cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive load management (ALM) in electric power systems

In this work, we propose a multi-layered adaptive load management (ALM) system capable of integrating large-scale demand response in electric power systems efficiently and reliably. Electric power systems can be seen as a composition of multiple subsystems: power producers, load aggregators/utilities, end-users, etc. Focusing on the demand side of the system, we decompose the whole power system into three layers: the primary layer at the lowest level consisting of end-users of electric energy, the secondary layer or load aggregators that aggregate these endusers and provide service to them, and the tertiary level or the system/market operator at the highest level that incorporates and optimizes the objectives of the system as a whole. We pose the ALM problem as the problem of decomposing a complex network system using Lagrange decomposition techniques. Given the recent changes in electric energy systems, we propose that including more information from demand side helps improve the system-wide optimization. This is done by signaling a demand function, i.e. optimal energy use as a function of electricity price in place of a single point of a Lagrange multiplier, from the end-users at the primary layer to the higher layers. We provide a formulation of the system's decomposition problems of this multi-layered multi-directional decision making and information exchange. Our novel contribution will be showing that exchanging sensitivities of Lagrange coefficients instead of point-wise values of price data is essential for having a converging interactive information exchange within at the rate needed in physical power systems without storage. We identify open questions and plan for our future work.
Electron tomographic and ultrastructural analysis of the Cryptosporidium parvum relict mitochondrion, its associated membranes, and organelles.

. Sporozoites of the apicomplexan Cryptosporidium parvum possess a small, membranous organelle sandwiched between the nucleus and crystalloid body. Based upon immunolabelling data, this organelle was identified as a relict mitochondrion. Transmission electron microscopy and tomographic reconstruction reveal the complex arrangement of membranes in the vicinity of this organelle, as well as its internal organization. The mitochondrion is enveloped by multiple segments of rough endoplasmic reticulum that extend from the outer nuclear envelope. In tomographic reconstructions of the mitochondrion, there is either a single, highly-folded inner membrane or multiple internal subcompartments (which might merge outside the reconstructed volume). The infoldings of the inner membrane lack the tubular “crista junctions” found in typical metazoan, fungal, and protist mitochondria. The absence of this highly conserved structural feature is congruent with the loss, through reductive evolution, of the normal oxidative phosphorylation machinery in C. parvum. It is proposed that the retention of a relict mitochondrion in C. parvum is a strategy for compartmentalizing away from the cytosol toxic ferrous iron and sulfide, which are needed for iron sulfur cluster biosynthesis, an essential function of mitochondria in all eukaryotes.
Emerging Therapies for Intestinal Failure

Given the immeasurable human distress and health care burden associated with intestinal failure, medical therapies aimed at intestinal rehabilitation are needed. Following massive small-bowel resection, the residual intestine is known to adapt structurally and functionally in an attempt to compensate for the resected portion. However, parenteral nutrition may be associated with many short- and long-term complications, including prevention of intestinal adaptation and promotion of mucosal atrophy due to lack of stimulus provided by oral or enteral nutrition. However, data herein demonstrate that the addition of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced in the colon by dietary fiber fermentation, stimulates intestinal adaptation when added to parenteral nutrition, indicating that current solutions could be formulated to optimize intestinal adaptation and to reduce dependence of individuals with intestinal failure receiving long-term parenteral nutrition regimens.
Social networks in political campaigns: Facebook and the congressional elections of 2006 and 2008

This study examines the early adoption and dissemination of emerging technology tools in campaigns by analyzing which candidates were the most likely to adopt and use Facebook in the 2006 and 2008 elections to the US House of Representatives. The research hypotheses draw primarily from the diffusion of innovation literature. Our analysis of 802 candidates in 2006 and 816 candidates in 2008 indicates that Facebook adoption diffused rapidly between 2006 and 2008, with party (Democrats), competition, money and the level of education in the district explaining both adoption and implementation. Challengers and candidates for open seats were more likely to be early adopters, but incumbents used Facebook more extensively. Both higher adoption rates by peers or competitors in the candidate’s own state and a propensity to adopt earlier campaign technologies are strong positive motivators for early adoption, but irrelevant to usage.
Domestic Violence in the Lives of Women Receiving Welfare

Using data from a random sample of women from the welfare caseload in an urban Michigan county, the authors investigate the prevalence of domestic violence and its association with mental health, health, and economic well-being. Nearly a quarter of the women experienced physical partner violence in the past 12 months, and almost two thirds in their lifetimes. Recent victims had significantly higher rates of five psychiatric disorders (depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, drug dependence, and alcohol dependence) and health problems than women who never experienced domestic violence. Recent partner violence was also associated with greater material hardship. Analyses did not indicate any significant association between domestic violence, past or present, and employment.
Life course health and healthcare utilization among adults with spina bifida.

Aim To evaluate the prevalence of organ system disorders and describe healthcare utilization among adults with spina bifida at a regional clinic. Method This study was a structured chart review using the Rochester Health Status Survey-IV. 65 males, 57 females aged 16 to 59 years were seen at the Spina Bifida Center of Central New York between January 2007 and December 2008 (annual hospitalization rate was 15 out of 100). Results Hospitalizations and acute outpatient visits were associated with having shunted hydrocephalus, whereas visits to the emergency department were associated with having a decubitus ulcer. Logistic regression models revealed that older adults made proportionately fewer visits to primary care providers than younger adults (odds ratio 0.919; p=0.02). Yet for every 1-year increase in age, the odds of being hospitalized increased by 5% (odds ratio 1.051; p=0.03). Interpretation Adults with spina bifida have multiple organ-system disorders. They have greater difficulty accessing services, and utilize emergency and inpatient healthcare at higher rates than the general population. In the future, adults with spina bifida will require access to more medical care and preventive services if they are to have optimal health, well-being, and functioning.
A Petrov–Galerkin finite element model for one-dimensional fully non-linear and weakly dispersive wave propagation

A new finite element method is presented to solve one-dimensional depth-integrated equations for fully non-linear and weakly dispersive waves. For spatial integration, the Petrov–Galerkin weighted residual method is used. The weak forms of the governing equations are arranged in such a way that the shape functions can be piecewise linear, while the weighting functions are piecewise cubic with C2-continuity. For the time integration an implicit predictor–corrector iterative scheme is employed. Within the framework of linear theory, the accuracy of the scheme is discussed by considering the truncation error at a node. The leading truncation error is fourth-order in terms of element size. Numerical stability of the scheme is also investigated. If the Courant number is less than 0.5, the scheme is unconditionally stable. By increasing the number of iterations and/or decreasing the element size, the stability characteristics are improved significantly. Both Dirichlet boundary condition (for incident waves) and Neumann boundary condition (for a reflecting wall) are implemented. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the range of applicabilities and the accuracy of the model. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cold face test in the assessment of trigeminal‐brainstem‐ vagal function in humans

Study of the reflex heart rate response in humans to apneic facial immersion (simulated diving) and its modifications showed that bradycardia caused by simple application of cold compresses to the face (cold face test) correlated well with that produced by the simulated diving reflex. Bilateral application of cold stimulus to the individual divisions of the trigeminal nerve revealed the ophthalmic division to be the most sensitive pathway for this reflex. The cold face test was standardized in 50 normal individuals and further validated in 10 patients by comparison with the simulated diving reflex, the Valsalva maneuver, and administration of atropine. Patients with diabetes mellitus, brainstem stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Shy-Drager syndrome developed less than normal bradycardia or minimal tachycardia in response to the cold facial stimulus. The cold face test is a novel, simple, safe, and economical test of the integrity of trigeminal-brainstem-vagal reflex pathways, can be utilized practically to assess vagal and brainstem dysfunctions, and has the special advantage of being applicable even in an uncooperative or comatose patient.
Extracellular regulation of BMP signaling

In the developing organism, cells differentiate, divide and die as part of groups of hundreds or thousands of cells called ‘morphogenetic fields’. Fields have the remarkable property of self-regulation: for example, if the forelimb field is bisected, each half can give rise to a complete limb after transplantation, as discovered by Ross Harrison in 1918. Therefore, cells in the morphogenetic field are capable of long-range communication with each other in order to ascertain their position [1]. This positional information is relayed in the extracellular space in the form of concentration gradients of specific classes of extracellular molecules called ‘morphogens’ that trigger cellular responses by binding and activating cell surface receptors. Here, we focus on a family of morphogens called ‘Bone Morphogenetic Proteins’ (BMPs), which has provided a new paradigm for signaling regulation in the extracellular space.
Design and optimization, steady-state and dynamic analysis of synchronous reluctance motors controlled by voltage-fed converters with nonlinear controllers

This paper presents innovative results to improve the design and manufacture of high-performance synchronous reluctance machines. These results have been obtained from our research in analyzing and synthesizing advanced control algorithms to promote the competitiveness of three-phase synchronous reluctance machines in electric drives in comparison with permanent-magnet synchronous motors and induction machines. These results have direct application in the design and manufacture of electric- and hybrid-electric drivetrains for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles. First, we report on the dynamic optimization of medium duty synchronous reluctance machines described by nonlinear differential equations. Second, we describe a new design optimization method, based upon nonlinear electromagnetic analysis, to improve steady-state performance and to enhance the operating envelope. Highly efficient, high-speed synchronous reluctance motors, ranging from 10 kW to 100 kW, were manufactured and tested. The design methods ensure cost-effective production of a new generation of state-of-the-art synchronous reluctance motors. This paper develops a nonlinear model of synchronous reluctance motors that incorporates saturation effects. Kirchhoff's and Newton's laws are used to derive the models. The application of Park's transformation results in a set of differential equations in the rotor reference frame; the q-, d- and zero-axis voltage and current quantities are used in analysis, modeling and design. Robust controllers are developed to guarantee closed-loop system stability and attain the disturbance rejection.
A refinement of Simon's correlation inequality

A general formulation is given of Simon’s Ising model inequality: \(\left\langle {{\sigma _\alpha }{\sigma _\gamma }} \right\rangle \leqslant \sum\limits_{b \in B} {\left\langle {{\sigma _\alpha }{\sigma _b}} \right\rangle \left\langle {{\sigma _b}{\sigma _\gamma }} \right\rangle } \) where B is any set of spins separating α from γ. We beB show that 〈σ α σ b 〉 can be replaced by 〈σ α σ b 〉 A where A is the spin system “inside” B containing α. An advantage of this is that a finite algorithm can be given to compute the transition temperature to any desired accuracy. The analogous inequality for plane rotors is shown to hold if a certain conjecture can be proved. This conjecture is indeed verified in the simplest case, and leads to an upper bound on the critical temperature. (The conjecture has been proved in general by Rivasseau. See notes added in proof.)
Vehicle Tracking and Distance Estimation Based on Multiple Image Features

In this paper, we introduce a vehicle tracking algorithm based on multiple image features to detect and track the front car in a collision avoidance system (CAS) application. The algorithm uses multiple image features, such as corner, edge, gradient, vehicle symmetry property, and image matching technique to robustly detect the vehicle bottom corners and edges, and estimate the vehicle width. Based on the estimated vehicle width, a few pre-selected edge templates are used to match the image edges that allow us to estimate the vehicle height, and also the distance between the front vehicle and the host vehicle. Some experimental results based on real world video images are presented. These seem to indicate that the algorithm is capable of identifying a front vehicle, tracking it, and estimating its distance from the host vehicle.
From B-type natriuretic peptide to green mambas: the process of discovery.

The study by Lisy et al. ([1][1]) in this issue of the Journal reports on the design, synthesis, and properties of a new chimeric natriuretic peptide ([1][1]). The work represents an ongoing interest by the Mayo Clinic Burnett Laboratory in the development of therapy that will increase natriuresis
Identification of Organic Matter in Natural Samples

May I suggest that we not just discuss prebiotic synthesis, but in general the problems in sampling. We are already discussing porphyrins in lunar samples. Apollo has provided at least one example of very carefully collected materials.
Prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Through Manipulation of the Intestinal Microbiota of the Premature Infant.

Abstract Purpose In spite of four decades of research, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains the most common gastrointestinal complication in premature infants with high mortality and long-term morbidity. The composition of the intestinal microbiota of the premature infant differs dramatically from that of the healthy term infant and appears to be an important risk factor for NEC. Methods We review the evidence of an association between intestinal dysbiosis and NEC and summarize published English language clinical trials and cohort studies involving attempts to manipulate the intestinal microbiota in premature infants. Findings Promising NEC prevention strategies that alter the intestinal microbiota include probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, lacteroferrin, and human milk feeding. Implications Shaping the intestinal microbiota of the premature infant through human milk feeding and dietary supplements decreases the risk of NEC. Further studies to identify the ideal microbial composition and the most effective combination of supplements are indicated.
A Near-Term, Z-Pinch Fusion Space Thruster

A fusion space thruster based on the flow-through Z-pinch may be possible in the near-term. The Z-pinch equilibrium is classically unstable to gross disruption modes according to theoretical and experimental evidence. However, a new stabilization mechanism has been discovered that can stabilize these modes with plasma flow. The stabilizing mechanism was developed for a Z-pinch plasma equilibrium which has an axial velocity profile that is linear in radius. When the velocity shear exceeds a threshold, the plasma modes are stabilized. The magnitude of the peak velocity is dependent on the mode wavelength but is sub-Alfvenic for the wavelengths of experimental interest, Vmox > 0.151/4fcza where VA is the Alfven speed, kz is the axial wave vector, and a is the characteristic pinch radius. A flow-through Z-pinch experiment ZaP has been built at the University of Washington to experimentall y verify the sheared flow stabilizing mechanism. The experiment has been constructed and has achieved plasma flow velocities of 10 sm/s and stability for over 500 growth times. For more information the reader is encouraged to visit: http://www.aa.washington.ediL/AERP/ZaP. The extension of the flow-stabilized Z-pinch to a space thruster is straight forward. The plasma in a flow-stabilized Z-pinch is already moving axially, fusing, and releasing a tremendous amount of nuclear energy. The end of the Z-pinch can be left open to allow the escape of the energetic plasma. Specific impulses in the range of Wss and thrust levels of 1057V are possible.
HPLC determinatron of domperldone tablets

AimTo establish a method for determination of domperi done tablets by HPLC.Method The Shim-pack CLC-ODS column is used and detected at 280 nm.The mobile phase is 0.5%ammonium acetate-acetonitrile (68∶ 32).Results The linear correlation was good in the range of 20. 08～120.5mg·L~(-1) for domperidone(r=0.999 9).The average recovery was 1 00.2% and RSD was 070%.Conlusion The method is highly accurate.
Rapid Change: Nine Information Technology Management Challenges

AbstractInformation technology is rapidly changing. This increases the complexity of IT management. Previous research hypothesized that rapid change in IT causes eleven different categories of problems for IT managers. The current study developed a survey instrument based on detailed items about such problems from that research. The instrument was mailed to a nationwide sample of 1,000 IT professionals. Two hundred forty-six provided useable data. The data supported and clarified nine of the categories of problems of rapid change in IT. The categories are Vendor Neglect, Vendor Oversell, Acquisition Dilemma, Support Burden, Resistance, Cascading Needs, New Integration, Errors, and Training Demands. The research also offers suggestions for future investigation of the problems and a potential instrument with which to conduct it. Anticipating and planning for the problems may help IT managers avoid project delays and budget overruns.
Can Deficiency Produce Specific Superiority-The Challenge of the Idiot Savant

Specific superior skills have been found in behaviorally retarded persons (idiots savants). Kiyoshi Yamashita's graphic genius is given as an outstanding example. The suggestion is made that we design prosthetic environments not only to restore average behavioral junction to handicapped individuals, but also to develop special skills to the point of superiority. Supporting examples and an interpretation of specific superiority are given.
Preoperative localization of intracranial tumors using a co-ordinate grid

Preoperative localization of intracranial tumors using a grid technique is a quick, efficient and cost-effective method facilitating intraoperative identification of tumors and planning of craniotomy.
Extracranial Arterial Injury

This chapter describes the various aspects of extracranial arterial injury. Injury to the extracranial vessels is most often the result of vehicular trauma or assault. The ability to recognize traumatic vascular injury is paramount in trauma evaluation. Penetrating injury to the extracranial vessels may be readily identifiable by severe hemorrhage or discovered with exploration of the wound. Signs of carotid injury include focal cerebral ischemic symptoms, bruit, headaches, neckache, or incomplete Horner's syndrome caused from the periarterial sympathetic nerve injury. Approximately 50% of patients with blunt cervical vessel injury have no outward signs of trauma such as abrasions or bruising. Data has revealed that restoration of flow within the first few hours affords a better opportunity for neurologic recovery compared to ligation. If obstruction has occurred and the patient displays recurrent long-term signs of cerebral ischemia, extracranial-to-intracranial bypass may be beneficial. Asymtomatic carotid dissection may be treated with anticoagulation.
The Effect of Perceived Trustworthiness on Affect in Negotiated and Reciprocal Exchange

The clear link between perceived trustworthiness in the different exchange settings and affect toward one's partners provides the belief that in the collection of more systematic data on emotions, these two variables would be significant determinants of the extent to which positive as compared with negative emotions emerge in these exchange settings. This chapter investigates the link between perceived trustworthiness and affect toward one's exchange partner(s) in negotiated and reciprocal exchange, types of exchange that vary in the nature of the uncertainty involved in completing an exchange. The more cooperative an exchange partner is in either type of exchange, the higher is the perceived trustworthiness of that exchange partner and the more positive the affect toward the partner. In addition, cooperative behavior has greater impact on perceived trustworthiness when uncertainty is high since such behavior more clearly signals trustworthiness. One hundred and fifty subjects participated in five experimental conditions in which they interacted with simulated partners who were either more or less cooperative. The level of simulated partner cooperation and type of exchange were varied. Results indicate a clear effect of uncertainty on perceived trustworthiness, which is related to positive affect, especially when the available partners are highly cooperative. Low rates of cooperation have the expected negative effect on perceived trustworthiness and affect.
Pediatric Cancer Survivors: Neurocognitive Late Effects

Neurocognitive deficits are a common late effect experienced by pediatric cancer survivors and can manifest across a variety of domains including: attention and concentration, executive functioning, processing speed, psychomotor skills, verbal memory, visuospatial skills, and language (Moore J, Pediatr Psychol 30:51–63, 2005). Deficits have also been found to manifest across the broader domains of global intellectual functioning and academic performance. These deficits, however, seem to be limited to the specific diagnoses of leukemia and brain tumors. This is largely due to the aggressive CNS-directed treatments, as they induce inalterable structural damage to the brain, which has been linked back to observable deficits in neurocognitive functioning. Preliminary research also indicates that neurocognitive deficits can have serious implications for survivors’ overall functional capabilities as well as their general quality of life. As such, a variety of interventions have begun to be developed in order to address these issues. However, research surrounding these two areas is still in its infancy. Future research needs to address how neurocognitive late effects interfere with greater functional capabilities and general quality of life as well as how interventions can help combat these problems.
Projecting LED product life based on application

LED products have started to displace traditional light sources in many lighting applications. One of the commonly claimed benefits for LED lighting products is their long useful lifetime in applications. Today there are many replacement lamp products using LEDs in the marketplace. Typically, lifetime claims of these replacement lamps are in the 25,000-hour range. According to current industry practice, the time for the LED light output to reach the 70% value is estimated according to IESNA LM-80 and TM-21 procedures and the resulting value is reported as the whole system life. LED products generally experience different thermal environments and switching (on-off cycling) patterns when used in applications. Current industry test methods often do not produce accurate lifetime estimates for LED systems because only one component of the system, namely the LED, is tested under a continuous-on burning condition without switching on and off, and because they estimate for only one failure type, lumen depreciation. The objective of the study presented in this manuscript was to develop a test method that could help predict LED system life in any application by testing the whole LED system, including on-off power cycling with sufficient dwell time, and considering both failure types, catastrophic and parametric. The study results showed for the LED A-lamps tested in this study, both failure types, catastrophic and parametric, exist. The on-off cycling encourages catastrophic failure, and maximum operating temperature influences the lumen depreciation rate and parametric failure time. It was also clear that LED system life is negatively affected by on-off switching, contrary to commonly held belief. In addition, the study results showed that most of the LED systems failed catastrophically much ahead of the LED light output reaching the 70% value. This emphasizes the fact that life testing of LED systems must consider catastrophic failure in addition to lumen depreciation, and the shorter of the two failure modes must be selected as the system life. The results of this study show a shorter time test procedure can be developed to accurately predict LED system life in any application by knowing the LED temperature and the switching cycle.
Intensive Care Unit Delirium: A Review of Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment

A 77 year-old male is admitted to the hospital after sustaining a hip fracture. He has a past medical history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, chronic back pain, and hearing loss. Prior to surgery he receives midazolam for agitation and morphine for pain control. He undergoes a general anesthetic for his fracture repair, requiring high doses of fentanyl for pain control. Postoperatively, he has poor pulmonary mechanics and is taken to the ICU intubated and mechanically ventilated. On postoperative day one, his sedation is weaned and he is put on a spontaneous breathing trial. While he appears intermittently awake, he will not follow commands and only intermittently makes eye contact. The patient is left intubated due to his altered mental status.
Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of flavonoids in neurodegenerative diseases

S studies reported thatoxidative stress and inflammation contribute to the pathobiology of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (PD).Both of these disorders are characterized by deposition of insoluble protein aggregates such as α-synuclein in PD and β-amyloid in AD. Though the initial triggerof these two diseases is distinct and largely unknown, they both shared common neuroinflammation and oxidative stress components. Investigating new ways to slow or reverse the neurodegenerative pathways involved, will guide new strategies for drug development. The present in-vitrostudies,investigated the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of several anti-inflammatoryflavonoids, and compared them to either Ibuprofen in the MPTP-model of PD, or tigecycline in the LPS-model of AD. Our present data support a therapeutic potential for flavonoids, and tigecycline in the treatment of the neuroinflammation and the oxidative stress associated with PD and AD.
Preservation or piracy: Diagnosing low-relief, high-elevation surface formation mechanisms

Absent clear lithologic control, the presence of elevated, low-relief topography in upland landscapes has traditionally been interpreted as a signature of relative surface uplift and incision of a paleo-landscape. Such interpretations are commonly supported and quantified using analyses of river longitudinal profiles under the assumption of a static drainage network topology. Drainage networks, however, are not static, and it has been proposed recently that divide migration and drainage capture can lead to the generation of low-relief upland topography that mimics that of incised paleo-landscapes and that might be falsely interpreted as recording surface uplift and/or the onset of accelerated incision. Indeed, the interpretation of the incised southeastern Tibetan Plateau, and thus the associated geodynamic implications, have been called into question. Here we use theory and one- and two-dimensional landscape evolution models to develop a set of morphometric criteria to distinguish these alternative mechanisms of low-relief upland formation. Application to the southeastern Tibetan Plateau illustrates the utility of these metrics and demonstrates that the topography is in no way consistent with the drainage network dynamics mechanism and is fully consistent with incision into an elevated, preexisting low-relief landscape.
Drug Resistance in Malignant Meningiomas

Meningiomas are one of the most common intracranial tumors and arise from the arachnoid cap cell. Although the overwhelming majority of meningiomas are benign, approximately 5–15 % of meningiomas are non-benign. These tumors are histologically Grade II and III and have a propensity to be aggressive and occasionally metastasize. Multiple genetic abnormalities and epigenetic changes are involved in the formation and malignant transformation of meningioma. Given the aggressiveness of these tumors, the standard of care involves maximal surgical resection, when feasible and safe, followed by radiation. In cases of initial treatment failure or tumor recurrence, adjuvant therapy with chemotherapy or clinical trials becomes an option. Outcomes data for chemotherapy are rather scarce, but medical treatment options include mifepristone, hydroxyurea, somatostatin analogues, interferon-α, irinotecan, and temozolomide. Somatostatin analogues and interferon-α have shown promise, but prospective studies will be necessary to determine their effect on outcomes. Future development of medical treatments and chemotherapy depends upon the understanding of mitogenic and antiapoptotic pathways involved with malignant meningiomas. Multiple growth factors and receptors may serve as useful sites for therapy action. Multiple preclinical and clinical trials are underway for the disruption of these pathways. Future prospective, randomized clinical trials will be essential to evaluate the effect on tumor control, progression-free survival, and effect on overall survival.
Baroclinic Instability in the Stratosphere

In the mid-latitude troposphere transient synoptic-scale disturbances provide a large proportion of the meridional heat and momentum fluxes required to maintain the heat and momentum budgets of the zonally averaged circulation. As a result of the now classical work of Charney (1947) and Eady (1949) it is commonly accepted that these transient disturbances arise as the result of baroclinic instability of the vertically sheared zonally symmetric flow, while the zonally symmetric flow itself results from a thermal wind balance with the pole-to-equator temperature gradient caused by differential solar heating. This meridional temperature gradient represents a reservoir of zonal available potential energy which unstable baroclinic waves convert to eddy available potential energy and eddy kinetic energy. Although linear instability theory represents a very great idealization of the real atmospheric situation—where the basic flow tends to be a quasi-stationary “wavy” jet rather than a broad zonally symmetric current—evidence from numerical general circulation models (Smagorinsky et al., 1965, for example) and laboratory simulations (Fowlis and Hide, 1965) indicate that the baroclinic instability theory provides a qualitatively correct description for the development of mid-latitude synoptic disturbances.
What we choose, what we prefer

This paper develops an account of what it is that rational agents choose and what it is that rational agents prefer. There are three desiderata to satisfy when offering such an account. First, the account should maintain canonical axioms of rational choice theory as intuitively plausible. Here I focus on contraction and expansion consistency properties. Second, the account should prevent canonical axioms of rational choice theory from becoming trivial—it should be possible to actually violate these axioms, less rational choice theory becomes useless for many purposes. Third, the account should allow rational choice theory to be put to several different philosophical projects. I show that existing accounts of what we choose and prefer fail along at least one of these metrics. The account I develop does not fail across any of these metrics.
Levels of Selection and Methodological Individualism

Whitman argues that group selection is consistent with methodological individualism. He begins by defining a weak form of methodological individualism in which agents are not necessarily self-interested or rational and shows that this form is consistent with Sober and Wilson’s model of group selection. However, Sober and Wilson’s group selection is also consistent with a methodological individualism in which the individuals are rational and self-interested, and consistent with individual selection as well. A version of group selection similar to what Hayek may have had in mind when he talked about groups out-competing other groups is presented, however, this is not a version of group selection that is compatible with methodological individualism.
Value in lumbar spine fusion: Minimally invasive versus traditional open surgery

Abstract In the evolving healthcare climate, healthcare resource allocation will begin to favor surgical treatments that exhibit value through both clinical and cost-effectiveness. Lumbar pathology is extremely prevalent in the United States, resulting in a substantial portion of healthcare expenditure. Open lumbar fusions are an effective treatment for degenerative lumbar pathology; however, these procedures have exhibited extremely high and potentially unsustainable costs. Minimally invasive (MIS) techniques have previously demonstrated to reduce costs while maintaining or improving clinical effectiveness. The present review addresses the current literature comparing the values of open and MIS lumbar fusion techniques.
Some Conclusions on the Relationship Between Citizens and Their Representatives in France and Germany

The foregoing comparison of the relationship between citizens and their parliamentary representatives in Germany and France reveals differences due to their different constitutional and electoral systems and differences in their political histories. The comparison is particularly valuable at this moment of public skepticism of representation and populist enthusiasm for direct democracy.
Contrasting Roles for Axonal Degeneration in an Autoimmune versus Viral Model of Multiple Sclerosis : When Can Axonal Injury Be Beneficial?

Although demyelination is a cardinal feature in multiple sclerosis, axonal injury also occurs. We tested whether a delay in axonal degeneration could affect the disease severity in two models for multiple sclerosis: experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection. We compared wild-type C57BL/6 (B6) mice with C57BL/Wld s (Wld) mice, which carry a mutation that delays axonal degeneration. In EAE, both mouse strains were sensitized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) 35-55 peptide and showed a similar disease onset, MOG-specific lymphoproliferative responses, and inflammation during the acute stage of EAE. However, during the chronic stage, B6 mice continued to show paralysis with a greater extent of axonal damage, demyelination, and MOG-specific lymphoproliferative responses compared with Wld mice, which showed complete recovery. In TMEV infection, only Wld mice were paralyzed and had increased inflammation, virus antigen-positive cells, and TMEV-specific lymphoproliferative responses versus infected B6 mice. Because TMEV can use axons to disseminate in the brain, axonal degeneration in B6 mice might be a beneficial mechanism that limits the virus spread, whereas slow axonal degeneration in Wld mice could favor virus spread. Therefore, axonal degeneration plays contrasting roles (beneficial versus detrimental) depending on the initiator driving the disease.
Energy and Force – The Prime Observables

The idea of abstractions as practical simplifications of systems has been introduced because it is fundamentally useful in the day-to-day laboratory experience of the scientist. By using different levels of abstraction while making observations on a system of interest, we can invoke different techniques. We often find ways to imply information that might not otherwise be accessible to direct measurement. When we examine a system we decide at what level our detailed knowledge of the system will be needed and choose an abstraction appropriate to that level of detail, much like we might choose the magnification on a microscope. They are simplifications and do not operate out of context. Abstractions are attempts to generalize about systems whose actual behavior may be different from that predicted by the abstraction. Detecting these gaps between real and predicted behavior is a central role of experimental science. We can formulate an image of a natural system with its peaks and valleys (represented by functions); then, choosing an abstraction, we predict a behavior of the system. The behavior of the real system is then measured and mapped to confirm or falsify the prediction. This map of the natural system’s state space gives us the information we need to describe the system and to predict its future action. Several of the most important maps that we can construct for a biological system are maps of its energy at each point of the state space and of the forces found acting at each of these points. These energy and force mappings are a unifying idea that is used in every level of abstraction.
Review of Phosphatidylinositol Phosphate Kinase in Phosphatidylinositol Signaling Pathway

Phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway is an important signal transduction pathway that plays critical roles in multiple cell processes first demonstrated in animal cells. Research evidences have shown that although not exactly the same as it is in yeast and mammalian cells, phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway also exists in plant cells and is indispensable in plant development and stress responses. Phosphatidylinositol monophosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K) which catalyzes the synthesis of phosphatylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) by phosphorylation of phosphatylinositol-4-phosphate at the 5′ position of the inositol ring, is a key enzyme in phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. Animal and plant PIPKs can be differently classified according to substrate preferences or protein organizations. PtdIns(4,5)P2 as the main product of PIP5Ks is the precursor of two important second messengers inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. PtdIns(4,5)P2 itself is involved in different cell processes by binding with different protein partners, including actin-regulating ion channels and vesicle trafficking regulators. In Arabidopsis thaliana, 15 genes encoding putative PIP5Ks have been identified. The classification, regulation, and biological functions of PIPKs are discussed in this review with focus on the functions and regulatory mechanism of PIP5Ks from Arabidopsis thaliana.
Enforcement Under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) administers the packaging requirements of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Effective enforcement is critical to the successful administration of the Act. The enforcement policy adopted is based upon concentrated coverage to the problem areas. These are identified by injury data, a poor level of compliance by a particular industry, or a new regulation becoming effective. Coverage is concentrated by simultaneously inspecting as large a percentage of the entire industry as possible throughout the country. The impact of the concentrated coverage is reinforced by the prompt initiation of appropriate regulatory action against all those firms found in violation of the law. Obtaining industry compliance with the packaging standards through enforcement is one of the ways in which the CPSC seeks to reduce the risk of injuries to young children.
Mindset and Modes of Design Studio Education

Carl Sagan (Carl Sagan’s last interview, 1996) said “Science is more than a body of knowledge. It’s a way of thinking.” Sagan’s concern in the age of science and technology requires deep investigation. Both critical thinking and creativity is a necessity to imagine how to solve seemingly simple problems to complex problems. This premise of approaching problems and situations differently is aided by the manner in which the world is viewed, a designer’s work environment, what and how educational challenges and experiences are shared, and the integration of peers and instructor reviews. Applying studio-based design education provides the basis for the agile mindset and modes in a rapidly changing world.
Multi-Channel All-Optical Signal Regeneration

We discuss simultaneous and independent 2R regeneration of many WDM channels, enabled by a group-delay-managed nonlinear medium, in which high intra-channel nonlinearity can be accumulated without suffering from the nonlinear inter-channel crosstalk.
Resuscitation Guided by Volume Responsiveness Does Not Reduce Mortality in Sepsis: A Meta-Analysis.

Objectives:Resuscitation with IV fluids is a critical component in the management of sepsis. Although the optimal volume of IV fluid is unknown, there is evidence that excessive administration can be deleterious. Static measures of volume status have not proven to be meaningful resuscitative endpoin
Explaining the impact of differences in voting patterns on resilience and relational load in romantic relationships during the transition to the Trump presidency

The theory of resilience and relational load was used to examine the impact of voting patterns in the 2016 U.S. presidential election on individuals’ romantic relationships. Married/cohabitating in...
High glucose conditioned neonatal astrocytes results in impaired mitogenic activity in cerebral microvessel endothelial cells in co-culture

Abstract Angiogenesis is a highly complex and coordinated process in the brain. Under normal conditions, it is a vital process in growth and development, but under adverse conditions such as diabetes mellitus, it can lead to severe pathology. Astrocytes are a key constituent of the neurovascular unit and contribute to cerebral function, not only bridging the gap between metabolic supplies from blood vessels to neurons, but also regulating angiogenesis. Astrocytes affect angiogenesis by secreting angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) into its microenvironment and regulating mitogenic activity in cerebral microvessel endothelial cells (CMEC). We hypothesized that astrocytes conditioned in high glucose media would produce and secrete decreased VEGF which would lead to impaired proliferation, migration, and tube formation of CMEC in vitro. Using neonatal rat astrocytes, we used normal glucose (NG, 5.5mM) vs. high glucose (HG, 25mM) feeding media and measured VEGF message and protein levels as well as secreted VEGF. We co-cultured conditioned astrocytes with isolated rat CMEC and measured mitogenic activity of endothelial cells using BrdU assay, scratch recovery assay, and tube formation assay. HG astrocytes produced and secreted decreased VEGF protein and resulted in impaired mitogenic activity when co-cultured with CMEC as demonstrated by decreased BrdU uptake, decreased scratch recovery, and slower tube formation. Our study provides insight into gliovascular adaptations to increased glucose levels resulting in impaired cellular cross-talk between astrocytes and CMEC which could be one explanation for cerebral microangiopathy seen in diabetic conditions.
Refractive index of sputtered germanium films in the 25-13 µm infrared spectral region

The objective of this work is to quantify the refractive index of germanium films relative to film thickness. The films are fabricated using radio-frequency sputter deposition with film thickness spanning 820 nm to 3950 nm. The dispersive refractive index of the films is measured by Fabry-Perot transmission measurements. Using this data, it is then verified by full-spectral matching of the resonant response of guided-mode resonance grating structures fabricated into the films. This is a new method to quantify the dispersion response of materials that can be deposited to form thin films. At a wavelength of 10 µm, the refractive index is found to vary from 3.84 for an 820 nm thick film to a value of 4.6 for a 3950 nm thick film. This, respectively, represents a ∼4% decrease and a ∼15% increase from the intrinsic crystalline refractive index. Chemical composition of the films is verified using energy dispersive spectroscopy with the film structure analyzed using X-ray diffraction.
Google-Accelerated Biomolecular Simulations.

Biomolecular simulations rely heavily on the availability of suitable compute infrastructure for data-driven tasks like modeling, sampling, and analysis. These resources are typically available on a per-lab and per-facility basis, or through dedicated national supercomputing centers. In recent years, cloud computing has emerged as an alternative by offering an abundance of on-demand, specialist-maintained resources that enable efficiency and increased turnaround through rapid scaling.Scientific computations that take the shape of parallel workloads using large datasets are commonplace, making them ideal candidates for distributed computing in the cloud. Recent developments have greatly simplified the task for the experimenter to configure the cloud for use and job submission. This chapter will show how to use Google's Cloud Platform for biomolecular simulations by example of the molecular dynamics package GROningen MAchine for Chemical Simulations (GROMACS). The instructions readily transfer to a large variety of other tasks, allowing the reader to use the cloud for their specific purposes.Importantly, by using Docker containers, a popular light-weight virtualization solution, and cloud storage, key issues in scientific research are addressed: reproducibility of results, record keeping, and the possibility for other researchers to obtain copies and directly build upon previous work for further experimentation and hypothesis testing.