cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct-to-consumer personalized genomic testing

Over the past 18 months, there have been notable developments in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) genomic testing arena, in particular with regard to issues surrounding governmental regulation in the USA. While commentaries continue to proliferate on this topic, actual empirical research remains relatively scant. In terms of DTC genomic testing for disease susceptibility, most of the research has centered on uptake, perceptions and attitudes toward testing among health care professionals and consumers. Only a few available studies have examined actual behavioral response among consumers, and we are not aware of any studies that have examined response to DTC genetic testing for ancestry or for drug response. We propose that further research in this area is desperately needed, despite challenges in designing appropriate studies given the rapid pace at which the field is evolving. Ultimately, DTC genomic testing for common markers and conditions is only a precursor to the eventual cost-effectiveness and wide availability of whole genome sequencing of individuals, although it remains unclear whether DTC genomic information will still be attainable. Either way, however, current knowledge needs to be extended and enhanced with respect to the delivery, impact and use of increasingly accurate and comprehensive individualized genomic data.
Identifying Noncooperative Subjects at a Distance Using Face Images and Inferred Three-Dimensional Face Models

We present an approach to identify noncooperative individuals at a distance from a sequence of images, using 3-D face models. Most biometric features (such as fingerprints, hand shape, iris, or retinal scans) require cooperative subjects in close proximity to the biometric system. We process images acquired with an ultrahigh-resolution video camera, infer the location of the subjects' head, use this information to crop the region of interest, build a 3-D face model, and use this 3-D model to perform biometric identification. To build the 3-D model, we use an image sequence, as natural head and body motion provides enough viewpoint variation to perform stereomotion for 3-D face reconstruction. We have conducted experiments on a 2-D and 3-D databases collected in our laboratory. First, we found that metric 3-D face models can be used for recognition by using simple scaling method even though there is no exact scale in the 3-D reconstruction. Second, experiments using a commercial 3-D matching engine suggest the feasibility of the proposed approach for recognition against 3-D galleries at a distance (3, 6, and 9 m). Moreover, we show initial 3-D face modeling results on various factors including head motion, outdoor lighting conditions, and glasses. The evaluation results suggest that video data alone, at a distance of 3 to 9 meters, can provide a 3-D face shape that supports successful face recognition. The performance of 3-D-3-D recognition with the currently generated models does not quite match that of 2-D-2-D. We attribute this to the quality of the inferred models, and this suggests a clear path for future research.
Characterization of gas pipeline flaws using wavelet analysis

As U.S. natural gas supply pipelines are aging, non-destructive inspection techniques are needed to maintain the integrity and reliability of the natural gas supply infrastructure. Ultrasonic waves are one promising method for non-destructive inspection of pipeline integrity. As the waves travel through the pipe wall, they are affected by the features they encounter. In order to build a practical inspection system that uses ultrasonic waves, an analysis method is needed that can distinguish between normal pipe wall features, such as welds, and potentially serious flaws, such as cracks and corrosion. Ideally, the determination between “flaw” and “no-flaw” must be made in real-time as the inspection system passes through the pipe. Because wavelet basis functions share some common traits with ultrasonic waves, wavelet analysis is particularly well-suited for this application. Using relatively simple features derived from the wavelet analysis of ultrasonic wave signatures traveling in a pipe wall, we have successfully demonstrated the ability to distinguish between the “flaw” and “no-flaw” classes of ultrasonic features.
Quality of primary care processes for individuals with chronic diseases associated with the metabolic syndrome: a comparative study.

Aim The aim of this study is to investigate whether individuals diagnosed with chronic diseases associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) receive favorable quality of care processes in the primary care setting relative to other individuals with and without chronic diseases. Background Data from the 2010 Brazos Valley Health Status Assessment (BVHSA) ( n = 3964) were analyzed. Individuals diagnosed with chronic diseases that are collectively associated with a diagnosis of MetS, namely obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension, were characterized as a group (ie, analytic sample, n = 168). Clinical guidelines were utilized to identify indicators representing the quality of care processes received by these individuals during visits with their health-care provider. Method Measures of quality of care processes were analyzed relative to a comparator group comprising individuals with no chronic diseases and an alternative test group comprising those diagnosed with other chronic diseases (eg, arthritis, depression, and cancer among others) using multinomial and binary logistic regression. Findings Physician communication of critical issues such as diet, stress, and weight status was statistically more pronounced in the analytic sample relative to the comparator group. However, differences in physician communication about physical activity were not statistically significant relative to the comparator group (OR = 1.26, P = 0.533). Differences in testing of cholesterol (OR = 0.94, P = 0.743) and blood pressure (OR = 1.16, P = 0.619) were also not statistically significant relative to the comparator group. Individuals who may have MetS generally receive favorable quality of care processes from their health-care provider, but opportunities exist to enhance provider communication about physical activity, and to possibly improve frequency of cholesterol and blood pressure testing.
Viscosity index. II. Correlation with rheological theories of data for blends containing n‐octadecyl acrylate

The viscosities obtained for the copolymer blends of the previous paper were correlated with several relations derived to describe more fundamental behavior of polymer–diluent mixtures at both infinite dilution and finite concentrations. Only the most efficient blends showed any appreciable expansion of hydrodynamic volume as temperature increased from 25° to 98.9°C. However, in spite of restricted coil expansion, all of the copolymers were effective viscosity index improvers. The mechanism of viscosity index improvement in multigrade oils was shown to be largely regulated by the translational friction generated by the polymer coils. This greatly increased the apparent negative entropy change of the blends; the enthalpy change characteristic of the base oil was retained. Efficiency resulted from coil contraction at low temperatures, but enthalpy decrease below that of the base oil was small. In contrast, viscosity index improvement using higher molecular weight solvents was accompanied by large enthalpy increases. Thus, undesirably high viscosities resulted at low temperatures. The structure of these blends was uncomplicated by polymer chain entanglements; unit values of the Fox-Flory exponent were obtained for the relation between viscosity and weight-average carbon backbone length. The lack of evidence for coil compression in the thermodynamically miscible blends above a critical reduced concentration was anomalous. Intermingling of side chains and their interaction may have overcome normal excluded volume effects.
Using In-Service and Coaching to Increase Kindergarten Teachers’ Accurate Delivery of Group Instructional Units

Early intervention is key to preventing academic failure and referral to special education. General educators are responsible for providing primary instruction for students at risk for failure; however, the training they receive related to specific instructional strategies for these students is often insufficient (e.g., 1-day workshops). Alternative forms of professional development that include a combination of in-service and follow-up support have shown more promise in promoting changes in teaching behaviors.This study examined the effects of in-service support plus coaching on kindergarten teachers’ accurate delivery of group instructional units in math. Teachers were trained to use a combination of whole-class instruction strategies, including model-lead-test for introducing new concepts and correcting errors, choral responding, and response cards. Results indicated that all teachers improved their delivery of instruction after the in-service training, with a second level of growth achieved after coac...
Potentiality of Parallelism in Logic

The processing of knowledge is becoming a major area of applications for computer systems. In contrast to data processing, the current stronghold of computer use, where well-structured data are manipulated through well-defined algorithms, the treatment of knowledge requires more intricate representation schemes as well as refined methods to manipulate the represented information. Among the many candidates proposed for representing and processing knowledge, logic has a number of important advantages, although it also suffers from some drawbacks. One of the advantages is the availability of a strong formal background with a large assortment of techniques for dealing with the representation and processing of knowledge. A considerable disadvantage so far is the amount and complexity of computation required to perform even simple tasks in the area of logic. One promising approach to overcome this problem is the use of parallel processing techniques, enabling an ensemble of processing elements to cooperate in the solution of a problem. The goal of this paper is to investigate the combination of parallelism and logic.
Renal Functional MRI: Are We Ready for Clinical Application?

OBJECTIVE. We review the basics of functional renal imaging and highlight a few clinical applications.CONCLUSION. Techniques such as contrast-enhanced MR renography, diffusion-weighted imaging, and blood oxygen level–dependent MRI have been investigated in animal models and in a few human studies. Functional renal imaging is a rapidly growing field that has the potential to provide new insight into the pathophysiology of renal disease.
Social and Political Dimensions of Privacy

This article provides a framework for analyzing privacy in modern societies, defining information privacy and describing three levels that structure the values assigned to privacy. After describing a contemporary privacy baseline (1945-1960), these concepts are applied to social and political privacy developments in three contemporary eras of steadily growing privacy concerns and societal responses across citizen-government, employee-employer, and consumer-business relationships in 1961-1979, 1980-1989, and 1990-2002. Each period is described in terms of new technology applications, changing social climates, and organizational and legal developments. Effects of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on privacy balances are analyzed and predictions for future privacy developments are presented. The relationship of articles in this issue to the author's framework is noted throughout.
The Relation Between Work Values and the Perception of the Work Setting

Summary Job values and work-setting perceptions across a number of dimensions were compared for 52 satisfied factory employees. Support was found for a person-environment fit or interactionist model of job satisfaction as nearly all worker values were complemented by a work environment characterized as supportive. Test-retest reliabilities across a one-year time period showed employee values to be somewhat more stable than perceptions of work climate. Correlation between what employees value (or see as important) and corresponding provision from the work setting is suggested as a rationale for positive work attitudes.
Biosensing with integrated CMOS nanopores

This paper outlines our recent eorts in using solid-state nanopores as a biosensing platform. Traditionally biosensors concentrate mainly on the detection platform and not on signal processing. This decoupling can lead to inferior sensors and is exacerbated in nanoscale devices, where device noise is large and large dynamic range is required. This paper outlines a novel platform that integrates the nano, micro and macroscales in a closely coupled manner that mitigates many of these problems. We discuss our initial results of DNA translocation through the nanopore. We also briey discuss the use of molecular recognition properties of aptamers with the versatility of the nanopore detector to design a new class of biosensors in a CMOS compatible platform.
Real world haptic exploration for telepresence of the visually impaired

Robotic assistance through telepresence technology is an emerging area in aiding the visually impaired. By integrating the robotic perception of a remote environment and transferring it to a human user through haptic environmental feedback, the disabled user can increase one's capability to interact with remote environments through the telepresence robot. This paper presents a framework that integrates visual perception from heterogeneous vision sensors and enables real-time interactive haptic represent-ation of the real world through a mobile manipulation robotic system. Specifically, a set of multi-disciplinary algorithms such as stereo-vision processes, three-dimensional map building algorithms, and virtual-proxy haptic rendering processes are integrated into a unified framework to accomplish the goal of real-world haptic exploration successfully. Results of our framework in an indoor environment are displayed, and its performances are analyzed. Quantitative results are provided along with qualitative results through a set of human subject testing. Our future work includes real-time haptic fusion of multi-modal environmental perception and more extensive human subject testing in a prolonged experimental design.
Göllnitz-Gordon Partitions with Weights and Parity Conditions

A Gollnitz-Gordon partition is one in which the parts differ by at least 2, and where the inequality is strict if a part is even. Let Q i(n) denote the number of partitions of n into distinct parts ≢ i (mod 4). By attaching weights which are powers of 2 and imposing certain parity conditions on Gollnitz-Gordon partitions, we show that these are equinumerous with Q i(n) for i = 0, 2. These complement results of Gollnitz on Q i(n) for i = 1, 3, and of Alladi who provided a uniform treatment of all four Q i(n), i = 0, 1, 2, 3, in terms of weighted partitions into parts differing by ≥ 4. Our approach here provides a uniform treatment of all four Q i(n) in terms of certain double series representations. These double series identities are part of a new infinite hierarchy of multiple series identities.
Improvement in Tardive Dyskinesia After Muscimol Therapy

• Muscimol, thought to be a agonist of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), was administered to eight neuroleptic-free subjects with tardive dyskinesia. At oral dose levels from 5 to 9 mg, involuntary movements were consistently attenuated, usually in the absence of sedation. These results support the view that pharmacologic attempts to stimulate GABA-mediated synaptic transmission may afford symptomatic relief to patients with tardive dyskinesia.
Effective stress profiles and seepage flows beneath glaciers and ice sheets

The resistance to sliding and the extent of till deformation beneath soft-bedded glaciers depend on the spatially averaged level of effective stress N, which is controlled by the distribution of water pressure at the bed. Major subglacial conduits that facilitate large-scale water transport are expected to be predominantly aligned with the direction of maximum hydraulic gradient, which is normally parallel to the slope of the glacier surface. When the basal heat flow promotes net melting or freezing, seepage transport can enable water exchange between these conduits and the rest of the basal surface area. For a simple glacier geometry with subglacial conduits that are aligned parallel to a uniform slope, the seepage transport is driven primarily by gradients in effective stress. Balance equations determine how N varies with conduit spacing and the heat-flow regime. Considerations of thermodynamic equilibrium require that ice penetrates the pore space at high effective stress. Even when the glacier base experiences net melting, for a given heat-flow regime there are limits on the conduit spacing that can be attained before a finite till layer becomes partially frozen throughout. During net freezing, the resistance to flow through partially frozen sediments limits the steady-state conduit spacing. The partially frozen zone can actually be restricted to smaller thicknesses when the freezing rate is greater.
Wave-Maintained Annular Modes of Climate Variability*

Abstract The leading modes of month-to-month variability in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres are examined by comparing a 100-yr run of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory GCM with the NCEP–NCAR reanalyses of observations. The model simulation is a control experiment in which the SSTs are fixed to the climatological annual cycle without any interannual variability. The leading modes contain a strong zonally symmetric or annular component that describes an expansion and contraction of the polar vortex as the midlatitude jet shifts equatorward and poleward. This fluctuation is strongest during the winter months. The structure and amplitude of the simulated modes are very similar to those derived from observations, indicating that these modes arise from the internal dynamics of the atmosphere. Dynamical diagnosis of both observations and model simulation indicates that variations in the zonally symmetric flow associated with the annular modes are forced by eddy fluxes in the free troposphere, while...
Fuzzy logic in aperture integration schemes for ray traced fields from cavities

In this novel approach, the exiting field distribution inside the ray tube is not considered constant anymore. In fact the field inside the exiting tube is reshaped to resemble a trapezoidal distribution (fuzzy distribution) and its cross section adjusted by taking into consideration the frequency of the wave, length of travel and the number of reflections that each tube undergoes. Results obtained from studying the backscattering of an offset bend are compared to the conventional ray trace results and that of a more accurate baseline (obtained by a hybrid integral equation approximate modal technique). The gain and loss of accuracy is discussed as a function of field distribution inside the sub-apertures. In the conventional geometrical optics ray tracing scheme the incident field is collimated into tubes of equal cross section at the aperture and traced back to the aperture after bouncing around inside the cavity. The angle and cross section of the exiting tubes depends on the kind of materials used in the construction of the cavity and its configuration. The magnitude of the field upon exiting is obtained by assuming power conservation inside the ray tube which originates and terminates at the aperture. It is also assumed that the magnitude of the field at the exiting sub-aperture is approximately constant within that sub-aperture. The far field is found by integrating the field inside all the exiting sub-apertures and summing them for a given angle.
A New ACO Transition Rule for Set Partitioning and Covering Problems

Set Covering Problem and Set Partitioning Problem are models for many important industrial applications. In this paper, we solve some Operational Research benchmarks with Ant Colony Optimization using a new transition rule. A Lookahead mechanism was incorporated to check constraint consistency in each iteration. Computational results are presented showing the advantages to use this additional mechanism to Ant Colony Optimization
Methane production from horse manure and stall waste with softwood bedding.

Abstract Substantial stall waste is generated from horses on softwood bedding. The methane potential ( G pot ) of horse manure and constructed mixtures of stall waste with softwood bedding was determined at 35 °C. G pot of 68, 191 and 273 mL/g volatile solids (VS) were estimated for three separate batches of horse manure, indicating variability in the material. Cumulative energy production over 20–40 days ranged from 3.11 ± 0.92 to 8.45 ± 5.42 × 10 5 kJ/metric ton wet weight horse manure alone, and from 1.69 ± 0.39 to 3.91 ± 0.47 × 10 5 kJ/metric ton wet weight horse manure plus softwood stall bedding (mixed at a 1:1 ratio on a VS basis). Softwood bedding was barely degradable and diluted the energy production of the stall waste; however, it did not cause inhibition of methane production from manure. Manually separated used softwood bedding contained substantial methane potential.
Space-time modems for wireless personal communications

This article reviews space-time modem technology for mobile radio applications. We begin with motivations for the use of space-time modems and then briefly discuss the challenges posed by wireless propagation. Next, we develop a signal model for the wireless environment. Channel estimation, equalization, and filtering techniques for space-time modems in the forward and reverse links are then discussed. Finally, we review applications of space-time modems to cellular systems and discuss industry trends.
Frequency Scaling of Turbulent Premixed Flame Noise

This paper presents measurements of premixed combustion noise, extending our prior studies. Turbulent premixed combustion processes are inherently unsteady and, thus, a source of acoustic radiation. While prior studies have extensively characterized the total sound power radiated by turbulent premixed flames, limited measurements exist of their spectral characteristics. The objective of this paper is to examine the scaling of the flame’s acoustic emission spectra and establish its dependence upon approach flow velocity (both mean and turbulence characteristics), fuel type, and equivalence ratio. The principle conclusion from this study is that the flame noise spectra can be scaled with a Strouhal number, fDref/Uref, where Dref scales with the burner diameter, D, and Uref is a function of the laminar flame speed, SL, and potentially other parameters such as u’/SL. This result modifies a conclusion from our prior studies, which was apparently incorrect due to the limited flame speed ranges utilized. Clearly, the combustion noise is ultimately due to the disturbances that turbulent velocity fluctuations impose upon the flame. However, this and prior studies suggest that the acoustic spectra does not change in an analogous manner to changes in the temporal velocity spectra. As such, a key remaining issue is a prediction of the shape of the acoustic spectrum, and a clarification of the manner in which it is influenced by the details of the underlying turbulent velocity spectra. Background
Incentive provision using intervention

Overcoming the inefficiency of non-cooperative out-comes poses an important challenge for network managers in achieving efficient utilization of network resources. This paper studies a class of incentive schemes based on intervention, which are aimed to drive self-interested users towards a system objective. A manager can implement an intervention scheme by introducing in the network an intervention device that is able to monitor the actions of users and to take an action that influences the network usage of users. We consider the case of perfect monitoring, where the intervention device can immediately observe the actions of users without errors. We also assume that there exist actions of the intervention device that are most and least preferred by all users and the intervention device, regardless of the actions of users. We derive analytical results about the outcomes achievable with intervention and optimal intervention rules, and illustrate the results with an example based on random access networks.
Hospital Tiers In Health Insurance: Balancing Consumer Choice With Financial Incentives

Variations in efficiency and market power are generating wide variations in the prices charged by hospitals to health insurance plans. Insurers are developing new network structures that expose the consumer to some of the cost differences, to encourage but not mandate differential use of the more economical facilities. The three leading designs include hospital "tiers" within a single broad network, multiple-network products, and the replacement of copayments by coinsurance in HMO as well as PPO products. This paper describes the new network designs and evaluates the challenges they face in influencing consumers' behavior, incorporating information on clinical quality, and supporting medical education and uncompensated care.
A Novel Single-Hop Delay Probe Algorithm in Multi-Homed Host

The rapid developments of communication and computer hardware technology in the last few years have given rise to a strong research interest in Concurrent Multi-Path (CMP) technology. Based on the comparison with conventional single path forward and random CMP forward, a novel Single-hop Delay Probe (SDP) algorithm for CMP forward in multi-homed host is proposed. NS2 simulations prove that SDP algorithm reduces the performance degradation of different paths and achieves a better bandwidth performance with certain memory overhead.
Dynamics of Substrate Denaturation and Translocation by the ClpXP Degradation Machine

ClpXP is a protein machine composed of the ClpX ATPase, a member of the Clp/Hsp100 family of remodeling enzymes, and the ClpP peptidase. Here, ClpX and ClpXP are shown to catalyze denaturation of GFP modified with an ssrA degradation tag. ClpX translocates this denatured protein into the proteolytic chamber of ClpP and, when proteolysis is blocked, also catalyzes release of denatured GFP-ssrA from ClpP in a reaction that requires ATP and additional substrate. Kinetic experiments reveal that multiple reaction steps require collaboration between ClpX and ClpP and that denaturation is the rate-determining step in degradation. These insights into the mechanism of ClpXP explain how it executes efficient degradation in a manner that is highly specific for tagged proteins, irrespective of their intrinsic stabilities.
Distribution of canalicular reticulum in Deiters cells and pillar cells of gerbil cochlea

Postfixation with an osmium tetroxide-potassium ferrocyanide solution revealed in supporting cells in the organ of Corti a network of canaliculi termed canalicular reticulum (CR). In Deiters cells (DCs), the CR filled cytosol at the base of the phalanx and under plasmalemma apposed to either the outer hair cells' (HCs) basal surface or nerve terminals. From these locations the CR, accompanied by dense fibrillar substance, descended along microtubule bundles and terminated by surrounding the rosette complex in the apical cytosol. Canalicular profiles protruding from the reticulum penetrated the loose meshwork comprising the periphery of the rosette complex to contact at intervals branches of the dense trabeculae that make up the core of the complex. This arrangement disclosed a structural and presumably functional relationship between outer HCs and the CR and rosette complex. Inner pillar cells (PCs) exhibited moderately abundant to sparse profiles of CR interspersed between microtubule bundles of the microtubule stalk that connected head and foot regions. More elaborate CR extended as a network upward from the top of the microtubule stalk part was into the head body and downward into a conical expansion of the stalk at the base of the cell. Cytosol on the medial side of the basal microtubule expansion contained abundant CR which in conjunction with CR between basal microtubule bundles lay situated for possible uptake of ions or neurotransmitter released from numerous adjoining nerves. CR in outer PCs resembled that in inner PCs but appeared less prevalent in the head and foot regions and did not occur in cytosol beside the basal microtubule stalk. Characteristically small Golgi complexes accompanied the reticulum in DCs and were prevalent in the upper regions but absent in the mid and lower part of inner PCs. Short cisternae in the Golgi stacks associated with CR contrasted with the lengthier cisternae in the complexes infrequently observed in cytosol outside the microtubule stalk of inner PCs.
Activation of Reticuloendothelial Cells Following Infection with Murine Cytomegalovirus

Macrophage and reticuloendothelial system function was investigated in adult, female C3H mice during the course of a nonlethal infection with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV). Peritoneal macrophages harvested from mice infected three to 21 days previously were tumoricidal in vitro for a syngeneic mammary tumor cell line and showed antiviral activity by suppressing replication of vaccinia virus in a fibroblast monolayer. In addition, macrophages harvested from animals on days 7 and 14 after MCMV infection manifested augmented phagocytosis of yeast particles in vitro. Furthermore, enhanced levels of chemiluminescence were emitted during phagocytosis of zymosan particles by macrophages harvested on days 3 and 7 after MCMV infection. Finally, enhanced protection against Listeria monocytogenes was demonstrated in mice on days 7, 14, and 21 after MCMV infection. These findings support the concept of activation of the reticuloendothelial system during viral infection.
Dynamic Pricing of Preemptive Service for Secondary Elastic Demand

Motivated by recent regulatory evolutions that pave the way to secondary spectrum markets, we investigate profit maximization in a loss network that accommodates calls of two classes of users: primary users (PUs) and secondary users (SUs). PUs have preemptive priority over SUs, i.e. when a PU arrives to the system and finds all channels busy, it preempts an SU. We assume that SU demand is elastic to price whereas PU demand is inelastic. We study the optimal pricing policy of SUs to maximize the average profit by introducing a finite horizon discounted dynamic programming formulation. Our main contribution is to show that the optimal pricing policy depends only on the total number of users, i.e. the total occupancy. We also demonstrate that optimal prices increase with the total occupancy and show that the optimal pricing policy structure of the original system is not preserved for systems with elastic PUs. Finally, we extend the results to non-preemptive loss systems and establish a connection with results obtained for such models in the literature.
Metallapyrimidines and Metallapyrimidiniums from Oxidative Addition of Pyrazolate N−N Bonds to Niobium(III), Niobium(IV), and Tantalum(IV) Metal Centers and Assessment of Their Aromatic Character

Treatment of MCl4(4-tBupy)2 (M = Nb, Ta) with 3 equiv of potassium 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolate afforded (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-5-ketimidehept-3-en-3-imide)bis(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolate)chloroniobium(V) (1; 24%) and (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-5-ketimidehept-3-en-3-imide)bis(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolate)chlorotantalum(V) (2; 27%) as deep red and yellow crystalline solids, respectively. Analogous treatment of NbCl4(THF)2 with 3 equiv each of 4-tert-butylpyridine and potassium 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolate and excess Na/Hg in diethyl ether afforded (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-5-ketimidohept-3-en-3-imide)bis(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolate)niobium(V) (3, 32%) as deep red crystals. X-ray crystallography established that 1 and 3 each contain two intact η2-3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolate ligands as well as one 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolate ligand that has undergone N–N bond oxidative addition to the niobium center. In 1, one of the nitrogen atoms abstracted a hydrogen atom from tetrahydrofuran solvent, whereas no hydrogen atom abstraction...
Deprotonated Purine Dissociation: Experiments, Computations, and Astrobiological Implications

A central focus of astrobiology is the determination of abiotic formation routes to important biomolecules. The dissociation mechanisms of these molecules lend valuable insights into their synthesis pathways. Because of the detection of organic anions in the interstellar medium (ISM), it is imperative to study their role in these syntheses. This work aims to experimentally and computationally examine deprotonated adenine and guanine dissociation in an effort to illuminate potential anionic precursors to purine formation. Collision-induced dissociation (CID) products and their branching fractions are experimentally measured using an ion trap mass spectrometer. Deprotonated guanine dissociates primarily by deammoniation (97%) with minor losses of carbodiimide (HNCNH) and/or cyanamide (NH2CN), and isocyanic acid (HNCO). Deprotonated adenine fragments by loss of hydrogen cyanide and/or isocyanide (HCN/HNC; 90%) and carbodiimide (HNCNH) and/or cyanamide (NH2CN; 10%). Tandem mass spectrometry (MSn) experiments ...
Traditional autopsy versus computed tomography imaging autopsy in trauma: A case of "synergistic disagreement".

Background Decreases in the rates of traditional autopsy (TA) negatively impact traumatology, especially in the areas of quality improvement and medical education. To help enhance the understanding of trauma-related mortality, a number of initiatives in imaging autopsy (IA) were conceived, including the postmortem computed tomography (“CATopsy”) project at our institution. Though IA is a promising concept, few studies directly correlate TA and IA findings quantitatively. Here, we set out to increase our understanding of the similarities and differences between key findings on TA and IA in a prospective fashion with blinding of pathologist and radiologist evaluations. Methods A prospective study of TA versus IA was conducted at an Academic Level I Trauma Center (June 2001–May 2010). All decedents underwent a postmortem, whole-body, noncontrast computed tomography that was interpreted by an independent, blinded, board-certified radiologist. A blinded, board-certified pathologist then performed a TA. Autopsy results were grouped into predefined categories of pathologic findings. Categorized findings from TA and IA were compared by determining the degree of agreement (kappa). The χ2 test was used to detect quantitative differences in “potentially fatal” findings (eg, aortic trauma, splenic injury, intracranial bleeding, etc) between TA and IA. Results Twenty-five trauma victims (19 blunt; 9 female; median age 33 years) had a total of 435 unique findings on either IA or TA grouped into 34 categories. The agreement between IA and TA was worse than what chance would predict (kappa = −0.58). The greatest agreement was seen in injuries involving axial skeleton and intracranial/cranio-facial trauma. Most discrepancies were seen in soft tissue, ectopic air, and “incidental” categories. Findings determined to be “potentially fatal” were seen on both TA/IA in 48/435 (11%) instances with 79 (18%) on TA only and 53 (12%) on IA only. TA identified more “potentially fatal” solid organ and heart/great vessel injuries, while IA revealed more spine injuries, “potentially fatal” procedure-related findings, and the presence of ectopic air/fluid. Conclusion This limited study does not support substitution of noncontrast, computed tomography–based IA for TA. Our quantitative analyses suggest that TA and IA evaluations may be complementary and synergistic when performed concurrently. There are potential benefits to using IA in trauma process/quality improvement and in educational settings. Further research should focus on the value (and limitations) of the information provided by IA in the absence of TA.
Sequential Subspace Reliability Method with Univariate Revolving Integration

A new computational framework called the sequential subspace reliability method (SSRM) is presented. This method decomposes the multidimensional random space into multiple two-dimensional subspaces. In this manner, SSRM is able to approximate bivariate interaction effects. When the reliability estimate contribution is calculated subspace by subspace, the final assessment is updated in a progressive manner. The iterative history of sequential reliability assessment can be used to understand the complexity and convergence behavior of the limit state function of interest. In a decision-making situation, the flexibility of the proposed SSRM to provide iterative updates on reliability estimation becomes especially valuable in dealing with large-scale and complex problems under the constraints of limited time and resources. To calculate the individual subspace contributions, a novel univariate revolving integration (URI) method is proposed. The URI method takes advantage of the axisymmetric nature of a joint pr...
A Type of Localizing and Torque-withstanding Device that Satisfies the Cooling Requirement in the Test of Electric Submersible PCP

A type of localizing and torque -withstanding device that satisfies the cooling requirement in the test of electric submersible PCP,is introduced from respects of structure,working principle,design details.The device can realize multiple functions,such as cooling and localizing the PCP which is being test,withstanding the anti-torque of PCP in working,and satisfying essential seal performance itself.
Overview of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies: Prion protein disorders

The subacute transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) are a complex group of neurodegenerative disorders which includes genetic, infectious and sporadic forms exemplified by scrapie in animals and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans. An extensive mass of data indicate that the infectious agents which transmit these diseases as well as the pathogenic mechanisms leading to clinical signs are related to abnormalities of a single cellular protein, designated the prion protein (PrP). The goals of this overview are to summarize the characteristics of TSEs and of their infectious agents and to indicate how the prion hypothesis is consistent with and provides an explanation for them. Transgenic mouse studies are emphasized which verify that genetic forms of TSEs are linked to mutations in the host PrP gene and that the host species barrier to scrapie infection, scrapie incubation time and the distribution of neuropathology, which define scrapie prion isolates ('strains'), are determined by the structure of PrP.
Annual Outsource Electricity Trading Plan Considering Power Source Peak Regulating Depth

It is the requirment of newelectricity market reform in China to consummate trans-provincial trading policy and to make efficient and reasonable medium and long term electricity trading plan for a provincial grid company. When the trans-provincial electric power transmission constraint is considered,a concept of peak regulating depth of purchased power is introduced,then factors such as electricity price,local electricity load and output power of generation are considered,and verify the lack of provincial power by the supply-demand balance analysis of a typical day of a month,create a planning model of the annual outsource electricity trade,thus optimize the purchasing order of different power supplies,and the the minimum cost target of annual outsource electricity can be fulfilled. Simulation calculation results reveales that: 1) the cost and electricity can be decreased for the annual electricity trading plan by increasing the electricity with higher price and good regulating capability and decreasing the electricity with a lowprice and poor regulating capability; 2) the electricity request in different month will influence the optimized effect,and good results will be achieved with the proposed method in the months with lowload request.
Metabolism of ara-C by blast cells from patients with ANLL.

The dose-response relationship between extracellular concentration of cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) and intracellular formation of the putative active metabolites of ara-C [ara-C incorporation into DNA and intracellular pools of ara-C in triphosphate form (ara-CTP)] was investigated in blast cells obtained from patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) by exposing these cells in vitro to 10, 100, or 1,000 nmol/L of ara-C. We studied 23 untreated patients who subsequently achieved complete remission (CR) with a regimen using daunorubicin and conventional doses of ara-C (ara-C-sensitive group), and 30 patients judged to be ara-C-resistant either by failing initial induction therapy (16 patients) or by having relapsed on an ara-C- containing maintenance regimen (14 patients). In both patient groups, ara-C incorporation into DNA and intracellular ara-CTP both displayed statistically significant increases in response to increasing extracellular concentrations of ara-C (P = .0001 in both cases), with the rate of increase of ara-CTP greater than that of ara-C incorporation. Moreover, blast cells from all patients, even those who were most clinically resistant to ara-C, were able to form ara-CTP and to incorporate ara-C into DNA. Each tenfold increment in extracellular ara-C concentration caused an 8.5-fold increase in ara-CTP, but only a 3.6-fold increase in ara-C incorporation into DNA. Thus, the efficiency of incorporation of ara-C into DNA (defined as the ratio of ara-C incorporation to ara-CTP pools) decreased by 58% with each tenfold increment in the extracellular concentration of ara-C (P less than .0001), presumably as a result of the inhibitory effect of ara-CTP on DNA polymerase. Using an analysis of covariance, modest differences were found in the levels of the ara-C metabolite variables in the ara-C- sensitive group as compared with the resistant group. However, because there was considerable overlap in ara-C metabolite formation among the patient groups, it was not possible to predict clinical outcome by these in vitro assessments of ara-C metabolism.
Fine-Tuning Enzyme Activity Through Saturation Mutagenesis

Codon saturation is a powerful tool for analyzing protein structure-function relationships and fine-tuning enzyme activity. In this technique, one or more key amino acids are randomized by incorporating degenerate codon(s) into a gene of interest in a polymerase-mediated primer extension reaction. Traditional methods for codon saturation mutagenesis are labor-intensive and typically require multiple rounds of PCR and restriction/ligation-based cloning. In contrast, the QuikChange Multi Site-Directed Mutagenesis kit provides an efficient one-day procedure for incorporating degenerate codons into any double-stranded plasmid DNA template. Originally developed for introducing point mutations at multiple sites, the Multi kit can be readily adapted for performing site-directed saturation mutagenesis of one, two, or three amino acids simultaneously. When coupled with a suitable screening assay, this method simplifies the process of surveying multiple side chain replacements at key locations.
Theoretical Evaluation of Hybrid Simulation Applied to Continuous Plate Structures

AbstractHybrid simulation is a popular experimental technique whereby only part of a system is physically realized and the remainder is modeled in a computer with a set of actuators and sensors to connect the two subsystems. While the methodology is common, it lacks a theoretical structure that ensures users are getting valid simulation results of the entire system. Further, little attention has been paid to distributed mass systems and those that do not have a beam/column like topology. This work examines three basic issues: (1) an abstract geometric scheme is proposed by which one can reason about hybrid simulation systems and their underlying errors; (2) systems with distributed mass are explicitly considered; and (3) the model system utilized in this study has a distinctly nonbeam/column like system, namely, a Kirchhoff-Love plate with a continuous one-dimensional hybrid system interface. It is demonstrated that such systems are generally viable only below the first fundamental frequency of the system...
Enantioselective synthesis of carbon-11 labeled l-alanine using phase transfer catalysis of Schiff bases

Radiolabeled amino acids are an important class of compounds that can be used for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging of the amino acid transporter status of various diseases e.g., cancer. Current radiochemistry techniques do not offer synthesis approaches that are generally applicable and result in high yields and enantiomeric purity. Here, the radiosynthesis of l-[11C]alanine is described employing an enantioselective alkylation of a Schiff base glycine precursor with [11C]methyl iodide. By conducting a comprehensive reaction conditions optimization and a strategic analysis of several phase-transfer catalysts that facilitate enantioselective alkylation, the radiosynthesis of l-[11C]alanine was achieved in good radiochemical conversion, short reaction times and above 90% enantiomeric excess. This new methodology is broadly applicable and could also be used for the radiolabeling of other amino acids with carbon-11.
Effect of plant–soil feedbacks on the growth and competition of Lactuca species

Plant species generate specific soil communities that feedback on plant growth and competition. These feedbacks have been implicated in plant community composition and dispersion. We used Lactuca sativa and its wild progenitor Lactuca serriola to test the hypotheses that separate Lactuca species generate unique soil communities and that these soil communities differentially influence host, and neighboring, plant growth and competition. We grew each Lactuca in competition with the other, in sterile and non-sterile soils. We then examined the growth of each Lactuca species in sterile, non-sterile, and preconditioned soil. Finally, we used TRFLP techniques to explore whether the two Lactuca species generate significantly different bacterial communities in their rhizosphere soils. L. sativa proved to be the stronger competitor of the two species. However, sterilization increased the competitive effect of L. serriola background competitors. The growth experiment showed a significant effect on plant species, soil treatment, and the interaction of the two. Preconditioning soil caused reduced growth in both Lactuca species. Only L. serriola showed significantly increased growth in sterile soils. Our TRFLP analysis showed that the L. sativa soil community was significantly less diverse and that soil preconditioning had the largest impact on the community composition. These results show that Lactuca serriola’s rhizosphere communities generate a stronger negative feedback for plant growth than do the communities associated with L. sativa. Our study suggests that selection for plants that are able to grow in dense monoculture may have released Lactuca from species-specific negative soil feedbacks. This has important implications for both agriculture and the evolution of invasive plant species.