The GT code-based design retrieval capability induces a rather painless form of design standardization. The chapter discusses management of the design function and the design database, managing design quality through management of the engineering design database, and managing manufacturing costs through reference to the engineering design database. In this chapter, the expansion of the application domain of GT-oriented coding and retrieval systems has been proposed.