cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Hurricane Maria on Renewable Energy Systems in Puerto Rico

This paper describes and discuss the effects that Hurricane Maria had on the photovoltaic (PV) and wind electric power generation systems in Puerto Rico. When Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, it caused a complete power outage in the island that lasted for many weeks and months in most areas of the island because of the severe impact this storm had on power transmission and distribution networks. However, Maria also severely impacted renewable energy systems. This paper describes the effects that Hurricane Maria had on renewable energy systems. This paper also discusses how renewable energy systems were used in a distributed manner in order to mitigate the impact of the extremely large power grid outage that followed the hurricane. The analysis in this paper is supported by extensive photographic records obtained during field damage assessment performed a few weeks after Hurricane Maria affected Puerto Rico.
Using Virtual Reality to Compare Design Alternatives Using Subjective and Objective Evaluation Methods

Objective:This study sought to develop a method that supports a more evidence-based approach to evaluating multiple design options in virtual reality (VR), combining subjective insights gathered us...
Elucidating the Role of Apolipoprotein E Isoforms in Spinal Cord Injury-Associated Neuropathology

Abstract Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating, life-altering, neurological event that affects ∼300,000 individuals in the United States. Currently, there are no effective treatments to reverse...
Hybrid Method to Solve a Two-Stage Stochastic Biofuel Hub-and-Spoke Network Problem

The production of biofuels is a feasible alternative to fossil fuel utilization. One of the main barriers to achieve cost-effective large-scale biofuel production systems is devising a reliable biomass logistics network. The efficiency in the biomass production and transportation is a key factor to increase biofuel market expansion. This paper proposes an efficient solution algorithm based on tabu search and simplex method to solve a two-stage stochastic biomass-to-biorefinery hub-and-spoke network problem. The hub-and-spoke distribution network takes advantage of economies of scale in transportation; however, the computational complexity when solving realistic scenarios grows exponentially. The proposed tractable algorithm aims to support the design and management of large-scale, second-generation biomass supply chains (SCs) that are mindful of the trade-offs that exist between biomass quality and supply chain costs. A case study in Texas is presented and preliminary numerical experiments indicate that the proposed algorithm outperforms one of the most utilized algorithms to solve this type of problems. In the experiments, the tabu search and simplex method-based algorithm (TS-SM) reduces the cost by 0.58% and the solution time by 85% in comparison with the standard L-shaped algorithm (LS). The TS-SM algorithm has potential for solving large-scale instances such as regional or interstate cases based in the time improvements presented in the preliminary results.
Species traits and reduced habitat suitability limit efficacy of climate change refugia in streams

Climate change vulnerability depends on whether organisms can disperse rapidly enough to keep pace with shifting temperatures and find suitable habitat along the way. Here, we develop a method to examine where and for which species shifting isotherms will outpace species dispersal using stream networks of the southern Appalachian Mountains (United States) and their highly speciose and endemic fish fauna as a model system. By exploring alternative tributary and mainstem dispersal pathways, we identify tributaries as slow-climate-velocity pathways along which some fish can successfully disperse and thus keep pace with climate change. Despite accessibility and thermal suitability, non-temperature habitat conditions in tributaries are unsuitable for some dispersing species, thus probably precluding establishment of persistent populations. Our findings demonstrate a trade-off shaping the efficacy of thermal refugia that depends on species-specific habitat associations and reveal individual-level dispersal behaviour, body size and stream network geometry as general correlates of climate change vulnerability.
Assessing Neuronal and Astrocyte Derived Exosomes From Individuals With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury for Markers of Neurodegeneration and Cytotoxic Activity

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) disproportionately affects military service members and is very difficult to diagnose. To-date, there is currently no blood-based, diagnostic biomarker for mTBI cases with persistent post concussive symptoms. To examine the potential of neuronally-derived (NDE) and astrocytic-derived (ADE) exosome cargo proteins as biomarkers of chronic mTBI in younger adults, we examined plasma exosomes from a prospective longitudinal study of combat-related risk and resilience, marine resiliency study II (MRSII). After return from a combat-deployment participants were interviewed to assess TBI exposure while on deployment. Plasma exosomes from military service members with mTBI (mean age, 21.7 years, n = 19, avg. days since injury 151), and age-matched, controls (deployed service members who did not endorse a deployment-related TBI or a pre-deployment history of TBI; mean age, 21.95 years, n = 20) were precipitated and enriched against a neuronal adhesion protein, L1-CAM, and an astrocyte marker, glutamine aspartate transporter (GLAST) using magnetic beads to immunocapture the proteins and subsequently selected by fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS). Extracted protein cargo from NDE and ADE preparations were quantified for protein levels implicated in TBI neuropathology by standard ELISAs and on the ultra-sensitive single molecule assay (Simoa) platform. Plasma NDE and ADE levels of Aβ42 were significantly higher while plasma NDE and ADE levels of the postsynaptic protein, neurogranin (NRGN) were significantly lower in participants endorsing mTBI exposure compared to controls with no TBI history. Plasma NDE and ADE levels of Aβ40, total tau, and neurofilament light (NFL), P-T181-tau, P-S396-tau were either undetectable or not significantly different between the two groups. In an effort to understand the pathogenetic potential of NDE and ADE cargo proteins, neuron-like cultures were treated with NDE and ADE preparations from TBI and non-TBI groups. Lastly, we determined that plasma NDE but not ADE cargo proteins from mTBI samples were found to be toxic to neuron-like recipient cells in vitro. These data support the presence of markers of neurodegeneration in NDEs of mTBI and suggest that these NDEs can be used as tools to identify pathogenic mechanisms of TBI.
Thickness and strain dependence of piezoelectric coefficient in BaTiO 3 thin films

We explore the thickness dependence of the converse piezoelectric coefficient (${d}_{33}$) in epitaxial thin films of ${\mathrm{BaTiO}}_{3}$ (BTO) grown on (001) ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$ substrates. Piezoresponse force microscope was performed using an atomic force microscope equipped with an interferometric displacement sensor allowing direct quantification of electromechanical coupling coefficients in BTO free from unwanted background contributions. We find that 80-nm-thick films exhibit a ${d}_{33}$ of $\ensuremath{\sim}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}20.5\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{pm}/\mathrm{V}$, but as the thickness is reduced, the ${d}_{33}$ reduces to less than 2 pm/V for a 10 nm film. To explain the atomistic origin of the effect, we performed molecular dynamics simulations with a recently developed ab initio-derived reactive force field, constructed using the ReaxFF framework. Simulations predict that under applied electric fields thin films of ${\mathrm{BaTiO}}_{3}$ show an increasing thickness, with compressive strain, of the region screening the depolarization-field. This study confirms quantitatively the drop in piezoelectric performance in BTO ultrathin films and again highlights the importance of the screening mechanisms when films approach the ultrathin limits in dictating the functional behaviors.
Modified Hyper-CVAD With Proteasome Inhibition for Multiple Myeloma: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis.

Abstract Background Although novel agents have changed the treatment landscape of multiple myeloma (MM), cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens continue to have a role in aggressive or rapidly progressive disease. In such cases, our institution has utilized a hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide regimen (termed mCAD), similar to hyper-CVAD, in which vincristine is omitted or replaced with a proteasome inhibitor (PI), either bortezomib or carfilzomib. On occasion, doxorubicin is also omitted because of patient history and provider preference. Patients and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of adult patients with MM receiving mCAD regimens at our institution between 2012 and 2016 and analyzed utilization patterns, toxicity profiles, and clinical outcomes. Results A total of 131 patients received mCAD, including 9% for newly diagnosed MM (NDMM), 18% attempting to optimize response to frontline therapy (OPT-MM), and 73% for treatment of relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM). Renal dysfunction was common; 31% had estimated glomerular filtration rate Conclusion mCAD regimens were safe and active across patient groups, including patients with renal dysfunction. Most patients were able to bridge to subsequent therapy.
A consistency test of EFT power countings from residual cutoff dependence

I summarise a method to quantitatively assess the consistency of power-counting proposals in Effective Field Theories which are non-perturbative at leading order. It uses the fact that the Renormalisation Group evolution of an observable predicts the functional form of its residual cutoff dependence on the breakdown scale of an Effective Field Theory (EFT), on the low-momentum scales, and on the order of the calculation. Passing this test is a necessary but not sufficient consistency criterion for a suggested power counting whose exact nature is disputed. For example, in Chiral Effective Field Theory ($$\chi \hbox {EFT}$$) with more than one nucleon, a lack of universally accepted analytic solutions obfuscates the relation between convergence pattern and numerical results, and led to proposals which predict different numbers of Low Energy Coefficients (LECs) at the same chiral order, and at times even predicts a different ordering long-range contributions. The method may provide an independent check whether an observable is properly renormalised at a given order, and allows one to estimate both the breakdown scale and the momentum-dependent order-by-order convergence pattern of an EFT. Conversely, it may help identify those LECs (and long-range pieces) which produce renormalised observables at a given order. I also discuss its underlying assumptions and relation to the Wilsonian Renormalisation Group Equation; useful choices for observables and cutoffs; the momentum window in which the test likely provides best signals; its dependence on the values and forms of cutoffs as well as on the EFT parameters; the impact of fitting LECs to data in different or the same channel; and caveats as well as limitations. Since the test is designed to minimise the use of data, it allows one to quantitatively falsify if the EFT has been renormalised consistently. This complements other tests which quantify how an EFT compares to experiment. Its application in particular to the $${}^{3}\mathrm {P}_{0}$$ and $${}^{3}\mathrm {P}_{2}$$–$${}^{3}\mathrm {F}_{2}$$ partial waves of $${\mathrm {NN}}$$ scattering in $$\chi \hbox {EFT}$$ may elucidate persistent power-counting issues.
Improving the Prospects for a Successful Relationship between Community and Evaluator

The success of a community-based program evaluation can be enhanced by using a screening tool to delineate the program’s evaluative needs, resources, and commitments.
Determination of the zeta potential of planar solids in nonpolar liquids

Abstract ZetaSpin determines zeta potential by measuring the streaming potential generated by rotating a disk-shaped sample about its axis while submerged in the liquid. The apparatus and procedure developed for ZetaSpin in aqueous solutions was adapted for use in highly nonpolar fluids like surfactant-doped alkanes. Perhaps most unexpected is the need for up to 10 min (instead of a fraction of one second for aqueous solutions) for the electrometer to display changes in streaming potential in response to changes in rotation speed. Four tests (suggested by theory) confirm that the potential finally reported by the electrometer was indeed the streaming potential. Compared to electrophoresis, ZetaSpin does not require a value for the Debye length, avoids the complication caused by the electric-field-dependence of electrophoretic mobility and can be used with planar samples as well as colloidal particles.
Patient Acceptance of Routine Serial Postoperative Endoscopy Following Low Anterior Resection (LAR) and Its Ability to Detect Biomarkers in Anastomotic Lavage Fluid.

Various reports have now established that postoperative endoscopy to examine and intervene in the process of anastomotic healing is both feasible and safe. Here we present our preliminary experience with serial postoperative endoscopy to determine its feasibility, patient acceptance and the ability to obtain and the utility of perianastomotic material for molecular analysis. Patients undergoing LAR with ileostomy for rectal cancer were recruited for study to undergo routine serial endoscopic surveillance (SES) at three time points during the course of LAR: intraoperatively, before discharge (postoperative day 3–7) and at follow-up (postoperative day 10–28). At each endoscopy, images were captured, anastomotic tissues were lavaged and lavage fluid was retrieved. Fluid samples were analyzed using proteomics, zymography, ELISA and bacteria via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and culture of collagenolytic strains. SES is feasible and acceptable to this limited set of patients following LAR. Biologic analysis of perianastomotic fluids was able to detect the presence of proteins, microbiota and inflammatory mediators previously identified at anastomotic sites in animals with pathologic healing. SES can be implemented in patients undergoing LAR with a high degree of patient compliance and capture of biologic information and imaging. Application of this approach has the potential to uncover, for the first time, the natural history of normal versus pathologic anastomotic healing in patients undergoing anastomotic surgery.
The dynamics of cable bacteria colonization in surface sediments: a 2D view

Cable bacteria that are capable of transporting electrons on centimeter scales have been found in a variety of sediment types, where their activity can strongly influence diagenetic reactions and elemental cycling. In this study, the patterns of spatial and temporal colonization of surficial sediment by cable bacteria were revealed in two-dimensions by planar pH and H2S optical sensors for the first time. The characteristic sediment surface pH maximum zones begin to develop from isolated micro-regions and spread horizontally within 5 days, with lateral spreading rates from 0.3 to ~ 1.2 cm day-1. Electrogenic anodic zones in the anoxic sediments are characterized by low pH, and the coupled pH minima also expand with time. H2S heterogeneities in accordance with electrogenic colonization are also observed. Cable bacteria cell abundance in oxic surface sediment (0-0.25 cm) kept almost constant during the colonization period; however, subsurface cell abundance apparently increased as electrogenic activity expanded across the entire surface. Changes in cell abundance are consistent with filament coiling and growth in the anodic zone (i.e., cathodic snorkels). The spreading mechanism for the sediment pH-H2S fingerprints and the cable bacteria abundance dynamics suggest that once favorable microenvironments are established, filamentous cable bacteria aggregate or locally activate electrogenic metabolism. Different development dynamics in otherwise similar sediment suggests that the accessibility of reductant (e.g., dissolved phase sulfide) is critical in controlling the growth of cable bacteria.
Professional Irresponsibility and Judicial Opinions

In the U.S., the style of judicial opinions is subject to little formal constraint, and judges exercise sweeping rhetorical discretion in their opinion writing. Some judges write conversationally and in a jocular tone, others formally and solemnly. Some regularly include legally irrelevant details about litigants, with no apparent purpose other than to create an engaging or emotionally satisfying narrative. And many judges take care to develop and maintain their own distinct, personal styles through their judicial opinions. Not only are judges permitted to use opinion writing as a means of self-expression and individuation, they are widely encouraged to do so. We should be concerned about this kind of judicial discretion, because judges exercise it in ways that undermine the integrity of the judicial role and compromise the legitimacy of opinions, courts, and the adjudicative process. This Article suggests that the kind of colorful and aesthetically pleasing judicial writing style that commentators widely encourage, and that many judges adopt, makes for professionally irresponsible opinions. I argue, accordingly, that judges should exercise greater rhetorical restraint, and I propose possible mechanisms for fostering this restraint: some of these (e.g., self-regulation through codes of conduct) will be less controversial than others (e.g., legislative action).
A critical review of fenestration/window system design methods for high performance buildings

Abstract Fenestrations allow for natural daylight and outdoor views, but also represent the least thermally efficient portion of the building envelope, and thus can be a source of unwanted direct sunlight and associated discomfort glare. A well-designed fenestration system operated with proper control strategies is capable of reducing building energy usage significantly while maintaining a both thermally and visually comfortable environment for occupants. This paper reviews and analyzes window design studies for high-performance buildings, which could be interpreted as decision-making processes to achieve the window performance goals by controlling a series of design variables (e.g., location and dimensions of windows, glazing type, etc.). An overview of available design options for window systems to date is introduced first, and then the decision-making methodologies of window systems are categorized and analyzed to present a comprehensive review, where we present a detailed analysis of sequential knowledge-based design methods and simulation-based optimization methods. Last, potential challenges and future research trends are identified and analyzed to help promote all automatic simulation-based optimization design methods for high performance fenestration systems.
498-P: Resistance Exercise Rapidly Alters Citric Acid Cycle and Amino Acid Metabolism in Skeletal Muscle

Muscle glucose metabolism is improved by either aerobic or resistance exercise (RE) training, but the mechanisms leading to improved metabolism for each of these exercise modes are not identical. Much work has been done onimproved oxidative metabolism by aerobic exercise, but far less is known about how RE impacts fuel metabolism. Here, TCA and amino acid metabolites are measured in skeletal muscle after a single bout of RE. Twenty one healthy subjects performed a session of one-legged knee extension RE that consisted of 3 sets of 10 reps at 70% of their 1 rep max. Two muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis of each leg. From the RE leg, biopsies were obtained ≤10min post-RE (0hr PEX) and approximately 1hr post-RE (1hr PEX), respectively. From the non-RE leg, biopsies were obtained before and 1hr PEX, respectively. Muscle samples were frozen and stored until mass spectrometry analysis of metabolites was performed. A 2-fold increase in plasma lactate (P Disclosure M. W. Pataky: None. A. Prabha kumar: None. K. Klaus: None. K. Nair: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (R01AG062859)
“Daddy, Help Me;I Forgot How to Make a New Friend”: Emotional Geographies of Youth Sport in Pandemic Times

In what follows, the author directs attention to one slice of pandemic life and its interplay across the emotional geographies of childhood, parenthood, work-life balance, lockdowns, stress, mental...
Technology Transfer Via University-Industry Relations : The Case of the Foreign High Technology Electronic Industry in Mexico's Silicon Valley

1. Introduction 2. Theoretical Framework 3. Methodology 4. The Context: Higher Education Research Function and its Link to the Industrial Sector: Some Antecedents 5. The Electronic Industry in Jalisco: Development and Participation 6. Technology Transfer and Assimilation Via University-Industry Relationship: The Case of the Foreign High Technology Electronic Industry in Guadalajara 7. The Availability of Relevant Skills as Indicator of Absorptive Capacity 8. The Scientific and Technological Activities as Indicator of Absorptive Capacities 9. Discussion of Findings and Conclusion Appendices References
Third Generation X-Space MPI Mouse and Rat Scanner

Here we describe the construction of our third generation x-space MPI scanner, the fifth MPI scanner built at UC Berkeley. The scanner has two goals, (1) High-resolution native MPI resolution using x-space reconstruction, and (2) extended FOV suitable for mice and rats. In this paper we describe our design criteria, and we show the initial characterizations of the 7 T/m gradient field.
Long-Term Treatment of Calcium Nephrolithiasis with Potassium Citrate

AbstractThe long-term effects of potassium citrate therapy (usually 20 mEq. 3 times daily during 1 to 4.33 years) were examined in 89 patients with hypocitraturic calcium nephrolithiasis or uric acid lithiasis, with or without calcium nephrolithiasis. Hypocitraturia caused by renal tubular acidosis or chronic diarrheal syndrome was associated with other metabolic abnormalities, such as hypercalciuria or hyperuricosuria, or occurred alone.Potassium citrate therapy caused a sustained increase in urinary pH and potassium, and restored urinary citrate to normal levels. No substantial or significant changes occurred in urinary uric acid, oxalate, sodium or phosphorus levels, or total volume. Owing to these physiological changes, uric acid solubility increased, urinary saturation of calcium oxalate decreased and the propensity for spontaneous nucleation of calcium oxalate was reduced to normal. Therefore, the physicochemical environment of urine following treatment became less conducive to the crystallization o...
Vascular Extracellular Matrix and Aortic Development

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an observation on the vascular Extracellular Matrix (ECM) and aortic development. In addition to providing the structural and mechanical properties required for vessel function, the ECM provides instructional signals that induce, define, and stabilize smooth muscle phenotypes. There are many examples of ECM molecules playing critical roles in the regulation of gene expression by interacting with specific matrix receptors on cells, and by binding and storing growth factors that influence cellular function. This reciprocal instructive interaction between the cell and its ECM is important in directing the developmental transitions that occur in embryogenesis, postnatal development, and in response to injury. How vascular cells interpret these regulatory signals is a major area of research today. This chapter discusses the ECM molecules made by vessel wall cells during vascular development, with the primary focus on the developing mouse aorta. The concept that the ECM can influence cell proliferation, migration, and phenotypic stabilization must be considered when assessing the role of the ECM in a developing tissue.
Passive markers for ultrasound tracking of surgical instruments

A family of passive markers is presented by which the position and orientation of a surgical instrument can be computed from its ultrasound image using simple image processing. These markers address the problem of imaging instruments and tissue simultaneously in ultrasound-guided interventions. Marker-based estimates of instrument location can be used in augmented reality displays or for image-based servoing. Marker design, measurement techniques and error analysis are presented. Experimentally determined in-vitro measurement errors of 0.22 mm in position and 0.089 rad in orientation were obtained using a standard ultrasound imaging system.
Air War and Emotional Stress: Psychological Studies of Bombing and Civilian Defense

A study of how people react psychologically to bombing raids. The author studies the Japanese who survived Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as those exposed to the air raids of England, France, and Germany.
Investigations of the Chymotrypsin-catalyzed Hydrolysis of Specific Substrates III. DETERMINATION OF INDIVIDUAL RATE CONSTANTS AND ENZYME-SUBSTRATE BINDING CONSTANTS FOR SPECIFIC AMIDE AND ESTER SUBSTRATES

Abstract Enzyme-substrate binding constants, K's, for chymotrypsin and specific amide (N-acetyl-l-tryptophanamide and N-acetyl-l-phenylalaninamide) and ester (N-acetyl-l-tryptophan ethyl ester) substrates have been measured by a proflavin-displacement method. Also, the rate constant for the formation of one intermediate in the chymotrypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis of the ester has been determined at selected pH values. These constants have not previously been determined. The proflavin-displacement method used to measure the enzyme complex concentration has previously been found to yield results in agreement with those obtained by measuring the spectral changes of the enzyme at 290 mµ. These spectral changes at 290 mµ, observed in all chymotrypsin-catalyzed reactions studied, have been shown to arise during the reversible formation of an enzyme-substrate complex which precedes the bond-breaking step. New information important to an understanding of chymotrypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis in general has been obtained from this work. It is shown directly, for the first time, that in the chymotrypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis of at least two specific amide substrates, the rate-limiting bond-breaking step follows the reversible formation of an enzyme-substrate complex with a dissociation constant K's, and that K's and the steady state kinetic parameter Km (app) are equivalent. The pH-dependent rate constant (k23) measured in the chymotrypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis of the ester we have studied is shown to pertain to a second intermediate detected in this reaction, an intermediate not seen in the chymotrypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis of the specific substrate amides. The K's values at pH 8.0 for the complexes of α-chymotrypsin with N-acetyl-l-tryptophanamide and N-acetyl-l-phenylalaninamide were found to be 4.7 mm and 29 mm, respectively, in excellent agreement with the steady state kinetic parameter Km (app). In the case of the α-chymotrypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis of N-acetyl-l-tryptophan ethyl ester, data on the pH dependence of k23 was found to be consistent with a pK (app) value of 6.6 for the group of the enzyme controlling the rate, and with a limiting pH-independent value for k23 of 1800 sec-1. The K's value for this ester and α-chymotrypsin at, for instance, pH 5.0, was found to be 2.3 mm, while Km (app) has been reported as ∼0.08 mm. Values of K's and k23, determined in these experiments, together with previously determined values of the steady state kinetic parameter, kcat, allowed a calculation of Km (app). At pH 5.0, this calculated value is ∼0.06 mm, in reasonable agreement with the experimentally observed value.
Cognitive and Learning Impairments

People with cognitive disabilities are gaining in a long struggle for recognition of their right to control their lives. In the information society access to the Web is essential to this control. Cognitive barriers to this access are diverse, reflecting the complexity of human cognitive faculties. These barriers are not well managed in current accessibility practice and policy, in part because cognitive accessibility, like usability, cannot be reduced to a checklist of simple attributes. Advances in representing the meaning as well as the form of information, and in supporting configurable presentation and interaction methods, will yield progress. Increased inclusion of people with cognitive disabilities in the processes of technology development and policy making will also pay off.
Preparation of Three Decadeoxyribonucleotides Containing an Uncommon or Modified Base

Three decadeoxyribonucleotides (d-C-C-A-A-I-A-T-T-G-G, d-C-brC-A-A-G-A-T-T-G-G and d-C-C-A-A-mG-A-T-T-G-G) involving inosine (I), 5-bromocytidine (brC) and 6-O-methylguanosine (mG) were chemically synthesized based on the phosphotriester approach in milligram quantities. The procedures of full protection reaction of these uncommon or modified bases are given in detail. The phosphotriester method was then employed to synthesize all the decamers. It seems the phosphotriester method is applicable to the synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotide with these three odd-bases. However, slightly different procedures have to be used while deblocking the fully protected oligodeoxyribonucleotides depending upon the nature of the uncommon or modified base.
Patient-monitoring systems

After reading this chapter, you should be able to answer these questions 1. What is patient monitoring, and why is it used? 2. What patient parameters do bedside physiological monitors provide? 3. What are the major problems with acquisition and presentation of monitoring parameters? 4. In addition to bedside physiological parameters, what other information is fundamental to the care of acutely ill patients? 5. How are patient care protocols used to enhance the care of critically ill patients? 6. Why is real-time computerized decision support potentially more beneficial than monthly or quarterly quality of care reporting? 7. What technical and social factors must be considered when implementing real-time data acquisition and decision support systems?
PROLOG/RDBMS Integration in the NED Intelligent Information System

NED-2 is a software system in development by the USDA Forest Service to facilitate ecosystem management. Using PROLOG knowledge bases and inference engines, NED-2 evaluates forest inventories to determine the degree to which they satisfy a set of predefined goals. By integrating third-party simulation and visualization packages, NED-2 allows the user to plan, predict, and assess forest treatment scenarios.
The multi-model database system

An examination is made of design strategies that can move a MLDS (multilingual database system) to a multimodel database system (MMDS) to allow the cross-access of databases. The major difference between the design strategies that the authors present and the approaches taken in Multibase and Mermaid is that they do not introduce a new global data model and language. Rather, the users can continue to work with the particular model/language combination that they are most familiar with accessing across the various model/language combinations in MLDS. In this way, the authors achieve the same goals as the Multibase and Mermaid systems (i.e. providing access across a collection of database systems) without burdening the users with learning a new data model and language to allow them uniform access. They believe that their techniques can be successfully applied to integrate a heterogeneous collection of database systems without requiring the development of a global data model/language. >
Device technology innovation for exascale computing

For the past 40 years, the scaling of CMOS device technology has enabled system performance to double every two years. However, emerging classes of applications for which network-speed processing and data-intensive modeling are integral components will demand a much faster rate of improvement, such as 2x/year in order to reach exaflop capabilities (100x-1000x over present systems) by the end of the next decade. These applications represent a significant growth opportunity and require continued innovation in silicon device scaling to increase intrinsic transistor performance/power and density. In addition, new system architectures will take advantage of 3D chip technology to enable a higher level of hybrid integration, new memory technology such as Phase Change Memory (PCM) will allow implementation of a new level of memory architecture, and silicon photonics on the processor will meet ultra-low power, low cost and high density communications needs. These and other innovations will lead to significant improvement in systems integration, performance, and power efficiency.
Oocysts of Eimeria in the litter of broilers reared to eight weeks of age before and after withdrawal of lasalocid or salinomycin.

Abstract Forty-six broiler houses were examined for the presence of oocysts of Eimeria in the litter before and after withdrawal of lasalocid or salinomycin from the feed. A decrease in number of small oocysts (Eimeria acervulina or Eimeria mitis) was observed following withdrawal of medication Numbers of medium-sized oocysts (probably Eimeria tenella) remained the same, but an increase in large oocysts (Eimeria maxima) was recorded. No lesions attributable to Eimeria tenella were found in the ceca of birds after withdrawal of the drug. More small- and medium-sized oocysts were found at sites with new litter than at sites where the litter had been employed for previous flocks. No difference in the number of oocysts was found, whether birds were reared on oak shavings or a mixture of pine shavings and rice hulls. The number of oocysts was positively correlated with the moisture content of the litter, but there was no correlation between oocysts present and the final BW or feed conversion of the birds. Moisture levels were highest (after withdrawal of drug) for new litter or oak shavings. There was no correlation between moisture content of the litter and BW or feed conversion.
P3I: the Delaware programmability, productivity and proficiency inquiry

New advancements on high-productivity computing systems have shown the weaknesses of existing parallel programming models and languages. To address such weaknesses, a number of researchers have proposed new parallel programming models and powerful programming language features that can meet the challenges of the emerging HPC Systems. However, the success or the failure of a new programming model and accompanied language features need to be evaluated in the context of their productivity impacts. In this paper, we report a productivity study that was conducted at the University of Delaware in the context of the IBM PERCS project, being funded via the DARPA/HPCS enterprise. In particular, our study is centered on the productivity impact of a new and key programming construct called Atomic Sections that is jointly proposed by our group and our colleagues at IBM.
IBM 4765 cryptographic coprocessor

This paper provides an overview of the 4765 cryptographic coprocessor hardware and firmware architecture, its key design features, and an overview of the IBM System z® secure software stack. The hardware for the 4765 solution is shared across all IBM server platforms offering cryptographic hardware acceleration in a highly programmable coprocessor environment designed to meet the most stringent security requirements. Its internal hardware and firmware can be easily updated to meet new security standards and requirements, as well as new customer-specific functionality. It allows updates and customization to be executed with zero downtime, meeting the highest standard of reliability and availability. Standard cryptographic functions and specialized banking and financial functions are supported.
The AIMS65 score compared with the Glasgow-Blatchford score in predicting outcomes in upper GI bleeding

Introduction We previously derived and validated the AIMS65 score, a mortality prognostic scale for upper GI bleeding (UGIB). Objective To validate the AIMS65 score in a different patient population and compare it with the Glasgow-Blatchford risk score (GBRS). Design Retrospective cohort study. Patients Adults with a primary diagnosis of UGIB. Main Outcome Measurements Primary outcome: inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes: composite clinical endpoint of inpatient mortality, rebleeding, and endoscopic, radiologic or surgical intervention; blood transfusion; intensive care unit admission; rebleeding; length of stay; timing of endoscopy. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated for each score. Results Of the 278 study patients, 6.5% died and 35% experienced the composite clinical endpoint. The AIMS65 score was superior in predicting inpatient mortality (AUROC, 0.93 vs 0.68; P P P = .13) as well as the secondary outcomes. A GBRS of 10 and 12 or more maximized the sum of the sensitivity and specificity for inpatient mortality and rebleeding, respectively. The cutoff was 2 or more for the AIMS65 score for both outcomes. Limitations Retrospective, single-center study. Conclusion The AIMS65 score is superior to the GBRS in predicting inpatient mortality from UGIB, whereas the GBRS is superior for predicting blood transfusion. Both scores are similar in predicting the composite clinical endpoint and other outcomes in clinical care and resource use.
Expression of RNA transcripts for the postsynaptic 43 kDa protein in innervated and denervated rat skeletal muscle

A cDNA clone encoding the mouse muscle postsynaptic 43 kDa protein was isolated and sequenced. The amino acid sequence of this protein, which is closely associated with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at Torpedo electrocyte and vertebrate skeletal muscle synapses, is very similar in different species. A cysteine-rich region homologous to part of the regulatory domain of protein kinase C may be important in interactions of this protein with the lipid bilayer. RNA transcripts for the 43 kDa protein increase only 2–3-fold after denervation of rat skeletal muscle, in sharp contrast to the α-subunit of the muscle nicotinic receptor which increases more than 30-fold. Thus, the expression of these two proteins is regulated by different mechanisms.
Numerical calculations of oscillating flow in the vicinity of square wall obstacles in plane conduits.

Abstract Numerical computational techniques for obtaining the unsteady viscous-flow field in plane two-dimensional conduits with stenoses are presented. Results calculated for an oscillatory pressure gradient at a particular frequency are detailed for a square hump. Near the hump, the growth and decay of a vortex is shown, the nature of the local pressure variation is indicated, and the temporal change in shear stress and vorticity is presented. In the immediate vicinity of the corners of the hump, the shear stress and vorticity become very large at certain times during the oscillation cycle.
Flexible conductive polymer polarizer designed for a chemical tag

Conductive polymers with high solids loading (> 40wt.%) are challenging to pattern to single micron feature sizes and require unique techniques or templates to mold the material. The development of a conductive polymer optical tag is discussed for identifying the presence of hydrofluoric acid (HF) and leverages free standing silicon fins as a template utilizing deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) techniques will be discussed. This work is aimed towards a future flexible conductive polymer tag to be transferred via adhesive or epoxy for a novel sensor surface. The advantage to this technique over wafer thinning is a higher throughput of device manufacture without damage to the silicon fins or polymer due to chemical-mechanical interactions or added protective layers. The gratings consist of a high spatial frequency (1.15 μm pitch) grating consisting of lines of conductive polymer and lines of silicon which are free standing. A novel running bond pattern aims to minimize the intrinsic stress and allows the conductive polymer to infiltrate without distorting the template. The polymer conductivity mechanism has been designed to break down under a chemical binding to fluorine; changing its conductivity upon exposure, and results in a change in the polarization response. The use of the polarization response makes the signal more robust to intensity fluctuations in the background or interrogation system. Additionally, the use of optical interrogation allows for standoff detection in instances where hazardous conditions may be present. Examples of material and device responses will be shown and directions for further investigation are discussed.
Nonviolent Action and Anti-Imperialist Struggles

Imperialism is, by its nature, violent. Imperialism comes through the guns, ships, planes, missiles, drones, and foreign troops of imperialist powers, as well as local collaborators. Challenging im...
A Governance Reform Proposal: Improving Bus Transit Operations in Los Angeles

Abstract This article examines key governing issues related to Los Angeles transit operations. The study uses empirical data from the National Transit Database and personal interviews conducted with transit agency officials. Based on technical analysis and evaluation, the authors call for empowering council of governments and small cities to address interagency/intersector coordination and political equity issues, downsizing the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Headquarters and strengthening autonomy of the “Service Sectors” to better streamline transit operation issues, abolishing small municipal transit operators to refine bus fleet size distribution, and enhancing transit service privatization to yield a better cost efficiency.
Constrained Sintering of Low-Temperature Co-Fired Ceramics

This paper discusses the effect of uniaxial compressive stress and pressureless constraint on the microstructure, density, and shrinkage anisotropy during the sintering of two commercial low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) systems, i.e., Heraeus CT2000 (CT) and DuPont 951Tape (DU). Under uniaxial compression, the ratio of axial to transverse shrinkage of DU is significantly higher than that of CT. A simple linear viscous theory was used to estimate the change in the strain rates produced by the external stress and the stress required to produce zero shrinkage. The theory was found to overestimate the measured stress-induced strain rates. The uniaxial compressive stress required for zero overall shrinkage was estimated to be ∼60 kPa for DU and 80 kPa for CT. The estimate for the DU materials was in good agreement with the experimental data, but there was significant deviation for the CT material. Higher viscosity and higher constraining stresses led to lower densities in pressure-less constrained CT specimens compared with DU.
Dependence Of Laser-Feedback Noise On Optical-Path Length

Laser-feedback noise in a GaAIAs laser was investigated as a function of optical-path length and modulation frequency.
Termination Criteria for Linear Problems

We study two termination criteria which are used in computational practice. They are analyzed for linear problems in the average case setting. It is assumed that arbitrary continuous linear functionals can be computed and consecutive approximations are chosen in the best possible way. The first termination criterion is satisfied if the difference between two consecutive approximations becomes less than a certain bound ?. We prove that the first termination criterion gives satisfactory results only for some cases. The second termination criterion is satisfied if two consecutive differences between consecutive approximations become less than ?. We prove that the second termination criterion gives satisfactory results for all cases.
Effects of azadirachtin on oogenesis in Aedes aegypti

. . Azadirachtin in blood fed to adult female Aedes aegypti through an artificial membrane does not cause feeding inhibition over a wide dose range (0–200 ng/female), and high doses of ingested azadirachtin fail to inhibit or delay oviposition. However, significant, transient retardation of oocyte growth is observed for up to 72 h after feeding. Immature oocytes are observed in 86% of azadirachtin-fed females decapitated 10 h after a blood meal, whereas 96% of decapitated control females contain maturing oocytes. This suggests that azadirachtin delays the release of one or more factors from the head that regulate oogenesis. We propose that adult females overcome the effect of azadirachtin by rapid metabolism rather than by excretion of the compound, since by 2 h after a blood meal, only 0.1% of ingested azadirachtin was recovered from excreta and 5% recovered from the body.
Tyrosinase Reactivity in a Model Complex: An Alternative Hydroxylation Mechanism

The binuclear copper enzyme tyrosinase activates O2 to form a μ-η2:η2-peroxodicopper(II) complex, which oxidizes phenols to catechols. Here, a synthetic μ-η2:η2-peroxodicopper(II) complex, with an absorption spectrum similar to that of the enzymatic active oxidant, is reported to rapidly hydroxylate phenolates at –80°C. Upon phenolate addition at extreme temperature in solution (–120°C), a reactive intermediate consistent with a bis-μ-oxodicopper(III)-phenolate complex, with the O–O bond fully cleaved, is observed experimentally. The subsequent hydroxylation step has the hallmarks of an electrophilic aromatic substitution mechanism, similar to tyrosinase. Overall, the evidence for sequential O–O bond cleavage and C–O bond formation in this synthetic complex suggests an alternative intimate mechanism to the concerted or late stage O–O bond scission generally accepted for the phenol hydroxylation reaction performed by tyrosinase.
Clean Surface and Oxidation Behavior of Vanadium Carbide, VC0.75(100)

The clean single-crystal VC 0.75 (100) surface, its oxidation, and the stability of the resulting oxide were examined with electron spectroscopy (AES, XPS and UPS), electron diffraction (low-energy and reflection high energy electron diffraction) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The clean VC 0.75 surface exhibits carbon vacancy-related features in valence band spectroscopy data. This surface was exposed to O 2 at 500 °C for up to 10 000 Langmuirs. The oxidation leads to the formation of vanadium oxide, VO x (100), crystallites on the VC 0.75 (100) substrate. The AFM images indicate that oxide crystallites grow with an elongated shape along type directions. When heated above 1000 °C, the oxide is unstable and a clean VC 0.75 (100) surface is produced.
UV/X-ray free electron lasers through high-gain single pass amplifiers: basic principles and key issues

Abstract We review the basic principles of the high gain free electron laser amplifier for generation of intense, tunable radiation at wavelengths shorter than 1000A. Two schemes are discussed: For wavelengths between 1000 and 100A, high gain harmonic generation and amplification of a coherent input radiation can be used. For X-ray wavelengths as short as a fewA, self-amplified spontaneous emission is the only known free electron laser scheme. We also present a brief introduction to key issues in realizing these schemes, which will be discussed in detail in other papers in these proceedings.
CASE PRESENTATION AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

SUMMARY All reported cases of Haetnophilus influenzae cellulitis are reviewed and compared. A typical patient is a male between the ages of 1–3 years. He is acutely ill with a red-blue cellulitis of the face. Swelling of the involved area is massive and rapid in onset. Both temperature and the number of leukocytes are markedly elevated, Haemophilus influenzae type B can usually be isolated from cultures of the blood or nasopharynx. Appropriate antibiotic therapy produces prompt remission of both signs and symptoms.