cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensor-based distributed control for chain-typed self-reconfiguration

This paper describes two contributions for chain typed self-reconfigurable robots: a very illustrative self-reconfiguration task changing from "I" shape to "T" shape, and a sensor-based distributed control method for automatic planning and execution of self-reconfiguration. In the "I-to-T" task, a snake robot is to reconfigure itself into a tripod by docking the tail to a target module in the body, releasing a portion of the connected mass as a new leg, and switching to a new gait automatically. We first accomplished this task using predetermined instructions for individual modules without considering sensor inputs. We then developed a sensor-based approach using our hormone-inspired distributed control to allow the robot to dynamically accept the point of connection at run-time, align the tail and the target using sensors, and select appropriate actions based on modules' location in the configuration. Compared to the standard inverse kinematics, this new control approach is sensor-based and can endure the limited computational resources and uncertainties in the connections. It can be applied to self-reconfigurations that are not designed by the programmers but triggered by the environment.
Effects of acute sprint interval cycling and energy replacement on postprandial lipemia.

High postprandial blood triglyceride (TG) levels increase cardiovascular disease risk. Exercise interventions may be effective in reducing postprandial blood TG. The purpose of this study was to de...
Total variation distance and the distribution of relative information

We give explicit expressions, upper and lower bounds on the total variation distance between P and Q in terms of the distribution of the random variables log dP/dQ (X) and log dP/dQ(Y), where X and Y are distributed accorκding to P and Q respectively.
A relational calculus with set operators, its safety, and equivalent graphical languages

The authors propose a relational calculus (RC/S) which uses set comparison and set manipulation operators to replace universal quantifiers and negations. It is argued that compared to the Codd relational calculus (RC), RC/S queries are easier to construct and comprehend. It is proved that the expressive power of RC is equivalent to the expressive power of RC/S, and algorithms for translating an RC query into an RC/S query and vice versa are given. A safe RC/S query is defined as one that has finite output and can be evaluated in finite time. Then a subset of RC/S queries, called RC/S* is defined, and it is proved that RC/S* is safe. RC/S* is compared to the existing largest safe subsets of RC, i.e. the evaluable formulas and the allowed formulas. Algorithms are given to transform any evaluable formula into an RC/S* query, and some RC/S* formulas that are not evaluable are given. RC/S* queries can be directly implemented using a graphical language similar to Query-by-Example (QBE). Two different graphical languages are described that are equivalent to the RC/S* in expressive power, and these languages are compared to QBE. >
WILHELM VON HUMBOLDT'S IDEAS ON THE FORMATION OF CHARACTER THROUGH EDUCATION

(1963). WILHELM VON HUMBOLDT'S IDEAS ON THE FORMATION OF CHARACTER THROUGH EDUCATION. Paedagogica Historica: Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 5-26.
Enhancement of ENSO's persistence barrier by biennial variability in a coupled atmosphere‐ocean general circulation model

Received 9 May 2005; revised 2 June 2005; accepted 8 June 2005; published 15 July 2005. [1] Possible causes of the spring persistence barrier in ENSO sea surface temperature anomalies are examined using a coupled atmosphere-ocean general circulation model (CGCM). Our study indicates that the persistence barrier is significantly enhanced when both Pacific and Indian Ocean couplings are included in the CGCM, compared to the simulation that includes only the Pacific Ocean coupling. ENSO’s variance, phase locking to the annual cycle, and biennial variability are also increased in the Indo-Pacific Run. Further analysis reveals that the overall amplitude of ENSO is not a primary factor in determining the strength of the persistence barrier, rather, it is the amplitude of the biennial component of ENSO affecting the barrier the most. The persistence barrier is consistently strong (weak) when biennial ENSO variability is large (small). No such a clear relationship is found between the strength of the barrier and the amplitude of the low-frequency (3–5 years) component of ENSO. This modeling study demonstrates that the biennial component of ENSO is one major mechanism responsible for the spring persistence barrier and that interactions between the tropical Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean-monsoon could enhance the biennial component of ENSO. Citation: Yu, J.-Y. (2005), Enhancement of ENSO’s persistence barrier by biennial variability in a coupled atmosphere-ocean general circulation model, Geophys. Res. Lett., 32, L13707, doi:10.1029/2005GL023406.
RNA-Seq Data: A Complexity Journey.

A paragraph from the highlights of “Transcriptomics: Throwing light on dark matter” by L. Flintoft (Nature Reviews Genetics 11, 455, 2010), says: “Reports over the past few years of extensive transcription throughout eukaryotic genomes have led to considerable excitement. However, doubts have been raised about the methods that have detected this pervasive transcription and about how much of it is functional.” Since the appearance of the ENCODE project and due to follow-up work, a shift from the pervasive transcription observed from RNA-Seq data to its functional validation is gradually occurring. However, much less attention has been turned to the problem of deciphering the complexity of transcriptome data, which determines uncertainty with regard to identification, quantification and differential expression of genes and non-coding RNAs. The aim of this mini-review is to emphasize transcriptome-related problems of direct and inverse nature for which novel inference approaches are needed.
Stalk Region of β-Chain Enhances the Coreceptor Function of CD8

CD8 glycoproteins are expressed as either alphaalpha homodimers or alphabeta heterodimers on the surface of T cells. CD8alphabeta is a more efficient coreceptor than the CD8alphaalpha for peptide Ag recognition by TCR. Each CD8 subunit is composed of four structural domains, namely, Ig-like domain, stalk region, transmembrane region, and cytoplasmic domain. In an attempt to understand why CD8alphabeta is a better coreceptor than CD8alphaalpha, we engineered, expressed, and functionally tested a chimeric CD8alpha protein whose stalk region is replaced with that of CD8beta. We found that the beta stalk region enhances the coreceptor function of chimeric CD8alphaalpha to a level similar to that of CD8alphabeta. Surprisingly, the beta stalk region also restored functional activity to an inactive CD8alpha variant, carrying an Ala mutation at Arg(8) (R8A), to a level similar to that of wild-type CD8alphabeta. Using the R8A variant of CD8alpha, a panel of anti-CD8alpha Abs, and three MHC class I (MHCI) variants differing in key residues known to be involved in CD8alpha interaction, we show that the introduction of the CD8beta stalk leads to a different topology of the CD8alpha-MHCI complex without altering the overall structure of the Ig-like domain of CD8alpha or causing the MHCI to employ different residues to interact with the CD8alpha Ig domain. Our results show that the stalk region of CD8beta is capable of fine-tuning the coreceptor function of CD8 proteins as a coreceptor, possibly due to its distinct protein structure, smaller physical size and the unique glycan adducts associated with this region.
Mitteilungen aus dem Laboratorium für Geophysik der Carnegie Institution in Washington. 7. Vorläufiger Bericht über das ternäre System CaOAl2O3SiO2. Eine Untersuchung über die Konstitution der Portlandzement‐Klinker

Die binaren Systeme. In der fruheren Untersuchung von Gemischen aus reinem Kalk und Kieselsaure konnten zwei Verbindungen, das Metasililrat (CaO. SiO2) und das Orthosilikat (2CaO. SiO2) mit Sicherheit nachgewiesen werden, aber keine Spur des bisher allgemein angenommenen Tricalciumsilikats war in den Gemischen von reinem Kalk und reiner Kieselsaure aufzufinden. In dem System aus drei Komponenten andererseits tritt Tricalciumsilikat sogleich bei Zusatz von Tonerde zu einem Gemisch von Kalk und Kieselsaure in geeigneter Zusammensetzung auf, und nach einer langen und schwierigen Experimentaluntersuchung, bei der etwa 1000 Erwarmungsversuche mit verschiedenen Praparaten notwendig waren, von denen viele zwischen 1800 und 1900° ausgefuhrt werden mussten, konnte das Tricalciumsilikat bis auf einen kleinem Uberschuss (1–2%) von Orthosilikst oder Kalk oder von beiden in reinem Zustand dargestellt werden.
The Effects of Alcoholism Training on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Drinking Behavior of College Students in the Human Services

This study reports on the impact of clinically oriented alcoholism training on undergraduate students in the human services preparing for entry level counseling positions. Specifically, this study was designed to determine whether training in alcoholism influences students' knowledge and attitudes toward alcohol and alcoholism and their personal drinking behavior.
Characterization of ultra-wide bandwidth wireless indoor channels: a communication-theoretic view

An ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB) signal propagation experiment is performed in a typical modern laboratory/office building. The bandwidth of the signal used in this experiment is in excess of 1 GHz, which results in a differential path delay resolution of less than a nanosecond, without special processing. Based on the experimental results, a characterization of the propagation channel from a communications theoretic view point is described, and its implications for the design of a UWB radio receiver are presented. Robustness of the UWB signal to multipath fading is quantified through histograms and cumulative distributions. The all RAKE (ARAKE) receiver and maximum-energy-capture selective RAKE (SRAKE) receiver are introduced. The ARAKE receiver serves as the best case (bench mark) for RAKE receiver design and lower bounds the performance degradation caused by multipath. Multipath components of measured waveforms are detected using a maximum-likelihood detector. Energy capture as a function of the number of single-path signal correlators used in UWB SRAKE receiver provides a complexity versus performance tradeoff. Bit-error-probability performance of a UWB SRAKE receiver, based on measured channels, is given as a function of the signal-to-noise ratio and the number of correlators implemented in the receiver.
A characterization of the critical value for Kalman filtering with intermittent observations

In Sinopoli et al. analyzed the problem of optimal estimation for linear Gaussian systems where packets containing observations are dropped according to an i.i.d. Bernoulli process, modeling a memoryless erasure channel. In this case the authors showed that the Kalman Filter is still the optimal estimator, although boundedness of the error depends directly upon the channel arrival probability, p. In particular they also proved the existence of a critical value, pc, for such probability, below which the Kalman filter will diverge. The authors were not able to compute the actual value of this critical probability for general linear systems, but provided upper and lower bounds. They were able to show that for special cases, i.e. C invertible, such critical value coincides with the lower bound. This paper computes the value of the critical arrival probability, under minimally restrictive conditions on the matrices A and C. This paper also gives an example to illustrate that the lower bound is not always tight.
The Best Laid Plans: Social Capital in the Development of Girls’ Educational and Occupational Plans

This study examines social class and race differences in young women’s social capital for the development of educational and occupational plans. Using in-depth interviews with 59 middle- and working-class black and white high school girls, findings show that inequality in adolescent social capital occurs by social class and, within class, by race, in access to high-status adult ties, and in the successful mobilization of those ties to procure resources. In turn, inequality in social capital contributes to disparities in young women’s future plans. This study advances prior work by elucidating differences in social capital at a critical period of the life course; by considering the full range of adults upon which young people may rely in the transition to adulthood; and by showing how these processes contribute to class and race disparities in adolescent future plans. Three forms of adolescent social capital, which vary by social class and race, are identified: sponsored social capital, insulated social capital, and restricted social capital. Esta investigacion examina las diferencias en el capital social de jovenes mujeres como consecuencia de su clase social o raza y su efecto en el desarrollo de aspiraciones educativas y ocupacionales. El estudio se basa en 59 entrevistas en profundidad a ninas de raza blanca y raza negra, de clase media y clase obrera, que cursan la escuela secundaria. En esta investigacion se ha encontrado que la desigualdad en el capital social esta asociada a la clase social y, dentro de ella, a la raza, lo que produce diferencias en el acceso a relaciones con adultos de nivel social alto, y a su vez, en la utilizacion con exito de estos vinculos para conseguir recursos posteriormente. Asimismo, esta desigualdad en el capital social contribuye a las diferencias en las aspiraciones de las mujeres jovenes. Esta investigacion aporta avances en relacion a trabajos previos sobre las diferencias en el capital social en un periodo critico en el curso de la vida, ya que tiene en cuenta toda la gama de adultos con los que los adolescentes pueden relacionarse durante la transicion a la edad adulta y muestra como estos procesos influyen en las aspiraciones futuras de las adolescentes. Finalmente, se hallaron tres formas de capital social que varian segun la clase social y la raza de los adolescentes: el patrocinio del capital social; el aislamiento del capital social y la restriccion del capital social.
Differential diagnosis of chorea

Chorea is a common movement disorder that can be caused by a large variety of structural, neurochemical (including pharmacologic), or metabolic disturbances to basal ganglia function, indicating the vulnerability of this brain region. The diagnosis is rarely indicated by the simple phenotypic appearance of chorea, and can be challenging, with many patients remaining undiagnosed. Clues to diagnosis may be found in the patient's family or medical history, on neurologic examination, or upon laboratory testing and neuroimaging. Increasingly, advances in genetic medicine are identifying new disorders and expanding the phenotype of recognized conditions. Although most therapies at present are supportive, correct diagnosis is essential for appropriate genetic counseling, and ultimately, for future molecular therapies.
The role of induction therapy in the management of resectable non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Combined-modality therapy has become standard for many patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Although surgical resection offers the best chance for long-term survival, the limited number of resectable patients and the presence of occult micrometastatic disease has limited the effectiveness of this modality alone. Methods: The authors reviewed several trials involving the use of induction chemotherapy in managing resectable non-small cell lung cancer. Results: Extensive phase II experience in patients with stage III disease has confirmed the feasibility of this approach. Unfortunately, heterogeneous patient populations and treatment regimens limit the ability to draw firm conclusions from these trials alone. While the phase III experience has been limited, long-term follow-up is now available suggesting that induction therapy may have a beneficial impact on survival, especially for those patients who can be sufficiently downstaged. Recent phase II trials have included stage III patients who have traditionally been considered inoperable. Although encouraging, the role of surgery after chemoradiotherapy for this population of patients remains undefined. Conclusions: Results from ongoing randomized trials studying the impact of induction therapy on well-defined patient populations will be necessary before the optimal regimen and patient population can be identified.
Apolipoprotein A-Ii Gene Structure: Evolutionary Implications

Abstract We present the complete nucleotide sequence of human apolipoprotein (apo) A-II cDNA cloned in plasmid. Using the cloned DNA as a hybridization probe, we localized the gene for apoA-II to chromosome 1 by Southern blot analysis of human-hamster somatic cell hybrids. Finally, we present the structure of the native gene for apoA-II cloned in cosmid. This and other studies suggest that the apolipoprotein genes have evolved from a primordial gene through multiple partial and complete gene duplications.
Intensive Care Unit Admission With Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Abstract: Background There has been a dramatic increase in the use of intensive care units (ICUs) over the past 25 years. Greater use of validated measures of illness severity may better inform ICU admission decisions in patients with community-acquired pneumonia. This article examined predictors of ICU admission and hospitalization costs, including the pneumonia severity index (PSI) and CURB-65 (confusion, uremia, respiratory rate, blood pressure, age ≥65 years) scores. Methods The study identified 422 patients hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia, ascertaining patient characteristics by chart review and extraction of administrative data. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to quantify the association of the PSI, CURB-65 and comorbidities with ICU admission. The predictors of cost were estimated using a generalized linear model. Results Compared to 194 general medicine patients, certain clinical and radiographic findings were more common among 228 ICU patients. Compared to PSI reference group I/II/III, ICU admission was strongly associated with risk class IV (odds ratio [OR], 3.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63–5.72) and V (OR, 4.84; CI, 2.44–9.62), and also CURB-65 ≥3 (OR, 2.90; CI, 1.51–5.56). The relative increase in mortality among PSI risk class V (compared to IV) patients was 2.68 times higher in general medicine, compared with the ICU. Among ICU admissions, risk class V was associated with an additional cost of $14,548 (95% CI, $4,232 to $24,864). Conclusions Illness severity and chronic pulmonary disease are strong predictors of ICU admission. More extensive use of the PSI may optimize site-of-care decisions, thereby minimizing mortality and unnecessary resource utilization.
Structural implications of weak Ca2+ block in Drosophila cyclic nucleotide–gated channels

Calcium permeability and the concomitant calcium block of monovalent ion current (“Ca2+ block”) are properties of cyclic nucleotide–gated (CNG) channel fundamental to visual and olfactory signal transduction. Although most CNG channels bear a conserved glutamate residue crucial for Ca2+ block, the degree of block displayed by different CNG channels varies greatly. For instance, the Drosophila melanogaster CNG channel shows only weak Ca2+ block despite the presence of this glutamate. We previously constructed a series of chimeric channels in which we replaced the selectivity filter of the bacterial nonselective cation channel NaK with a set of CNG channel filter sequences and determined that the resulting NaK2CNG chimeras displayed the ion selectivity and Ca2+ block properties of the parent CNG channels. Here, we used the same strategy to determine the structural basis of the weak Ca2+ block observed in the Drosophila CNG channel. The selectivity filter of the Drosophila CNG channel is similar to that of most other CNG channels except that it has a threonine at residue 318 instead of a proline. We constructed a NaK chimera, which we called NaK2CNG-Dm, which contained the Drosophila selectivity filter sequence. The high resolution structure of NaK2CNG-Dm revealed a filter structure different from those of NaK and all other previously investigated NaK2CNG chimeric channels. Consistent with this structural difference, functional studies of the NaK2CNG-Dm chimeric channel demonstrated a loss of Ca2+ block compared with other NaK2CNG chimeras. Moreover, mutating the corresponding threonine (T318) to proline in Drosophila CNG channels increased Ca2+ block by 16 times. These results imply that a simple replacement of a threonine for a proline in Drosophila CNG channels has likely given rise to a distinct selectivity filter conformation that results in weak Ca2+ block.
Interannual variability in associations between seasonal climate, weather, and extremes: wintertime temperature over the Southwestern United States

Temperature variability in the Southwest US is investigated using skew-normal probability distribution functions (SN PDFs) fitted to observed wintertime daily maximum temperature records. These PDFs vary significantly between years, with important geographical differences in the relationship between the central tendency and tails, revealing differing linkages between weather and climate. The warmest and coldest extremes do not necessarily follow the distribution center. In some regions one tail of the distribution shows more variability than does the other. For example, in California the cold tail is more variable while the warm tail remains relatively stable, so warm years are associated with fewer cold extremes but not necessarily more warm extremes. The opposite relationship is seen in the Great Plains. Changes in temperature PDFs are conditioned by different phases of El Nino-La Nina (ENSO) and the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO). In the Southern Great Plains, La Nina and/or negative PDO are associated with generally warmer conditions. However, in terms of extremes, while the warm tails become thicker and longer, the cool tails are not impacted—extremely warm days become more frequent but extremely cool days are not less frequent. In contrast, in coastal California, La Nina or negative PDO bring generally cooler conditions with more/stronger cold extremes but the warm extreme probability is not significantly affected. These results could have implications for global warming. If a rigid shift of the whole range occurs, then warm years are not necessarily a good analogue for a warmer climate. If global warming instead brings regional changes more aligned with a preferred state of dominant climate variability modes, then we may see asymmetric changes in the tails of local temperature PDFs.
Regulatory Reform in the Russian Federation - National Context

The paper presents description of political context of regulatory reforms of early 2000-ties. The reforms described were finished before the oil prices hike made the business climate issue obsolete during 2nd Presidential term of President Putin. The key factors for the regulatory reforms selected for the description are: historical context, main political actors, the Judiciary, electoral demand of the society for private initiative and private property guaranties. The weak public demand for business-friendly legislation and enforcement caused grave problem as petrodollars influx had been making Big Government model more and more attractive for growing number of budget clients.
Dietary supplements quality analysis tools from the United States Pharmacopeia

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the dietary supplement (DS) current good manufacturing practice (GMP) regulations in compliance with the mandate from the Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act (DSHEA), with the intention of protecting public health by ensuring the quality of DS. The GMP regulations require manufacturers to establish their own quality specifications for identity, purity, strength, composition, and absence of contaminants. Numerous FDA-conducted GMP inspections found that the private specifications set by these manufacturers are often insufficient to ensure adequate quality of dietary ingredients and DS. Wider use of the public standards developed by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), in conjunction with GMP compliance, can help ensure quality and consistency of DS as they do for medicines. Public health protection could be enhanced by strengthening the GMP provisions to require conformance with relevant United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF) standards, or in the absence of USP standards, other public compendial standards. Another serious concern is the presence of synthetic drugs and drug analogues in products marketed as DS. Use of the new USP General Chapter Adulteration of Dietary Supplements with Drugs and Drug Analogs may reduce the exposure of consumers to dangerous drugs disguised as DS. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Off-Design Analysis of an Inverse Brayton Cycle Based UAV Propulsion System

An investigation into the off-design performance of an Inverse Brayton Cycle (IBC) based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) propulsion system was performed using Numerical Propulsion System Simulator (NPSS). Results of this analysis were then compared with the regenerated Brayton cycle (RBC). Turbomachinery performance characteristics from literature sources were scaled for use in the analysis. Comparisons focused on part-throttle specific fuel consumption (SFC) and operating range. Results showed that in a single spool configuration, running at constant speed, the IBC part load thermal efficiency was similar to the RBC. Also, it was observed that with an approximate propeller load applied to the single spool configuration the IBC had greater part load fuel consumption but a wider operating range than the RBC. A single spool gas generator with free power turbine configuration was also investigated. The free power turbine greatly restricted the operating range of the IBC with the originally specified design points on the compressor and turbine performance maps. By adjusting the component performance map design points, the free power turbine IBC operating range was extended and a significant improvement in part-throttle SFC over the RBC was observed.
Differential eyelid conditioning of voluntary form responders

Conditioned eyelid responses of 120 men and 120 women Ss were investigated during 60 differential conditioning trials. The CS+ and the CS-were differentially placed lights and the UCS was a corneal “air” puff with an 800 msec. CS-UCS interval. The Ss were classified as conditioners (Cs) or voluntary form responders (Vs) by a time derivative or response slope criterion. The Vs had a higher level of responding to the CS+, a higher level of responding to the CS−, and a greater mean difference score between responses to CS+ and CS-than did the Cs. This was taken to imply that the voluntary response form criterion had behavioral relevance and that the data of Vs should at least be examined separately from those of Cs in human eyelid conditioning experiments. Further, it appears that the parameters of voluntary form responding merit investigation in their own right.
Determination of trace aluminum in water by chromeazurol S-double wavelength spectrophotometry

Objective:To develop a method for the determination of trace Aluminium in water by chromeazurol S-double wavelength spectrophotometry.Methods:In hydrochloride-ethylenediamine buffer solution at pH6.7-7.0,the Al3+ reacts with Chromeazurol S,Emulsifier OP and CPB to form a stable blue quaternary complex.Then the complex was quantitatively analyzed by chromeazurol S-double wavelength spectrophotometry.Results:The detection wavelength was 620 nm and reference wavelength was 586 nm.Calibration curves were linear with in the range of 0.50~5.00 μg with a correlation coefficient r=0.9992.The RSD(n=5) was 4.97%,4.32% and the resluts of recoveries were 90.0%~106.7%.Conclusion:This method is simple and accurate,which can meet the requirements of determination of trace Aluminum concentration in water.
Analytical Techniques for the Prediction of the Fiber Forming Process

During the past fifteen years progress in the development of analytical techniques for the prediction of the glass fiber forming process has been significant. However, many challenging analytical and experimental problems remain unanswered in the production processes for fiber optics materials, single crystals and textile and insulation fibers. Formation of glass fibers by a drawing or extrusion process involves the flow of a fluid from a reservoir containing molten glass and through a suitably shaped passage. At the exit of the passage, the fluid then moves in a free-surface jet flow configuration through the surrounding atmosphere. The flow is produced by a combination of a reservoir pressure and tension applied to the jet (fiber) by a winding device on which the fiber is wound. At the temperatures of interest, the dominant forces are the viscous forces, the surface tension forces and the tension forces applied to the fiber. In certain viscous jet flow situations, the air shear forces, acting on the external surface of the jet, and gravity forces may be important. From a heat transfer viewpoint both radiant and conduction heat-transfer mechanisms within the glass are important. Convective heat transfer is important at the jet surface. Variations of thermodynamic and transport properties with temperature must be included in the analysis and radiative transfer properties must be known. Once the fluid reaches the free-surface flow region, a developing flow field is encountered in which two- or three-dimensional flow effects are important. This flow region is generally followed by a one-dimensional flow region. The characteristics of the fiber forming process can be predicted by solution of the governing physical equations with proper boundary conditions if data on the important properties are known. Results are presented to illustrate present agreement between experimental data and analytical predictions.
An integrated model of tritium transport and corrosion in Fluoride Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactors (FHRs) – Part I: Theory and benchmarking

Abstract The Fluoride Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactor (FHR) is a pebble bed nuclear reactor concept cooled by a liquid fluoride salt known as “flibe” ( 7 LiF-BeF 2 ). A model of TRITium Diffusion EvolutioN and Transport (TRIDENT) was developed for use with FHRs and benchmarked with experimental data. TRIDENT is the first model to integrate the effects of tritium production in the salt via neutron transmutation, with the effects of the chemical redox potential, tritium mass transfer, tritium diffusion through pipe walls, tritium uptake by graphite, selective chromium attack by tritium fluoride, and corrosion product mass transfer. While data from a forced-convection polythermal loop of molten salt containing tritium did not exist for comparison, TRIDENT calculations were compared to data from static salt diffusion tests in flibe and flinak (0.465LiF-0.115NaF-0.42KF) salts. In each case, TRIDENT matched the transient and steady-state behavior of these tritium diffusion experiments. The corrosion model in TRIDENT was compared against the natural convection flow-loop experiments at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) from the 1960s and early 1970s which used Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) fuel-salt containing UF 4 . Despite the lack of data required by TRIDENT for modeling the loops, some reasonable results were obtained. The TRIDENT corrosion rates follow the experimentally observed dependence on the square root of the product of the chromium solid-state diffusion coefficient with time. Additionally the TRIDENT model predicts mass transfer of corrosion products from the hot to the cold leg (as was observed in the experiments with salts containing UF 4 ). In a separate paper the results of TRIDENT simulations in a prototypical FHR are presented.
1 Tb/s anti-replay protection with 20-port on-chip RAM memory in FPGAs

As network data rates advance toward 1 Tb/s, hardware-based implementations of anti-replay offer desirable tradeoffs over software. However, internal logic busses in FPGAs are becoming wider (512+ bits) and segmented (more than one packet per clock cycle) to accommodate increased network data rates. Such busses are challenging for applications such as anti-replay that require read-modify-write operations to a coherent database on each packet arrival. In this paper we present an FPGA-targeted pipelined anti-replay design capable of accommodating 1024 IPsec tunnels at 1 Tb/s data rate. The novel design is enabled by fast on-chip block RAMs in a xcvu190 Virtex Ultrascale FPGA that are used to construct a 20-port RAM memory operating at 400 MHz with over 5 Tb/s of peak bandwidth. Custom single-clock write-combining techniques are described that accommodate multiple concurrent updates to the same database address. We also investigate the limits of capacity and concurrency for the anti-replay application.
Plant Water Relations: A Whirlwind of Change

Water is increasingly recognized as a limiting resource consumed by plants in copious amounts. Its large role in agriculture has awakened interest in how plants use it and how they conserve it. Fortunately the study of plant water relations underwent major changes starting about 50 years ago with thermodynamically based methods for measuring plant water status. The methods allowed conditions to be repeated, biochemical events to be repeatedly detected, and responses to water deficits understood more fully. This was followed by the realization that enzymes were not responding directly to water deficits nor was photosynthesis responding only by closing stomata (which conserved water and limited CO2 entry) but also by diminishing CO2 demand. The decrease in demand suggested that photosynthesis might acclimate to water deficits, and tests showed not only that this occurred but also that cellular Mg2+ concentrations were a central controller of the acclimation. Osmotic adjustment was discovered in a form that used photosynthetic products to maintain turgor and allowed growth where otherwise none would occur. It was found that water potentials were induced by the growth process itself and were important controllers of growth rates in land plants. In an alga surrounded by water and unaffected by these potentials, the chemistry of pectin determined cell enlargement and is now being explored in land plants most of which contain pectin in their cell walls. Ultimately, it became possible to reverse reproductive failure during a drought by feeding photosynthetic products to the plant, thus identifying biochemical origins of failure and gene targets to enhance tolerance to those environments. In fact, commercial agriculture increasingly sees drought tolerance as an important plant character and it is gratifying that reproductive reversal may be contributing to this effort. Although plant water relations are inherently multigenic and complex, these findings demonstrate benefits of understanding plant water relations that were scarcely imagined 50 years ago.
Ultraconserved elements show utility in phylogenetic inference of Adephaga (Coleoptera) and suggest paraphyly of ‘Hydradephaga’

The beetle suborder Adephaga has been the subject of many phylogenetic reconstructions utilizing a variety of data sources and inference methods. However, no strong consensus has yet emerged on the relationships among major adephagan lineages. Ultraconserved elements (UCEs) have proved useful for inferring difficult or unresolved phylogenies at varying timescales in vertebrates, arachnids and Hymenoptera. Recently, a UCE bait set was developed for Coleoptera using polyphagan genomes and a member of the order Strepsiptera as an outgroup. Here, we examine the utility of UCEs for reconstructing the phylogeny of adephagan families, in the first in vitro application a UCE bait set in Coleoptera. Our final dataset included 305 UCE loci for 18 representatives of all adephagan families except Aspidytidae, and two polyphagan outgroups, with a total concatenated length of 83 547 bp. We inferred trees using maximum likelihood analyses of the concatenated UCE alignment and coalescent species tree methods (astral ii, ASTRID, svdquartets). Although the coalescent species tree methods had poor resolution and weak support, concatenated analyses produced well-resolved, highly supported trees. Hydradephaga was recovered as paraphyletic, with Gyrinidae sister to Geadephaga and all other adephagans. Haliplidae was recovered as sister to Dytiscoidea, with Hygrobiidae and Amphizoidae successive sisters to Dytiscidae. Finally, Noteridae was recovered as monophyletic and sister to Meruidae. Given the success of UCE data for resolving phylogenetic relationships within Adephaga, we suggest the potential for further resolution of relationships within Adephaga using UCEs with improved taxon sampling, and by developing Adephaga-specific probes.
The televersity: The university of the future

Advances in information technology are providing new tools for educators in developing cost-effective responses to the new needs of potential students. A televersity, the university of the future, ...
Focused Ion Beam Gases for Deposition and Enhanced Etch

The utility of a focused ion beam (FIB) to provide material removal for micromachining via sputtering with resolution of better than 10 nm has led to many important applications. In addition, FIB combined with a gas source containing the chemical precursors for deposition of materials or for enhanced, selective material removal provides the capabilities for a much wider range of micromachining applications. This chapter introduces FIB material deposition and chemically enhanced material removal processes, lists some of the FIB chemical precursors in common use and discusses the parameters for their use, and presents several examples.
Legionella - A threat to groundwater: Pathogen transport in recharge basin.

Abstract This study elucidates the potential risk posed by Legionella during aquifer recharge practices. Experiments were conducted using pilot-scale column simulating infiltration of bacterial surrogate and pathogen, E. coli and Legionella pneumophila, under central Arizona recharge basin conditions. A column was packed with a loamy sand media collected from a recharge basin and was fitted with six sampling ports at soil depths of 15, 30, 60, 92, 122 cm and acclimated for a month with tertiary treated wastewater. Transport of Legionella appeared to be delayed compared to E. coli. The breakthrough of E. coli and Legionella at 122 cm depth occurred at 3 and 24 h, respectively. Slow transport of Legionella is consistent with its pleomorphic nature and variation in size and shape under low nutrient conditions. Legionella persisted for a longer time in the column, but at lower concentrations. Given the novel results of this study, the transport of Legionella into groundwater aquifers can occur through engineering recharge basin conditions creating a potential public health risk.
Physiological basis of neuromotor recovery

Abstract Planning and execution of movement require coordinated activity from several interconnected cortical motor areas. When an area in this specialized motor network is damaged (e.g., through traumatic brain injury or ischemic event), motor network activity can be disrupted, leading to functional deficits. How the surviving motor network reorganizes to compensate for the injury and functional deficits can vary as a pathological consequence of the location and extent of the brain injury. The current chapter summarizes how neuroplasticity modifies motor networks in response to injury by focusing on the changes after an ischemic event in the primary motor cortex. Neuroanatomical and neurophysiological evidence in animal models and human stroke survivors is reviewed to demonstrate how injuries functionally impair motor networks, how motor networks compensate for injury to improve motor function, and how select therapies help facilitate recovery. Further research into these neuroplasticity mechanisms may one day help to develop more effective rehabilitation strategies.
REXTAL: Regional Extension of Assemblies Using Linked-Reads.

It is currently impossible to get complete de novo assembly of segmentally duplicated genome regions using genome-wide short-read datasets. Here, we devise a new computational method called Regional Extension of Assemblies Using Linked-Reads (REXTAL) for improved region-specific assembly of segmental duplication-containing DNA, leveraging genomic short-read datasets generated from large DNA molecules partitioned and barcoded using the Gel Bead in Emulsion (GEM) microfluidic method [1]. We show that using REXTAL, it is possible to extend assembly of single-copy diploid DNA into adjacent, otherwise inaccessible subtelomere segmental duplication regions and other subtelomeric gap regions. Moreover, REXTAL is computationally more efficient for the directed assembly of such regions from multiple genomes (e.g., for the comparison of structural variation) than genome-wide assembly approaches.
CO2 concentrations in perennially ice-covered lakes of Taylor Valley, Antarctica

Lakes in Taylor Valley, southern Victoria Land,Antarctica, are unusual in that they areperennially covered by a 3–5 m thick ice layer.Previous work on gas concentrations in theselakes has shown that the surface waters aresupersaturated with respect to O2,N2O, as well as the noble gases. Our datashow that the dissolved CO2 (CO2(aq))concentrations, calculated from pH andΣCO2, can be highly undersaturatedat shallow depths of the lakes. CO2partial pressure values (pCO2) are as lowas 10−4.3 atm and 10−4.2 atm in theeast and west lobes of Lake Bonney,respectively, and 10−3.8 atm in LakeHoare. CO2(aq) depletion occurred only inthe uppermost part of the water column, inassociation with elevated primary productivity(PPR). The upward diffusion of CO2(aq)from the aphotic zone, and the annual input ofCO2 via glacial meltwater can notreplenish the amount of CO2(aq) annuallylost to primary productivity in the uppermostmeters of the water column. Calcification is alimited source of CO2(aq), since the lakesare undersaturated with respect to calcitethrough portions of the austral summer.Preliminary respiration rates have been used toobtain an annual inorganic carbon balance.Further down in the water column, at the sitesof the deep-water maximum in primary production(PPRmax), which in Lakes Bonney andFryxell is associated with nutrient gradients,CO2(aq) is not undersaturated. A largeupward flux from CO2-supersaturatedaphotic waters provides a surplus ofCO2(aq) at the PPRmax. Lake Fryxell,unlike the other lakes, is supersaturated withCO2(aq) throughout the entire water column.
Early clinical and radiographic outcomes of a mini-fragment, low profile plating system in tibial plafond fractures.

Abstract Objective The Smith and Nephew mini-EVOS plating system is a mini-fragment, low profile, variable-angled plating system designed to obtain anatomic reduction while also minimizing soft tissue handling. However, literature has been limited in reporting the clinical and surgical outcomes of these specific plates. The goal of our study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Smith and Nephew mini-EVOS plate in pilon fracture management, where significant high energy forces can result in severe fracture patterns and soft tissue injury. Methods Patients 18–65 years of age who underwent plate fixation of their tibial plafond fractures (OTA/AO) using the Smith and Nephew mini-EVOS plating system at our urban university-based level-1 trauma center were included in this retrospective investigation. A total of 37 patients (37 fractures) from January 2015 to March 2018 were included in this study. Primary outcome measure was mechanical hardware failure. Secondary outcome measures included nonunion, malunion, medical and surgical complications. Results The fractures were classified according to the OTA/AO classification as 43C1 (n = 15), 42C2 (n = 6), and 43C3 (n = 16). A mechanical failure was observed in three patients (8.1%). Six additional patients needed a re-operation of the surgical site including two nonunion repairs, one malunion repair, one symptomatic hardware removal, and two soft tissue debridements. The mean follow-up was 298.9 days (range: 96–936). Conclusions Early results of operative fixation of tibial plafond fractures using the Smith–Nephew mini-EVOS demonstrated low hardware failure and complication rates. This plating system is a safe and effective implant. Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level IV.
The Tail Wagging the Dog; An Overdue Examination of Student Teaching Evaluations

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of several factors beyond the professor’s control and their unique impact on Student Teaching Evaluations (STEs). The present research pulls together a substantial amount of data to statistically analyze several academic historical legends about just how vulnerable STEs are to the effects of: class size, course type, professor gender, and course grades. Design/methodology/approach: This research is utilizes over 30,000 individual student evaluations of 255 professors, spanning six semesters, during a three year time period to test six hypotheses. The final sample represents 1057 classes ranging in size between 10 and 190 students. Each hypothesis is statistically analyzed, with either analysis of variance or a Regression model. Findings : This study finds support for 5 out of 6 hypotheses. Specifically, these data suggest STEs are likely to be closest to “5” (using a 1-5 scale with 5 being highest) in small elective classes, and lowest in large required classes taught by females. As well we find support for the notion that higher expected course grades may lead to higher STEs. Practical implications : The practical significance of this research is important. First this research utilized a large data set spanning several years and hundreds of professors and thousands of students and rigorous statistical analysis to assert several important findings. Indeed STEs are impacted significantly by class type, class size, the gender of the professor and the expected course grade. With these findings we suggest a more comprehensive mechanism is in order for evaluation of teaching effectiveness. Social implications: This research could have great social implications if widely read across academic circles. Indeed the tail is wagging the dog; or the student is influencing teaching across America’s universities. It is time to examine teaching effectiveness through a different lens, because using teaching evaluations to determine promotion and tenure, sparse bonus allocation, and teaching awards may be short sighted. Research limitations: While this research is statistically accurate, it is limited by the notion that the data was collected from one large area. As such, care should be taken in generalizing these results to other areas that may have different demographic composition, funding etc. Originality/value: To the best of the authors’ knowledge this research is the first of its kind to statistically analyze such a large body of data and provide a useful guide to help evaluate professors utilizing what information is available.
The Power of the Party: Conflict Expansion and the Agenda Diversity of Interest Groups:

To what extent do political parties have an effect on the policy-related activity of interest groups? Drawing from ideas of conflict expansion and the structure of extended party networks, we argue...
The binding of Cr 51 to hemoglobin. II. In vivo elution rates of CR 51 from Hb CC, Hb CS, and placental red cells.

In vivo elution rates of Cr51 from red cells containing Hb C and from placental red cells containing large amounts of Hb F have been determined. These were found to be 1.8 and 0.85 per cent per day, respectively, and do not differ greatly from those of normal adult red cells. Therefore, no special correction factors for elution need be used in evaluating Cr51 survival curves in these clinical situations. The in vivo elution rate of 3.5 per cent/day observed for Hb C-S is significantly greater than that of normal red cells.