cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatially Explicit Treatment of Soil-Water Dynamics along a Semiarid Catena

Volumetric soil-water depth profiles at nine sample locations on a 2-ha hillslope were monitored throughout the 1997-1998 El Nino and the 1998-1999 La Nina cycles. A hydrological model integrating the soil-water measurements with digital terrain analysis and a one-dimensional water balance model was developed to map dominant hydrological patterns of soil-water storage and lateral flow redistribution. Statistical correlations between hydrologic behavior and the compound topographic index (CTI) generated from a digital elevation model (DEM) were used to generate spatially distributed input parameters of initial water storage and soil-controlled evapotranspiration utilized in the model. The results suggest that differences in water storage and availability are highly modified by climatic conditions and local topography. Nearly three times higher than normal rainfall in the El Nino year caused deeper infiltration of water and led to significant subsurface water redistribution into the concave hillslope positions which remained moist throughout the 1998 summer. Water infiltration and distribution was diminished considerably in the drier than normal La Nina, and led to a complete dry-down in 1999. Actual evapotranspiration was 87% of total precipitation during the El Nino, compared with 100% in the subsequent La Nina. The good correlation between modeled and measured water storage shows that even a simple one-dimensional model combined with the appropriate input parameters is a suitable tool for estimating changes in soil-water content on hillslopes where lateral flow is a significant functional component of the soil hydrology.
Subsidence of the Texas coast: inferences from historical and late Pleistocene sea levels

Abstract Changes in sea level observed at tide gauges are caused by actual changes in water level and by changes in elevation at the observing station. Recent research has focused on the relationship between climatic change and sea level, but vertical land movement can be just as important, particularly in subsiding sedimentary basins. The purpose of this study is to compare long-term rates of subsidence estimated from upper Pleistocene strata along the central Texas coast with historical subsidence rates from the same area obtained from geodetic surveys and tide gauge data. This comparison shows that historical subsidence rates are much greater than long-term averages and are equal or greater than actual sea-level change along the Texas coast south of Galveston Bay. Long-term (~ 10 5 yr) subsidence rates were estimated by establishing the extent of marine, marine-influenced, and nonmarine strata within the upper Pleistocene Beaumont Formation in the Copano Bay area of the central Texas coast, and comparing the maximum elevation of in-place, marine-influenced deposits with published maximum sea level estimates of 5–8 m above mean sea level (MSL) from correlative, well-dated coral terraces from stable and uplifted areas. In-place, shell-bearing horizons deposited at or below sea level occur no higher than 2 m MSL in the Copano Bay area, suggesting that there has been no more than 6 m of subsidence since the probable time of deposition during the Sangamon interglacial at ~ 120 ka. The long-term, average subsidence rate for this part of the Texas coast is thus 0.05 mm/yr or less. Historical subsidence rates were obtained by: 1. (1) calculating relative elevation changes between National Geodetic Survey first-order leveling surveys conducted in the early 1950s with those conducted in the late 1970s to early 1980s; 2. (2) normalizing the relative elevation differences between surveys to annual rates of change relative to an arbitrarily chosen benchmark; 3. (3) referencing these lines to sea level at three tide gauges; and 4. (4) comparing calculated rates of relative sea-level (RSL) rise along the lines with estimates of eustatic sea-level (ESL) rise. Rates of RSL rise for the Texas coast south of Galveston Bay were generally 4–8 mm/yr; locally, rates were as high as 23 mm/yr. These rates are significantly higher than global averages of ~ 1 mm/yr. Much of the difference is probably caused by subsidence of the Texas coastal zone at rates of 1–22 mm/yr, or 20–440 times the long-term average of 0.05 mm/yr. The highest subsidence rates were found locally where there has been historical water-level decline in shallow aquifers. Lower subsidence rates of 3–7 mm/yr occur regionally where groundwater decline is minimal or nonexistent. Increased subsidence over the long-term average in these areas may be caused by pressure decline in underlying oil and gas reseivoirs.
Depressive symptoms are related to progression of coronary calcium in midlife women: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) Heart Study

Background Major depression and depressive symptoms are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the impact of depression on early atherogenesis is less well known, particularly in women and minorities. This study examined whether depressive symptoms are associated with progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) among women at midlife. Methods The SWAN is a longitudinal, multisite study assessing health and psychologic factors in midlife women. An ancillary study (SWAN Heart) evaluated subclinical atherosclerosis in women who reported no history of CVD or diabetes. In 346 women, CAC was measured twice by electron beam computed tomography, an average of 2.3 years apart. Progression, defined as an increase by ≥10 Agatston units, was analyzed using relative risk (RR) regression. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale. Results Progression of CAC was observed in 67 women (19.1%). Each 1-SD-higher CES-D score at baseline related to a 25% increased risk of CAC progression (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.06-1.47, P = .007), adjusting for age, time between scans, ethnicity, education, menopausal status, and known CVD risk factors. This risk was similar to the risk induced by body mass index (RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.11-1.54, P = .001) and systolic blood pressure (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.06-1.55, P = .01). Conclusions Depressive symptoms were independently associated with progression of CAC in this cohort of midlife women. Depressive symptoms may represent a risk factor that is potentially modifiable for early prevention of CVD in women.
Effect of laser surface melting upon the devitrification of plasma sprayed cordierite

Abstract Devitrification behavior of plasma sprayed cordierite (2MgO–2Al 2 O 3 –5SiO 2 ) modified by addition of 6.3 wt.% TiO 2 was studied in the as-sprayed condition and after laser surface melting. Laser treatment was performed using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser and the melt depth was maintained within the plasma sprayed coating. Laser surface melting produced a chemically homogeneous glass surface that contained extensive microcracks in both the melted and unmelted portions of the coating. Laser surface melting was found to be effective in reducing porosity and surface roughness. Roughness of the as-sprayed surface was reduced to R a 2.5 μm or better from a roughness of R a 14 μm. Devitrification of as-sprayed cordierite was dependent upon TiO 2 distribution in the coating, whereas crystallization in the laser melted coating was dominated by nucleation at microcracks. Microcrack density was significantly reduced by viscous glass flow and transformation induced volume expansion during devitrification.
NONMEAT BINDERS FOR USE IN COOK-IN-BAG AND SMOKED HAM

USDA approved nonmeat binders were evaluated in boneless smoked and cook-in-bag hams. These samples were formulated to contain 38% (finished weight) of the following added ingredients: water, salt, sugar, polyphosphate, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite and nonmeat binder [food starch-modified (2%), sodium caseinate (2%), isolated soy protein (2%), or carrageenan (1.5%)]. All binders increased cook yield (P < 0.05) for cook-in-bag hams with carrageenan having the largest increase. Only sodium caseinate gave a significant increase in cook yield for smoked hams. Sodium caseinate and carrageenan effectively reduced purge in vacuum packaged ham slices. Shear force of ham cores was reduced by all of the binders except food starch-modified. No differences in tenderness, juiciness and texture were observed. Use of isolated soy protein resulted in reduced flavor and overall opinion scores for cook-in-bag hams. These results suggest that nonmeat binders can be used to improve cook yield and reduce fluid purge in cook-in-bag ham.
Using Video to Build an Organization's Identity and Brand: A Content Analysis of Nonprofit Organizations' YouTube Videos

Organizational scholarship has increasingly focused its attention to how nonprofit, for-profit, and government agencies develop their unique organizational identity through their strategic communication efforts. As social media continues to become more prominent in communication campaigns due to the high levels of public usage and public involvement with organizations on social media sites, it is important to examine these social media messages as they relate to organizational identity. YouTube videos increasingly are being used by organizations to educate and inform just as much as they are to entertain. Through a content analysis of the most viewed videos on the top 100 official nonprofit YouTube channels, this study found that nonprofit organizations primarily use their YouTube videos to inform and educate viewers about their missions, programs, and services. While the videos also occasionally discuss the organizations' advocacy, volunteering, and fundraising efforts, nonprofit organizations were not l...
LONG-TERM EXPERIENCE WITH CONTROLLED EXPANSION CYLINDERS IN THE AMS 700CX INFLATABLE PENILE PROSTHESIS AND COMPARISON WITH EARLIER VERSIONS OF THE SCOTT INFLATABLE PENILE PROSTHESIS

Objectives To determine complication and survival rates of the AMS700CX penile prosthesis and to compare its reliability with earlier versions of the Scott inflatable penile prosthesis.
Insect guild structure associated with eastern hemlock in the southern Appalachians.

An assessment of the insect guild structure associated with immature and mature eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carriere, at high and low elevations was made before the invasion by the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Annand), and elongate hemlock scale, Fiorinia externa Ferris. Guild dynamics were determined among 243 insect species associated with eastern hemlock in the southern Appalachians. Detritivore, hematophage, herbivore, fungivore, parasitoid, predator, scavenger, and transient guild assignments were made. The herbivore and transient guilds were subdivided into chewers, sapsuckers, flower feeders, pollen feeders, pollen/nectar/sap feeders, and seed feeders. A significant association was found between guilds on immature and mature hemlocks at low elevations, but no significant association was found at high elevations. There was also a strong association of phytophagous insects on immature hemlocks and scavengers on mature hemlocks. The observed transient, scavenger, and predator guilds had a significantly lower co-occurrence among species indicating segregation of the species within these guilds. The herbivore guild had a significantly higher co-occurrence among species than the simulated index indicating aggregation of species within this guild across sites. Detritivore, hematophage, and parasitoid guilds did not differ significantly from the simulated community. These results document a diverse and dynamic insect community on eastern hemlock before invasion by hemlock woolly adelgid and elongate hemlock scale.
Studies of lignin biosynthesis using isotopic carbon. X. Formation of lignin from phenylpropanoids in tissue culture of white pine.

The incorporation of phenylalanine-R-C14, p-coumaric acid-2-C14, ferulic acid-2-C14, and sinapic acid-2-C14 into conifer lignin was studied by using tissue culture of white pine. The first three compounds were quite good precursors of conifer lignin. The lignin was degraded by ethanolysis to yield vanilloyl methyl ketone in approximately 0.2% yield of the lignin. When sinapic acid was fed no corresponding syringoyl methyl ketone could be isolated but the vanilloyl methyl ketone was radioactive. This suggests that demethoxylation of sinapyl compounds can occur in lignification. The results show that the enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of lignin from these precursors are present in the cambium, and that the lignification route via phenylpropanoid acids is operative in this tissue as well as in other species.
Utilization of hydrogen, acetate, and “noncompetitive”; substrates by methanogenic bacteria in marine sediments

Abstract Methanogenesis occurs at low rates in many marine sediments containing sulfate, in spite of an unfavorable thermodynamic and kinetic environment. One hypothesis explaining the coexistence of sulfate reduction and methanogenesis in marine sediments is that methanogens use substrates for which competition is minimal or nonexistent. Methylamines and methanol in particular have been suggested as “noncompetitive”; substrates. Data from studies of the physiology of recently isolated marine methanogens and studies using radiotracers at in situ concentrations support the notion that methylamines are important methane precursors in surface sediments. In contrast, sulfate‐reducing bacteria appear to outcompete methanogens for methanol at low concentrations (μ?), while the reverse is true at higher concentrations (e.g., > 1 mM). At present, sources of methyl‐amines are the subject of some speculation; several have been suggested, including trimethylamine oxide, choline, and glycine betaine. Of these, glycin...
Evaluation of image-guidance protocols in the treatment of head and neck cancers.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the residual setup error of different image-guidance (IG) protocols in the alignment of patients with head and neck cancer. The protocols differ in the percentage of treatment fractions that are associated with image guidance. Using data from patients who were treated with daily IG, the residual setup errors for several different protocols are retrospectively calculated. Methods and Materials: Alignment data from 24 patients (802 fractions) treated with daily IG on a helical tomotherapy unit were analyzed. The difference between the daily setup correction and the setup correction that would have been made according to a specific protocol was used to calculate the residual setup errors for each protocol. Results: The different protocols are generally effective in reducing systematic setup errors. Random setup errors are generally not reduced for fractions that are not image guided. As a consequence, if every other treatment is image guided, still about 11% of all treatments (IG and not IG) are subject to three-dimensional setup errors of at least 5 mm. This frequency increases to about 29% if setup errors >3 mm are scored. For various protocols that require 15% to 31% of the treatments to be image guided, from 50% to 60% and from 26% to 31% of all fractions are subject to setup errors >3 mm and >5 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Residual setup errors reduce with increasing frequency of IG during the course of external-beam radiotherapy for head-and-neck cancer patients. The inability to reduce random setup errors for fractions that are not image guided results in notable residual setup errors.
Tissue level segmentation and tracking of biological structures in microscopic images based on density maps

During embryogenesis, cells coordinate to form geometric arrangements. These arrangements are initially noticed as stereotypic clumps of cells that further divide to form a rigorous structure with a high density of cells. In this work, we explore density-based segmentation and tracking of cellular structures as observed in microscopy images. Using a new modified form of the Mumford-Shah energy functional, we derived a variational level-set for density-based segmentation. The novelty of the work lies in evolving an initialized contour that represents a salient structure on density maps to automatically generate novel cell structures upon convergence. We validate our methods and show results on confocal ear images of the zebrafish embryo.
Evaluation of Multiprotein Immunoaffinity Subtraction for Plasma Proteomics and Candidate Biomarker Discovery Using Mass Spectrometry

Strategies for removal of high abundance proteins have been increasingly utilized in proteomic studies of serum/plasma and other body fluids to enhance the detection of low abundance proteins and achieve broader proteome coverage; however, both the reproducibility and specificity of the high abundance protein depletion process still represent common concerns. Here we report a detailed evaluation of immunoaffinity subtraction performed applying the ProteomeLab IgY-12 system that is commonly used in human serum/plasma proteome characterization in combination with high resolution LC-MS/MS. Plasma samples were repeatedly processed using this approach, and the resulting flow-through fractions and bound fractions were individually analyzed for comparison. The removal of target proteins by the immunoaffinity subtraction system and the overall process was highly reproducible. Non-target proteins, including one spiked protein standard (rabbit glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase), were also observed to bind to the column at different levels but also in a reproducible manner. The results suggest that multiprotein immunoaffinity subtraction systems can be readily integrated into quantitative strategies to enhance detection of low abundance proteins in biomarker discovery studies.
Phase and coherence analysis of VHF scintillation over Christmas Island

Abstract. This short paper presents phase and coherence data from the cross-wavelet transform applied on longitudinally separated very high frequency (VHF) equatorial ionospheric scintillation observations over Christmas Island. The phase and coherence analyses were employed on a pair of scintillation observations, namely, the east-looking and west-looking VHF scintillation monitors at Christmas Island. Our analysis includes 3 years of peak season scintillation data from 2008, 2009 (low solar activity), and 2011 (moderate solar activity). In statistically significant and high spectral coherence regions of the cross-wavelet transform, scintillation observations from the east-looking monitor lead those from the west-looking monitor by about 20 to 60 (40 ± 20) min (most frequent lead times). Using several years (seasons and solar cycle) of lead (or lag) and coherence information of the cross-wavelet transform, we envisage construction of a probability model for forecasting scintillation in the nighttime equatorial ionosphere.
FPAA chips and tools as the center of an design-based analog systems education

The ever expanding research and commercialization activity around Large-Scale Field Programmable Analog Arrays (FPAA) asks the question whether we can broadly use these technologies in an educational environment. In fact, the research advances have been developed side by side with educational development, similar to what we saw for the early stages of digital VLSI design [1]. Previously, we demonstrated that FPAA could be used in a classical classroom laboratory setting where students could perform lab experiments given to them, and not just a topic for the academic research laboratory [2]. Over the next four years, we have made progress in using these devices, which has enabled wider use of these devices as well as enabling teaching system / signal-processing level projects to be attempted. These improvements include revamping one graduate course, focused on analog VLSI / system design, as a design based analog systems course where the students can experimentally measure the results of their design.
Thermochemistry of Charge‐Coupled Substitutions in Silicate Glasses: The Systems Ml/nn+ AlO2‐SiO2 (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb)

Enthalpies of solution of framework aluminosilicate glasses xM /SUB 1/n/ /SUP n+/ AlO/sub 2/-(1-x)SiO/sub 2/(M = Cs, Rb, K, Na, Li, Ba, Pb, Sr, Ca, Mg) in molten 2PbO X B/sub 2/O/sub 3/ near 973 K were measured. The sequence above represents increasing ability of the nonframework cation M to bond to the bridging oxygen. In that sequence, the enthalpy of the substitution Si/sup 4 +/ ..-->.. Al/sup 3 +/ + 1/nM /SUP n+/ in the glass becomes less exothermic, the enthalpy of vitrification increases, and the tendency toward glassglass immiscibility becomes more pronounced. These parameters correlate smoothly with the ionic potential, z/r, of the substituting cation.
Variation in IL10 and other genes involved in the immune response and in oxidation and prostate cancer recurrence.

Background: To evaluate the association of variation in genes involved in immune response, including IL10 , production and detoxification of reactive oxygen species, and repair of oxidative DNA damage with risk of recurrence after surgery for localized prostate cancer. Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study of men who had a radical prostatectomy in 1993 to 2001. A total of 484 recurrence cases and 484 controls were matched on age, race, and pathologic stage and grade. Germline DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded unaffected lymph nodes. We genotyped candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in IL10 , CRP , GPX1 , GSR , GSTP1 , hOGG1 , IL1B , IL1RN , IL6 , IL8 , MPO , NOS2 , NOS3 , SOD1 , SOD2 , SOD3 , TLR4 , and TNF and tagging SNPs in IL10 , CRP , GSR , IL1RN , IL6 , NOS2 , and NOS3 . We used conditional logistic regression to estimate OR and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The minor allele (A) in IL10 rs1800872, known to produce less interleukin-10 (IL-10), was associated with a higher risk of recurrence (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.00–3.10), and the minor allele (G) in rs1800896, known to produce more IL-10, was associated with a lower risk of recurrence (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.48–0.91). We also observed associations for candidate SNPs in CRP , GSTP1 , and IL1B . A common IL10 haplotype and 2 common NOS2 haplotypes were associated with recurrence. Conclusion: Variation in IL10 , CRP , GSTP1 , IL1B , and NOS2 was associated with prostate cancer recurrence independent of pathologic prognostic factors. Impact: This study supports that genetic variation in immune response and oxidation influence prostate cancer recurrence risk and suggests genetic variation in these pathways may inform prognosis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(10); 1–9. ©2012 AACR .
Optimal Control of Pedestrian Evacuation in a Corridor

The problem of optimal control of pedestrian evacuation from a corridor has been addressed. The corridor has been treated as a one dimensional link in the building network from which the pedestrians have to be evacuated. The governing flow equations are derived from the discretized continuity equation and a flow density relation for the pedestrian flow. Necessary conditions for the optimal control of these differential equations are developed using the calculus of variations method. The necessary conditions constitute a 2 point boundary value problem that has to be solved for the state, the co-state and the optimal control. Method of steepest descent is used to solve this problem. Numerical results are presented in the end for a test case.
A luminescence-based assay for sensitive nitric oxide detection

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the protection against the onset and progression of various cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and atherosclerosis, which are associated with an apparently reduced NO bioavailability. Therefore, the NO/cGMP signaling pathway has gained considerable attention and has become a target for new drug development. We have established a rapid, homogeneous, cell-based and highly sensitive nitric oxide reporter assay which is suitable for ultra-high-throughput screening. In our coculture system, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mediated NO generation is monitored in living cells via soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) activation and calcium influx through the olfactory cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) cation channel CNGA2, acting as the intracellular cGMP sensor [1]. Using this NO reporter assay, a fully automated highthroughput screening campaign for stimulators of NO synthesis was performed. The coculture system reflects most aspects of the natural NO/cGMP signaling pathway. Namely, Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+-independent regulation of eNOS activity by G protein-coupled receptor agonists, oxidative stress, phosphorylation, and cofactor availability, as well as NO-mediated stimulation of cGMP synthesis by sGC activation. The reporter assay allows the real-time detection of NO synthesis within living cells and makes it possible to identify and characterize activators and inhibitors of enzymes involved in the NO/cGMP pathway. References 1. Wunder F, Stasch JP, Hutter J, Alonso-Alija C, Huser J, Lohrmann E: A cell-based cGMP assay useful for ultra-high-throughput screening and identification of modulators of the NO/cGMP pathway. Anal Biochem 2005, 339:104-112. from 3rd International Conference on cGMP Generators, Effectors and Therapeutic Implications Dresden, Germany. 15–17 June 2007
Mechanical Strain Differentially Regulates Endothelial Nitric-oxide Synthase and Receptor Activator of Nuclear κB Ligand Expression via ERK1/2 MAPK

Exercise promotes positive bone remodeling through controlling cellular processes in bone. Nitric oxide (NO), generated from endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS), prevents resorption, whereas receptor activator of nuclear kappa B ligand (RANKL) promotes resorption through regulating osteoclast activity. Here we show that mechanical strain differentially regulates eNOS and RANKL expression from osteoprogenitor stromal cells in a magnitude-dependent fashion. Strain (0.25-2%) induction of eNOS expression was magnitude-dependent, reaching a plateau at 218 +/- 36% of control eNOS. This was accompanied by increases in eNOS protein and a doubling of NO production. Concurrently, 0.25% strain inhibited RANKL expression with increasing response up to 1% strain (44 +/- 3% of control RANKL). These differential responses to mechanical input were blocked when an ERK1/2 inhibitor was present during strain application. Inhibition of NO generation did not prevent strain-activated ERK1/2. To confirm the role of ERK1/2, cells were treated with an adenovirus encoding a constitutively activated MEK; Ad.caMEK significantly increased eNOS expression and NO production by more than 4-fold and decreased RANKL expression by half. In contrast, inhibition of strain-activated c-Jun kinase failed to prevent strain effects on either eNOS or RANKL. Our data suggest that physiologic levels of mechanical strain utilize ERK1/2 kinase to coordinately regulate eNOS and RANKL in a manner leading to positive bone remodeling.
Adaptive array detection of uncertain rank one waveforms

Adaptive array detection of known (within a complex scaling) rank one space time waveforms in unknown spatial noise has received considerable attention. The two published solutions are the adaptive matched filter, and the GLRT. We expand on this work to consider the case of rank one waveforms that are uncertain, i.e., only partially known. More precisely, we model the space time steering vector as the Kronecker product of two vectors, each of which is unknown but is known to lie in a known subspace. Applications for such a model include detection in the presence of multipath and spectral or polarization diversity in both radar processing and wireless communication. Using the principle of invariance, we construct detectors based on the maximal invariant. We show that the SNR required to achieve a given detection probability (for a given false alarm rate) is only weakly impacted by waveform uncertainty. Thus, our detector approaches the performance of earlier detectors, which entail known waveforms.
Compiler controlled value prediction using branch predictor based confidence

Value prediction breaks data dependencies in a program thereby creating instruction level parallelism that can increase program performance. Hardware based value prediction techniques have been shown to increase speed, but at great cost as designs include prediction tables, selection logic, and a confidence mechanism. This paper proposes compiler-controlled value prediction optimizations that obtain good speedups while keeping hardware costs low. The branch predictor is used to estimate the confidence of the value predictor for speculated instructions. This technique obtains 4.6% speedup when completely implemented in software and 15.2% speedup when minimal hardware support (a 1 KB predictor table) is added. We also explore the use of critical path information to aid in the selection of value prediction candidates. The key result of our study is that programs with long dynamic dependence chains benefit with this technique while programs with shorter chains benefit more so from simple selection methods that favor optimization frequency. A new branch instruction that ignores innocuous value mispredictions is shown to eliminate unnecessary mispredictions when program semantics aren't violated by confidence branch mispredictions.
Myeloid differentiation architecture of leukocyte transcriptome dynamics in perceived social isolation

To define the cellular mechanisms of up-regulated inflammatory gene expression and down-regulated antiviral response in people experiencing perceived social isolation (loneliness), we conducted integrative analyses of leukocyte gene regulation in humans and rhesus macaques. Five longitudinal leukocyte transcriptome surveys in 141 older adults showed up-regulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), monocyte population expansion, and up-regulation of the leukocyte conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA). Mechanistic analyses in a macaque model of perceived social isolation confirmed CTRA activation and identified selective up-regulation of the CD14(++)/CD16(-) classical monocyte transcriptome, functional glucocorticoid desensitization, down-regulation of Type I and II interferons, and impaired response to infection by simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). These analyses identify neuroendocrine-related alterations in myeloid cell population dynamics as a key mediator of CTRA transcriptome skewing, which may both propagate perceived social isolation and contribute to its associated health risks.
Reduced overpotentials in microbial electrolysis cells through improved design, operation, and electrochemical characterization

Abstract One of the main performance challenges in microbial electrochemical cells (MXCs) is the low voltage efficiency in comparison to other fuel and electrolysis cells. In this study, we aimed to improve the design and operation of microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) to achieve current densities >10 A m −2 with reduced applied voltages, using a thorough analytical framework involving electrochemical techniques such as chronoamperometry, voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. We developed a design that allows high surface area for the anode using carbon fibers, but without creating a large distance between the anode and the cathode ( 10 A m −2 remained 0.3 V of Nernstian concentration overpotential. We showed how by adding CO 2 to the cathode, this overpotential could be reduced to negligible. We also tested two different cathode materials – stainless steel and nickel – to compare the cathode activation overpotentials. Overall, through our design and operation improvements, we were able to reduce the applied voltages from 1.1 to ∼0.85 V, at 10 A m −2 . Our results also provide important guidelines for further optimizations of MXCs.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL): Current practices in blood assessment and the utility of T-cell receptor (TCR)-Vβ chain restriction.

Background Accurate quantification of malignant cells in the peripheral blood of patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is important for early detection, prognosis, and monitoring disease burden. Objective We sought to determine the spectrum of current clinical practices; critically evaluate elements of current International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas (ISCL) B 1 and B 2 staging criteria; and assess the potential role of T-cell receptor-Vβ analysis by flow cytometry. Methods We assessed current clinical practices by survey, and performed a retrospective analysis of 161 patients evaluated at Yale (2011-2014) to compare the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of parameters for ISCL B2 staging. Results There was heterogeneity in clinical practices among institutions. ISCL B 1 criteria did not capture 5 Yale cohort cases with immunophenotypic abnormalities that later progressed. T-cell receptor-Vβ testing was more specific than polymerase chain reaction and aided diagnosis in detecting clonality, but was of limited benefit in quantification of tumor burden. Limitations Because of limited follow-up involving a single center, further investigation will be necessary to conclude whether our proposed diagnostic algorithm is of general clinical benefit. Conclusion We propose further study of modified B 1 criteria: CD4/CD8 ratio 5 or greater, %CD4 + CD26 − 20% or greater, or %CD4 + CD7 − 20% or greater, with evidence of clonality. T-cell receptor-Vβ testing should be considered in future diagnostic and staging algorithms.
Managing the Beast: How Government Can Reduce Wealth Inequality

The government can, and should, intervene in the free market to reduce inequality in the distribution of wealth. We simply do not have to settle for a society where the top 5 percent of households have dozens of times as much income as the bottom 20 percent and hundreds of times as much wealth. We should combine the individual income tax and the Social Security payroll tax into a single, comprehensive income tax system with a broad base and low tax rates on earned income. We should also keep the current estate tax or, alternatively, replace it with an annual wealth tax. Even a modest annual wealth tax could raise $50 billion a year.
Synthesis of unnatural amino acids functionalized with sterically shielded pyrroline nitroxides

A series of unnatural amino acids functionalized with sterically shielded pyrroline nitroxides were synthesized. Their reduction by ascorbate/glutathione indicates that l-cysteine functionalized with gem-diethylpyrroline nitroxide is reduced at the slowest rate and is comparable to that measured for the most resistant to reduction pyrroline and pyrrolidine nitroxides.
Function of the Giant Fibers of the Central Nervous System of the Crayfish

Johnson1 has made studies about the course, the connections and the function of the giant fibers of the central nervous system of a few crustaceans, especially of Cambarus. Without actually isolating these fibers, he came to the conclusion that both sets of giants, described as the median and the lateral giants, have the function of flipping the tail. The median giants seem to connect with the motor fibers of each abdominal segment by a very simple contact mechanism; the connection of the lateral giants with the motor fibers is not as well known.With the same method as used in the studies on the peripheral nerve-muscle system of crustaceans2 it was possible to isolate in the oesophageal commissures these 2 sets of giant fibers of Cambarus clarkii and to stimulate them separately. The median giant fibers are considerably thicker than the lateral ones, the former have a diameter which varies between 200μ and 250μ, whereas the latter measure 60μ to 90μ in the animals used.It was found that single induction s...
A Compact Coupled Inductor for Interleaved Multiphase DC–DC Converters

A compact coupled inductor structure is proposed for interleaved multiphase synchronous buck converters used to power computer processors and memories that require high current and fast current slew rate. The new coupled-inductor structure reduces the winding resistor power loss and makes it possible to utilize ferrite magnetic material with low core loss. In this letter, several proposed converter implementations to achieve inverse inductor coupling are illustrated, and inductance and coupling coefficient variations are studied through a simplified reluctance model and Maxwell magnetic simulation. The inductor structure not only can be extended to multiple phases but also can be simplified to a single phase. The operation of the inductor is experimentally verified in a two-phase synchronous buck converter at switching frequency of 1 MHz.
Sectors of activity, topography, and parasitism in home areas of New Guinea coarse-haired rats, and Trombiculidae (Acarina)

Home areas of hosts are, in effect the gardens in which parasite populations grow. The parasites flourish in response to the kind and amount of host activity modified, of course, by the habitat, and become microcommunities supported by their host and its artifacts. When scatter diagrams of points at which hosts have been observed are divided by median major and minor axes, and when the resulting four quarters, designated A, B, C, D, corresponding to concentration of points in the quarters, the relative concentration usually is: A>B>C>D. The concentration of observed points also is generally greatest nearest the major axis and frequently, but not always, near the median center. Nests of hosts, hence nest-parasites, appear generally to be near the center. For the host examined in detail here, the New Guinea coarse-haired rat, mostLeptotrombidium deliensis appear to have been acquired in the AB sector of the host's home areas but a greater diversity of chiggers is acquired in the CD sector. It is postulated that, ifL. akamushi had been present, it would have occurred in the CD sector where, though the observed concentration of host activity was least, the mixed grassforb and shrub habitat would have been more suitable than in the AB sector.Gahrliepia pingue, C. ewingi, Schoengastia blestowei andS. schueffneri, appear also to be more abundant in the CD sector than in the AB sector. The chiggers themselves have home clusters, or lairs, and adjacent areas of activity (home areas) somewhat resembling those of the hosts.
Percutaneous aspiration biopsy of lymph nodes

During a period of five years, 361 patients each had cytologic examination of a specimen aspirated by percutaneous needle biopsy from a superficial lymph node. Fifty-five aspirates were considered unsatisfactory owing to scanty cellularity, and 22 were excluded because of lack of adequate follow-up. Of the remaining 284 aspirates, 81% were positive for malignant cells; 19% were considered negative. There were no cases with false-positive diagnoses. However, of 52 negative aspirates, 31 revealed tumor on subsequent excisional biopsy. Seventy-two percent of patients were admitted with prior history of malignancy. For both males and females, an apparent correlation was found between regional distribution of positive lymph nodes and the histologic types of primary tumors. Eighty-two percent of the positive cervical nodes in males and 56% in females were associated with epidermoid carcinoma. Most of the positive supraclavicular and axillary lymph nodes occurred in females and were associated with mammary carcinoma. Diagnosis of malignant neoplasms is feasible, in most instances, from nodal aspirates, but specific diagnosis of the histologic type of the tumor, e.g., malignant lymphoma, should be rendered only when the cytologic findings are supported by appropriate clinical and laboratory findings. In case of doubt, or if the aspirate contains many polymorphonuclear leukocytes, necrotic debris, or bizarre epithelioid cells, granulomatous lymphadenitis should be suspected and the diagnosis should be deferred until formal tissue biopsy can be obtained.
Master Equation Approach for Quantum Noise in Atomic Systems for Gravitational-Wave Detection

We use the master equation approach to compute the quantum noise in three different types of atomic systems and then compare the results to the Caves model for phase-insensitive amplifier/absorber, with application to Gravitational-Wave detection.
The Impact of maternal obesity and race/ethnicity on perinatal outcomes: Independent and joint effects

Objective Independent and joint impacts of maternal race/ethnicity and obesity on adverse birth outcomes, including pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, and macrosomia, were characterized. Methods Retrospective cohort study of all 2007 California births was conducted using vital records and claims data. Maternal race/ethnicity and maternal body mass index (BMI) were the key exposures; their independent and joint impact on outcomes using regression models was analyzed. Results Racial/ethnic minority women of normal weight generally had higher risk as compared with white women of normal weight (e.g., African-American women, pre-eclampsia adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48-1.74 vs. white women). However, elevated BMI did not usually confer additional risk (e.g., pre-eclampsia aOR comparing African-American women with excess weight with white women with excess weight, 1.17, 95% CI: 0.89-1.54). Obesity was a risk factor for low birth weight only among white women (excess weight aOR, 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04-1.49 vs. white women of normal weight) and not among racial/ethnic minority women (e.g., African-American women, 0.95, 95% CI: 0.83-1.08). Conclusions These findings add nuance to our understanding of the interplay between maternal race/ethnicity, BMI, and perinatal outcomes. While the BMI/adverse outcome gradient appears weaker in racial/ethnic minority women, this reflects the overall risk increase in racial/ethnic minority women of all body sizes.
Translations of Chinese Poetry by Herbert A. Giles and Arthur Waley

(2014). Translations of Chinese Poetry by Herbert A. Giles and Arthur Waley. Comparative Literature: East & West: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 55-70.
Analysis of bugs in Google security research project database

Several classifications exist in the literature on software bugs. Classification of bugs in software systems is primarily based on the level of complexity and reproducibility. Bohrbugs and Mandelbugs are the two most common bugs present in most software systems. This paper studies the distribution of Bohrbugs and Mandelbugs in the Google Security Research Project (GSRP) and some selected software systems. Also, we studied the frequency distribution of bug-fix time reported in GSRP. Bug-fix time analysis is a critical study of bug reporting systems and for measuring software quality. For example, if bugs in a complex software system take a relatively long time to be fixed, the system may have some structural problems that would make it difficult to reproduce the bugs. This paper reports the distribution of various bugs, and bug fix time statistics. We also list the top 25 bug-fix times reported in GSRP.
Water Decontamination Using Iron and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Publisher Summary The enhancement of environmental quality and sustainability through pollution prevention, treatment, and remediation can be provided by the usage of nanoscale materials. These benefits are derived from the enhanced reactivity, surface area, and subsurface transport characteristics of nanomaterials. Among this material family, nanoparticles have great promise for uses in many areas including catalyst, optical, biological, microelectronic, and environmental applications. Nanoparticles can be designed and synthesized to act as separation and reaction media for pollutants, proving revolutionary opportunities to develop more efficient and cost-effective water purification processes and systems relative to current conventional approaches. Water pollutants, such as waterborne bacteria, toxic metals, and chlorinated hydrocarbons, are introduced into the environment from natural sources and are produced from municipal, industrial, and agricultural processes.
ALDH2 Inhibition Potentiates High Glucose Stress-Induced Injury in Cultured Cardiomyocytes

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) gene superfamily consists of 19 isozymes. They are present in various organs and involved in metabolizing aldehydes that are biologically generated. For instance, ALDH2, a cardiac mitochondrial ALDH isozyme, is known to detoxify 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, a reactive aldehyde produced upon lipid peroxidation in diabetic conditions. We hypothesized that inhibition of ALDH leads to the accumulation of unmetabolized 4HNE and consequently exacerbates injury in cells subjected to high glucose stress. H9C2 cardiomyocyte cell lines were pretreated with 10 μM disulfiram (DSF), an inhibitor of ALDH2 or vehicle (DMSO) for 2 hours, and then subjected to high glucose stress 33 mM D-glucose (HG) or 33 mM D-mannitol as an osmotic control (Ctrl) for 24 hrs. The decrease in ALDH2 activity with DSF pretreatment was higher in HG group when compared to Ctrl group. Increased 4HNE adduct formation with DSF pretreatment was higher in HG group compared to Ctrl group. Pretreatment with DSF leads to potentiated HG-induced cell death in cultured H9C2 cardiomyocytes by lowering mitochondrial membrane potential. Our results indicate that ALDH2 activity is important in preventing high glucose induced cellular dysfunction.
Unraveling the genetic architecture of copy number variants associated with schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders

Recent studies show that the complex genetic architecture of schizophrenia (SZ) is driven in part by polygenic components, or the cumulative effect of variants of small effect in many genes, as well as rare single-locus variants with large effect sizes. Here we discuss genetic aberrations known as copy number variants (CNVs), which fall in the latter category and are associated with a high risk for SZ and other neuropsychiatric disorders. We briefly review recurrent CNVs associated with SZ, and then highlight one CNV in particular, a recurrent 1.6-Mb deletion on chromosome 3q29, which is estimated to confer a 40-fold increased risk for SZ. Additionally, we describe the use of genetic mouse models, behavioral tools, and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells as a means to study CNVs in the hope of gaining mechanistic insight into their respective disorders. Taken together, the genomic data connecting CNVs with a multitude of human neuropsychiatric disease, our current technical ability to model such chromosomal anomalies in mouse, and the existence of precise behavioral measures of endophenotypes argue that the time is ripe for systematic dissection of the genetic mechanisms underlying such disease. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
From Market to Mode of Exchange

The neoclassical concept of the market dominates economic discourse. Being resistant to the reality of historical transformations and power relations, it fails to capture the diversity of social organizations of exchange. I suggested instead the concept of mode of exchange to make sense of social organizations of exchange. Stressing the salience of social relations and power struggles, it also seeks to incorporate technology and other constraints in making sense of exchange activities.
Policies for Higher Education Institutions

This chapter addresses specific policies at the national, state/provincial, and institutional levels. The focus here is upon policies that contain characteristics of, or promote, neoliberalism, or both: those that emphasize competition, particularly economic marketplace competition, benefits to individuals, privatization, free markets, reduced social expectations by the State, reduced government responsibility, the dismantling of social welfare (or safety net), and individual economic worth. The chapter delves into policies in two countries, the USA and Canada, and in three states—California, Washington, and Hawai’i—and two provinces, British Columbia and Alberta.