cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hole concentration and critical temperature in the Tl2−x−zBa2Ca2+xCu3O10−y system

Abstract Single Phase bulk Tl-2223 samples were prepared in the Tl 2− x − z Ba 2 Ca 2+ x Cu 3 O 10− y system with x between 0 and 0.4. A small impurity phase was found at x =0.6. All samples were found to be tetragonal. The lattice parameters a and c were nearly constant with the value of 3.858±0.002 A and 35.71±0.01 A, respectively. The T c varied between 112 and 118 K for the “as-synthesized” samples. Wet chemical analysis showed that all samples were both Tl and oxygen deficient. The T c was found to increase with increasing hole concentration. The origin of the holes for all these samples is due to Ca 2+ substitution on the Tl 3+ sites and overlap of Tl-6s band with the conduction band of the CuO 2 sheets. Furthermore, the Tl-6s band overlap was found to be constant for all the samples studied.
Hypothalamic mTOR Signaling Regulates Food Intake

The mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) protein is a serine-threonine kinase that regulates cell-cycle progression and growth by sensing changes in energy status. We demonstrated that mTOR signaling plays a role in the brain mechanisms that respond to nutrient availability, regulating energy balance. In the rat, mTOR signaling is controlled by energy status in specific regions of the hypothalamus and colocalizes with neuropeptide Y and proopiomelanocortin neurons in the arcuate nucleus. Central administration of leucine increases hypothalamic mTOR signaling and decreases food intake and body weight. The hormone leptin increases hypothalamic mTOR activity, and the inhibition of mTOR signaling blunts leptin's anorectic effect. Thus, mTOR is a cellular fuel sensor whose hypothalamic activity is directly tied to the regulation of energy intake.
Nanocoax-based electrochemical sensor.

We have used a facile polymer imprint process to fabricate a three-dimensional electrochemical nanosensor, the sensitivity of which is two decades higher than that of planar controls. The device is composed of an array of vertically oriented nanoscale coaxial electrodes, with the coax cores and shields serving as integrated working and counter electrodes, respectively, each with a nanoscale separation gap (coax annulus width). Arrays of ∼106 devices per square millimeter were prepared with different gaps, with smaller gaps yielding higher sensitivity. A coax-based sensor with a 100 nm gap was found to have sensitivity 90 times greater than that of a planar sensor control, which had conventional millimeter-scale electrode gap spacing. We suggest that this enhancement is due to the combination of rapid diffusion of molecules between the closely spaced electrodes and the large number of nanoscale electrochemical cells operating in parallel, both of which enhance current per unit surface area compared to plan...
Professional association membership of computer and information security professionals

Unlike the computing profession as a whole, the information security profession exhibits two measurable characteristics of older professions, a significant member-to-practitioner ratio in its primary professional association, and a broadly accepted curriculum, as evidenced by its primary certification credential.
Deoxygenation of Alcohols Employing Water as the Hydrogen Atom Source

Trialkylboranes (BMe3, BEt3, and BBu3) have been shown to mediate reductive deoxygenation reactions of O-alkyl-S-methyl dithiocarbonates (methyl xanthates) in which water or deuterium oxide functions as the source of hydrogen or deuterium. This method has proven versatile with regard to substrate scope and is capable of providing protio- or deuterioalkane products in high yields with excellent levels of D-incorporation. Ab initio calculations suggest that the trialkylborane-water complex possesses an unusually low O-H bond dissociation energy (73 kcal/mol) and support a radical chain mechanism for this process. Taken together, this report provides evidence for fundamentally novel and previously overlooked modes of reactivity for water and trialkylboranes of wide ranging importance in both theoretical and applied investigations.
Optimal sensor scheduling and power management in sensor networks

We discuss a novel control methodology for power management in heterogeneous distributed sensor networks. Many algorithms for resource management in sensor networks require a comprehensive model of the external environment and the sensor network system, and are rule-based; this restricts their use in dynamic environments. We present an event-based control optimization formulation of the resource management problem and discuss a method to adaptively change desired system performance of the sensor network in response to events. This functionality is critical in field-deployable sensor networks where the available energy is extremely limited. This limitation disallows continuous operation as a very expensive option and necessitates system adaptation as a means to extend operational lifetime in the face of dynamic external events. We show results on synthetic sensor networks where only partially accurate information about the external world and the sensing system is available and illustrate the efficacy of the control algorithm in handling dynamic events with guaranteed minimum system lifespan via efficient usage of energy resources. We show that the control algorithm makes effective control decisions about the use of energy and storage resources with varying sensor reliabilities.
The probability of intransitivity of pairwise comparisons in individual preference

Abstract This study considers a model for the method by which an individual determines preference in pairwise comparisons on the basis of multiple attributes of comparison. The model is based on earlier work, by Kenneth May, that attempted to explain empirical results on pairwise comparisons. May's model is used to obtain estimates of the probability that an individual's complete set of pairwise responses is transitive. Results indicate that, with this model of preference determination, intransitivity should be expected to occur regularly in an individual's pairwise comparisons.
Quality improvement and setup reduction in the joint economic lot size model

Abstract The co-maker concept has become accepted practice in many successful global business organizations. This fact has resulted in a class of inventory models known as joint economic lot size (JELS) models. Heretofore such models assumed perfect quality production on the part of the vendor. This paper relaxes this assumption and proposes a quality-adjusted JELS model. In addition, classical optimization methods are used to derive models for the cases of setup cost reduction, quality improvement, and simultaneous setup cost reduction and quality improvement for the quality-adjusted JELS. Numerical results are presented for each of these models. Comparisons are made to the basic quality-adjusted model. Results indicate that all three policies exhibit significantly reduced total cost. However, the simultaneous model results in the lowest cost overall and the smallest lot size. This suggests a synergistic impact of continuous improvement programs that focus on both setup and quality improvement of the vendor's production process. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the simultaneous model is robust and representative of practice.
Preparation and Characterization of Monodisperse PbSe Semiconductor Nanocrystals in a Noncoordinating Solvent

Spherical PbSe semiconductor nanocrystals with near-infrared absorption of 1100−2520 nm (corresponding to diameters of 3−13 nm) were synthesized in a noncoordinating solvent (1-octadecene). The as-prepared PbSe semiconductor nanocrystals have very narrow size distributions (σ ≅ 5−7%) without any postsynthetic size selection. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction, and X-ray diffraction show that the nanocrystalline particles are single domains of rock-salt PbSe. A water-soluble form of these materials was generated through simple surface treatments.
Simulations of solvent effects on fluorescence spectra and dynamics of indoles

The effect of solvent in the first two (pi) *$IMP(pi) excited states of indole and 3-methylindole, (1La and 1Lb), has been studied using a hybrid theoretical method that couples molecular dynamics and a semiempirical molecular orbital procedure. This method yields information about the mechanism and the time scales involved in bulk solvent reorganization after excitation of the indole chromophore to the 1La, (or 1Lb), state, as well as the solvent induced inhomogeneous broadening. The fluorescence red shifts predicted in several solvents, (water, methanol, butanol, and dimethyl ether), agree reasonably well with experimental values. These time resolved calculations also predict inversion of the excited states with respect to vacuum and indicate that the solvent relaxation has two components: the first one is inertial in character, with a Gaussian shape and a half-width at half-maximum of approximately 15 fs for water, and of 100 to 300 fs for the other solvents. The second component shows an exponential decay behavior and seems related to the longitudinal relaxation time of the solvent. The correlation times for this component are approximately 170 fs for water and a few picoseconds for the other solvents. Calculations performed in butanol at 0 K indicate that we can expect a fast, (1 to 5 ps), red shift in the fluorescence, as large as 1000 to 2000 cm-1, even when the solvent is rigid, because the inertial response is still possible in this environment. Absorption shifts are not calculated well using this method because it does not take into account the electronic polarizability of the solvent, which would be responsible for half of the absorption shift.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dichotic ear order effects in Korsakoff and normal subjects

Abstract The efficiency of the left and right ears as storage channels in dichotic listening was compared in normals, alcoholic Korsakoff patients and alcoholics free of clinical memory impairment. All groups showed marked decay of words reported second from the left ear, but not from the right. Decay was significantly greater for Korsakoff than for other alcoholics, but alcoholics were more severely affected than normals.
Maternal gestational stress alters adaptive and social behavior in adolescent rhesus monkey offspring

Abstract Data from rodent studies have indicated that stress experienced by pregnant mothers may result in behavioral and biological abnormalities in their offspring. However, few studies have examined the effects of prenatal stress on the offspring beyond the childhood period. In this study, 7 prenatally stressed (PNS) monkeys and 7 monkeys from undisturbed pregnancies were tested under mildly challenging conditions at 4 years of age. Following separation from cagemates and group formation, PNS monkeys showed more locomotion, abnormal and disturbance behavior than controls. Controls showed approximately six times more play than PNS animals. The PNS males showed the most clinging to others and the largest increase in contact with other animals over the period. Group differences were also found when the monkeys were observed as groups or alone in a playroom. Controls showed more explanatory behavior in the playroom, whereas PNS monkeys showed more inactivity. Control animals showed a decrease in distress vocalizations over time in the playroom, whereas PNS animals showed the opposite pattern. Control animals spent more time in proximity to and contact with cagemates than PNS animals. These results indicate that prenatal stress can have effects on adaptive and social behavior that persist into adolescence.
Developmental sequence of expression of voltage-dependent currents in embryonic Xenopus laevis myocytes

Although the development of several of the voltage-dependent currents in embryonic amphibian myocytes has been described, the overall muscle electrical development, particularly the relative times of expression of different voltage-dependent currents, has not been addressed in a single study under one set of conditions. We have found that, in mesoderm isolated and cultured from neurula stage embryos, myocytes are identifiable before they express voltage-gated currents. These ionic currents are absent from all Xenopus mesodermal cells during the late gastrula/early neurula stages of embryonic development. At about the time of first somite segregation an inward rectifier K+ current is expressed in some myocytes, followed within 2 hr by a delayed rectifier K+ current. The density of both currents increases fourfold over the next 24 hr in culture. A Na+ current is not expressed in large numbers of myocytes until late in this culture period, at about the time that a slow Ca2+ current appears. Under our culture conditions the myocytes have a very low chloride conductance. A fast inactivating component to the outward K+ current is expressed in all myocytes by 24 hr in culture. In some experiments we dissociated embryos at later times and made recordings when all previously isolated myocytes expressed currents. In the late dissociations, most myocytes did not express currents, but developed them after a short period in culture. Because we have evidence that in vivo development is more closely approximated by the early dissociations, these results suggest that dissociation causes some degree of dedifferentiation.
A Social Interactional Analysis of Learning Disabilities Remediation

The remediation of learning—disabled children can often be viewed as providing them with strategies which they can use to direct their own behavior. Insight into why such strategic assistance is effective can be obtained from viewing remediation as a social/communicative setting. This perspective is illustrated with an analysis of an annotated transcript of a remediation session. The analysis makes use of Vygotsky's (1978) notions of “other regulation” and “self regulation” and Rommetveit's (1979) notion of communication as the creation of presuppositions in the listener. The implications of the perspective for our understanding of the remediation process and its differential efficacy are discussed.
Load fluctuations drive actin network growth

The growth of actin filament networks is a fundamental biological process that drives a variety of cellular and intracellular motions. During motility, eukaryotic cells and intracellular pathogens are propelled by actin networks organized by nucleation-promoting factors that trigger the formation of nascent filaments off the side of existing filaments in the network. A Brownian ratchet (BR) mechanism has been proposed to couple actin polymerization to cellular movements, whereby thermal motions are rectified by the addition of actin monomers at the end of growing filaments. Here, by following actin-propelled microspheres using three-dimensional laser tracking, we find that beads adhered to the growing network move via an object-fluctuating BR. Velocity varies with the amplitude of thermal fluctuation and inversely with viscosity as predicted for a BR. In addition, motion is saltatory with a broad distribution of step sizes that is correlated in time. These data point to a model in which thermal fluctuations of the microsphere or entire actin network, and not individual filaments, govern motility. This conclusion is supported by Monte Carlo simulations of an adhesion-based BR and suggests an important role for membrane tension in the control of actin-based cellular protrusions.
Quantifying meltwater refreezing along a transect of sites on the Greenland ice sheet

Abstract. On the Greenland ice sheet, a significant quantity of surface meltwater refreezes within the firn, creating uncertainty in surface mass balance estimates. This refreezing has the potential to buffer seasonal runoff to future increases in melting, but direct measurement of the process remains difficult. We present a method for quantifying refreezing at point locations using in situ firn temperature observations. A time series of sub-hourly firn temperature profiles were collected over the course of two melt seasons from 2007 to 2009 along a transect of 11 sites in the accumulation zone of Greenland. Seasonal changes in temperature profiles combined with heat flux estimates based on high-temporal-resolution temperature gradients enable us to isolate the heat released by refreezing using conservation of energy. Our method is verified from winter data when no refreezing takes place, and uncertainty is estimated using a Monte Carlo technique. While we limit our method to a subsection of firn between depths of 1 and 10 m, our refreezing estimates appear to differ significantly from model-based estimates. Furthermore, results indicate that a significant amount of refreezing takes place at depths greater than 1 m and that lateral migration of meltwater significantly complicates the relationship between total surface melt and total refreezing.
Review: Pathogen-associated molecular pattern contamination as putative endogenous ligands of Toll-like receptors

Extensive work in recent years has suggested that a number of endogenous molecules, their derivatives or degradation products may be potent activators of the innate immune system capable of inducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production by the monocyte—macrophage system and the activation and maturation of dendritic cells. The cytokine-like effects of these endogenous molecules are mediated via Toll-like receptor (TLR) signal transduction pathways in a manner similar to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). However, recent evidence suggests that the reported cytokine effects of some of these putative endogenous ligands are in fact due to contaminating PAMPs. The reasons for the failure to recognize PAMP contaminants being responsible for the putative TLR ligands of these endogenous molecules include: (i) failure to use highly purified preparations free of PAMP contamination; (ii) failure to recognize the heat sensitivity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS); and (iii) failure to consider contaminant(s) ot...
Attack of the Sovereign Wealth Funds: Defending the Republic from the Threat of Sovereign Wealth Funds?

In this article I consider the recent phenomenon of Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) - what they are, where they came from and why, despite their 50 years of existence, they are just now becoming of great public interest and concern. SWFs are funds of investable foreign currency owned by sovereign entities. They are in many ways similar to, but distinct from, state owned enterprises (SOEs). There are currently more than 50 SWFs controlling nearly $4 trillion in assets which are available to be invested in international markets. SWF investments may be in bonds, equities, real estate and other alternatives. Since 2003 SWF and SOE investments in the U.S. have grown rapidly and have been deemed by some as threats to America. Investments in the United States by foreign parties may be subject to review by a U.S. government agency, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS). For more than 30 years this Committee has had the power to investigate proposed investments by foreigners in the U.S. and, in the name of protecting national security, to preclude or impose conditions upon such investments under certain circumstances. This article analyzes two recent, highly controversial, ultimately unsuccessful, U.S. investment attempts by a SWF and an SOE and the massive investments in 2007 and early 2008 by a limited number of the largest SWFs in some of the world’s largest financial institutions. Within months these investments of more than $63 billion had lost more than two-thirds of their value. How the SWFs reacted to these losses and to the current economic crisis is reviewed as an indicator of the threat they pose to the national security of the U.S. The SWFs’ Santiago Principles, which were announced in late 2008 as a response to the SWF/SOE threat these entities pose are evaluated. The article concludes with a more detailed look at the recent investing by Chinese SWFs and SOEs, deemed by some to be the most threatening, and concludes with an assessment of the actual risks the U.S. and other nations may face in the next decades from SWFs and SOEs.
Tests of permeability with low hydraulic gradients

The rate of flow of water through any given permeable material containing only small openings varies directly as the hydraulic gradient. This is essentially the law announced by Darcy in 1856 as a result of his experiments with the flow of water through sand. The principle as applied to flow through capillary tubes was, however, announced by Poiseuille In 1843. Since 1856 many careful investigations have been made of the flow of water and other fluids through permeable materials, and the results of these investigations have thoroughly demonstrated the essential accuracy of Darcy's law for a wide range of hydraulic gradients. In the tests that have been made in the Hydrologic Laboratory of the United States Geological Survey on about 1000 water-bearing materials it has been customary to determine the permeability of each sample under several heads, and thus even the routine work in our Laboratory furnishes a great amount of evidence supporting Darcy's law. [For a brief historical statement of this subject, with references, see U.S. Geol. Sur. Water-Supply Paper 638, pp. 131–134.]
Stable geometric dimension of vector bundles over even-dimensional real projective spaces

In (6), the geometric dimension of all stable vector bundles over real projective spaceP n was determined ifn is even and sufficiently large with respect to the order 2 e of the bundle in f
A new method for the treatment of macrocephaly caused by hydrocephalus.

Abstract Objective: This report will discuss a new surgical technique for treating severe cases of macrocephaly in which the bony architecture is markedly distorted. The procedure relies on several novel surgical tools for its success that have not been previously applied to the treatment of this condition. It utilized the use of contraction osteogenesis devices, resorbable plating systems, and an age- and sex-matched computer-generated skull model, which was derived from a computed tomographic scan as a template for the new calvarium. Results: In the case reported, combined use of these technologies allowed for the complete reconstruction of the calvarium down to the level of the cranial base to produce an appropriately sized skull. The skull model created a template onto which bony fragments could be placed and fixated into a normal shape using the resorbable plating system. The contraction osteogenesis devices then allowed for a slow, safe reduction of the hydrocephalus via a ventriculoperitoneal shunt...
Markers of inflammation predict the long-term risk of developing chronic kidney disease: a population-based cohort study

In animal models, inflammatory processes have been shown to have an important role in the development of kidney disease. In humans, however, the independent relation between markers of inflammation and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not known. To clarify this, we examined the relationship of several inflammatory biomarker levels (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 2, white blood cell count, and interleukin-6) with the risk of developing CKD in a population-based cohort of up to 4926 patients with 15 years of follow-up. In cross-sectional analyses, we found that all these inflammation markers were positively associated with the outcome of interest, prevalent CKD. However, in longitudinal analyses examining the risk of developing incident CKD among those who were CKD-free at baseline, only tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 2, white blood cell count, and interleukin-6 levels (hazard ratios comparing highest with the lowest tertile of 2.10, 1.90, and 1.45, respectively), and not C-reactive protein (hazard ratio 1.09), were positively associated with incident CKD. Thus, elevations of most markers of inflammation predict the risk of developing CKD. Each marker should be independently verified.
Impossibly distinct: On form/content and word/image in two pieces of computer-based interactive multimedia

Much that is written to assist students in composing with or judging the visual aspects of texts assumes that those visual aspects work as form or theme or emotion or assistance to memory; in such writing the visual is separate from and made to support the words or content or message or information of the text. Through a comparative analysis of two pieces of computer-based interactive multimedia whose words are similar but visual structures different, this article argues that the visual aspects of these texts are idea and assertion, doing the work of content and information. We need then to expand or modify the conceptual categories we use in our teaching about the visual aspects of texts.
Denervation does not alter the number of neuronal bungarotoxin binding sites on autonomic neurons in the frog cardiac ganglion

The binding of neuronal bungarotoxin (n-BuTX; also known as bungarotoxin 3.1, kappa-bungarotoxin, and toxin F) was analyzed in normal and denervated parasympathetic cardiac ganglia of the frog Rana pipiens, n-BuTX blocks both EPSPs and ACh potentials at 5-20 nM, as determined by intracellular recording techniques. Scatchard analysis on homogenates indicates that cardiac ganglia have two classes of binding sites for 125I-n-BuTX: a high-affinity site with an apparent dissociation constant (Kd,app) of 1.7 nM and a Bmax (number of binding sites) of 3.8 fmol/ganglion and a low-affinity site with a Kd,app of 12 microM and a Bmax of 14 pmol/ganglion. alpha-Bungarotoxin does not appear to interfere with the binding of 125I-n-BuTX to either site. The high-affinity binding site is likely to be the functional nicotinic ACh receptor (AChR), given the similarity between its affinity for 125I-n-BuTX and the concentration of n-BuTX required to block AChR function. Light microscopic autoradiographic analysis of 125I-n-BuTX binding to the ganglion cell surface reveals that toxin binding is concentrated at synaptic sites, which were identified using a synaptic vesicle-specific antibody. Scatchard analysis of autoradiographic data reveals that 125I-n-BuTX binding to the neuronal surface is saturable and has a Kd,app similar to that of the high-affinity binding site characterized in homogenates. Surface binding of 125I-n-BuTX is blocked by nicotine, carbachol, and d-tubocurarine (IC50 less than 20 microM), but not by atropine (IC50 greater than 10 mM). Denervation of the heart increases the ACh sensitivity of cardiac ganglion cells but has no effect upon the number of high-affinity binding sites for 125I-n-BuTX in tissue homogenates. Moreover, autoradiographic analysis indicates that denervation does not alter the number of 125I-n-BuTX binding sites on the ganglion cell surface. n-BuTX is as effective in reducing ganglion cell responses to ACh in denervated ganglia as it is in normally innervated ganglia. These results suggest that denervation alters neither the total number of nicotinic AChRs in the cardiac ganglion nor the number found on the surface of ganglion cells. These autonomic neurons thus respond differently to denervation than do skeletal myofibers. The increase in ACh sensitivity displayed by cardiac ganglion cells upon denervation cannot be explained by changes in AChR number.
Effect of Biodiesel, Jet Propellant (JP-8) and Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel on Auto-Ignition, Combustion, Performance and Emissions in a Single Cylinder Diesel Engine

Concern about the depletion of petroleum reserves, rising prices of conventional fuels, security of supply and global warming have driven research toward the development of renewable fuels for use in diesel engines. These fuels have different physical and chemical properties that affect the diesel combustion process. This paper compares between the autoignition, combustion, performance and emissions of soybean derived biodiesel, JP-8 and ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) in a high speed single-cylinder research diesel engine equipped with a common rail injection system. Tests were conducted at steady state conditions at different injection pressures ranging from 600 bar to 1200 bar. The ‘rate of heat release’ traces are analyzed to determine the effect of fuel properties on the ignition delay, premixed combustion fraction and mixing and diffusion controlled combustion fractions. Biodiesel produced the largest diffusion controlled combustion fraction at all injection pressures compared to ULSD and JP-8. At 600 bar injection pressure, the diffusion controlled combustion fraction for biodiesel was 53% whereas both JP-8 and ULSD produced 39%. In addition, the effect of fuel properties on engine performance, fuel economy, and engine-out emissions is determined. On an average JP-8 produced 3% higher thermal efficiency than ULSD. Special attention is given to the NOx emissions and particulate matter characteristics. On an average biodiesel produced 37% less NOx emissions compared to ULSD and JP-8.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Procalcitonin decrease over 72 hours in US critical care units predicts fatal outcome in sepsis patients

Introduction: Close monitoring and repeated risk assessment of sepsis patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is important for decisions regarding care intensification or early discharge to the ward. We studied whether considering plasma kinetics of procalcitonin, a biomarker of systemic bacterial infection, over the first 72 critical care hours improved mortality prognostication of septic patients from two US settings. Methods: This retrospective analysis included consecutively treated eligible adults with a diagnosis of sepsis from critical care units in two independent institutions in Clearwater, FL and Chicago, IL. Cohorts were used for derivation or validation to study the association between procalcitonin change over the first 72 critical care hours and mortality. Results: ICU/in-hospital mortality rates were 29.2%/31.8% in the derivation cohort (n = 154) and 17.6%/29.4% in the validation cohort (n = 102). In logistic regression analysis of both cohorts, procalcitonin change was strongly associated with ICU and in-hospital mortality independent of clinical risk scores (Acute Physiology, Age and Chronic Health Evaluation IV or Simplified Acute Physiology Score II), with area under the curve (AUC) from 0.67 to 0.71. When procalcitonin decreased by at least 80%, the negative predictive value for ICU/in-hospital mortality was 90%/90% in the derivation cohort, and 91%/79% in the validation cohort. When procalcitonin showed no decrease or increased, the respective positive predictive values were 48%/48% and 36%/52%. Discussion: In septic patients, procalcitonin kinetics over the first 72 critical care hours provide prognostic information beyond that available from clinical risk scores. If these observations are confirmed, procalcitonin monitoring may assist physician decision-making regarding care intensification or early transfer from the ICU to the floor.
Climatic Predictors of the Intra- and Inter-Annual Distributions of Plague Cases in New Mexico Based on 29 Years of Animal-Based Surveillance Data

Within the United States, the majority of human plague cases are reported from New Mexico. We describe climatic factors involved in intra- and inter-annual plague dynamics using animal-based surveillance data from that state. Unlike the clear seasonal pattern observed at lower elevations, cases occur randomly throughout the year at higher elevations. Increasing elevation corresponded with delayed mean time in case presentation. Using local meteorological data (previous year mean annual precipitation, total degrees over 27°C 3 years before and maximum winter temperatures 4 years before) we built a time-series model predicting annual case load that explained 75% of the variance in pet cases between years. Moreover, we found a significant correlation with observed annual human cases and predicted pet cases. Because covariates were time-lagged by at least 1 year, intensity of case loads can be predicted in advance of a plague season. Understanding associations between environmental and meteorological factors can be useful for anticipating future disease trends.
Computer-aided drug discovery for pathway and genetic diseases

Selecting drug targets in pathway and genetic diseases (e.g., cancer) is a difficult problem facing the medical field and pharmaceutical industry. Because of the complex interconnections and feedback found in biological pathways, it is difficult to understand the potential effects of targeting certain portions of the network. The pharmaceutical industry has avoided novel targets for drugs, largely because of the increased risk in developing such treatments. This necessitates the need for systems biology methods which can help mitigate some of the risks of identifying novel targets and also suggest further experiments to validate them. The primary goal of this paper is to introduce a mathematical framework for solving such problems, that is amenable to computational or mathematical study. The secondary goal is to suggest methods for solving problems posed in this framework. One of these methods is a heuristic which is designed to allow its computations to scale up to much bigger examples and pathways than presented here.
Relative Weight as a Condition Index for Muskellunge

ABSTRACT Weight-length data were obtained for 45 muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) populations (N=4,343) from 16 states to develop a standard weight (Ws) equation that would allow calculation of relative weight (Wr) values. We developed a 75-percentile equation using the regression-line-percentile method. The proposed equation, based on all fish combined, is log10 Ws(g) = −6.066 + 3.325 log10TL(mm). The English equivalent for this equation is log10Ws(lb) = −4.052 + 3.325 log10TL(in). This equation is useful for 38 cm and longer muskellunge, and there was no evidence of consistent trends in increasing or decreasing Wr with increasing fish length. Because muskellunge can be sexed based on external characteristics, we also developed separate Ws equations for male and female muskellunge. However, Wr values calculated with the combined equation were quite similar (Wr values within 1–2) to those for values calculated from the female-only Ws equation. Values calculated with the male-only Ws equation were slightly m...
First results of ITC'99 benchmark circuits

The ISCAS circuits have long been used as design-for-testability benchmarks; however, recent progress in technology requires newer DFT standards. This look at the ITC'99 benchmarks reveals complexities that will serve as a starting point for other researchers.
CACNA1C gene polymorphisms, cardiovascular disease outcomes and treatment response

Background— The gene encoding the target of calcium channel blockers, the α1c-subunit of the L-type calcium channel ( CACNA1C ), has not been well characterized, and only small pharmacogenetic studies testing this gene have been published to date. Methods and Results— Resequencing of CACNA1C was performed followed by a nested case-control study of the INternational VErapamil SR/trandolapril STudy (INVEST) GENEtic Substudy (INVEST-GENES). Of 46 polymorphisms identified, 8 were assessed in the INVEST-GENES. Rs1051375 was found to have a significant interaction with treatment strategy ( P =0.0001). Rs1051375 A/A genotype was associated with a 46% reduction in the primary outcome among those randomized to verapamil SR treatment, when compared with atenolol treatment (odds ratio 0.54 95% CI 0.32 to 0.92). In heterozygous A/G individuals, there was no difference in the occurrence of the primary outcome when randomized to verapamil SR versus atenolol treatment (odds ratio 1.47 95% CI 0.86 to 2.53), whereas homozygous G/G individuals had a greater than 4-fold increased risk of the primary outcome with verapamil treatment compared with those randomized to atenolol treatment (odds ratio 4.59 95% CI 1.67 to 12.67). We did not identify allelic expression imbalance or differences in mRNA expression in heart tissue by rs1051375 genotype. Conclusions— Variation in CACNA1C is associated with treatment response among hypertensive patients with stable coronary artery disease. Our data suggest a genetically defined group of patients that benefit most from calcium channel blocker therapy, a group that benefits most from β-blocker therapy, and a third group in which calcium channel blocker and β-blocker therapy are equivalent. Received July 11, 2008; accepted May 21, 2009. # CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE {#article-title-2}
Low processivity for DNA translocation by the ISWI molecular motor

Abstract The motor protein ISWI (Imitation SWItch) is the conserved catalytic ATPase domain of the ISWI family of chromatin remodelers. Members of the ISWI family are involved in regulating the structure of cellular chromatin during times of transcription, translation, and repair. Current models for the nucleosome repositioning activity of ISWI and other chromatin remodelers require the translocation of the remodeling protein along double-stranded DNA through an ATP-dependent mechanism. Here we report results from spectrofluorometric stopped-flow experiments which demonstrate that ISWI displays very low processivity for free DNA translocation. By combining these results with those from experiments monitoring the DNA stimulated ATPase activity of ISWI we further demonstrate that the DNA translocation by ISWI is tightly coupled to ATP hydrolysis. The calculated coupling efficiency of 0.067 ± 0.018 ATP/ISWI/bp is seemingly quite low in comparison to similar DNA translocases and we present potential models to account for this. Nevertheless, the tight coupling of ATP hydrolysis to DNA translocation suggests that DNA translocation is not energetically rate limiting for nucleosome repositioning by ISWI.
Measurement of space charge effect on transverse emittance

The SNS accumulator ring is designed to compress 1.5/spl times/10/sup 14/ 1 GeV protons from a bunch train of 1000 /spl mu/s H/sup -/ to a single proton bunch with bunch length 700 ns. The injection scenario of the SNS is experimentally simulated at the Cooler Injector Synchrotron (CIS) at Indiana University. A 100 /spl mu/s, 7 MeV H/sup -/ bunch train from the RFQ and DTL is compressed into a single proton bunch with bunch length /spl les/ 150 ns. The transverse rms emittance of the 7 MeV beam is measured by the quadrupole tuning method in the CIS extraction line. Measurements are taken at various beam intensities with peak currents ranging from a few mA to hundreds of mA. Results are compared with simulation, and the effects of multiple strip foil transits and space charge are discussed.
A Vortex Entrainment Model Applied to Slender Delta Wings

A mathematical model of the vortex flow over a slender sharp-edged delta wing is proposed, and is shown to provide good agreement with the experiment. Although the technique requires experimental data in the form of the vortex core locations, it does account for the previously ignored mass entrainment of the vortex core.
NextGen technologies for mid-term and far-term air traffic control operations

This paper describes technologies for mid-term and far-term air traffic control operations in the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). The technologies were developed and evaluated with human-in-the-loop simulations in the Airspace Operations Laboratory (AOL) at the NASA Ames Research Center. The simulations were funded by several research focus areas within NASA's Airspace Systems program and some were co-funded by the FAA's Air Traffic Organization for Planning, Research and Technology. Results indicate that advanced trajectory-based air traffic control automation at the controller workstation integrated with data com and moderate flight deck upgrades shows great promise to increase airspace capacity significantly in the mid-term and far-term.
Earnings, Unemployment, and the Allocation of Time Over Time

Since an individual's labour market history can be described by a Markov Chain in state space, it is possible to calculate the steady states. It is natural to interpret the steady state proportion in unemployment for a group of identical workers as the natural rate of unemployment for this group, i.e. it is the expected proportion that would be employed if the environment were to remain constant. It is shown how the natural rate of unemployment is different for different groups. The model is estimated using data from a large U.S. income maintenance experiment. The predictions of the model, with some exceptions, bear up well to confrontation by data. The empirical findings also accord well with existing evidence on cross section studies of labour supply. We find that labour force participation rates implied by the estimated models are positively related to earnings for all age, sex and race groups, as expected. We demonstrate that the elasticities of the unemployment rates for all groups with respect to expected wage rates are negative, and large in absolute value in the case of adults. While the role of the wage in allocation of time is not novel, the existing neoclassical labour literature uses static labour supply models to interpret participation rate studies
More than Markets: Assessing Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification as a Policy Tool

In this study, we compared US Forest Stewardship Council forest management certified enterprises as to their perceptions of certification’s effectiveness across three policy mechanisms: (1) market based, (2) signaling, and (3) learning. Signaling to stakeholders provided the highest satisfaction; however, there were differences across enterprise type. Small private enterprises reported lower satisfaction than public and large private enterprises for all mechanisms. Our findings also indicate that certification, for those already certified, likely will be an expectation into the future.
Skin Fashion: Josephine Baker and Dressing Race

Can we think of racialized skin as dress, as a form of fashion-consciousness? Instead of seeing this question as trivializing the history of denigrating corporeality attached to the raced subject, through a reading of Josephine Baker this paper argues for the importance of separating “skin” from a biological schema in order to consider its ability to reflect and activate different states of racialized consciousness and corporeality. Through a study of Baker’s intricate and performative relations to various fashionable surfaces—from modern buildings to modern dress to her own shimmering skin—this paper traces Baker’s spectacular invention of “skin-fashion” and its importance for how we think about style and racial visibility today.
Case Study – United States of America

The United States (US) considers the intentional use of a biological agent a serious national security threat. Over the last decade, federal, state, and local governments in the US have made concerted efforts to enhance preparedness within the public health, medical, and emergency response systems to address this threat. These activities span a wide range of areas from the enactment of new legal authorities and legislative changes to significant financial investments to enhance multiple detection and response system capabilities and the adoption of a national command and control structure for response. Many of these investments, although prompted by the concern for bioterrorism, have served to strengthen public health, medical, and emergency response systems overall and have proven invaluable in responses to other large-scale emergencies, such as the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic.
Weight loss with or without exercise: effect on classic and novel biomarkers of cardiovascular risk (884.24)

We previously reported that novel metabolomics-derived biomarkers (dicarboxyl/hydroxyl acylcarnitines (DC/OH-ACs) and amino acid-related metabolites (AAs)) are independent predictors of CAD, CV events, and death and add predictive value to classic CV risk factors in cardiac catheterization patients. Here, we evaluated associations between traditional CV risk factors (FRS; Framingham Risk Score) and DC/OH-ACs and AAs in sedentary, overweight adults (N=46) randomized to 6 months of: AHA weight maintenance diet (CONTROL), 25% calorie restriction (CR), 12.5% CR + 12.5% increase in exercise energy expenditure (CR+EX), or 15% weight loss via low calorie diet (890 kcals/d; LCD). At baseline, serum DC/OH-ACs and AAs predicted 97% of FRS. At 6 months, weight loss was greater in LCD (-11±1 kg) than CR or CR+EX (-8±1 kg) and in all groups relative to CONTROL (-1±1 kg). Only in CR+EX did FRS change significantly (-10±4%) or differ from the change in FRS in CONTROL (+7±4%). Across all groups, changes in serum DC/OH-AC...
An Architectural Approach to Level Design

This paper review’s Christopher Totten’s 2014 book, An Architectural Approach to Level Design. Totten’s work arguably represents the most advanced and up to date discussion in applying traditional architecture principles to level design. The work in many aspects is ground-breaking and truly unique; he is one of the first (and only) architects writing in the field of games design and to developed an extensive discourse on why and how architectural principles, can and should be applied to the process of games design. Totten’s work can be considered at the forefront of demonstrating the ever-expanding domain of games design; it is successfully combines two disparate disciplines, in this case architecture and games design, and despite several weaknesses can be considered to be a leading key text in the field of architecture and games design. The paper concludes with a recommendation that the work is a valuable read for both game developers in the field wanting to develop a deeper understanding of designing more immersive and authentic game spaces as well as students engaged in studying games design & development or architecture and wanting to bridge the gap between the subject areas.
Fiber Effect on Interfacial Bond Between Concrete and Fiber-Reinforced Mortar

Field overlay and bridge deck studies have suggested that vertical curling deflections and debonding can be reduced when the overlay contains fiber reinforcement. This study investigates the tensile and shear bond between aged concrete and fiber-reinforced mortar. Three macrofibers commonly used in fiber-reinforced concrete pavement overlays or bridge decks were investigated. The macrofibers were a stretched synthetic, a textured synthetic, and a hooked-end steel fiber. The tensile fracture energy within the fiber-reinforced mortar material and an interfacial tensile bond energy between the fiber-reinforced mortar cast against the aged and sandblasted concrete were all higher than that of plain unreinforced mortar. The peak loads associated with tensile or shear bond failure were not statistically affected with the addition of fibers in the overlay mixture. Overall, the interfacial tensile bond energy did improve as the fiber volume content increased, especially because some of the fracture path occurred ...
A Scalable Architecture for Real-Time Synthetic-Focus Imaging

A scalable architecture for forming real-time synthetic focus images is described and the design of a 256-channel system using currently-available technology is presented as an example implementation of the architecture. The parallelism of the system scales directly with the number of array elements and the image computation rate for a given image size (in pixels) stays constant as the number of array elements is increased. The system leverages earlier work in the real-time generation of the required time-of-flight surfaces and allows either real-time image generation or iterative adaptive image generation from a single complete data set.
Design of a Second Generation Laser Scanning Intersecting Plane Tomography (LSIPT) System

We present recent development of a single-objective, high-speed volumetric microscopy method, including optimization via a comprehensive ray tracing model. L-SIPT is capable of in-vivo imaging of intact rodent brain and transgenic drosophila at >30 VPS.