cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of optical water type on the diurnal response of the upper ocean

The effect of optical water characteristics upon the diurnal variability of upper ocean temperatures and heat content has been studied. A second moment turbulent closure scheme was employed for the simulations. Realistic thermal forcing as well as uniform and time varying wind stresses were used for boundary conditions. The diurnal amplitude in sea surface temperature and long term changes in heat content are strongly influenced by water type for constant wind speeds up to 6 m s -1 . The phasing of time-dependent wind stresses can lead to enhanced diurnal sea surface temperature amplitudes (e.g. solar insolation 12 hours out of phase with maximum wind stress). Long term trends in heat content, however, are nearly independent of phase. The results of the simulations are consistent with the range of reported observations. The present work suggests that variability in biological productivity and consequent variations in the optical properties of seawater may be important for realistic modelling of upper ocean structure and climate. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.1983.tb00018.x
CCD digital camera maps the East Pacific Rise

Since the pioneering work of Ewing et al. [1946] and Edgerton [1963] on the development of modern deep-sea camera systems, photographs of the deep seabed have been fundamental to marine geological investigations, portraying deep-sea fauna and permitting study of seafloor morphology at scales ranging from centimeters to meters [e.g., Heezen and Hollister, 1971; Spiess and Tyce, 1973; Grassle et al., 1979; Ballard and Moore, 1977; Lonsdale and Spiess, 1980; Fox et al., 1988]. Deep-sea photography has advanced from single-frame bounce cameras to sophisticated remotely operated vehicles (ROV) containing a complement of optical and acoustical data sensors and altitude-recording devices. Recent advances in camera technology, notably the development of digital camera systems [e.g., Harris et al., 1987], are rapidly increasing the information content of deep-sea photographs. Digital photographs are superior to their analog counterparts because they can be computer enhanced to extract features that are difficult to resolve due to poor lighting, for example. They also lend themselves to quantitative analysis, facilitating numerical comparisons between acoustic backscatter data and optical imagery of various seafloor terrains.
Alpha-synuclein and tau: teammates in neurodegeneration?

The accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates is the hallmark of Parkinson’s disease, and more generally of synucleinopathies. The accumulation of tau aggregates however is classically found in the brains of patients with dementia, and this type of neuropathological feature specifically defines the tauopathies. Nevertheless, in numerous cases α-synuclein positive inclusions are also described in tauopathies and vice versa, suggesting a co-existence or crosstalk of these proteinopathies. Interestingly, α-synuclein and tau share striking common characteristics suggesting that they may work in concord. Tau and α-synuclein are both partially unfolded proteins that can form toxic oligomers and abnormal intracellular aggregates under pathological conditions. Furthermore, mutations in either are responsible for severe dominant familial neurodegeneration. Moreover, tau and α-synuclein appear to promote the fibrillization and solubility of each other in vitro and in vivo. This suggests that interactions between tau and α-synuclein form a deleterious feed-forward loop essential for the development and spreading of neurodegeneration. Here, we review the recent literature with respect to elucidating the possible links between α-synuclein and tau.
Distinct patterns of IFITM-mediated restriction of filoviruses, SARS coronavirus, and influenza A virus.

Interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins 1, 2, and 3 (IFITM1, 2, and 3) are recently identified viral restriction factors that inhibit infection mediated by the influenza A virus (IAV) hemagglutinin (HA) protein. Here we show that IFITM proteins restricted infection mediated by the entry glycoproteins (GP1,2) of Marburg and Ebola filoviruses (MARV, EBOV). Consistent with these observations, interferon-b specifically restricted filovirus and IAV entry processes. IFITM proteins also inhibited replication of infectious MARV and EBOV. We observed distinct patterns of IFITM-mediated restriction: compared with IAV, the entry processes of MARV and EBOV were less restricted by IFITM3, but more restricted by IFITM1. Moreover, murine Ifitm5 and 6 did not restrict IAV, but efficiently inhibited filovirus entry. We further demonstrate that replication of infectious SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and entry mediated by the SARS-CoV spike (S) protein are restricted by IFITM proteins. The profile of IFITM-mediated restriction of SARS-CoV was more similar to that of filoviruses than to IAV. Trypsin treatment of receptor-associated SARS-CoV pseudovirions, which bypasses their dependence on lysosomal cathepsin L, also bypassed IFITM-mediated restriction. However, IFITM proteins did not reduce cellular cathepsin activity or limit access of virions to acidic intracellular compartments. Our data indicate that IFITM-mediated restriction is localized to a late stage in the endocytic pathway. They further show that IFITM proteins differentially restrict the entry of a broad range of enveloped viruses, and modulate cellular tropism independently of viral receptor expression.
Cross-layer scheduling for power efficiency in wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks are considered the sensing technology of the future. Large numbers of untethered sensor nodes can be used for tracking small animals and targets, environmental monitoring, enforcing security perimeters, etc. A major problem for many sensor network applications is determining the most efficient way of conserving the energy of the power source. Some networks use batteries, while others suggest different methods of gathering energy (e.g., solar cells). Regardless of the powering method, energy conservation is of prime importance for sensor networks. The best way to conserve energy is to turn the sensor nodes off; however, since an inactive sensor node is no longer part of the network, the network can become disconnected. This creates a fundamental trade-off. In this paper, we propose a deterministic, schedule-based energy conservation scheme. In the proposed approach, time-synchronized sensors form on-off schedules that enable the sensors to be awake only when necessary. The schedule establishment is fully distributed and thus appropriate for large sensor networks. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated through the use of simulations
An analysis of coal particle temperature measurements with two-color optical pyrometers

Abstract Two-color optical pyrometers have been used to measure the temperature of reacting pulverized coal particles. An analysis of such measurements was performed to determine the effect of several possible conditions on the measured temperature. The conditions investigated were the use of a single photomultiplier to alternately measure the radiant emission at the two selected wavelengths, the presence of soot, light extinction, the choice of wavelengths used to compute the two-color temperature, and non-uniform particle clouds. A computer model of a one-dimensional coal particle cloud was written for this analysis. Results of calculations showed that artificially high temperatures can result if a pyrometer with a single photodetector is used to measure temperatures in a rapidly fluctuating flame. Emission by soot in the coal particle cloud caused unrealistically high temperature measurements. Light absorption by soot lowered the two-color temperature, but not enough to compensate for the rise in obser...
Drug-related changes in platelet shape in whole blood.

The need to understand the role platelets play in both hemostasis and thrombosis has served as the impetus for development of numerous in vitro tests of platelet behavior Cll. While many of these appear useful for the detec&ofatelet defects in disorders of hemostasis, their relevance to the detection of alterations in in vivo platelet behavior, either pathologic [2-41 or drug induced i-51, appears unclear. -Indeed, while platelet inhibitory drugs have profound effects in vitro, their clinical effects are either more modest or unpredictable C61. This problem has prompted the search for tests which might provide a more meaningful measure of in vivo platelet activity. --
Pulmonary vascular effects of prostaglandin D2, but not its systemic vascular or airway effects, are mediated through thromboxane receptor activation.

Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) can cause pulmonary vasoconstriction or vasodilation depending on animal species and age. Because the constrictor effects of PGD2 in some vascular beds may be mediated through thromboxane receptors, the purpose of this study was to determine whether the vascular or bronchial effects of PGD2 are mediated through thromboxane/endoperoxide (TX/E) receptor activation. In chronically instrumented awake sheep, PGD2 (5-25 micrograms/kg i.v.) produced a dose-dependent increase in pulmonary arterial pressure and in systemic arterial blood pressure. These changes were due to increases in resistance, because cardiac output remained unchanged. PGD2 also decreased dynamic compliance at lower doses (0.1-5 micrograms/kg i.v.) than those required to produce pulmonary vasoconstriction, confirming that PGD2 is a potent bronchoconstrictor. The airway and systemic vascular effects of PGD2 were not altered by TX/E receptor antagonism. In contrast, PGD2-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction was blocked by two TX/E receptor antagonists, SQ-29,548 and AH-23848, implying that this effect is mediated through activation of TX/E receptors. The pulmonary vasoconstrictor effects of PGD2 could not be explained by thromboxane generation, because neither cyclooxygenase inhibition with ibuprofen nor thromboxane synthase inhibition with OKY-046 had any effect on PGD2 actions. In contrast, a mild but consistent pulmonary vasodilation produced by PGD2 could be uncovered if the pulmonary vascular bed was preconstricted by hypoxia with simultaneous TX/E receptor blockade. These results indicate that TX/E receptor antagonists, although still useful pharmacological probes to determine the role of TX/E receptor activation in pathophysiological processes, should not be used to infer a role of endogenous thromboxane A2. It is possible that PGD2 participates in pulmonary processes previously ascribed uniquely to thromboxane A2.
Parental perception of healthy eating and physical activity: results from a preliminary Photovoice study

The aim of this study was to explore parental perception of assets and barriers to healthy eating and physical activity among a group of diverse, economically disadvantaged mothers in southeastern USA.
Real-time data acquisition in high-energy physics experiments

Gives an overview of the field of real-time data acquisition in high-energy physics experiments. It presents the problems encountered in real-time data acquisition and describes current solutions to some of them. It is intended as a tutorial introduction, having the main purpose to educate non-physicists about the challenges met by the designers of computer systems for supercolliders, the largest scientific instruments ever built by humans. >
Application of a Pyroprobe–Deuterium NMR System: Deuterium Tracing and Mechanistic Study of Upgrading Process for Lignin Model Compounds

In this study, a pyroprobe–deuterium (2H) NMR system has been used to identify isotopomer products formed during the deuteration and ring opening of lignin model compounds. Several common model compounds for lignin and its upgraded products, including guaiacol, syringol, toluene, p-xylene, phenol, catechol, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, and methylcyclopentane, have been examined for selective ring opening. Similar pathways for upgrading of toluene and p-xylene has been found, which will undergo hydrogenation, methyl group elimination, and ring opening process, and benzene, cyclohexane, and methylcyclohexane have been found as major intermediates before ring opening. Very interestingly, the 2H NMR analysis for the deuterium-traced ring opening of catechol on Ir/γ-Al2O3 is almost identical to the ring opening process for phenol. The ring opening processes for guaiacol and syringol appeared to be very complicated, as expected. Benzene, phenol, toluene, cyclohexane, and methylcyclohexane have been determine...
From Molecular Circuit Dysfunction to Disease Case Studies in Epilepsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Alzheimer’s Disease

Complex circuitry with feed-forward and feed-back systems regulate neuronal activity throughout the brain. Cell biological, electrical, and neurotransmitter systems enable neural networks to process and drive the entire spectrum of cognitive, behavioral, and motor functions. Simultaneous orchestration of distinct cells and interconnected neural circuits relies on hundreds, if not thousands, of unique molecular interactions. Even single molecule dysfunctions can be disrupting to neural circuit activity, leading to neurological pathology. Here, we sample our current understanding of how molecular aberrations lead to disruptions in networks using three neurological pathologies as exemplars: epilepsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Epilepsy provides a window into how total destabilization of network balance can occur. TBI is an abrupt physical disruption that manifests in both acute and chronic neurological deficits. Last, in AD progressive cell loss leads to devastating cognitive consequences. Interestingly, all three of these neurological diseases are interrelated. The goal of this review, therefore, is to identify molecular changes that may lead to network dysfunction, elaborate on how altered network activity and circuit structure can contribute to neurological disease, and suggest common threads that may lie at the heart of molecular circuit dysfunction.
Cogenerative Dialogue: Developing Biology Learning Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

A prominent challenge, at times under-addressed in the science education literature, is considering what types of learning accommodations science teachers should employ for students with disabilities. Outside of science education, researchers have consistently outlined how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is one efficient means by which to engage students with disabilities in the curriculum. This paper presents the results of a research study in which teachers employed co-generative dialogue as a learning space where UDL was used to differentiate and individualize instruction in an inclusive biology class. The data originated from a larger, ongoing, longitudinal ethnography of science learning in several New York City special education classrooms. This ethnographic work presents a case study where teachers and a student used co-generative dialogue to develop learning accommodations which conformed to the principles of UDL. This research demonstrates how co-generative dialogue can provide biology teachers and special education co-teachers with an opportunity to collaborate with students to create learning accommodations that connect to the broader biology curriculum.
Gravitational wave background from Population III binary black holes consistent with cosmic reionization

The recent discovery of the gravitational wave source GW150914 has revealed a coalescing binary black hole (BBH) with masses of $\sim 30~M_\odot$. Previous proposals for the origin of such a massive binary include Population III (PopIII) stars. PopIII stars are efficient producers of BBHs and of a gravitational wave background (GWB) in the $10-100$ Hz band, and also of ionizing radiation in the early Universe. We quantify the relation between the amplitude of the GWB ($\Omega_{\rm gw}$) and the electron scattering optical depth ($\tau_{\rm e}$), produced by PopIII stars, assuming that $f_{\rm esc}\approx 10\%$ of their ionizing radiation escapes into the intergalactic medium. We find that PopIII stars would produce a GWB that is detectable by the future O5 LIGO/Virgo if $\tau_{\rm e} \gtrsim 0.07$, consistent with the recent Planck measurement of $\tau_e=0.055 \pm 0.09$. Moreover, the spectral index of the background from PopIII BBHs becomes as small as ${\rm d}\ln \Omega_{\rm gw}/{\rm d}\ln f\lesssim 0.3$ at $f \gtrsim 30$ Hz, which is significantly flatter than the value $\sim 2/3$ generically produced by lower-redshift and less-massive BBHs. A detection of the unique flattening at such low frequencies by the O5 LIGO/Virgo will indicate the existence of a high-chirp mass, high-redshift BBH population, which is consistent with the PopIII origin. A precise characterization of the spectral shape near $30-50$ Hz by the Einstein Telescope could also constrain the PopIII initial mass function and star formation rate.
Central venous access through a persistent left superior vena cava: a case series

A persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare, under-recognized congenital anomaly. The PLSVC is incidentally discovered during central venous access procedures when access is obtained from the left internal jugular vein. The vast majority of PLSVCs drain into the right atrium; however, it is critical to recognize a PLSVC that drains into the left atrium as it can predispose to systemic dispersion of emboli through bypassing the lungs. Additionally, PLSVC catheterization has also been previously reported to be associated with cardiac dysrhythmias, venous stenosis, coronary sinus thrombosis, cardiac tamponade, and cardiac arrest. This case review presents three cases which illustrate the viability and safety of a PLSVC for long-term central venous access in the setting of chemotherapy and hemodialysis. Ascertaining the drainage pattern of a PLSVC with venogram, echocardiography, computed tomography is paramount prior to long-term catheterization.
The influence of boundary conditions on the optimization of flat laminated plates for buckling

A study of the influence of boundary conditions on the design of thin flat laminates optimized for buckling resistance was performed. Thelaminates were assumed to possess midplane symmetry, and in some cases to be specially orthotropic. Uniaxial compressive loading was assumed in all cases. Four types of boundary conditions were considered: fixed, free, simply-supported, and elastically-constrained. Solutions were obtained for various combinations of these boundary conditions. Jn each case a global optimization algorithm WWCODA) was used to identify the optimal laminate. It was found that the optimal layup is a function of aspect ratio (a/b), especially at low values of (a/b). As (a/b) is increased, the optimal solution becomes less sensitive to aspect ratio, and becomes effectively independent of (a/b) oncea characteristic value isreached. Thischaracteristic value depends on the particular combination of boundary conditions considered.
Drawing the Wagons into a Circle: Sectionalism and Energy Politics

The first year of the Carter Administration was in many ways a year of energy politics. It began in the middle of one of the coldest winters in recorded history. The Congress responded with unbelievable rapidity to a Presidential initiative on emergency natural gas allocation.' With the President's pronouncement of a national energy plan (NEP) in April, energy affairs dominated the summer and fall weeks of the Congressional session. In November the President cancelled an extensive foreign tour to dramatize the urgency of his commitment to passage of a comprehensive energy policy. Administration spokesmen admitted throughout it all that energy was the top priority for Carter's first year and that it would be fair to judge Presidential performance on the basis of the fate of the energy proposals.
Juvenile GM2 Gangliosidoses

Clinical features and genetic correlations of 21 new case histories and 134 published case reports of juvenile or subacute GM2 gangliosidosis were analyzed to delineate the natural history of the disorder, in a study at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada, and University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Conditional Representation: Presidential Rhetoric, Public Opinion, and the Representation of African American Interests

Conventional theories of presidential representation suggest that presidents avoid courting African Americans for fear of alienating white voters, leading to the underrepresentation of “black interests.” We argue that presidential representation of black interests is conditional: when (1) African Americans prioritize issues other than economic redistribution and civil rights and (2) when these priorities overlap with those of whites, presidents should provide considerable representation of those interests. We test our theory using two new sources of data: a dataset of black and white perceptions of the US's most important problem between 1968 and 2012; and a quantitative content analysis of over 200 major presidential speeches from 1969-2012. We find that presidents provide substantial representation of black interests, but only when these interests center on non-racialized concerns and overlap with the priorities of whites. We also find that presidential priorities are often independent of the chief concerns of both African Americans and whites.
Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by plasmid Gap-LCR-ELISA

Objective: To establish a high sensitive and specific method (plasmid Gap-LCR-ELISA) for the detecting of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). Methods: Four oligonucleotide probes were designed and labeled for plasmid Gap-LCR-ELISA, which were derived from CT cryptic plasmid. Then these probes were used to detect six standard serotype strains of CT and other bacteria causing the infection of genitourinary tract in clinic. Results: Six standard serotype strains of CT were detected specifically by Plasmid Gap-LCR-ELISA with no cross-reaction to the other bacteria. By this way CT could be detected in the concentration of 2.5 elementary bodies, which was 10 times as sensitive as PCR. Conclusions: Plasmid Gap-LCR-ELISA is an effective method to detect the infection of CT, which may be quite suitable for large-scale screening tests in our country.
Survey on the Variation Trend and the Status of Carbon Dioxide Concentrations in Indoor Air

Objective To study the variation trend and the status of carbon dioxide(CO2) concentration in indoor air,and provide evidence for the revision of Hygienic Standard for CO2 in indoor air.Methods The monitoring data of CO2 during the last 5 years of 8 cities in Anhui were collected.Different types of rooms were selected to monitoring CO2 concentration,and the monitoring data were analyzed.Results The annual average concentration of CO2 from 2004 to 2008 was 0.066%.The monitoring data showed that the average concentration of CO2 in offices was 0.057%.For the urban residents,the average concentrations were 0.052% in bedroom and 0.054% in their kitchen respectively.For urban and township residents,the average value in bedroom and kitchen were all 0.052%.Conclusion We recommend one-hour maximum allowable concentration should be added to the newly revised Hygienic Standard for CO2 in indoor air,and daily average maximum allowable concentration remains unchanged or is reduced to 0.09%.
Study of grain-level deformation and residual stresses in Ti-7Al under combined bending and tension using high energy diffraction microscopy (HEDM)

Abstract In-situ high energy diffraction microscopy (HEDM) experiments are carried out to analyze the state of combined bending and tension in a Ti-7Al alloy under room temperature creep. Grain-level elastic strain tensors are evaluated from HEDM data. Atomistic calculations are used to predict elastic constants of Ti-7Al, to be used in determination of stress from strain. The stress gradient and residual stresses are successfully determined, which allows the demarcation between macro-/micro-level residual stresses. A cluster of three neighboring grains are identified that highlight the variation of mean and effective stress between grains. Crystallographic orientations and slip characteristics are analyzed for the selected grains. It is inferred that the interfaces between loaded grains with markedly different stress triaxiality and slip tendency are potential spots for material damage.
Association between Puberty and Delayed Phase Preference

Many teenagers go to bed and wake up significantly later than younger children, a developmental progression thought to reflect adolescent psychosocial processes. To determine whether biological processes may underlie a delay of phase preference in adolescents, 183 sixth-grade boys and 275 sixth-grade girls completed questionnaires for morningness/eveningness (M/E) and pubertal status. School environment and birth order were also evaluated. A significant relationship of pubertal status to M/E was found in girls, with a similar though nonsignificant trend in boys. No relationship between M/E and psychosocial factors was found. These data support involvement of a biological factor in the adolescent phase preference delay and indicate that our current understanding of adolescent sleep patterns may need revision.
Las cartas y memoriales de Alonso de Medina: ¿Es posible hablar de un «sentimiento criollo» en el siglo XVI?

The article suggests that an early «creole identity» can be observed in some of the early colonizers of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Following the argument elaborated by Jose Antonio Mazzotti regarding the presence of a proto-creole identity that preceded the creoles in the Andean region, and seeing indigenismo , (understanding indigenismo as a «current of opinion favorable to the Indians» as Henri Favre defines the movement) as one of the characteristics of this proto-creole identity , this article tries to find in the letters and memorials written by Alonso de Medina hints of this identity, which can be perceived in the constant preoccupation for the well-being of the indigenous population depicted in his letters and memorials.
Effect of Message Format and Content on Attitude Accessibility Regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections

ABSTRACTSexually transmitted infections (STIs) are widespread in the United States among people ages 15–24 years and cost almost $16 billion yearly. It is therefore important to understand message design strategies that could help reduce these numbers. Guided by exemplification theory and the extended parallel process model (EPPM), this study examines the influence of message format and the presence versus absence of a graphic image on recipients’ accessibility of STI attitudes regarding safe sex. Results of the experiment indicate a significant effect from testimonial messages on increased attitude accessibility regarding STIs compared to statistical messages. Results also indicate a conditional indirect effect of testimonial messages on STI attitude accessibility, though threat is greater when a graphic image is included. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Biased Target Ion Beam Deposition and Nanoskiving for Fabricating NiTi Alloy Nanowires

Nanoskiving is a novel nanofabrication technique to produce shape memory alloy nanowires. Our previous work was the first to successfully fabricate NiTi alloy nanowires using the top-down approach, which leverages thin film technology and ultramicrotomy for ultra-thin sectioning. For this work, we utilized biased target ion beam deposition technology to fabricate nanoscale (i.e., sub-micrometer) NiTi alloy thin films. In contrast to our previous work, rapid thermal annealing was employed for heat treatment, and the B2 austenite to R-phase martensitic transformation was confirmed using stress-temperature and diffraction measurements. The ultramicrotome was programmable and facilitated sectioning the films to produce nanowires with thickness-to-width ratios ranging from 4:1 to 16:1. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed the elemental Ni and Ti make-up of the wires. The findings exposed the nanowires exhibited a natural ribbon-like curvature, which depended on the thickness-to-width ratio. The results demonstrate nanoskiving is a potential nanofabrication technique for producing NiTi alloy nanowires that are continuous with an unprecedented length on the order of hundreds of micrometers.
Role of Combat Exposure and Insomnia in Student Veterans' Adaptation to College.

Objective/Background: Since 2002, the number of college student veterans has nearly doubled, although 30–40% of veterans fail to complete their degree. Few research efforts to understand the challe...
Temperature-Dependent Optical Properties of Single Crystalline and Polycrystalline Silver Thin Films

Silver holds a unique place in plasmonics compared to other noble metals owing to its low losses in the visible and near-IR wavelength ranges. With a growing interest in local heating and high temperature applications of plasmonics, it is becoming critical to characterize the dielectric function of nanometer-scale thin silver films at higher temperatures, especially near the breakdown temperature, which depends on the film thickness and crystallinity. So far, such a comprehensive study has been missing. Here we report the in situ high temperature ellipsometry measurements of ultrasmooth and epitaxial quality crystalline silver films, along with electron beam evaporated polycrystalline silver films at temperatures up to 700 °C, in the wavelength range of 330–2000 nm. Our findings show that the dielectric function of all the films changes remarkably at elevated temperatures with larger relative changes observed in polycrystalline films. In addition, low-loss epitaxial films were found to be thermally more s...
Core and copper loss effects on the stepped impedance transmission line pulse generator

The effect of core and copper losses on a novel magnetic compression based stepped impedance transmission line pulse generator circuit is presented. Design equations are derived and presented which take into account the current leakage into neighboring cells, losses due to magnetizing inductance currents, losses due to saturable cores and copper losses in the saturated inductance windings. It is shown that discharging an initially charged lumped element transmission line with saturable inductor switches in each cell can result in optimized energy transfer between cells of different capacitances provided the cell capacitances are in a certain fixed sequence independent of the cell inductances, but dependent on the cell losses and leakage currents. The use of pre-charge voltage in such stepped impedance magnetic compression line provides voltage multiplication in addition to pulse compression without the use of transformers, but in practice the voltage multiplication effect is limited by the losses leading to saturation and a relatively short line, containing not more than approximately 4 cells.
Query-based Workload Forecasting for Self-Driving Database Management Systems

The first step towards an autonomous database management system (DBMS) is the ability to model the target application's workload. This is necessary to allow the system to anticipate future workload needs and select the proper optimizations in a timely manner. Previous forecasting techniques model the resource utilization of the queries. Such metrics, however, change whenever the physical design of the database and the hardware resources change, thereby rendering previous forecasting models useless. We present a robust forecasting framework called QueryBot 5000 that allows a DBMS to predict the expected arrival rate of queries in the future based on historical data. To better support highly dynamic environments, our approach uses the logical composition of queries in the workload rather than the amount of physical resources used for query execution. It provides multiple horizons (short- vs. long-term) with different aggregation intervals. We also present a clustering-based technique for reducing the total number of forecasting models to maintain. To evaluate our approach, we compare our forecasting models against other state-of-the-art models on three real-world database traces. We implemented our models in an external controller for PostgreSQL and MySQL and demonstrate their effectiveness in selecting indexes.
HEYL, an overexpressed gene in breast cancer, functions as a novel negative regulator of TGF-β pathway

5201 In this study, we characterized the expression and investigated the function of HEYL, a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription repressor, as a novel oncogene in breast cancer. HEYL was previously identified by our laboratory as an overexpressed tumor endothelial cell marker by SAGE analysis of purified endothelial cells from normal breast and invasive ductal carcinomas. Quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analysis (IHC) showed that HEYL was overexpressed frequently (16-30%) in breast carcinomas. Even stronger expression was detected in carcinoma cells compared to tumor endothelial cells, but minimal to no expression was detectable in normal epithelial cells. IHC of tissue microarrays showed that high HEYL expression correlates with poor survival in patients with ER-negative breast cancer. Neither gene amplification nor mutation accounted for the overexpression of HEYL. Rather, we found that activated Notch was capable of upregulating HEYL expression in breast cancer cells. Studying the downstream effects, we found that HEYL was a transforming oncogene in NIH3T3 cells, which formed tumors in immunodeficient mice. Stable overexpression of HEYL in Hs578T cells increased proliferation in vitro and facilitated rapid tumor cell growth in vivo. Deciphering the pathway by which HEYL promoted cell growth led to the confirmation of a direct interaction of HEYL with Smad3 through use of GST pull-down, biomolecular complementary fluorescence, and co-localization assays, as well as the mapping of interactions sites through deletion analysis. This interaction led to competition with the TGF-beta pathway, repressing the effects of TGF-beta in PAI- and p15 promoter-, and Smad binding element-linked-luciferase assays. Further, both PAI and p15 mRNA levels were repressed in HEYL-overexpressing cells. The precise mechanism of HEYL-mediated interference with Smad3 activity is under investigation. In summary, HEYL may be an important negative regulator of TGF-beta pathway, particularly at the early stages of breast oncogenesis.
Postural Control for Unexpected Perturbation in Diabetic Neuropathy People

Loss of sensation in the feet due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy could impair postural control, cause body balance instability, and contribute to a high risk of falls or slips. Many studies have tried to find differences of body sway between diabetics with peripheral neuropathy and diabetics without peripheral neuropathy for evaluating stability of posture. Previous studies have reported some conflict results of total displacement of body sway between the two groups. The objective of this study was to characterize the body sway in order to gain a better understanding of postural control when unexpected disturbance broke the stability of posture. The body sway was measured during two phases, such as during a period of perturbation and during a period of recovery of posture. No significant difference of the body sway was found when considering one time horizon by combing the two phases. But, when analyzing the body sway for each phase separately, a significant difference of the body sway was found during a period of perturbation.
Effect of reflux on cough sensitivity and bronchial responsiveness

Gastroesophageal reflux is an extremely common condition often associated with chronic cough, dyspnea, laryngeal discomfort, and other extraesophageal symptoms. A considerable body of evidence has established an association of reflux with the presence of cough reflex hypersensitivity and/or bronchial hyperresponsiveness. However, the demonstration of such airway hyperreactivity does not uniformly predict the presence of underlying pathology nor the occurrence of symptoms. Furthermore, treatment aimed at suppressing cough reflex sensitivity or bronchial responsiveness, even when successful, often fails to ameliorate associated symptoms. Given that reflux, cough, and asthma are all very common conditions, the association of reflux with cough reflex hypersensitivity and bronchial hyperresponsiveness is likely causal in some individuals and coincidental in others. Adequately performed clinical trials evaluating the presence of pathological reflux, its effect on cough reflex sensitivity, airway responsiveness and pulmonary symptoms, as well as objective and symptomatic response to therapeutic interventions, will be most useful in elucidating the pathophysiologic manifestations of reflux on the respiratory system.
Stimulation of nuclear DNA and RNA synthesis by cytoplasmic extracts in vitro.

Abstract Cytoplasmic control over nucleic acid biosynthesis has been demonstrated by nuclear transplantation (Gurdon, 1967) and in heterokaryons resulting from cell fusion (Harris, 1967) . In these systems, cytoplasmic factors can stimulate RNA and/or DNA synthesis in nuclei which do not normally synthesize either. This paper presents evidence for similar cytoplasmic effects on DNA and RNA synthesis in isolated nuclei in , vitro .
Analysis of Channeled-Substrate-Planar Double-Heterostructure Lasers Using the Effective Index Technique

Semiconductor lasers have applications as sources in optical communication systems, optical recording, consumer products, and interferometer systems. Because of the rapid advancement of the manufacture of optical fibers with low loss for the transmission of analog and digital signals, research in long-life and low-threshold single-mode laser sources has increased with high intensity over the last 25 years. The realization of high data-rate channels for optical fiber systems has been achieved using a combination of single-mode lasers, single-mode fibers, and high-speed detectors. Compact audio discs, along with other consumer applications such as laser printers, have driven the world production of laser diodes to over a million devices per month. The commercialization of optical memory for computers will provide a further surge in the production of semiconductor lasers. Semiconductor lasers are also being developed for space and satellite communication.
Directed Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Podocytes under Defined Conditions

A major cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is glomerular disease, which can be attributed to a spectrum of podocyte disorders. Podocytes are non-proliferative, terminally differentiated cells. Thus, the limited supply of primary podocytes impedes CKD research. Differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into podocytes has the potential to produce podocytes for disease modeling, drug screening, and cell therapies. In the podocyte differentiation process described here, hPSCs are first induced to primitive streak-like cells by activating canonical Wnt signaling. Next, these cells progress to mesoderm precursors, proliferative nephron progenitors, and eventually become mature podocytes by culturing in a serum-free medium. Podocytes generated via this protocol adopt podocyte morphology, express canonical podocyte markers, and exhibit podocyte phenotypes, including albumin uptake and TGF-β1 triggered cell death. This study provides a simple, defined strategy to generate podocytes for in vitro modeling of podocyte development and disease or for cell therapies.
SIRT7 Regulates Hepatocellular Carcinoma Response to Therapy by Altering the p53-dependent Cell Death Pathway

Optimal therapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are still challenging due to the high recurrence rate after surgical resection and chemotherapy resistance. Growing evidence shows that genetic and epigenetic alterations are involved in HCC progression and resistance to therapy, however the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to therapy have not been fully understood. Expression of SIRT7 in 17 paired paraffin-embedded HCC tissues and adjacent nontumoral liver tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The mRNA expression of SIRT7 in 20 paired frozen HCC tissues and adjacent nontumoral liver tissues was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. The biologic consequences of overexpression and knockdown of SIRT7 in HCC therapy sensitivity were studied in vitro and in vivo. Interaction between SIRT7 and p53 were studied in HCC cell lines. SIRT7 expression was frequently upregulated in clinical HCC samples, and its expression was highly associated with TACE-resistance and poor survival (P = 0.008.) Depletion of SIRT7 from multiple liver cancer cell lines significantly increased doxorubicin toxicity while overexpression of SIRT7 largely abolished doxorubicin induced apoptosis. At the molecular level, we observed that SIRT7 interacts with and induces deacetylation of p53 at lysines 320 and 373. Deacetylated p53 showed significantly less affinity for the NOXA promoter and its transcription. In mouse xenografts, SIRT7 suppression increased doxorubicin induced p53 activation, inhibited tumor growth and induced apoptosis. The newly identified SIRT7-p53-NOXA axis partially illustrates the molecular mechanism of HCC resistance to therapy and represents a novel potential therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
Electrically Injected GHz-Class GaN/InGaN Core–ShellNanowire-Based μLEDs: Carrier Dynamics and Nanoscale Homogeneity

We present the first demonstration of RF characteristics of electrically injected GaN/InGaN core–shell nanowire-based micro light-emitting diodes (μLEDs) for μLED displays and visible-light communi...
Inelastic behavior of a bridge bent subjected to truck impact: Experimental and computational study

Abstract A unique field experimental study was conducted to investigate the behavior of a reinforced concrete pier bent subjected to impact by a surrogate truck model. The bent was a two-bay, one-story frame that represented a realistic highway structure. It was tested at half scale at the FHWA-FOIL facility. The surrogate truck model consisted of a pendulum with a specially designed impactor that was progressively crushed to represent the impact demands associated with truck collision. The bent was proportioned such that the two exterior columns had different capacities, thereby accommodating two separate tests. After validating the pre-test simulation model using the measured and other experimental data, parametric simulations were conducted to gain insight into the failure response of the bent and to critique the AASHTO truck impact guidelines. The necessity for developing performance-based design guidelines for truck-versus-pier crashes was highlighted.
Heart transplantation in the era of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Is it safe and feasible?

As the SARS-CoV-2-pandemic continues to unfold, the number of heart transplants completed in the United States has been declining steadily. The current case series examines the immediate short-term outcomes of seven heart transplant recipients transplanted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We hope to illustrate that with proper preparation, planning, and testing, heart transplantation can be continued during a pandemic. We assessed 7 patients transplanted from March 4, 2020, to April 15, 2020. The following endpoints were noted: in-hospital survival, in-hospital freedom from rejection, in-hospital nonfatal major cardiac adverse events (NF-MACE), severe primary graft dysfunction, hospital length of stay, and ICU length of stay. There were no expirations throughout the hospital admission. In addition, there were no patients with NF-MACE or treated rejection, and 1 patient developed severe primary graft dysfunction. Average length of stay was 17.2 days with a standard deviation of 5.9 days. ICU length of stay was 7.7 days with a standard deviation of 2.3 days. Despite the decreasing trend in completed heart transplants due to SARS-CoV-2, heart transplantation appears to be feasible in the immediate short term. Further follow-up is needed, however, to assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on post-heart transplant outcomes months after transplantation.
De novo lipogenesis is essential for platelet production in humans

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) catalyses the first step of de novo lipogenesis (DNL). Pharmacologic inhibition of ACC has been of interest for therapeutic intervention in a wide range of diseases. We demonstrate here that ACC and DNL are essential for platelet production in humans and monkeys, but in not rodents or dogs. During clinical evaluation of a systemically distributed ACC inhibitor, unexpected dose-dependent reductions in platelet count were observed. While platelet count reductions were not observed in rat and dog toxicology studies, subsequent studies in cynomolgus monkeys recapitulated these platelet count reductions with a similar concentration response to that in humans. These studies, along with ex vivo human megakaryocyte maturation studies, demonstrate that platelet lowering is a consequence of DNL inhibition likely to result in impaired megakaryocyte demarcation membrane formation. These observations demonstrate that while DNL is a minor quantitative contributor to global lipid balance in humans, DNL is essential to specific lipid pools of physiological importance. Pharmacological targeting of de novo lipogenesis is an attractive clinical target for a wide range of diseases. Kelly et al. report that de novo lipogenesis is essential for platelet production in primates, but not in dogs and rats.
Bidirectional associations between e-cigarette use and alcohol use across adolescence.

Abstract Introduction Evidence on prospective bidirectional associations between e-cigarette and alcohol use among adolescents can inform prevention and policy but is largely absent from the literature. Methods Data were drawn from a prospective cohort of students attending 10 Los Angeles high schools (N = 3396; baseline mean age = 14.1, SD = 0.4). Students completed surveys every 6-months from 2013 to 2017; 8 total waves. Analyses were restricted to (a) individuals who were never users of alcohol (N = 2394) or (b) individuals who were never users of e-cigarettes (N = 2704) at baseline. Repeated-measures, generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the adjusted odds of past 6-month alcohol and e-cigarette initiation, in separate models. Results Among alcohol never-users at baseline, 15.7 % (N = 375) initiated alcohol use over the study period. Compared to never-users of e-cigarettes, those who reported use of e-cigarettes had 3.5 times the odds of subsequently initiating alcohol use in the following wave (OR = 3.54; 95 % CI: 2.81, 4.47). Stronger associations were observed for males (OR = 4.94; 95 % CI: 3.78, 6.45) than for females (OR = 3.21; 95 % CI: 2.33, 4.41; pinteraction = 0.04). Among e-cigarette never-users at baseline, 26.3 % (N = 709) initiated e-cigarette use over the study period. Compared to never-users of alcohol, those who reported use of alcohol had 3.2 times the odds of subsequently initiating e-cigarette use in the following wave (OR = 3.23; 95 % CI: 2.68, 3.89). This association did not differ by gender. Conclusions E-cigarette and alcohol use can be markers to identify youth at risk for future alcohol and e-cigarette use, respectively. Research examining mechanisms underlying these associations is needed to infer causality.