cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The microbiological basis of process control in methanogenic fermentation of soluble wastes

The essential requirement for anaerobic digestion of industrial wastes is that the process should operate reliably at high performance. In the digestion of dilute, soluble wastes it is necessary to retain the active biomass within the digester at short liquid retention times for the process to be economically feasible and this is reflected in digester design. Performance of digesters can only be assessed by interpretation of measurable parameters such as pH2, Eh, pH, volatile fatty acid concentrations, temperature, gas production, biomass content and feed rate and composition. The effects of changes in these parameters on the microbiology of methanogenic digestion and the application of this knowledge in control of the process is discussed.
Microparticle detachment from surfaces exposed to turbulent air flow: microparticle motion after detachment

Abstract The motion of heavy microspheres after their detachment from flat surfaces is considered. The microspheres initially are in static contact equilibrium, embedded fully in the viscous sublayer and subjected to a slowly accelerating fully developed turbulent flow. The equations of motion of the microspheres are presented, including surface roughness effects. The equations are solved numerically for detachment with and without consideration of a burst–sweep event initiating detachment. The microsphere velocity along the surface after detachment is measured using a strobed laser-light sheet and compared to the numerical solutions. Results indicate that the microspheres undergo pure rolling along the surface before possible entrainment and that the sweep plays a role in the detachment process. A model for predicting the microsphere velocity along the surface after detachment is presented.
Characterization of angiotensin binding in the African green monkey.

Abstract The observation that there are differences in the characteristics and distribution of angiotensin receptors in the central nervous system of mammalian species led to the analysis of angiotensin binding in a primate model, the African Green monkey. Initial studies using [ 125 I]angiotensin II ([ 125 I]AII) as the radioligand showed binding in peripheral tissues but little binding in the central nervous system. Conversely, binding studies using [ 125 I]AIII as the radioligand indicated more central nervous binding with diminished peripheral binding. Specific binding of [ 125 I]AIII is evident throughout the brain with high binding in the circumventricular organs, striatum, caudate nucleus, olfactory bulb and localized areas of the thalamus and cerebral cortex. This binding was found to posses many of the properties commonly associated with binding to membrane-bound receptors. The specifically bound radioligand extracted from incubations of [ 125 I]AIII and central nervous tissue appears to be a product of the metabolism of [ 125 I]AIII rather that the peptide itself. Binding of [ 125 I]AII does occur in peripheral tissues and to a limited extent in the cerebellum, but to a different receptor from that characterized using [ 125 I]AIII. These results are similar to those seen in the gerbil and raise questions concerning the utilization of the rat as the primary model for studying the biochemistry of the brain-angiotensin system in humans.
The differentiation of white pulp and red pulp in the spleen of human fetuses (72–145 mm crown‐rump length)

The development of the white and red pulp in spleen from thirteen human fetuses measuring from 72 mm to 145 mm in crown-rump length (CRL) was studied using the electron microscope. This period follows the development of the primary vascular reticulum (Weiss, '73). The white pulp appears first as a periarterial sheath with variable numbers of large and medium-sized lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and some granulocytes and erythrocytes. It is always rich in macrophages. At 90 to 100 mm CRL, reticular cells closely associated with collagen and having a distinctive dark hyaloplasm appeared first in the endothelium and close about blood vessels and then out in the pulp. In the white pulp they became circumferentially arranged about the central artery while in the red pulp they formed a branching reticulum. Small lymphocytes were present in increasing number in the periarterial lymphatic sheath after the development of the circumferential reticulum. The venous sinuses developed and the marginal zone stood out as an erythrocyte-rich and macrophage-rich shell of reticulum surrounding the periarterial sheath.
The human transaldolase gene (TALDO1) is located on chromosome 11 at p15.4-p15.5.

Abstract Transaldolase (TAL) is a key enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway, which is responsible for generation of reducing equivalents to protect cellular integrity from reactive oxygen intermediates. While exons 2 and 3 are highly repetitive, the complete TAL-H gene is mapped to a single genomic locus (TALDO1 2 ) by several independent approaches. Southern blot hybridization of a 827-bp 3′ Eco RI fragment of the TAL-H cDNA to human–mouse somatic cell hybrid DNA localized TALDO1 to the p13 → pter region of chromosome 11. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with a 15-kb genomic fragment harboring exons 1 and 2 mapped TALDO1 to 11p15.4–p15.5. A truncated and mutated segment of TAL-H exon 5 terminating with a poly(A) tail was identified in a pseudogene locus (TALDOP1) on chromosome 1. Reverse transcriptase–PCR studies of human–mouse somatic cell hybrids revealed the presence of the functional TAL-H gene on chromosome 11 and its absence on human chromosome 1. Mapping of radiation hybrids placed TALDO1 between markers WI-1421 and D11S922 on 11p15.
Quanto piace al mondo è breve sogno. Petrarch and Schopenhauer: Elective Affinities

Art plays a fundamental role in Arthur Schopenhauer’s philosophical system, and among the many artists who Schopenhauer cites, Francis Petrarch may be considered the most significant. Schopenhauer includes Petrarch among his favorite authors, referring to him as “the poet of [his] heart” and quoting him in those parts of The World as Will and Representation and Parerga and Paralipomena that center on the topics of ethics and the art of living. In this essay, I analyze Schopenhauer’s most significant passages on Petrarch, suggest connections between those passages, and conclude that, for Schopenhauer, the Italian poet is much more than a poet; he is a true sage whose words one can turn to for comfort. Petrarch is a thinker, a promoter of solitary life and the love of knowledge, a writer of philosophy and, although only in part, even an ascetic man. From Schopenhauer’s writing, it appears that Petrarch encompasses many of the features of the ideal Schopenhauerian man: someone who understands the senselessness of life, who has succeeded in denying the Will and has been able to express it through his poetry, his philosophical writings and his life choices. Petrarch’s verses foreshadow the basic ideas of Schopenhauer’s philosophy; his actions and his example serve not only as a model and inspiration for the readers of Schopenhauer but also for the German philosopher himself.
Dendritic and fractal patterns in electrolytic metal deposits.

Pattern formation in the electrodeposition of Zn from a thin layer of ZnS${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ solution was studied as a function of electrolyte concentration and applied voltage. We found several qualitatively different growth forms in this system. Most strikingly, a transition from dendritic crystals (where crystalline anisotropy dominates) to disordered ramified patterns is found when the electrolyte concentration is reduced. The disordered patterns may be described as fractal below a concentration-dependent cutoff length.
Protocol Customization for Improving MPI Performance on RDMA-Enabled Clusters

Optimizing Message Passing Interface (MPI) point-to-point communication for large messages is of paramount importance since most communications in MPI applications are performed by such operations. Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) allows one-sided data transfer and provides great flexibility in the design of efficient communication protocols for large messages. However, achieving high point-to-point communication performance on RDMA-enabled clusters is challenging due to both the complexity in communication protocols and the impact of the protocol invocation scenario on the performance of a given protocol. In this work, we analyze existing protocols and show that they are not ideal in many situations, and propose to use protocol customization, that is, different protocols for different situations to improve MPI performance. More specifically, by leveraging the RDMA capability, we develop a set of protocols that can provide high performance for all protocol invocation scenarios. Armed with this set of protocols that can collectively achieve high performance in all situations, we demonstrate the potential of protocol customization by developing a trace-driven toolkit that allows the appropriate protocol to be selected for each communication in an MPI application to maximize performance. We evaluate the performance of the proposed techniques using micro-benchmarks and application benchmarks. The results indicate that protocol customization can out-perform traditional communication schemes by a large degree in many situations.
A SOI-MEMS-based 3-DOF planar parallel-kinematics nanopositioning stage

Abstract This paper presents the design, kinematic and dynamic analysis, fabrication and characterization of a monolithic micro/nanopositioning three degrees-of-freedom (DOF) (XYθ) stage. The design of the proposed MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) stage is based on a parallel-kinematic mechanism (PKM) scheme that allows for translation in the XY plane and rotation about the Z axis, an increased motion range, and linear kinematics in the operating region (or work area) of the stage. The truss-like structure of the PKM results in higher modal frequencies by increasing the structural stiffness and reducing the moving mass of the stage. The stage is fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer using surface micromachining and deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) processes. Three sets of electrostatic linear comb drives jointly actuate the mechanism to produce motion in the X, Y and θ (rotation) directions. The fabricated stage provides a motion range of 18 μm and 1.72° at a driving voltage of 85 V. The resonant frequency of the stage under ambient conditions is 465 Hz. Additionally a high Q factor (∼66) is achieved from this parallel-kinematics mechanism design.
On the effects of non-linearity in free-surface flow about a submerged point vortex

Two-dimensional free-surface flow about a point vortex in a stream of infinite depth is investigated. The non-linear problem is formulated in terms of an integrodifferential equation on the exact, unknown location of the free surface, and this equation is then solved numerically. The non-linear results are compared with the predictions of linearized theory and, for positive circulation, it is found that the latter may under-estimate the drag force significantly. For negative circulation, the linearized theory grossly over-predicts the value of the wave resistance, which apparently even becomes zero in a limiting configuration.
Smaller may be beautiful but is it more risky? Assessing and managing political and economic risk in Costa Rica

Abstract The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine how managers assess and manage political and economic risk once their company's foreign direct investment (FDI) is on the ground. Using a qualitative research design involving personal interviews with CEOs/top managers of foreign firms operating in Costa Rica, findings indicate that managers at the subsidiary level generally do not engage in political and economic risk assessment on an ongoing basis, nor do they coordinate risk assessment with MNE headquarters. Propositions are developed that suggest subsidiary size may be more important for determining a firm's political risk than the overall size of the corporation. Also, a firm's political risk may vary over time as the host country's policy priorities change, particularly the policies which favor some industries over others. Findings are expected to contribute to the literature on country risk and bargaining theories as well as to the research on the role of the subsidiary in FDI.
HMGI(Y) and Sp1 in addition to NF-kappa B regulate transcription of the MGSA/GRO alpha gene

Expression of the chemokine MGSA/GRO is upregulated as melanocytes progress to melanoma cells. We demonstrate that constitutive and cytokine induced MGSA/GRO alpha expression requires multiple DNA regulatory regions between positions -143 to -62. We have previously shown that the NF-kappa B element at -83 to -65 is essential for basal and cytokine induced MGSA/GRO alpha promoter activity in the Hs294T melanoma and normal retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, respectively. Here, we have determined that the Sp1 binding element located approximately 42 base pairs upstream from the NF-kappa B element binds Sp1 and Sp3 constitutively and this element is necessary for basal MGSA/GRO alpha promoter activity. We demonstrate that the high mobility group proteins HMGI(Y) recognize the AT-rich motif nested within the NF-kappa B element in the MGSA/GRO alpha promoter. Loss of either NF-kappa B or HMGI(Y) complex binding by selected point mutations in the NF-kappa B element results in decreased basal and cytokine induced MGSA/GRO alpha promoter activity. Thus, these results indicate that transcriptional regulation of the chemokine MGSA/GRO alpha requires at least three transcription factors: Sp1, NF-kappa B and HMGI(Y).
Optical properties and magnetochromism in multiferroic BiFeO3

In order to investigate spin-charge coupling in multiferroic oxides, we measured the optical properties of ${\text{BiFeO}}_{3}$. Although the direct 300 K charge gap is observed at 2.67 eV, absorption onset actually occurs at much lower energy with ${\text{Fe}}^{3+}$ excitations at 1.41 and 1.90 eV. Temperature and magnetic-field-induced spectral changes reveal complex interactions between on-site crystal-field and magnetic excitations in the form of magnon sidebands. We employ the sensitivity of these magnon sidebands to map out the magnetic-field-temperature phase diagram which demonstrates optical evidence for spin spiral quenching above 20 T and suggests a spin domain reorientation near 10 T.
Recent Developments in the Quantum Monte Carlo Method: Evaluation of Interatomic Forces

The quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) method is a modern many-body computational methodology which proves very successful for the studies of systems with pronounced electron correlation effects. We describe basic procedures necessary to achieve chemical accuracy (1 kcal/mol) in the estimation of energy differences. In order to extend the capabilities of our QMC procedure, we recently initiated a new development aimed at the evaluation of interatomic forces in molecular systems within the QMC framework. Here we present our current progress and preliminary results.
Crap Detecting: An Approach to Developing Critical Reading and Thinking Skills in the Foreign Language Curriculum

This paper describes a three-part approach to the enhancement of critical-reading and thinking skills. In particular, this paper proposes 1) a rationale for emphasizing the skill; 2) a specific role foreign language can play; and 3) two classroom-tested activities presented in French. This active and problem-solving approach to reading a second language advocates the use of authentic and unsimplified non-literary texts for use by advanced high school and intermediate college students. It is hoped that this approach will encourage foreign language students to think more actively, objectively, and critically when reading both native- and second-language texts.
Devolution of power: an interim report card

During the mid-1990s liberals hoped that states would enact health insurance expansions, while conservatives looked to the states to contain costs. This essay considers whether states are meeting these great expectations. I review state performance in four policy priorities: encouraging Medicaid clients to enroll in managed care; expanding insurance coverage for children; making insurance more available and more affordable for the small-business community; and containing long-term care costs. The review suggests that states cannot accomplish these tasks without federal help. Congress seems to be getting the message and has enacted its own child health and insurance reform legislation. This trend is overdue and welcome.
Automatic fault analysis and user notification for predictive maintenance

The automatic analysis of different power system events is important for the successful operation of the system and the management of assets in substations or industrial facilities. The paper analyzes the types of system events, available data sources and requirements for the development of hierarchical event analysis systems. The analysis functions available in intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) or at different levels of automatic analysis systems are discussed. The requirements for recording of system events and the hierarchy of such systems are presented. The importance of accurate time-synchronization and methods to achieve it is also described.
Bone destruction, upward migration, and medialisation of rheumatoid shoulder: a 15 year follow up study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate bone destruction, upward migration, and medialisation of the glenohumeral (GH) joint in a cohort of 74 patients with seropositive and erosive rheumatoid arthritis followed up prospectively. METHODS At the 15 year follow up 148 shoulders were radiographed by a standard method. Bone destruction in the GH joint was examined from the radiographs by four methods, of which three measured the migration and one the remodelling of the humeral head. The distances from the greater tuberosity of the humeral head to the coracoid process (medialisation distance (MD)) and to the articular surface of the humeral head (GA) have been previously developed to evaluate the preoperative offsets of the arthritic GH joint. Medial displacement index (MI) and upward migration index (UI) have been recently developed to evaluate the destructive pattern of the rheumatoid GH joint. Destruction of the GH joints was assessed by the Larsen method on a scale of 0 to 5. The relation between the measurements and the grade of destruction of the GH joints was examined. UI was compared with our previous measurements of the subacromial space. RESULTS Both the MI and the UI had a negative correlation with the GH joint destruction (Larsen grade), r =−0.49 (95% CI −0.36 to −0.60) and r =−0.58 (95% CI −0.46 to −0.68). The UI correlated significantly with the subacromial space, r =0.90 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.93). The mean MI and UI measurements of the non-affected joints were within the reported normal variation. The mean MD collapsed between Larsen grades 4 (83.0 mm) and 5 (65.5 mm). The morphology of the humeral head began to flatten and erode from the grade 3 onwards and medial head destruction was detected at grade 5. CONCLUSIONS Medialisation seems to be preceded by upward migration of the humeral head, indicating rotator cuff damage. Symptomatic Larsen grade 3 shoulders should be intensively followed up by clinical and radiological means. If a total shoulder arthroplasty is considered, an orthopaedic consultation is worthwhile at a sufficiently early stage (Larsen 3 and 4), when soft tissue structures responsible for function are still in proper condition and timing of the operative procedure can be well planned.
U. S. Navy Marine Gas Turbine Qualification Testing for the 21st Century

Two primary topics are addressed in this paper:1. A brief record of the evolution of U. S. Navy (USN) gas turbine qualification and testing requirements that helped produce the successful engines now in service and2. Examination of these requirements in light of current and projected defense budgets resulting from changes in the world over the past twenty-five years.The paper proposes changes in the current methods the USN employs in qualifying its gas turbines for surface ship applications. The proposed alternate methods consider commercial testing and service experience as well as testing based on MIL-E-17341 requirements. Finally, the marine gas turbine community is invited to begin a dialogue on the feasibility of these alternate methods.Copyright © 1999 by ASME
GAFPGA: Genetic algorithm for FPGA technology mapping

A method for solving the technology mapping problem for field-programmable gate arrays that is based on the genetic algorithm is presented. The genetic algorithm simultaneously optimizes a set of solutions, which makes it a very powerful optimization technique. However, due to the highly constrained search spaces for design automation problems, the application of the genetic algorithm is not straightforward. It is shown that this limitation can be overcome by enhancing the genetic search appropriately. The performance of the enhanced genetic search is demonstrated through experimental results for the technology mapping problem. >
Phylogenetic analyses of the homologous transmembrane channel-forming proteins of the F0F1-ATPases of bacteria, chloroplasts and mitochondria

Sequences of the three integral membrane subunits (subunits a, b and c) of the F0 sector of the proton-translocating F-type (F0F1-) ATPases of bacteria, chloroplasts and mitochondria have been analysed. All homologous-sequenced proteins of these subunits, comprising three distinct families, have been identified by database searches, and the homologous protein sequences have been aligned and analysed for phylogenetic relatedness. The results serve to define the relationships of the members of each of these three families of proteins, to identify regions of relative conservation, and to define relative rates of evolutionary divergence. Of these three subunits, c-subunits exhibited the slowest rate of evolutionary divergence, b-subunits exhibited the most rapid rate of evolutionary divergence, and a-subunits exhibited an intermediate rate of evolutionary divergence. The results allow definition of the relative times of occurrence of specific events during evolutionary history, such as the intragenic duplication event that gave rise to large c-subunits in eukaryotic vacuolar-type ATPases after eukaryotes diverged from archaea, and the extragenic duplication of F-type ATPase b-subunits that occurred in bluegreen bacteria before the advent of chloroplasts. The results generally show that the three F0 subunits evolved as a unit from a primordial set of genes without appreciable horizontal transmission of the encoding genetic information although a few possible exceptions were noted.
Neighbourhood effects and household responses to water supply problems in Nigerian cities

Between 1990 and 2004, Nigeria’s urban population jumped to nearly half the national population, while access to improved sources of water in urban areas dropped by nearly 15 per cent during the same period. This paper presents preliminary results on the relationship between water supply, neighbourhood characteristics, and household strategies in response to dissatisfaction with water provision as reported by 389 respondents in 10 neighbourhoods in Lagos and Benin City, Nigeria between October 2007 and February 2008. In this paper, a conceptual model of consumer demand for water is used, based upon Hirschman’s exit, voice and loyalty (EVL) framework. The model explicitly factors in the quality of water provision and variables at the household and neighbourhood levels that could affect perceptions about quality and the strategies that households use to cope with inadequate public services. Preliminary results show that reported household strategies to secure water are affected by community-level factors such as the range, cost, and quality of water supply alternatives, as well as neighbourhood composition. Furthermore, the percentage of urban migrants and households that live in rented flats in a neighbourhood seems to be associated with the use of exit strategies (as opposed to voice) in response to problems with their primary water supply.
Collagen XIXa1 is crucial for motor axon navigation at intermediate targets

During development, motor axons navigate from the spinal cord to their muscle targets in the periphery using stereotyped pathways. These pathways are broken down into shorter segments by intermediate targets where axon growth cones are believed to coordinate guidance cues. In zebrafish stumpy mutants, embryonic development proceeds normally; however, as trunk motor axons stall at their intermediate targets, suggesting that Stumpy is needed specifically for motor axon growth cones to proceed past intermediate targets. Fine mapping and positional cloning revealed that stumpy was the zebrafish homolog of the atypical FACIT collagen collagenXIXa1 (colXIX). colXIX expression was observed in a temporal and spatial pattern, consistent with a role in motor axon guidance at intermediate targets. Knocking down zebrafish ColXIX phenocopied the stumpy phenotype and this morpholino phenotype could be rescued by adding back either mouse or zebrafish colXIX RNA. The stumpy phenotype was also partially rescued in mutants by first knocking down zebrafish ColXIX and adding back colXIX RNA, suggesting that the mutation is acting as a dominant negative. Together, these results demonstrate a novel function for a FACIT collagen in guiding vertebrate motor axons through intermediate targets.
Clinical equipoise and risk–benefit assessment:

Clinical equipoise is widely regarded as an ethical requirement for the design and conduct of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Underlying clinical equipoise is the norm that no patient should be randomized to treatment known (or believed by the expert clinical community) to be inferior to the established standard of care. This implies that patient-subjects should not be exposed to net risks in control groups of randomized trials - risks that are not compensated by the prospect of direct medical benefits from the control intervention. However, proponents of clinical equipoise have no moral objections to permitting net risks for 'nontherapeutic' research procedures employed in clinical trials. This differential assessment makes risk-benefit assessment of randomized trials incoherent. In this article, I examine critically four arguments in defense of clinical equipoise as a requirement for risk-benefit assessment. Each of these arguments fails to support clinical equipoise, leading to the conclusion that we should dispense with this principle in risk-benefit assessment of RCTs.
Keeping up one's appearance: Its importance and the choice of type of hair-grooming establishment

This study investigated factors which influence the importance one attributes to overall appearance and the choice of type of hair-grooming establishment. Data were collected from a sample of 245 respondents residing in a southwestern metropolitan area. Analyses reveal that respondents employed in professional/managerial, clerical/secretarial, sales, services, and military occupations, ones in which appearance could influence job performance, identified maintaining an overall good appearance as very important significantly more often than respondents employed in other occupations. Employment in appearance-important occupations significantly influences the choice of hair-grooming establishment. Demographic variables have greater explanatory power than economic variables (appearance-important occupations and income) and establishment attribute variables (image, service experience, and convenience).
BSAVA EDUCATION COMMITTEE COMMISSIONED ARTICLE: The cruciate ligaments: the enigma of the canine stifle

Injury to the cruciate ligaments, especially the cranial cruciate ligament, is one of the most common clinical problems presented to the small animal veterinarian. While there have been many procedures described for the treatment of cruciate ligament rupture no unanimity exists as to which procedure is the best. Therefore, in order to select the reparative technique that might best serve an individual case, the veterinary clinician must be familiar with the anatomy, function, and mechanics of cruciate ligament injury as well as the principles of both extra-articular and intra-articular techniques. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge of the cruciate ligaments. “Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is the most common injury in the stifle joint of the dog.” Paatsama 1952
THE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD NEAR A PARASITIC CYLINDRICAL ANTENNA.

The total electromagnetic field near a highly conducting cylindrical antenna of finite length, which is excited by a plane electromagnetic wave with the electric vector Ezi parallel to the axis of the cylinder, is investigated. The integral equation for the current in the cylinder is transformed into an integral equation for the axial component Ez(ρ, z) of the electric field. This equation is solved approximately, and an explicit formula for Ez(ρ, z) is derived. This, together with the simply obtained expressions for Bθ(ρ, z) and Eρ(ρ,z), give the complete electromagnetic field near a conducting cylinder.
Risk management: moving beyond process

Software risk management is more than just another process; it is a fundamental change in the way uncertainty and decision making are viewed. More specifically, effective risk management requires obtaining functional behavior, not just following a process or having diverse sources of information. Functional behavior is often labeled the absence of dysfunctional behavior, yet eliminating dysfunctional behavior doesn't automatically result in the desired behavior. Rockwell found that they needed to go a step further and devise a plan to "coach" functional behavior. The author describes a plan to elicit the behavior "communicate risk more effectively" which Rockwell identified as a common thread among many functional behaviors. After implementing this plan we noted several improvements, including fewer surprises and crises, even on our most risky programs. Reviews are now more robust, providing more accurate pictures of each program's situation: past, present, and future. It is also easier to identify whether a program is controlling its fate or simply reacting to the world around it.
Political Science, Civic Engagement, and the Wicked Problems of Democracy

This chapter describes the uncomfortable marriage between political science and civic education and calls for a reformulation of how we engage students in the wicked problems of democracy.
Antimony-Doped Tin Oxide Aerogels as Porous Electron Collectors for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) aerogels have been prepared as conductive scaffolds for TiO2 in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The high surface area, porosity and particle interconnectivity inherent to aerogels, and the conductivity and transparency of ATO make these structures attractive as porous electron collectors. Aerogels were prepared by sol–gel processing and supercritical drying of ATO containing varying amounts of Sb. These were coated with varying TiO2 layer thicknesses by atomic layer deposition, sensitized with an organic dye (D149), and made into DSC devices using iodide/triiodide (I–/I3–) and ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc/Fc+) electrolytes. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the morphological characteristics of the aerogel materials. The effect of ALD cycles on the dye adsorption was measured. Current–voltage characteristics were used to study device performance. We found that ATO aerogels with 15% Sb have improved performance over TiO2 and undoped tin oxide aerogel devices. DSC ...
The Compound Eye of the Caribbean Fruit Fly and the Apple Maggot Fly

Histologically, the compound eye of the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa (Loew) and the apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) have the open rhabdom structure composed of 8 retinula cells, the seventh retinula cell being the superior cell and the eighth cell being the inferior cell. This cellular organization is similar to that of the housefly and other Diptera. The compound eye of the Caribbean fruit fly consists of ca. 3600 ommatidia that are 190-260 µm long with each having a hexagonal lens 25-30 µm wide. The apple maggot fly eye is smaller and is composed of ca. 2600 ommatidia that are 150-220 µm long with lenses 25 µm wide. The dorsal quadrant of the eyes of both species would be a suitable site for inserting microelectrodes for recording electroretinograms because the eye is structurally more resistant to depression in this area. Therefore, a minimum of cellular distortion would occur when electrodes are inserted in these quadrants of the compound eye.
In Situ Heteroepitaxial Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 Thin Films Prepared by Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition

Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8 thin films have been prepared in situ by low pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition using fluorinated β–diketonate precursors. The influence of the growth conditions on the oxide phase stability and impurity phase formation was examined as well as the superconducting properties of the films. Thin films deposited on LaAIO 3 substrates were epitaxial as confirmed by x-ray diffraction measurements, including θ-2θ and φ scans. Four probe resistivity measurements showed the films to be superconducting with a maximum T c0 of 90 K without post annealing. This T c0 is among the highest reported for thin films of the BSCCO (2212) phase, and approaches reported bulk values.
Clinical chronic pancreatitis.

Purpose of reviewTo summarize observations in clinical chronic pancreatitis in the past year.Recent findingsA predisposing genetic mutation was identified in 67% of cases of pediatric chronic pancreatitis. A novel susceptibility gene involving a hybrid allele is associated with idiopathic chronic pa
Abstract 4750: Characterization of the cytoskeletal protein MACF1 in lung cancer

Genetic variation between cancer patients with the same tumor and intratumor genetic heterogeneity have broadened the complexity of factors that contribute to clinical therapeutic resistance and poor response outcomes. This has made it imperative to identity atypical expressed outliers that influence the maintenance and progression of cancers. We have identified and investigated the spectraplakin protein, Microtubule Actin Cross-Linking Factor 1 (MACF1) which functions as an actin-microfilament and microtubule crosslinker for its role in lung cancers. Genomic data generated by the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) indicate that the MACF1 gene is mutated and/or amplified in ∼15% of squamous lung cancers and 25% of lung cancers, respectively. Further examination with immunohistochemistry expression analysis revealed that MACF1 is highly expressed in several lung cancer subtypes, particularly adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, as compared to normal lung tissue. Additionally, functional studies showed that suppression of MACF1 with RNA interference significantly impaired the reproductive capacity of these solid tumors. Taken together, MACF1 represents a unique target with genetic alterations and diagnostic biomarker potential in lung cancers, the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Citation Format: Najlaa Afghani, Quincy A. Quick. Characterization of the cytoskeletal protein MACF1 in lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4750.
PRIMER – A Regression-Rule Learning System for Intervention Optimization

We introduce intervention optimization as a new area of exploration for data mining research. Interventions are events designed to impact a corresponding time series. The task is to maximize the impact of such events by training a model on historical data. We propose PRIMER as a new regression-rule learning system for identifying sets of event features that maximize impact. PRIMER is for use when domain experts with knowledge of the intervention can specify a transfer function, or the form of the expected response in the time series. PRIMER’s objective function includes the goodness-of-fit of the average response of covered events to the transfer function. Incorporating domain knowledge in this way makes PRIMER robust to over-fitting on noise or spurious responses. PRIMER is designed to produce interpretable results, improving on the interpretability of even competing regression-rule systems for this task. It also has fewer and more intuitive parameters than competing rule-based systems. Empirically, we show that PRIMER is competitive with state-of-the-art regression techniques in a large-scale event study modeling the impact of insider trading on intra-day stock returns.
Sum rate analysis and quantizer design for a quantized heterogeneous feedback MIMO OFDMA downlink

In this paper, we analyze the effect of quantization on a multiuser MIMO OFDMA downlink employing heterogeneous partial feedback design method, which adapts users' feedback resources to their frequency domain channel statistics. This adaptive feedback design is investigated for the best-M partial feedback scheme, and the closed form expression for the sum rate under finite-rate quantization is derived for a system employing transmit antenna selection/maximum ratio combining (TAS/MRC) spatial diversity scheme under the generalized Nakagami fading channels. The sum rate provides a basis for determining the different quantization levels of an optimal non-uniform quantizer. For complexity reasons, a low complexity near optimal quantization strategy is proposed which employs uniform quantization with optimized intervals.
Readers as place-makers: the experience of place in the literacy life-worlds of middle childhood

AbstractThis study explored five adults’ experiences of place within their middle childhood literacy life-worlds. Middle childhood, the stage of development in which children often acquire reading independence, is also characterized by significant increases in children’s geographic accessibility and independence. The findings propose that in the literacy life-worlds of middle childhood, readers’ experiences of place can be characterized as Repositioning (instances in which participants saw themselves differently in relation to their physical or conceptual environments), Transportation (participants’ sense of being imaginatively transported to a literary landscape where they could engage in new experiences), Nesting (the way participants manipulated their physical environment in preparation for the act of reading) and Layering (the means by which participants attempted to embody, in a very physical sense, a literary world by layering it on top of their immediate environment). These findings have significan...
One-to-one code and its anti-redundancy

One-to-one codes are "one shot" codes that assign a distinct codeword to source symbols and are not necessarily prefix codes (more generally, uniquely decodable). For example, such codes arise when there exists an "end of message" channel symbol. Interestingly, as Wyner proved in 1972, for such codes the average code length can be smaller than the source entropy. By how much? We call this difference the anti-redundancy. Various authors over the years have shown that the anti-redundancy can be as big as minus the logarithm of the source entropy. However, to the best of our knowledge precise estimates do not exist. In this note, we consider a block code of length n generated by a binary memoryless source, and prove that the average anti-redundancy is -(1/2)log2n + C + F(n) + o(1) where C is a constant and either F(n) = O if log2(1 - p)/p is irrational (where p is the probability of generating a "0") or otherwise F(ri) is a fluctuating function as the code length increases. This relatively simple finding requires a combination of quite sophisticated analytic tools such as precise evaluation of Bernoulli sums, the saddle point method, and theory of distribution of sequences modulo 1
Lumbar Spine Biopsy

1. To learn the pertinent radiologic anatomy, including bony, neural, and vascular anatomy, as it relates to image-guided lumbar spine biopsy 2. To review the most common indications and contraindications for image-guided lumbar spine biopsy 3. To review different approaches and techniques when planning image-guided coaxial lumbar spine biopsy
November Complications, but Emigration Continues

Resistance and Resilience After the November Pogrom, by Ilana F. Offenberger In this chapter, Offenberger illuminates a previously unrecognized and unacknowledged aspect of the experience of Vienna’s Jews under Nazi oppression: resistance. Offenberger reveals that Vienna’s Jews never stood by passively during the reign of Nazi occupation. In fact, they resisted persecution and expropriation, dehumanization, and the destruction of their families on a daily basis. This chapter spans the period from October 1938 to October 1941, while focusing on the aftermath of the infamous “Night of Broken Glass,” and the challenges the pogrom posed to the emigration effort. Looking at various Viennese Jewish families and the community at large, Offenberger explores how people’s lives changed due to the terror of the pogrom. Often, emigration plans fell apart, particularly for Vienna’s wealthiest Jews. Despite the new circumstances, Offenberger points out that Vienna’s Jews continued to be resilient and press the emigration effort forward. Individuals together with the IKG enabled the escape of another 70,000 persons from Nazi Vienna after November 1938, including the remarkable release and emigration of five of every seven men deported from Vienna to Dachau and Buchenwald.
Conformally natural extensions of continuous circle maps: II. The general case

We introduce a procedure for extending continuous circle maps in a conformally natural way to continuous maps from the closed disk, bounded by the circle to itself which generalizes Douady-Earle’s method of constructing conformally natural extensions of circle homeomorphisms. We also provide a criterion for the extensions to be surjective maps from the closed disk to itself.
Formation of Human Colonic Crypt Array by Application of Chemical Gradients Across a Shaped Epithelial Monolayer

Background & Aims The successful culture of intestinal organoids has greatly enhanced our understanding of intestinal stem cell physiology and enabled the generation of novel intestinal disease models. Although of tremendous value, intestinal organoid culture systems have not yet fully recapitulated the anatomy or physiology of the in vivo intestinal epithelium. The aim of this work was to re-create an intestinal epithelium with a high density of polarized crypts that respond in a physiologic manner to addition of growth factors, metabolites, or cytokines to the basal or luminal tissue surface as occurs in vivo. Methods A self-renewing monolayer of human intestinal epithelium was cultured on a collagen scaffold microfabricated with an array of crypt-like invaginations. Placement of chemical factors in either the fluid reservoir below or above the cell-covered scaffolding created a gradient of that chemical across the growing epithelial tissue possessing the in vitro crypt structures. Crypt polarization (size of the stem/proliferative and differentiated cell zones) was assessed in response to gradients of growth factors, cytokines, and bacterial metabolites. Results Chemical gradients applied to the shaped human epithelium re-created the stem/proliferative and differentiated cell zones of the in vivo intestine. Short-chain fatty acids applied as a gradient from the luminal side confirmed long-standing hypotheses that butyrate diminished stem/progenitor cell proliferation and promoted differentiation into absorptive colonocytes. A gradient of interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α significantly suppressed the stem/progenitor cell proliferation, altering crypt formation. Conclusions The in vitro human colon crypt array accurately mimicked the architecture, luminal accessibility, tissue polarity, cell migration, and cellular responses of in vivo intestinal crypts.
First report of Phytophthora cactorum causing crown rot of Shepherdia x utahensis in the United States

Shepherdia argentea is a shrub native to the Intermountain West, often found in riparian areas. S. rotundifolia is also native, but limited in distribution to xeric environments in Arizona and southern Utah. The interspecific hybrid S. rotundifolia x argentea, named Shepherdia x utahensis, was made in an attempt to create an attractive, locally adapted, low water use landscape shrub. In fall of 2015, one of several failing young S. x utahensis plants from an ornamental native plant production and evaluation garden in Utah was submitted to the Oregon State University Plant Clinic for diagnosis. Additional plants from the site had already been destroyed. Symptoms included sparse foliage and extensive water-soaked necrosis in the root crown and lower branches. Tissue from the necrotic margins were surface disinfected (3 min, 10% household bleach (v/v)), rinsed, plated to 5% V8 modified PARP (0.1g/L dichloran substituted for pimaricin (PARD)) and incubated at 20°C. Canker margins were positive for Phytophthor...
An efficient, large-scale, non-lattice-detection algorithm for exhaustive structural auditing of biomedical ontologies.

Abstract One of the basic challenges in developing structural methods for systematic audition on the quality of biomedical ontologies is the computational cost usually involved in exhaustive sub-graph analysis. We introduce ANT-LCA, a new algorithm for computing all non-trivial lowest common ancestors (LCA) of each pair of concepts in the hierarchical order induced by an ontology. The computation of LCA is a fundamental step for non-lattice approach for ontology quality assurance. Distinct from existing approaches, ANT-LCA only computes LCAs for non-trivial pairs, those having at least one common ancestor. To skip all trivial pairs that may be of no practical interest, ANT-LCA employs a simple but innovative algorithmic strategy combining topological order and dynamic programming to keep track of non-trivial pairs. We provide correctness proofs and demonstrate a substantial reduction in computational time for two largest biomedical ontologies: SNOMED CT and Gene Ontology (GO). ANT-LCA achieved an average computation time of 30 and 3 sec per version for SNOMED CT and GO, respectively, about 2 orders of magnitude faster than the best known approaches. Our algorithm overcomes a fundamental computational barrier in sub-graph based structural analysis of large ontological systems. It enables the implementation of a new breed of structural auditing methods that not only identifies potential problematic areas, but also automatically suggests changes to fix the issues. Such structural auditing methods can lead to more effective tools supporting ontology quality assurance work.
Modal interpretations of default logic

In the paper we study a new and natural modal interpretation of defaults. We show that under this interpretation there are whole families of modal nonmonotonic logics that accurately represent default reasoning. One of these logics is used in a definition of possible-worlds semantics for default logic. This semantics yields a characterization of default extensions similar to the characterization of stable expansions by means of autoepistemic interpretation. We also show that the disjunctive information can easily be handled if disjunction is represented by means of modal disjunctive defaults -- modal formulas that we use in our interpretation. Our results indicate that there is no single modal logic for describing default reasoning. On the contrary, there exist whole ranges of modal logics, each of which can be used in the embedding as a "host" logic.