cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Single Stage Transformer-less Micro Inverter with Integrated Battery Storage System for Residential Applications

This paper proposes a single stage transformer-less (SSTL) microinverter with integrated battery storage system (BSS). This topology is envisioned as a high switching frequency power semiconductor unit with compact size passive elements that realizes 120/240V/50-60Hz AC output. The proposed system establishes a common ground between solar PV and battery storage. Both MPPT function for PV along with charge/discharge controller function for storage battery is enabled by the power sharing stage. The power-sharing unit is followed by a two-stage twin DC-DC interleaved modular multilevel converter (IMMC) units to boost the PV/battery output to 400VDC. Due to 180 degrees phase shift control and symmetry of upper and lower DC- DC IMMC units voltage ripple is cancelled. The DC-AC inverter stage has a built-in active decoupling stage to eliminate twice the line frequency ripple in the dc-link capacitor. This function along with the 180-degree phase shift control of the DC-DC IMMC stage drastically reduces the size of the dc-link capacitor value. Various Modes of operation are simulated to show the performance of the proposed system under different insolation conditions demonstrating battery charge/discharge functions. Preliminary experimental results from a prototype laboratory converter is presented in the paper.
Murder in Medieval German Literature: Disruptions and Challenges of Society—Crime and Self-Determination in the Pre-modern World

Medieval literature is filled with references to criminal acts, to evil characters, and so also to murder. This paper examines the complex of killing as depicted in four medieval texts, Herzog Ernst, the Nibelungenlied, Heinrich Kaufringer’s “Die unschuldige Morderin,” and Elisabeth von Nassau-Saarbrucken’s Konigin Sibille, attempting to discriminate between manslaughter, assassination, and murder. In each case, the act of murder is rationalized and explained through a different lens, depending on the literary context. As the analysis demonstrates, already pre-modern writers were fully aware of the rich discourse on law, for which murder constituted the most egregious case. Not every murder, however, is simply condemned because at times the perpetrator seeks justified revenge, at other times the killing is condoned, if not even approved, by the king himself in order to preserve the honor of the court. Kaufringer even goes so far as to present a case where multiple murders are explained as a form of self-defense according to God’s laws, whereas Elisabeth simplifies and vilifies the killing to an extreme once again.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Baulamycin A

New structural classes of antibiotics are rare, structurally novel broad-spectrum antibiotics exceptionally so. The recently discovered baulamycins constitute a remarkable example of these highly prized compounds and, as such, have attracted considerable attention in the form of both synthetic efforts and biological studies. For the first time, we report a gram-scale preparation of the common carbon framework of the baulamycin family, as well as the total synthesis of its most potent member, baulamycin A. Our approach employs highly stereoselective, catalyst-controlled asymmetric conjugate additions to thioesters to set key stereocenters, as well as the first reported use of "dry ozonolysis" to reveal a masked carboxylic acid in the total synthesis of a natural product.
RORγt Inhibitor-SR1001 Halts Retinal Inflammation, Capillary Degeneration, and the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-mediated retinal microvascular disease that is the leading cause of blindness in the working-age population worldwide. Interleukin (IL)-17A is an inflammatory cytokine that has been previously shown to play a pivotal role in the promotion and progression of diabetic retinopathy. Retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gammaT (RORγt) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that mediates IL-17A production. However, the role of RORγt in diabetes-mediated retinal inflammation and capillary degeneration, as well as its potential therapeutic attributes for diabetic retinopathy has not yet been determined. In the current study, we examined retinal inflammation and vascular pathology in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. We found RORγt expressing cells in the retinal vasculature of diabetic mice. Further, diabetes-mediated retinal inflammation, oxidative stress, and retinal endothelial cell death were all significantly lower in RORγt-/- mice. Finally, when a RORγt small molecule inhibitor (SR1001) was subcutaneously injected into diabetic mice, retinal inflammation and capillary degeneration were ameliorated. These findings establish a pathologic role for RORγt in the onset of diabetic retinopathy and identify a potentially novel therapeutic for this blinding disease.
Pharmaceutical Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: Utilization and Disparities.

Background Four prescription drugs (donepezil, galantamine, memantine, and rivastigmine) are approved by the US FDA to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Even modest effectiveness could potentially reduce the population-level burden of AD and related dementias (ADRD), especially for women and racial/ethnic minorities who have higher incidence of ADRD. Objective Describe the prevalence of antidementia drug use and timing of initiation relative to ADRD diagnosis among a nationally representative group of older Americans, and if there are disparities in prevalence and timing by sex and race/ethnicity. Methods Descriptive analyses and logistic regressions of Medicare claims (2008-2016) for beneficiaries who had an ADRD or dementia-related symptom diagnosis, or use of an FDA approved drug for AD. We investigate prevalence of use and timing of treatment initiation relative to ADRD diagnosis across time and beneficiary characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, comorbidities). Results Among persons diagnosed with ADRD or related symptoms, 33.3% used an approved drug over the study period. Odds of use was higher among Whites than non-Whites. Among ADRD drug users, 40% initiated use within 6 months of the initial ADRD or related symptoms diagnosis, and 16% initiated prior to a diagnosis. We observed disparities by race/ethnicity: 28% of Asians, 24% of Hispanics, 16% of Blacks, and 15% of Whites initiated prior to diagnosis. Conclusions The use of antidementia drugs is relatively low and varies widely by race/ethnicity. Heterogeneity in timing of initiation and use may affect health and cost outcomes, but these effects merit further study.
Dysregulation of glutathione synthesis in liver disease

Abstract Glutathione (GSH), a tripeptide that is present in all mammalian tissues, is especially highly concentrated in the liver. GSH synthesis occurs via two adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-requiring enzymatic steps: the first is rate-limiting, catalyzed by glutamate-cysteine ligase, generates γ-glutamylcysteine from glutamate and cysteine; the second is catalyzed by GSH synthetase, generates GSH from γ-glutamylcysteine and glycine. GSH defends against oxidative stress, participates in detoxification of xenobiotics, determines the redox status of the cell, and regulates vital processes such as growth and apoptosis. Hepatic GSH plays a central role in the interorgan GSH homeostasis because sinusoidal efflux of hepatic GSH determines plasma GSH level. In liver diseases GSH homeostasis is perturbed by multiple mechanisms. Hepatic GSH biosynthesis is impaired in cholestatic liver injury, endotoxemia, and fibrotic injury largely because the expression of the GSH synthetic enzymes falls. Lower hepatic GSH level further exacerbates and perpetuates ongoing liver injury. However, in hepatocellular carcinoma GSH synthetic enzymes are upregulated and this may play a role in chemoresistance. This review focuses on the current understanding of hepatic GSH synthesis in health and disease.
A Gradient Boosting Crash Prediction Approach for Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Crash Analysis

Highway-rail grade crossing (HRGC) crashes continue to be the major contributors to rail causalities in the United States and have been intensively researched in the past. Data-mining models focus on prediction while dominant general linear models focus on model and data fitness. Decision makers and traffic engineers rely on prediction models to examine at-grade crash frequency and make safety improvement. The gradient boosting (GB) model has gained popularity in many research areas. In this study, to fully understand the model performance on HRGC accident prediction performance, the GB model with functional gradient descent algorithm is selected to analyze crashes at highway-rail grade crossings (HRGCs) and to identify contributor factors. Moreover, contributors’ importance and partial-dependent relations are generated to further understand the relationship of identified contributors and HRGC crash likelihood to concur “black box” issues that most machine learning methods face. Furthermore, to fully demonstrate the model’s prediction performance, a comprehensive model prediction power assessment based on six measurements is conducted, and the prediction performance of the GB model is verified and compared with a decision tree model as a reference due to their popularity and comparable data availability. It is demonstrated that the GB model produces better prediction accuracy and reveals nonlinear relationships among contributors and crash likelihood. In general, HRGC crash likelihood is significantly impacted by several traffic exposure factors: highway traffic volume, railway traffic volume, and train travel speed and others.
Fluid Mechanics Applied to Biosystems

Life on Earth could not be active without fluids. The behavior of ordinary fluids, whether in use by a life form, or otherwise in nature, follows Newtonian principles. Here we look at the consequences of mechanics applied to fluids, including the oceans, the atmosphere, and our own blood.
A method for prioritizing risk groups for early SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination, By the Numbers.

Abstract Background Given the limited supply of two COVID-19 vaccines, it will be important to choose which risk groups to prioritize for vaccination in order to get the most health benefits from that supply. Method In order to help decide how to get the maximum health yield from this limited supply, we implemented a logistic regression model to predict COVID-19 death risk by age, race, and sex and did the same to predict COVID-19 case risk. Results Our predictive model ranked all demographic groups by COVID-19 death risk. It was highly concentrated in some demographic groups, e.g. 85+ year old Black, Non-Hispanic patients suffered 1,953 deaths per 100,000. If we vaccinated the 17 demographic groups at highest COVID-19 death ranked by our logistic model, it would require only 3.7% of the vaccine supply needed to vaccinate all the United States, and yet prevent 47% of COVID-19 deaths. Nursing home residents had a higher COVID-19 death risk at 5,200 deaths/100,000, more than our highest demographic risk group. Risk of prison residents and health care workers (HCW) were lower than that of our demographic groups with the highest risks. We saw much less concentration of COVID-19 case risk in any demographic groups compared to the high concentration of COVID-19 death in some such groups. We should prioritize vaccinations with the goal of reducing deaths, not cases, while the vaccine supply is low. Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 vaccines protect against severe COVID-19 infection and thus against COVID-19 death per vaccine studies. Allocating at least some of the early vaccine supplies to high risk demographic groups could maximize lives saved. Our model, and the risk estimate it produced, could help states define their vaccine allocation rules.
Diatom Ecophysiology: Crossing Signals on the Road to Recovery from Nutrient Deprivation.

Summary A new study reveals that phosphorus-limited diatoms employ a rapid calcium-based signaling pathway upon phosphorus resupply. This response leads to enhanced nitrogen uptake and assimilation, setting the stage for recovery from nutrient deprivation.
Stepfamily Involvement in and out of School and (Step)children’s College Preparation Behaviors: A Latent Cluster Analysis:

Using a latent class analysis (LCA) with data from a subsample of children in stepfamilies (N = 6,637) from the 2009 High School Longitudinal Study (HSLS), this study examined how stepfamily involv...
Balloon valvuloplasty in 2 juvenile alpacas with severe valvular pulmonic stenosis

Two juvenile alpacas, 1 male and 1 female, were presented for evaluation of grade V/VI bilateral basilar systolic heart murmurs. Both animals were ultimately diagnosed with severe valvular pulmonic stenosis and a small ventricular septal defect. Transvenous balloon valvuloplasty was performed in each animal using methods described in the dog. A double balloon technique was employed in the first case, with a balloon-annulus ratio of ~1.55. For the second case, a high-pressure dilatation balloon catheter with a balloon-annulus ratio of ~1.33 was selected. Experience with both procedures indicates that balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is technically feasible in alpacas using techniques extrapolated from those used in dogs. Furthermore, accepted criteria for procedural success were fulfilled for both alpacas, with more than a 50% reduction in the echocardiographically derived transpulmonic pressure gradient after intervention.
A new protein protects a symbiotic relationship.

A month ago Twitter was buzzing with news of Brood X cicadas. People were eating them, posting pictures of them, requesting gifts of them for their child’s pinned insect collection, and I was wondering how far north I would have to go to see them. Brood X cicadas are amazing in many ways as I first discovered 23 y ago when I cloned microsatellite markers from Magicicada and found them to be so beautifully polymorphic that they were useless as population genetic markers. More recently, the scientific community has been left in a state of wonder by the discovery that the genomes of Hodgkinia , the bacterial endosymbionts of Brood X cicadas, have split into more than 20 different circular molecules that are maintained as multiple distinct genomic and cellular lineages (1). Brood X cicadas are not alone; many insects depend on obligate bacterial endosymbionts for a range of services that include nutrition (2, 3) and even defense (4, 5). Remarkably, when a bacterium adopts an obligately symbiotic lifestyle, it unknowingly commits to an evolutionary trajectory characterized by gene loss and increasing protein instability. In PNAS, we learn about the discovery of an insect protein that is essential for the successful vertical transmission of Ishikawella , the bacterial endosymbiont of plataspid stinkbugs (6). Ishikawella , the extracellular gammaproteobacterial gut symbiont of plataspid stinkbugs, is closely related to insect endosymbionts including Buchnera , Baumannia , Blochmania , and Wigglesworthia , and like these obligate endosymbionts is vertically transmitted and unculturable outside its host (7). The evolutionary trajectory of vertically transmitted symbionts is strongly impacted by population genetic parameters that include small population size and population bottlenecks in every generation, as well as an absence of genetic recombination. These … [↵][1]1Email: acwilson{at}miami.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Parametric investigation of working fluids for organic Rankine cycle applications

Abstract This paper investigates working fluids for organic Rankine cycle (ORC) applications with a goal of identifying “ideal” working fluids for five renewable/alternative energy sources. It employs a methodology for screening and comparing with good engineering accuracy the thermodynamic performance potential of ORC operating with working fluids that are not well characterized experimentally or by high-accuracy equations of state. A wide range of “theoretical” working fluids are investigated with the goals to identify potential alternative working fluids and to guide future research and development efforts of working fluids. The “theoretical” working fluids investigated are described in terms of critical state properties, acentric factor, and ideal gas specific heat capacity at constant pressure and are obtained by parametrically varying each of these parameters. The performances of these “theoretical” working fluids are compared to the performances of several “real” working fluids. The study suggests a working fluid's critical temperature and its critical ideal gas molar heat capacity have the largest impact on the cycle efficiency and volumetric work output, with “ideal” working fluids for high efficiency possessing critical temperatures on the order of 100%–150% of the source temperature and possessing intermediate values of critical ideal gas molar heat capacity.
Utilization of care services among the oldest old

Background: Home health care services for older adults are essential to their ability to age in place as independently as their health will allow. Prior research examining care service utilization has typically included age, but has generally not looked at how different older adult age groups use care services, and examined centenarians specifically. Objective: The present research is designed to examine if the predictors of care services utilization are the same for those in their 80s and those aged 100 and over and if centenarians will need more services than those in their 80s. Methods: The data reported in the current study were collected from 213 proxies of community-dwelling octogenarians (63) and centenarians (150) during 2001-2009 by the Georgia Centenarian Study team. Results: Significant differences were found between octogenarians and centenarians in their care service use, except in the total number of hours they used care services and the number of care services that were provided by friends. For the three care service variables (i.e., number of care services, total number of care service hours, and number of services provided by a paid helper), the predisposing factors age and education were the primary predictors of care service use. Of the enabling factors, urbanicity was the only significant predictor and it is only significant for total number of care service hours. Discussion: Octogenarians and centenarians have different home care service needs and there also appear to be differences in care service usage based on education, ethnicity, urbanicity, and need factors. Care service organizations as well as policy makers need to address the future increase in home care service use and help make sure that education, ethnicity, and urbanicity are not barriers to receiving services.
Effects of Private and Public Label Packaging on Consumer Purchase Patterns

The evaluation of package branding is important to determine its ability to connect with consumers on an emotional level. In the past, focus groups have been the traditional method used to evaluate branding; however, focus groups can be seen as an inaccurate method of gathering data due to purely qualitative data collection. This paper presents a retail shopping experiment conducted in CUShop™, a consumer experience laboratory, to determine whether consumers prefer a public label product versus a private label product, utilizing eye tracking to analyse the decision-making process. Results illustrated that purchase decision as well as time spent observing packaging indicates that participants preferred public branded packaging with respect to its private label competitor. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Steroid hormone-induced male sex determination in an amniotic vertebrate.

In many reptiles, sex is determined by the temperature at which the eggs are incu- bated (i.e., temperature-dependent sex determination, or TSD). Past studies have shown that exoge- nous steroid hormones can override the effects of temperature and induce female sex determination. However, past attempts to induce male sex determination have consistently failed. In the present study, sex determination was studied in a turtle with TSD. By utilizing an incubation temperature regimen that resulted in approximately a 1:l sex ratio in the control group, sex determination was shown to be sensitive to both exogenous androgen and estrogen treatments: androgen induced the production of male hatchlings, whereas estrogen induced the production of female hatchlings. This is the first report of an amniotic vertebrate in which an exogenous steroid hormone induces male sex determination. o 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc. The mode of sex determination varies among rep- tiles and includes species with genotypic sex deter- mination and others with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) (Bull, '80). Heteromorphic chromosomes have not been detected in reptiles with TSD and it is unknown if these species possess a genotypic sex which is obscured by the effects of incubation temperature (Bull, '83). Past studies of reptiles with TSD have shown that administration of exogenous estrogens, and to a lesser extent tes- tosterone, can induce embryos to develop as females even if eggs are incubated at male-producing tem- peratures (reviewed by Raynaud and Pieau, 1985; also see Gutzke and Bull, '86; Bull et al., '88; Crews et al., '89, '91; Wibbels and Crews, '92). It has been suggested that the feminizing action of steroid hor- mones is estrogen-specific and that the effects of testosterone may be mediated via aromatization (Crews et al., '89). In these previous studies, however, steroid hormone treatments failed to induce the pro- duction of males from eggs incubated at female-pro- ducing temperatures. This suggests that steroid hormones are capable of driving sex determination only in the female direction. To address this hypothe- sis, we have incubated eggs of the red-eared slider turtle, kchemys scriptu, in a manner that produced a relatively equal proportion of male and female hatchlings in the control group. Other groups of eggs received either androgen or estrogen treatments.
Comment on "Behavior of a falling paper"

A Comment on the Letter by Yoshihiro Tanabe and Kunihiko Kaneko, Phys. Rev. Lett. 73, 1372 (1994). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
Heritable dysmorphic syndrome with normal intelligence.

A syndrome of multiple anomalies without mental retardation is analyzed in 2 families. The anomalies include cleft lip and palate, intraoral webbing and lip pits; genital, perineal, and buttock malformations; popliteal webbing and dysplasia of the extremities. Dermal ridge patterns may extend beyond the soles to the dorsum of the toes and up the heels. Radiologically the acetabular angles appear low and are suggestive of pelvic dysplasia. In both families in this study the disease affected the mother and children, consistent with dominant inheritance.
Changes in the phosphatide content of crude soybean oil during storage

Fifteen carloads of crude soybean oil which had been in storage from three to 112 days were sampled at three levels and the total phosphorus content of each sample determined. The oil from the surface to the middle of the car had a uniform phosphatide content. The phosphatide content of the material on the bottom of the car increased with the increasing length of the storage period and this increase was accompanied by a decrease in the phosphatide content of the oil in the upper layers of the car.
Orchestrating mobile application execution for performance and energy efficiency

This research reduces the energy consumption of mobile applications via cloud offloading, a technique for executing energy-intensive functionality in the cloud. The contributions of this research lie in addressing the inefficiencies of static offloading by exploiting dynamic offloading mechanisms (program transformation and middleware) configured through intuitive and expressive programming constructs.
Mating Behavior in the Carpenterworm Moth, Prionoxystus robiniae (Lepidoptera: Cossidae)1

Female moths began calling at a mean age of 29±11 minutes and mated at the mean age of 59±21 minutes. The average age of earliest mating by males was 214±120 minutes. The mean copulatory period for 129 pairs was 91±51 minutes. Females mated only once while males were polygamous. Females exhibited an afternoon calling rhythm which typically began at noon and ceased at nightfall or soon afterward. The males' response to virgin females reached a peak during midafternoon and ceased at nightfall regardless of whether the females continued to call.
On Becoming an Elder: An Immigrant Latina Therapist Narrative

The journey from student to licensed psychologist, from young adult to seasoned and mature clinician, and, last, to elder in the Latino therapeutic community entails multiple migrations. In this paper, I explore the recurrent patterns and themes of these migrations across boundaries of nations, class, sexualities, and family formations within and outside the therapeutic milieu. Interwoven in the narrative is a questioning of the gender roles and cultural mandates that, as a woman, wife, mother, lover, teacher, and clinician I have had to negotiate and renegotiate. Through a feminist lens, I examine the web of relationships, particularly with my chosen sisters, and the path to reclaim a more whole, integrated, spiritual, and embodied self. Positioned as an elder, I examine how this positionality informs and nuances my teaching and clinical work.
Controlled optical transitions between optical bistable states in three-level atomic bistability system

We investigate noise-induced transitions between bistable states in a three-level atomic bistability system. Correlations between noises added on the coupling beam and the transition rate are systematically studied in detail.
Utilizing Global Simulation Information in Conservative Parallel Simulation on Shared Memory Multiprocessors

Global simulation information is accessible on shared memory multiprocessors and can improve the efficiency of parallel simulation. However, most existing concurrent simulators do not aggressively exploit this information. In this paper, we propose a Directly Accessing Information (DAI) scheme, a conservative simulation scheme that collects useful global simulation information in shared memory systems to reduce non-essential blocking and resolve local deadlocks. A parallel queueing network simulator was constructed on a Sequent Symmetry multiprocessor. Special implementation techniques were used to eliminate locking mechanisms for accessing global simulation information. Also, search pruning techniques were developed to reduce the amount of global simulation information used to unblock Logical Processes (LPs). Experimental results demonstrate that the DAI scheme achieves good speedups and substantially outperforms conventional conservative schemes in a reasonably large problem domain where message densities are larger than approximately 0.75.
A proposed classification for computer program library subroutines

Most computer installations maintain a subroutine library to supplement and support the efforts of their users. Over the years, these "software inventories" have grown in size and complexity. For example, at the Academic Computing Services Facility at Stanford (one of several computer installations here), there are over 1100 programs which are supported to some degree. These programs represent a very substantial investment in both manpower and dollars, and it becomes increasingly obvious that some sort of organization of them is needed. The situation is analagous to that of a library of books, but more difficult, since in the latter the primary object is the book, but in the former one has several primary entities: the code in source form, in object and load module forms, and perhaps several types of documents also.
Bone Matrix Therapy for Aneurysmal Bone Cysts

Aneurysmal bone cysts are unique pathologic entities that cause pain and local osseous destruction. Many surgical treatment modalities have been described. This article reports on the case of a 16-year-old high school athlete with left heel pain due to an aneurysmal bone cyst in the calcaneus. Curettage of the bone cyst was performed, and the void was filled with a commercially available mixture of cancellous bone and demineralized bone matrix. Early return to athletic activity was achieved, with no recurrence noted at 3-year follow-up.
A mathematical model for the failure of cement paste and mortars

Summary It is suggested that structural models have only a limited use in a study of failure and an alternative mathematical model is proposed which behaves, in many ways, like hardened cement paste or mortar. The model is similar to Volkov's normal micro-inhomogeneous material, the major difference being in the failure criteria used at the microscopic level. The behaviour of the model material in simple tension is studied and it is shown that progressive fracture, or micro-cracking, occurs during all stages of loading. The mode of failure depends upon the method of test because either the material fails when the maximum stress is reached or progressive fracture continues with increased deformation and a reduction in applied stress. In addition, a ductile mode of failure is investigated and it appears that, in contrast to brittle fracture, the ultimate strength may be almost unaffected by micro-inhomogeneity.
Texting versus talking: An exploration in telecommunication language

Prior research on text messaging has focused on its elliptical nature (e.g., acronyms, etc.). In contrast, the purpose of this research was to conduct an investigation of the type of words that tend to occur in text messages. Participants (N=224) retrieved their most recent text messages which were then analyzed with the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) program (Pennebaker et al., 2007a,b) and compared with parallel analyses of randomly selected telephone conversations (N=214). The results indicated numerous linguistic differences between text messages and telephone conversations. The former were linguistically simpler, more personal and more affective than the latter. Overall, the results further our understanding of the linguistic dimensions of this relatively new form of communication.
Purification and Characterization of Intrauterine Folate-Binding Proteins from Swine

Folate-binding proteins (FBP) from Day 60 pseudopregnant uterine flushings and Day 60 allantoic fluid were purified by affinity chromatography on folate-Sepharose followed by G-100 Sephadex chromatography. FBP from uterine flushings had a molecular weight of 20 000; the N-terminal sequence was FNWDHXGKMEPAXKRHFXXXTXLYX, which is 72% identical to bovine milk FBP beginning at amino acid 64. Allantoic fluid FBP had a molecular weight of 30 000; and the N-terminal sequence ARAKTDMLNVXMDAKHHKPKPSXED, which is 68% identical to bovine milk FBP starting at amino acid 4. Scatchard analysis of purified allantoic fluid FBP using [ 3 H]folic acid as ligand indicated a dissociation constant of 0.54 nM, and the protein was saturated at 20 nM. Antiserum to the purified allantoic fluid FBP was generated in rabbits and used for immunoblotting. Uterine flushings were collected from pregnant and nonpregnant gilts on Days 10, 11, 12, 13, and 15. Immunoblotting indicated that FBP concentrations increased in uterine flushings from both pregnant and nonpregnant gilts between Days 10 and 15. Total uterine flush specific binding of [ 3 H]folic acid increased from 0.015 nmol on Day 10 to 2.14 nmol on Day 15. These results indicate that an FBP similar to other known FBPs is present in uterine flushings and allantoic fluid and that its level increases at about the time of blastocyst elongation and initiation of conceptus hematopoiesis. These results suggest a role for FBP in the delivery of folate to the developing conceptus.
Aromatics and phenols from catalytic pyrolysis of Douglas fir pellets in microwave with ZSM-5 as a catalyst

Abstract Microwave assisted catalytic pyrolysis was investigated to convert Douglas fir pellets to bio-oils by a ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst. A central composite experimental design (CCD) was used to optimize the catalytic pyrolysis process. The effects of reaction time, temperature and catalyst to biomass ratio on the bio-oil, syngas, and biochar yields were determined. GC/MS analysis results showed that the bio-oil contained a series of important and useful chemical compounds. Phenols, guaiacols, and aromatic hydrocarbons were the most abundant compounds which were about 50–82% in bio-oil depending on the pyrolysis conditions. Comparison between the bio-oils from microwave pyrolysis with and without catalyst showed that the catalyst increased the content of aromatic hydrocarbons and phenols. A reaction pathway was proposed for microwave assisted catalyst pyrolysis of Douglas fir pellets.
Path integrals with arbitrary generators and the eigenfunction problem

Abstract We generalize the path integral formalism of quantum mechanics to include the use of arbitrary infinitesimal generators, thus providing explicit expressions for solutions of a wide class of differential equations. In particular, we develop a method of calculating the eigenfunctions of a large class of operators.
Decentralized data processing and management in Smart Grid via gossiping

In this paper, we propose a model for a peer-to-peer database system architecture where each server is aware of the power system state vector, and that can provide a scalable architecture for the Smart Grid. The key new component is a decentralized gossip-based state estimation (G-SE) algorithm included as a stored database procedure, which constantly updates via network diffusion, the global state information vector in each server of the distributed database system (DDBS). In addition to provide global situation awareness, state aware DDBS can attain communication and storage efficiency first, by using the temporal and spatial correlation of the state to compress it and, second, by storing the state as side information to store measurement residuals. Thanks to the G-SE primitive DDBS are more resilient to network attaks, can reduce network usage and streamline query processing for Smart Grid applications.
Regional and on-farm wireless sensor networks for agricultural systems in Eastern Washington

Recent advances in sensor and wireless radio frequency (RF) technologies and their convergence with the Internet offer vast opportunities for development and application of sensor systems for agriculture. The objective was to create regional and on-farm sensor networks that provide remote, real-time monitoring and/or control of important farming operations that add value through improved efficiency and efficacy of targeted management practices. This paper describes hardware and software components of technologies we developed for regional and on-farm sensor networks and their implementation in two agricultural applications in Washington State, an agricultural weather network and an on-farm frost monitoring network. The regional sensor network consists of our AWN200 data logger equipped with a 900MHz, frequency hopping, spread spectrum (FHSS) radio configured into master-repeater-slave network for broad geographic coverage. A single master is configured with multiple repeaters to provide a RF line-of-sight telemetry backbone network. Independent network backbones from disparate geographic regions are then aggregated in a central database via standard Internet protocols for further processing and dissemination. Software includes firmware to operate the data logger and radio telemetry aspects of the AWN200 in an agricultural weather network application called AgWeatherNet (http://www.weather.wsu.edu). The on-farm sensor network uses our SS100 radio/logger which includes a 900MHz, FHSS radio, with software designed primarily for mobile, real-time farm operations and management applications. The network is deployed in a star topology in which a strategically placed base radio is responsible for network synchronization, data collection from remote stations within the network, and re-broadcasting collected data to roamer radio units attached to mobile computers and/or directly to the Internet. Client software, AgFrostNet, operating on a computer connected to a roamer, collects, manages, and display data in real-time. This software was designed specifically for air temperature monitoring during frost/freeze protection events. Both the regional AgWeatherNet WSN and the on-farm AgFrostNet networks were successfully implemented in Washington State. Problems encountered were mainly associated with power management under periods of low solar energy and with electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to gallium-arsenide (GaAs) based transmit-receive switches in the radios during storms, a problem now corrected. Both systems have been made commercially available to growers via a novel arrangement between WSU and a local manufacturer.
Ultrahigh-resolution imaging reveals formation of neuronal SNARE/Munc18 complexes in situ

Membrane fusion is mediated by complexes formed by SNAP-receptor (SNARE) and Secretory 1 (Sec1)/mammalian uncoordinated-18 (Munc18)-like (SM) proteins, but it is unclear when and how these complexes assemble. Here we describe an improved two-color fluorescence nanoscopy technique that can achieve effective resolutions of up to 7.5-nm full width at half maximum (3.2-nm localization precision), limited only by stochastic photon emission from single molecules. We use this technique to dissect the spatial relationships between the neuronal SM protein Munc18-1 and SNARE proteins syntaxin-1 and SNAP-25 (25 kDa synaptosome-associated protein). Strikingly, we observed nanoscale clusters consisting of syntaxin-1 and SNAP-25 that contained associated Munc18-1. Rescue experiments with syntaxin-1 mutants revealed that Munc18-1 recruitment to the plasma membrane depends on the Munc18-1 binding to the N-terminal peptide of syntaxin-1. Our results suggest that in a primary neuron, SNARE/SM protein complexes containing syntaxin-1, SNAP-25, and Munc18-1 are preassembled in microdomains on the presynaptic plasma membrane. Our superresolution imaging method provides a framework for investigating interactions between the synaptic vesicle fusion machinery and other subcellular systems in situ.
Inertial dynamics of pinned charge-density-wave condensates. I. NbSe3.

Conductivity measurements are reported for the linear-chain compound ${\mathrm{NbSe}}_{3}$ in the frequency range 9\char21{}100 GHz. In both charge-density-wave (CDW) states, which develop at ${T}_{1}$=144 K and at ${T}_{2}$=59 K, a strongly frequency-dependent response is observed with Re\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega}) decreasing with increasing frequency. The behavior is described in terms of a harmonic oscillator response, and in the measured spectral range the expression Re${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{CDW}}$(\ensuremath{\omega})=(${\mathrm{ne}}^{2}$\ensuremath{\tau}/${m}^{\mathrm{*}}$)[1 /(1+${\ensuremath{\omega}}^{2}$${\ensuremath{\tau}}^{2}$)] provides an excellent account of our findings. We evaluate the effective mass ${m}^{\mathrm{*}}$ and damping constant \ensuremath{\tau} from a fit to the above equation. The measured effective mass is only weakly temperature dependent, and in both CDW states is in good qualitative agreement with those determined using the theory of Lee, Rice, and Anderson. We also discuss the temperature-dependent damping constant, and a comparison with data taken in the radio-frequency range is given.
Sex disparities in colorectal cancer incidence by anatomic subsite, race and age†

Although incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the United States has declined in recent years, rates remain higher in men than in women and the male-to-female incidence rate ratio (MF IRR) increases progressively across the colon from the cecum to the rectum. Rates among races/ethnicities other than Whites or Blacks have not been frequently reported. To examine CRC rates by sex across anatomic subsite, age and racial/ethnic groups, we used the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program for cases diagnosed among residents of 13 registries during 1992-2006. Incidence rates were expressed per 100,000 person-years and age-adjusted to the 2000 US Standard Population; MF IRR and 95% confidence intervals were also calculated. Among each racial/ethnic group, the MF IRR increased fairly monotonically from close to unity for cecal cancers to 1.81 (Hispanics) for rectal cancers. MF IRRs increased with age most rapidly for distal colon cancers from <1.0 at ages <50 years to 1.4-1.9 at older ages. The MF IRR for rectal cancers also rose with age from about 1.0 to 2.0. For proximal cancer, the MF IRR was consistently <1.5; among American Indian/Alaska Natives, it was <1.0 across all ages. The MF IRRs for CRC vary markedly according to subsite and age but less by racial/ethnic group. These findings may partially reflect differences in screening experiences and access to medical care but also suggest that etiologic factors may be playing a role.
Service‐learning and the development of empathy in US college students

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of a service‐learning experience on the personal development of college students, particularly focusing on the expression of empathy.Design/methodology/approach – Reflective writing papers were evaluated using a rubric with definitions for three types of understanding, as defined by Wiggins and McTighe in 2005, perspective, empathy, and self‐knowledge. The results were analyzed using Fisher's exact test to determine if there were significant differences in the expression of these types of understanding between the service‐learning group and the group that did not do service‐learning.Findings – Students involved in the service‐learning assignment were significantly (p < 0.05) more likely to express empathy in their reflective writing than the students who did not participate in service‐learning. There were no significant differences between the groups in the other two types of understanding.Research limitations/implications – This was a small...
An Associative Technique for Analyzing the Content of Rorschach Test Responses

The usual methods of Rorschach content analysis used in clinical work are the psychologist's associations, the cookbook approach, and the card as a standard stimulus approach. These methods lead to much speculation in interpretation. An approach is suggested for analyzing content that relies on the patient's associations to his responses. A comparison is made with dream interpretation. This approach was tried with several protocols and the results seem to have a good payoff value.
Uranium in NIMROC standard igneous rock samples

Results are reported for analysis of the uranium in multiple samples of each of six igneous-rock standards (dunite, granite, lujavrite, norite, pyroxenite, and syenite) prepared as geochemical reference standards for elemental and isotopic compositions. Powdered rock samples were examined by measuring delayed neutron emission after irradiation with a flux of the order of 10 to the 13th power neutrons/sq cm per sec in a nuclear reactor. The measurements are shown to compare quite favorably with previous uranium determinations for other standard rock samples.
Effects of stream flow patterns on riparian vegetation of a semiarid river: Implications for a changing climate

As global climate change affects recharge and runoff processes, stream flow regimes are being altered. In the American Southwest, increasing aridity is predicted to cause declines in stream base flows and water tables. Another potential outcome of climate change is increased flood intensity. Changes in these stream flow conditions may independently affect vegetation or may have synergistic effects. Our goal was to extrapolate vegetation response to climate-linked stream flow changes, by taking advantage of the spatial variation in flow conditions over a 200 km length of the San Pedro River (Arizona). Riparian vegetation traits were contrasted between sites differing in low-flow hydrology (degree of stream intermittency) and flood intensity (stream power of the 10-year recurrence flood). Field data indicate that increased stream intermittency would cause the floodplain plant community to shift from hydric pioneer trees and shrubs (Populus, Salix, Baccharis) towards mesic species (Tamarix). This shift in functional type would produce changes in vegetation structure, with reduced canopy cover and shorter canopies at drier sites. Among herbaceous species, annuals would increase while perennials would decrease. If flood intensities increased, there would be shifts towards younger tree age, expansion of xeric pioneer shrubs (in response to flood-linked edaphic changes), and replacement of herbaceous perennials by annuals. Woody stem density would increase and basal area would decrease, reflecting shifts towards younger forests. Some effects would be compounded: Annuals were most prevalent, and tree canopies shortest, at sites that were dry and intensely flooded. Vegetational changes would feedback onto hydrologic and geomorphic processes, of importance for modeling. Increased flood intensity would have positive feedback on disturbance processes, by shifting plant communities towards species with less ability to stabilize sediments. Feedbacks between riparian vegetation and stream low-flow changes would be homeostatic, with reduced evapotranspiration rates ameliorating declines in base flows arising from increased aridity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local intravaginal desensitization to seminal fluid

3. Bonini ST, Bonini SE, Schiavone M, Centofanti M, Allansmith M, Bucci MG. Conjunctival hyperresponsiveness to ocular histamine challenge in patients with vernal conjunctivitis. J ALLERGY CLIN 1-0~ 1992;89:103-7. 4. Ciprandi G, Buscaglia S, Pesce GP, Villaggio B, Bagnasco M, Canonica GW. Allergic subjects express Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-l (ICAMor CD54) on epithelial cells of conjunctiva after allergen challenge. J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL 1993;91:783-92. 5. Abelson MB, Udell IJ, Weston JH. Standardization of ocular surface injection intensity. Ann Ophtalmol 1981;13: 1225. 6. Cordell JL, Falini B, Erber WN, et al. Immunoenzymatic labeling of monoclonal antibodies using immune complexes of alkaline phosphatase and monoclonal anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP complexes). J Histochem Cytochem 1984; 32~219-29.
Coping and Marathon Sensitivity Training.

Marathon sensitivity training was examined in terms of changes in coping. Ss were 28 college students, and a control activity group was utilized. Pre- and posttest scores were obtained on a Sentence Completion Test. Results indicated a significant increase in coping scores after the marathon experience; no change was observed in control Ss. Sex of Ss was not related to change. An explanation in terms of a tension-increment model of personality is offered. Suggestions for future research are made.
What price preparation

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to reflect on the financial advantages and disadvantages of deferring a building renovation project.Design/methodology/approach – This is a viewpoint paper in which the author attempts to see past her department's inconveniences.Findings – Postponing the project is likely to be financially advantageous.Originality/value – It is hoped that readers whose projects have undergone similar false starts will feel less alone, and it is hoped that readers who have been able to renovate or build libraries will better appreciate their experiences.