cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Properties of Densified Solid Biofuels in Relation to Chemical Composition, Moisture Content, and Bulk Density of the Biomass

Global energy consumption is expected to grow by 56% between 2010 and 2040. Renewable energy is one of the fastest-growing energy resources, and biomass is a major feedstock for providing renewable energy. It constitutes up to 35% of the main energy consumption in developing countries. Densified solid biofuel with high density gets a lot of attention due to its uniform shape and low heating cost. When considering densified solid biofuels as a viable solution for energy production, its quality needs to be improved. Solid biofuel quality is a function of the chemical composition and physical properties of the raw materials. It is widely reported that the raw material chemical composition has a major effect on the final solid biofuel quality, as it influences the heating value, ash content, and mechanical durability. The moisture content influences the net heating value, combustion efficiency, and mechanical durability of solid biofuels. The bulk density influences the mechanical durability, thermal characteristics, as well as handling and storage costs of solid biofuels. This work reviewed the latest developments on the effects of the chemical composition, moisture content, and bulk density of raw materials on the thermal efficiency, emission, and mechanical durability of densified solid biofuels.
Workaholism and family functioning: a profile of familial relationships, psychological outcomes, and research considerations

This paper examines the relationship between workaholism and family functioning and the psychological outcomes of family members. A profile of the workaholic family is presented, along with an argument for family scientists and practitioners to pay more attention to this neglected area of family life. Considerations for how to address the need in family research and practice also are presented.
Revisiting macroeconomic activity and income distribution in the USA

We revisit the distributional implications of macroeconomic activity in the USA by estimating the effects of the unemployment and inflation rates on the quintile Lorenz ordinates. We have access to 16 years of additional data (1995–2010) that were not available for the earlier studies, covering the deepest recession since the Great Depression. These additional data do not substantively change the results regarding the effects of unemployment and inflation on income inequality (both increase it). Adding controls for other important macroeconomic variables that have increased substantially in recent decades (public transfers, government budget deficits, and openness to trade) also has little effect on the findings regarding unemployment and inflation. Changes in budget deficits are uniformly equalizing, and public transfers increase the share of the bottom 20% across different specifications. Greater openness to international trade increases inequality in some specifications but has little effect when we also include controls for public transfers and budget deficits.
Methodically integrating databases and web applications

A methodology for integrating databases and Web applications is presented. The methodology is based on sound software engineering principles, such as separation of concerns and modularity. It segments the development process into four phases: query design, module design, module implementation and testing, and integration testing. Query design deals exclusively with database queries associated with a Web application. Module design develops the processing logic for dynamic Web page construction using query results. The modules can then be implemented and tested individually. Finally, integration testing ensures that the modules function correctly as one system. The methodology offers the advantages of the software engineering principles that constitute its basis.
Impact of consolidation of cases on post-operative outcomes for index pediatric surgery cases.

Abstract Background The effect of the consolidation of neonatal pediatric surgical cases to limited surgeons within a hospital is unknown. We elected to model the distribution of complex neonatal procedures using an economic measure of market concentration, the Herfindahl-Hirschmann Index (HHI), and study its effect on outcomes of index pediatric surgical operations. Methods We used data from 49 US children's hospitals between 2007 and 2017 for the following procedures: congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair (CDH), esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula repair (EA/TEF), and pull-through for Hirschsprung disease (HD). Mixed effects logistic regression modeling was used to adjust for salient patient characteristics to determine the effect of HHI on in-hospital mortality, condition-specific one-year re-operation, and one-year unplanned readmissions. Results A total of 2270 infants were identified who underwent surgery for the three conditions of interest. On multivariable analysis, increasing HHI was not associated with differences in mortality or condition-specific re-operation within the first year. A decrease in the number of unplanned readmissions at highly concentrated centers was seen for HD (RR 0.8 CI (0.69–0.97), p = 0.02) and CDH (RR 0.4 CI (0.28–0.71), p Conclusions Pediatric surgical specialization did not affect mortality or condition-specific re-operation. However, it did decrease the number of unplanned readmissions following CDH repairs and pull-throughs for HD. Study design Retrospective Cohort Study. Level of Evidence Level II.
Correlates of Resilience in Hispanic Young Adults

Research on health disparities among Hispanic/Latino populations has begun to look at resiliency as a key component to the health risk profile of Hispanics. However, there are still gaps in the research about the specific factors. This study sought to examine the relationship between factors in 4 primary domains-behavioral, psychological, social, and cultural-and resilience in Hispanic young adults. We used data from Project RED, which included 1503 Hispanic young adults. Results indicate that cultural factors (acculturation and cultural identity), psychological factors (depression, stress, and coping), and social connectedness are important determinants of resilience among Hispanic young adults.
Eliminating Fc N-Linked Glycosylation and Its Impact on Dosing Consideration for a Transferrin Receptor Antibody-Erythropoietin Fusion Protein in Mice.

Erythropoietin (EPO), a hematopoietic growth factor and a promising therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, has low permeability across the blood–brain barrier. The transferrin receptor antibody fused to ...
Using numerical methods to screen magnetocaloric materials in an active magnetic regenerative cycle

Abstract A 2-dimensional numerical model of a room temperature operating Active Magnetic Regenerator (AMR) that comprises of a regenerator, hot and cold heat exchangers, heat transfer fluid is developed. The regenerator is made of a magnetocaloric material (MCM) which heats up upon applying a magnetic field, H, and cools down when the field is removed; thus, making it the most essential part of an AMR. The model takes experimentally measured ∆Tad(H,T) and the Cp(H,T) data as input and provides quantitative performance metrics of the magnetic cooling system, such as ∆Tspan and the cooling load, as output. With this model, it is possible to assess a wide range of MCMs in an AMR. 4 different MCMs were investigated using this model in terms of their ∆Tspan and the cooling loads—LaFe10.96Co0.97Si1.07, MnFeP(1-x)As(x) and AlFe2B2 and Gd. During the screening of MCMs, all the important operating conditions of the device were fixed such as the fluid flow rate, ambient temperature, cycle duration, magnetic field strength. Our results indicate that Gd exhibits the maximum ∆Tspan with respectable cooling load, while AlFe2B2 generates the lowest ∆Tspan. Even though LaFeCoSi compound did not perform as well as Gd, it could be the MCM choice for the realization of magnetic refrigeration on a global scale due to its much lower cost.
Data Science and Computational Linguistics on a Collection of Interviews with Family Caregivers in Heart Failure

Introduction Data science techniques and data-driven research designs are essential in analysis of big data. Recognizing the contemporary trend of scientific-technical work, this study employed text mining techniques to analyze several hundred serial interview scripts obtained from the family caregivers of individuals with heart failure (hereafter, HF). To fill the knowledge gap in longitudinal observations for capturing the attributes of family caregiving over the unpredictable HF trajectory, this study investigated (1) the dominant topics of family caregiving experiences, as estimated by latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic modelling; and (2) the distribution of positive and negative words used by family caregivers, as uncovered by performing lexicon-based sentiment analysis across all of the interview scripts. Methods R statistical software was utilized for this study. This text-as-data research method resulted in the analysis of a total of 721 interview scripts (i.e., 721 .docx files) based on the five steps of the Knowledge Discovery in Textual Databases (KDT) model. This model centers on the process of extracting meaningful, non-trivial patterns or knowledge from a set of unstructured texts. To avoid noise in the topic modelling and sentiment analyses, all punctuation, special characters, and meaningless words (e.g., “a,” “an,” “the,” “and,” “it,” “they”) were removed. Next, each word was converted to its stem word by applying the Porter stemming algorithm. Finally, the “topicmodels” and “sentimentr” R packages were used for text mining. Results The total number of words after text preprocessing was 65,620. LDA topic modelling revealed five latent topics (k = 5) among all of the interview scripts as the most interpretable model (Figure 1). The interpreted topics were as follows: (1) facing the loss of sick family member; (2) interacting with a healthcare provider; (3) juggling multiple roles; (4) changing medical treatments and the impact on HF symptoms; and (5) formulating caregiving routines in daily lives. The top 20 most common positive and negative words were visualized using a word cloud (Figure 2) and the total numbers of negative terms (n = 1,161, 1.77%) and positive terms (n = 793, 1.20%) were counted. Conclusion The data-driven approach enabled an unbiased text analysis of serial interview scripts in a time-preserving and scale-efficient manner. Evidently, text mining can play an assistive role in discovering hidden meanings and capturing vital scientific insights coupled with traditional qualitative research.
CAVITATION-EROSION STUDY IN ELBOW TUBES OF A LOW-PRESSURE EVAPORATOR OUTLET HEADER

This paper presents the results of the cavitation-erosion study that occurred on elbow tubes that connected to the low-pressure (LP) Evaporator outlet header on a heat-recovery steam generator (HRSG) unit. Inside the elbow tubes flow the working fluid in the form of hot water with a pressure of 10 bar and a temperature of 160° C. Elbow tubes are made of low carbon steel, have an outer diameter of 31.8 mm and a wall thickness of 2.6 mm. Before entering into the elbow tubes, the working fluid warms up inside the evaporator tubes panel using hot flue gases coming from a gas turbine power plant unit. In this study there were 4 (four) pieces of post-service elbow tubes used, namely elbow tube with the connecting angle of 90°, 75°, 60° and 45°. The types of tests carried out included macroscopic tests, chemical analysis, metallographic examinations, hardness tests and EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy) analysis. The study results obtained show that the elbow tubes undergo a process of thinning on the inner wall of the outer curvature with a rough and jagged surface appearance. This type of failure is known cavitation- erosion. The level of cavitation-erosion that occurs is very much influenced by the elbow’s connecting angle with the LP Evaporator header outlet. The greater the connecting angle or the smaller the radius of the elbow tube, the higher the level of cavitation-erosion that occurs. The high rate of cavitation-erosion experienced by the four elbow tubes is also related to the level of turbulence of the working fluid flow that occurs in the elbow tube. The increase in turbulence that occurs is caused by a decrease in the pressure of the working fluid in the evaporator panel so that some part of the working fluid turns into steam and produces a two-phase flow consisting of a mixture of water and steam
Predicting Teacher Use and Benefit from Virtual Training in Classroom-Level Positive Behavioral Supports

Virtual training models to support teachers’ use of positive behavioral supports provide an unprecedented opportunity to support teacher professional development via practice, reflection, problem solving, and feedback in an authentic learning context. However, little is known regarding factors that influence teacher use and benefit from these models. This study examined a newly developed training model, Interactive Virtual Training for Teachers (IVT-T), including teacher interactions with IVT-T, teacher and technology characteristics that predicted training dosage, and whether training dosage predicted reliable changes in use of positive behavioral supports. K-8th grade teachers (N = 27) working in three high-poverty schools had access to IVT-T over 8 weeks. Multilevel regression models indicated teachers used the system, on average, 50% less than what was recommended, and weekly usage patterns reflected inconsistent and ad hoc engagement with the system. Teaching experience was significantly negatively associated (b = − 0.09; p < .001) with duration of use while gamers were more likely to avoid using the system (odds ratio = 4.75, p < .01). Regression analyses indicated IVT-T dosage did not predict changes in teachers’ use of positive behavioral supports; however, meaningful improvements in teachers’ use of these strategies were observed over time. Study limitations and future directions for research and practice are discussed.
Continuous Comprehensive Monitoring of Melt Pool Morphology Under Realistic Printing Scenarios with Laser Powder Bed Fusion

In laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing, the melt pool (MP) characteristics are key indicators for process and part defects. For example, the laser scan location on the build plate...
Large-scale integration of the plasma proteome with genetics and disease.

The plasma proteome can help bridge the gap between the genome and diseases. Here we describe genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of plasma protein levels measured with 4,907 aptamers in 35,559 Icelanders. We found 18,084 associations between sequence variants and levels of proteins in plasma (protein quantitative trait loci; pQTL), of which 19% were with rare variants (minor allele frequency (MAF) < 1%). We tested plasma protein levels for association with 373 diseases and other traits and identified 257,490 associations. We integrated pQTL and genetic associations with diseases and other traits and found that 12% of 45,334 lead associations in the GWAS Catalog are with variants in high linkage disequilibrium with pQTL. We identified 938 genes encoding potential drug targets with variants that influence levels of possible biomarkers. Combining proteomics, genomics and transcriptomics, we provide a valuable resource that can be used to improve understanding of disease pathogenesis and to assist with drug discovery and development.
Striatal Activity is Associated with Deficits of Cognitive Control and Aberrant Salience for Patients with Schizophrenia

A recent meta-analysis has shown that a large dopamine abnormality exists in the striatum when comparing patients with schizophrenia and controls, and this abnormality is thought to contribute to aberrant salience assignment (or a misattribution of relevance to irrelevant stimuli). This abnormality may also disrupt striatal contributions to cognitive control processing. We examined the relationship between striatal involvement in cognition and aberrant salience symptoms using a task of cognitive control that involves updating, interference control, and simple maintenance. The current study included a sample of 22 patients with schizophrenia and 20 healthy controls and used a slow event-related fMRI design. We predicted that (1) aberrant salience symptoms would be greater for patient's, (2) patients would demonstrate increased errors during interference control trials, given that patients may be inappropriately assigning salience to distracters, and (3) striatal activity during those errors would be correlated with aberrant salience symptoms. We found a trend toward a significant difference between patients and controls on aberrant salience symptoms, and a significant difference between groups on select task conditions. During interference control trials, patients were more likely to inappropriately encode distracters. For patients, both prefrontal and striatal activity was significantly greater when patients inappropriately identified the distracter as correct compared to activity during distracter rejection. During updating, patient prefrontal and striatal activity was significantly lower for incorrect than correct updating trials. Finally, as predicted, for patients the increase of activity during incorrect distracter trials was positively correlated with aberrant salience symptoms, but only for the striatal region. These relationships may have implications for treatments that improve cognitive function and reduce symptom expression.
Evaluation of Commercial Lithium-Ion Cells Based on Composite Positive Electrode for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Applications IV. Over-Discharge Phenomena

Lithium-ion cells with composite positive electrodes are attractive and promising for EV and PHEV applications. For powertrain applications, the battery packs are required to have multiple-cell configurations, where some battery management is needed to protect cells from experiencing overcharging and overdischarging. Here, we show how to analyze the effect of slight overdischarge in a graphite || {LixMn1/3Ni1/3Co1/3O2 + LixMn2O4} cell, when it was overdischarged to 2.0 V. We found a peculiar behavior at low voltages that is imputable to the composite nature of the positive electrode. Under certain circumstances, due to differences in kinetic limitations in each of the constituents in the composite electrode, although LixMn1/3Ni1/3Co1/3O2 were discharged normally, LixMn2O4 could be overdischarged to Li2Mn2O4 and cause capacity fade.
Sensory elements within the circular muscle are essential for mechanotransduction of ongoing peristaltic reflex activity in guinea‐pig distal colon

We have recently identified a population of mechanosensory myenteric S-interneurons in the distal colon of guinea-pigs. However, the role of the longitudinal (LM) and circular muscle (CM) in transducing these mechanosensory signals into enteric reflexes is unclear. In this study, we have investigated whether the LM or CM layer is necessary for activation of ascending excitatory and descending inhibitory neuronal pathways by static stretch of the paralysed isolated guinea-pig distal colon. Simultaneous intracellular recordings were made from pairs of CM cells at either end of isolated sheet preparations of distal colon that were devoid of mucosa and submucous plexus; and were maintained under circumferential stretch. In the presence of nifedipine (1 μm), an ongoing discharge of excitatory junction potentials (EJPs) and inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) were recorded simultaneously at the oral and anal ends of the preparation. When the LM was sharp dissected off the myenteric plexus, the synchronized discharge of ascending EJPs and descending IJPs in the CM layer was unaffected. In contrast, when the majority of CM was sharp dissected off the myenteric plexus, ongoing neural activity was absent, or substantially decreased in both the LM and CM. In these preparations, immunohistochemical staining, together with transmural electrical stimuli confirmed that the myenteric plexus was always present and intact in these preparations. When full-thickness strips of CM were removed from progressively longer lengths of myenteric plexus, a graded reduction in the correlation of coordinated oral EJPs and anal IJPs occurred. However, removing ∼40% of the thickness of CM layer from the entire preparation did not significantly disrupt, nor reduce the degree of correlation between oral EJPs and anal IJPs, suggesting that critical sensory elements did not lie adjacent to the submucosal plexus. It is concluded that mechanosensory transmission that underlies repetitive firing of ascending excitatory and descending inhibitory neuronal pathways is critically dependent upon sensory elements within the CM layer. These elements are likely to activate stretch-sensitive interneurons in the myenteric plexus. No evidence was found to suggest that the connectivity between the LM and the myenteric plexus was required for mechanotransduction.
Isolation of a Unique Marine Bacterium Capable of Growth on a Wide Variety of Polysaccharides from Macroalgae

A unique marine bacterium has been isolated which can be cultured on a variety of polysaccharides and cell wall preparations from red and brown algae.
Low-temperature synthesis of homogeneous solid solutions of scheelite-structured Ca1-xSrxWO4 and Sr1-xBaxWO4 nanocrystals.

A series of compositionally complex scheelite-structured nanocrystals of the formula A1−xA′xWO4 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) have been prepared under benign synthesis conditions using the vapor diffusion sol–gel method. Discrete nanocrystals with sub-20 nm mean diameters were obtained after kinetically controlled hydrolysis and polycondensation at room temperature, followed by composition-dependent thermal aging at or below 60 °C. Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffraction data and Raman spectroscopy verified the synthesis of continuous and phase-pure nanocrystal solid solutions across the entire composition space for A1−xA′xWO4, where 0 ≤ x ≤ 1. Elemental analysis by X-ray photoelectron and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopies demonstrated excellent agreement between the nominal and experimentally determined elemental stoichiometries, while energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy illustrated good spatial elemental homogeneity within these nanocrystals synthesized under benign conditions.
Using return‐on‐investment to guide restoration: a case study from Hawaii

Restoring natural capital is essential for biodiversity and ecosystem services that support human well-being. Although ecological pathways for restoration are a major area of study, little is known about the economic pathways to which these efforts must be linked. This linkage, however, is important for maximizing return-on-investment (ROI) from restoration projects. We developed a general ROI framework to guide investments in restoration. We applied this framework to reforestation of montane pastureland in Hawaii, focusing on two specific conservation targets: native forest birds and understory plants. We found that restoring partial tree cover on pastureland is most attractive for birds, while understory plants require investment in full forest restoration. Nonlinearities in restoration pathways present in Hawaii, and likely elsewhere, generate these substantially different ROI profiles across potential projects. This information can guide the design of policies supporting cost-effective practices to help ensure that limited resources achieve the greatest impact.
Generation of 5 W of 532 nm by QPM SHG for 1000 hrs in near-stoichiometric lithium tantalate

Using periodically poled near-stoichiometric lithium tantalate, 5 W of 532 nm light was continuously produced for 1000 hours at room temperature.
A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent – By Robert W. Merry

Mexican War historiography has undergone something of a revolution in the two and a half decades since Robert Johannsen's To the Halls of the Montezumas[1985]. Historians have largely abandoned pol...
Defining CTL-induced pathology: implications for HIV.

The relationship between virus and host cells is multifactorial and nonlinear. This indicates that the effect of an immune response on infection can lead to several different outcomes. These include severe immunopathology. We seek to define properties of CTL-induced pathology in viral infections and examine the implications for HIV disease progression. We find that CTL-induced pathology is observed if the rate of viral replication is fast relative to the CTL responsiveness of the host. Theoretical predictions are consistent with empirical data on LCMV infection. These conditions are also sufficient to induce pathology in HIV infection. However, the absence of HIV-specific CTL can result in an equivalent depletion of the CD4 T cell pool as a consequence of the short life span of activated T cells. A mathematical model describing the evolution of HIV coreceptor usage in the context of lytic and nonlytic CD8 cell responses might account for the relatively long time span required to result in disease. Viral evolution toward parameter ranges allowing CTL-induced pathology is difficult to achieve. It requires the emergence of fast viral replication together with escape from nonlytic CTL responses. However, according to the model, fast viral replication can result in the evolution of virus strains that are susceptible to chemokine-mediated inhibition of viral replication.
The analysis of dynamic simulations of polyethylene using the methods of ‘histograms and cumulants’

Abstract The methods of ‘histograms and cumulants’ have been applied to extract temperature dependent information from dynamic simulations of polyethylene. The use of these methods allows one to efficiently predict the coefficients of thermal expansion, and for the latter method, even to determine their temperature dependence from relatively short simulations. Using standard force fields and a run of only 470 ps, the latter method matches the coefficients of thermal expansion to 6% for the a unit cell dimension, 2% for b and 50% for the quite small, negative, coefficient in the c-dimension. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Monitoring gonadotropin-stimulated cycles for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

One hundred fifty-one cycles stimulated with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and/or folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) were analyzed retrospectively to determine the relationship of the monitoring parameters used: serum estradiol (E2), transvaginal sonographic follicular size, and peripheral biologic estrogen response, with harvests and pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Mean ± SE serum E2 levels were higher on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration in the miscarriage group (689.4±27.5 pg/ml) than in the nonpregnant group (527.7±25.8 pg/ml) (P=0.018) and highest in the ongoing pregnancy group (734.6±66.5 pg/ml) (P=0.003). When two or more preovulatory oocytes (preovs) were retrieved, the mean E2 levels were higher (622.3±27.3 pg/ml) than if zero or one preov was retrieved (378.4±43.5 pg/ml) (P=0.001). The mean diameter of the two largest follicles at the time of hCG administration was significantly greater (14.7 mm) in the group with two or more preovs retrieved than in the group with zero or one preov (13.3 mm) (P=0.001). The relative probability of achieving a pregnancy was best predicted by the presence of two follicles≥16 mm in diameter on transvaginal ultrasound examination and was 1.63 times greater than that of all patients in this series.
Metal-driven Operation of the Human Large-conductance Voltage- and Ca2+-dependent Potassium Channel (BK) Gating Ring Apparatus

Large-conductance voltage- and Ca2+-dependent K+ (BK, also known as MaxiK) channels are homo-tetrameric proteins with a broad expression pattern that potently regulate cellular excitability and Ca2+ homeostasis. Their activation results from the complex synergy between the transmembrane voltage sensors and a large (>300 kDa) C-terminal, cytoplasmic complex (the “gating ring”), which confers sensitivity to intracellular Ca2+ and other ligands. However, the molecular and biophysical operation of the gating ring remains unclear. We have used spectroscopic and particle-scale optical approaches to probe the metal-sensing properties of the human BK gating ring under physiologically relevant conditions. This functional molecular sensor undergoes Ca2+- and Mg2+-dependent conformational changes at physiologically relevant concentrations, detected by time-resolved and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy. The lack of detectable Ba2+-evoked structural changes defined the metal selectivity of the gating ring. Neutralization of a high-affinity Ca2+-binding site (the “calcium bowl”) reduced the Ca2+ and abolished the Mg2+ dependence of structural rearrangements. In congruence with electrophysiological investigations, these findings provide biochemical evidence that the gating ring possesses an additional high-affinity Ca2+-binding site and that Mg2+ can bind to the calcium bowl with less affinity than Ca2+. Dynamic light scattering analysis revealed a reversible Ca2+-dependent decrease of the hydrodynamic radius of the gating ring, consistent with a more compact overall shape. These structural changes, resolved under physiologically relevant conditions, likely represent the molecular transitions that initiate the ligand-induced activation of the human BK channel.
PATTERN RECOGNITION SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION OF ACOUSTIC SOURCES

An intelligent recognition system was designed using pattern recognition techniques to distinguish the noise signatures of five different types of acoustic sources. Information for classification was calculated from the power spectral density and autocorrelation taken from the output of a single microphone. The system included a training step where it learned to distinguish the sources and automatically select descriptive quantities for optimal classification performance. Information learned in training was stored and used to identify recordings of the five types of sources presented during testing. Results of testing indicate that the current optimal design could correctly identify 90% of the recordings. Identification of noise corrupted signatures and identification of recordings not used in training is discussed.
A distributed heterogeneous supercomputing management system

A general management framework for distributed heterogenous supercomputing systems (DHSSs) that is based on an application-characterization technique is presented. The technique uses code profiling and analytical benchmarking of supercomputers. An optimal scheduling of tasks in these systems is an NP-complete problem. The use of network caching to reduce the complexity associated with the scheduling decisions is discussed. An experimental prototype of a DHSS management system is described. >
The large-scale geomechanical and hydrogeological effects of multiple CO2 injection sites on formation stability

Abstract We present results of a recent study investigating geomechanical and hydrogeological consequences of large-scale deployment of CO 2 sequestration within a region spanning tens of kilometres. This initial study considered a faulted aquifer bounded above and below by impermeable rock. We performed a parameter study of fault activation due to elevated pore pressures and addressed several combinations of injection scenarios and in situ stress orientations. The simulations were performed using iteratively coupled flow and geomechanical capabilities. For each scenario, multiple fluid injectors were simulated using a non-steady reservoir flow model while geomechanical analysis predicted the evolving potential for fault reactivation within the reservoir and concomitant permeability evolution. It is observed that the initially considered scenario leads to a loss of containment of fluid from the storage domain. However, alternative scenarios involving either different in situ stress conditions, or modified injection scenarios resulted in successful containment. The results highlight the importance of site selection, site characterization and in situ stress determination when pressure waves from multiple wells and multiple faults interact, and demonstrate the ability of existing tools to help resolve these issues. The results also emphasize that site-specific injection scenarios will be required to manage permitting, deployment, and operations in such a way as to avoid unintended negative consequences, such as large-scale fault activation, related to large-scale deployment.
Signal Space Diversity Augmented Space Time Block Coded Communication System

In this paper we propose the combination of space-time diversity techniques and signal space diversity, in order to improve communication system performance. Specifically, we use prior knowledge of the channel behavior to design a mapping algorithm to generate a two-dimensional constellation with the same number of symbols as MPSK constellations currently used in coherent space time block coding applications, to demonstrate that superior performance can be achieved. This is accomplished by constructing a two-dimensional map that results from the minimization of the estimated symbol error probability when transmission occurs in a fading environment. System performance for each each mapping is assessed in quasi-static Rayleigh fading channels.
Regulation of coronary myoplasmic Ca2+-myosin light chain phosphorylation pathway and vasomotor tone: Hyperpolarizing versus depolarizing cardioplegia***

Abstract Background: This study was designed to compare the effects of hyperpolarizing versus depolarizing cardioplegic solutions on the coronary vasomotor regulation, specifically focusing on coronary myoplasmic Ca2+-myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation pathway and β-adrenergic signal transduction. Methods: With the use of an in vitro cardioplegic model, rat coronary microvessels loaded with fura-2 were subjected to simulated cold (20°C) cardioplegia and reperfused with Krebs solution for 60 minutes at 37°C. Cardioplegia consisted of either (1) Krebs solution alone (control), (2) Krebs plus adenosine triphosphate–sensitive potassium channel opener (100 μmol/L pinacidil [PCO-CP]), (3) hyperkalemic cardioplegia (K + = 25 mmol/L [K-CP]), or (4) K-CP plus magnesium (Mg 2+ = 25 mmol/L; [K/Mg-CP]). Results: At the endpoint of the cardioplegic period, K-CP resulted in a significant increase both in [Ca 2+ ] i and in MLC phosphorylation compared with control (both P P Conclusions: These results suggest that neither an activation of the coronary myoplasmic Ca 2+ -MLC phosphorylation pathway nor β-adrenergic desensitization seen after exposure to depolarizing cardioplegia occurs with exposure to hyperpolarizing cardioplegia and magnesium-supplemented depolarizing hyperkalemic cardioplegia. (Surgery 2000;128:185-91.)
Sensor Networks for Lighting Control

This paper summarizes results from a research program investigating the development and application of sensor networks to lighting control and building energy management. Commercial, industrial and residential buildings often incorporate systems used to determine occupancy, however, current sensor technology and control algorithms limit the effectiveness of these devices in both energy management and security systems. These systems rely on single measurement points to detect occupancy, and as a result there can be significant uncertainty associated with the measurement of occupancy. Long time delay and high detector sensitivity settings compensate for this uncertainty, and as a result, more energy is wasted than if occupancy were more accurately measured. A network of inexpensive occupancy sensors provides a more accurate, reliable and robust occupancy measurement, and is potentially more economical in terms of initial investment and operating costs, than single-point detection systems. We show that it may be possible with a sensor network to reduce the operating time of occupancy-based building systems by an extra 20% (compared to current systems) and that the simple payback periods associated with wireless sensor networks applied in generic small and large commercial buildings may be less than two years.© 2009 ASME
Hepatocytes can induce death of contacted cells via perforin-dependent mechanism.

The liver displays unique immunological properties including the ability to remove aberrant cells and pathogens and to induce peripheral immunotolerance. We have previously demonstrated that hepatocytes can cause cell death by a CD95 ligand–mediated mechanism. Here, we provide evidence that hepatocytes can kill other cells via a perforin-dependent pathway. Using cultured woodchuck hepatocytes and human liver cells as well as freshly isolated woodchuck, mouse, and human hepatocytes, we show that hepatocyte-mediated death of CD95-deficient target cells requires microtubule polymerization, a feature of the granule exocytosis–mediated cytotoxicity. Neutralizing anti-perforin antibodies and short-hairpin RNA directed against perforin messenger RNA confirmed the involvement of perforin in hepatocyte-mediated cell killing. Conclusion: This study shows that hepatocytes express biologically competent perforin capable of killing susceptible cells and emphasizes the role of hepatocytes as cytotoxic effectors. This also is the first demonstration of perforin in a non-lymphoid cell type. (HEPATOLOGY 2008.)
Anesthesia XLII. The oil-water coefficient and water solubility of volatile anesthetics.

Trifluoroethyl vinyl ether is sparingly soluble in water and possesses a very high oil/water coefficient, even greater than that of chloroform, yet its anesthetic potency is approximately the same as that of Ether, U.S.P.
Agreement on smoking behavior and asthma medications among rural school age children with asthma, their parents and primary care providers (PCPs)

Abstract Rationale Parental self-report of smoking behavior is often underestimated. We examined agreement between mothers' reports of smoking indoors and children's reports of mothers' smoking, and also agreement between parents' reports of child's asthma medications and primary care providers' (PCPs) reports. Methods Parental smoking behavior was collected by personal interviews of children with asthma in 3 rural MD counties. Parent reports of smoking behavior and the child's asthma medications were obtained from telephone surveys of 114 parents. Smoking behavior data was analyzed for 94 mother-child pairs. Information about children's asthma medications was obtained from 97 PCPs (85%). Medication agreement indicates agreement on drug name, frequency, dose and route. Results Children reported 15 mothers (16%) smoked indoors. Nine of these mothers reported not smoking indoors, while 7 children (78%) reported they did. Of the 6 smoking mothers who admitted to smoking indoors, 5 children (83%) stated that these mothers did (McNemar's chi-square Conclusions In this rural population, when smoking mothers reported that they did not smoke in the home, there was little agreement with their child's report. This finding indicates that it may be important to ask children with asthma about smoking in the home. Agreement between parents and PCPs on controller medication prescriptions was higher in this population than previously reported. This finding warrants further exploration.
Dependence of the Olive Fly, Dacus oleae , Larvae on Symbiosis with Pseudomonas savastanoi for the Utilization of Olive

THE extracellular bacterium Pseudomonas savastanoi (Smith) Stevens has been suspected as a mutualist of Dacus oleae Gmelin for more than fifty years. Petri1 described in detail how the bacterium was preserved through the pupal and adult stages in an oesophageal diverticulum in the head of the olive fly, and also discovered how the bacteria were transmitted from generation to generation. During oviposition the egg is smeared with the bacteria which are housed in invaginations near the distal end of the ovipositor. The bacteria enter the egg through the micropyle and ultimately become established in caeca arising from the anterior end of the larval mid gut. The functions of this symbiote, however, were not determined.
Outpatient behavioral treatment of child and adolescent obsessive compulsive disorder

Abstract Although several studies have shown behavioral treatment to be effective for adults with OCD, there are relatively few reports of this treatment in younger populations. This paper describes a standardized outpatient program for the behavioral treatment of child and adolescent OCD. Three case reports are presented to illustrate several unique features of the treatment, including a built-in reward program and concurrent family treatment sessions. Two patients responded well to the treatment and maintained their gains over a one-year follow-up interval, but the third patient, whose treatment was complicated by severe familial dysfunction, showed only minimal to moderate improvement. The importance of expanding available treatments to address the specific needs of OCD youngsters and the need for standardized treatments to facilitate systematic comparison of different treatment modalities are addressed.
Computed tomography in radiotherapy planning of the axillary region

Computed tomography was used in the pretreatment evaluation of three patients with neoplasms involving the axillary region. Radiation therapy treatment fields were more accurately defined using the computed tomography data. Computed tomography has a valuable role in radiotherapy planning in patients with tumors involving the axillary region.
The right-to-die movement: Extrapolating from the national Hemlock Society USA membership survey

A national membership survey of Hemlock Society USA was conducted by Fox and Kamakahi (1995). Respondents (N=6398) were asked a variety of questions, but in this paper we perform a longitudinal analysis of the characteristics of Hemlock Society USA members. Hemlock Society USA members are divided into three 5-year cohorts: Early Joiners (11 or more years of membership), Middle Joiners (6 to 10 years membership), and Late Joiners (5 or fewer years of membership). Differences between cohorts are examined and extrapolations made regarding Hemlock Society USA and the Right-to-Die Movement. A series of one-way ANOVAs were used with Scheme post-hoc comparisons as heuristic tools for assessing between-cohort differences. Late Joiners are different from earlier members, but are more like other Hemlock Society USA members than the adult U.S. population at large. Hemlock Society USA members are essentially societal "elites" (based on socio-demographic variables) who work in social environments that are decidedly split on the issue of voluntary suicide and euthanasia.
Risk factors for colic in the Michigan (USA) equine population

A population-based prospective epidemiological study was conducted to assess risk factors for equine colic. A stratified sample of 3925 equids in 138 randomly selected equine farms in the state of Michigan was monitored in two 12-month rounds of data collection. Incidence densities were used to describe the rate of development of colic in the study population. Mortality rates, case fatality rates and survival rates were used to describe the severity of colic on the study population. Multivariable logistic regressions with random effects (grouped according to farm) were used to identify risk factors associated with occurrence of colic. A total of 3175 equids from 132 farms from the starting population of 3925 equids in 138 farms was used in the multivariable analysis. There were 77 cases of colic reported during the study period in 62 animals. Of these animals, 54 (87%) had one case, 5 (8%) had two cases, 2 (3%) had three cases, and 1 (2%) had seven cases. Of the cases reported, 49 (64%) were non-specific diagnoses, 13 (17%) impaction/acute intestinal obstruction colics, 7 (9%) spasmodic colics, 4 (5%) sand colics, 2 (3%) gas colics, 1 (1%) verminous mesenteric arteritis, and 1 (1%) enteritis due to ingestion of moldy grain. The annual incidence density of colic in the study was 3.5 cases per 100 equid-years. The surgical treatment risk was 17% (13/77). The overall mortality risk due to colic was 0.5 deaths per 100 equids, and the case fatality risk was 13% (10/77). The case fatality risk for cases treated surgically was 31% (4/13), while the case fatality risk for non-surgical colics was 10% (7/69). Risk factors associated with significantly increased likelihood of developing colic were foaling during the study, deworming during the study, increased age, and participation in showing activities. Geldings and equids provided group drinking water from sources other than tanks, buckets and automatic waterers were significantly associated with reduced risk of colic.
Nontriglyceride Hepatic Lipotoxicity: The New Paradigm for the Pathogenesis of NASH

Lipid droplet accumulation and oxidant stress, once thought to play essential roles in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), may actually represent parallel epiphenomena. Emerging data now point to nontriglyceride lipotoxicity and complex mechanisms of hepatocyte injury and apoptosis as the major contributors to the disease phenotype currently recognized as NASH. Although specific mediators of hepatic lipotoxicity have not been identified with certainty, abundant evidence from animal studies and recent data in humans indicate that free fatty acids in the liver can serve as substrates for formation of nontriglyceride lipotoxic metabolites that cause liver injury. The accumulation of triglyceride in droplets may actually be protective, and thus therapeutic efforts directed at fat accumulation as a sole endpoint may be misguided. This review examines the new evidence supporting the role of nontriglyceride fatty acid metabolites in causing NASH and how adipose and muscle insulin resistance contribute to hepatic lipotoxicity.
In-depth performance evaluation of PFP and ESG sequence-based function prediction methods in CAFA 2011 experiment

Background Many Automatic Function Prediction (AFP) methods were developed to cope with an increasing growth of the number of gene sequences that are available from high throughput sequencing experiments. To support the development of AFP methods, it is essential to have community wide experiments for evaluating performance of existing AFP methods. Critical Assessment of Function Annotation (CAFA) is one such community experiment. The meeting of CAFA was held as a Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting at the Intelligent Systems in Molecular Biology (ISMB) conference in 2011. Here, we perform a detailed analysis of two sequence-based function prediction methods, PFP and ESG, which were developed in our lab, using the predictions submitted to CAFA.
Expression of the first 811 nucleotides of the herpes simplex virus type 1 latency-associated transcript (LAT) partially restores wild-type spontaneous reactivation to a LAT-null mutant

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) latency-associated transcript (LAT) gene is required for efficient spontaneous reactivation in the rabbit ocular model. We recently showed that insertion of 1.8 kb of the LAT promoter and the first 1.5 kb of the 8.3-kb primary LAT transcript into a novel, ectopic location in the virus unique long (UL) region restored wild-type spontaneous reactivation to a LAT-null mutant. To further map the LAT spontaneous reactivation function within the first 1.5 kb of LAT, we rescued the same LAT-null mutant by inserting 1.8 kb of the LAT promoter and just the first 811 nucleotides of LAT into the same location in the UL. In a series of three experiments, the resulting virus, designated LAT2.6A, had a spontaneous reactivation rate that was midway between the original LAT-null mutant and wild-type virus. Thus expression of the first 811 LAT nucleotides produced a spontaneous reactivation rate that was significantly higher than that of the LAT-null mutant but significantly less than that of wild type. This suggests that part, but not all, of the LAT function involved in efficient spontaneous reactivation is located within the first 811 nucleotides of the primary 8.3-kb LAT.