cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ANALYTICAL METHOD TO DETERMINE THE TERTIARY CREEP DAMAGE CONSTANTS OF THE KACHANOV-RABOTNOV CONSTITUTIVE MODEL

The classic Kachanov-Rabotnov isotropic creep damage constitutive model has been used in many situations to predict the creep deformation of high temperature components. Typically, the secondary creep behavior is determined by analytical methods; however, the tertiary creep damage constants are found using a mixture of trial and error and numerical optimization. These methods require substantial hand calculations and computational time to determine the tertiary creep damage constants. In this paper, a novel analytical method is developed to determine the tertiary creep damage constants. Comparisons between numerical optimized constants and those found using the analytical method are given for a Ni-based superalloy. Creep deformation, damage evolution, and rupture time predictions are compared. A detailed discussion of the analytical method is given.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
A new data acquisition and processing system for in-vehicle combustion analysis

With “KiBox”, Kistler Instrumente AG has developed a new data acquisition and processing system specially designed for in-vehicle combustion analysis. Apart from its innovative data acquisition concept and easy integration into the INCA calibration system, KiBox comes with a number of features representing the leading edge of technology and beyond. This enables combustion analysis values to be displayed in real-time and to be analyzed simultaneously with other control variables of the engine management system.
U.S. basic research: delayed drug development.

In his Editorial “NIH Basics” (3 August, p. [503][1]), F. S. Collins articulates the need for continued support of basic research by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) to enable future therapeutic discoveries. We have gathered more information about the relationship between basic
MUTAGENIC EFFECT COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT SPACECRAFTS ON ABOARDED Indica RICE SEEDS

10 kinds of indica rice seeds were carried by three spacecrafts,i.e.Shenzhou No.4 manned spacecraft,recoverable satellite,and Shijian No.8 satellite for plant breeding,and the characters of SP1 ～ SP3 generations were studied.The results showed that the germination rate and seedling rate of SP1 generation by Shijian No.8 satellite were lower than those by recoverable satellites,and those by Shenzhou No.4 manned spacecraft was the lowest.The variation of growth duration,plant height and other traits were found in SP2 generation,and Shijian No.8 satellite had the widest and the highest variation frequency: the variation frequency of 5 varieties ranged from 0.24% ～ 7.23%,and the average was 3.38%.The variation frequency of varieties carried by recoverable satellites ranged from 1.06% ～ 1.37%,and the average was 1.24%.The variation frequency of Zhongzao 22 carried by Shenzhou No.4 manned spacecraft was 2.79% in SP2 generation.It was found that 17.65% ～ 30.0% of maturity variations and 12.5% ～ 30.0% of plant height variations were not inheritable in SP3 generation,and 6.75% ～ 23.53% of maturity and 14.28% ～ 18.75% of plant height variations were segregated.
Underground drinking water source quality sanitation examination and evaluation of Qinghai province in 2013

Objective To investigate underground drinking water source in Qinghai province and insure water quality for the residents. Methods 361 underground drinking water sources were investigated and evaluated. Results The percentage of grade Ⅰ-Ⅲ in copper,zinc,volatile phenol,anion synthetic detergent,cadmium,chromium,lead,cyanide were 100%; The percentage of grade Ⅰ-Ⅳ in the p H,iron,oxygen consumption were 100%. The percentage of grade Ⅰ-Ⅳ in odor and taste,sulfate,total hardness,chloride,total soluble solid,nitrite caused by different underground drinking water sources were significant statistically different( χ2s m e l l= 15. 855,χ2s u l f a t e= 7. 559,χ2G H= 10. 709,χ2c h l o r i d e= 13. 006,χ2T D S= 8. 140,χ2n i t r i t e=8. 447,P 0. 05). The percents of grade Ⅰ-Ⅳ in sensory traits and general chemical indicators caused by different underground drinking water sources were significant statistically different( χ2= 10. 693, P 0. 05). Conclusions The water quality of underground drinking water source in Qinghai province was preferably.
Immunoglobulin Synthesis in Sheep: IgG2 Deficiency in Neonatal Lambs

Summary A temporary deficiency of immunoglobulin G2 occurs in neonatal lambs. Synthesis of this immunoglobulin was detected in colostrum deprived lambs at 3 to 4 weeks of age but in colostrum-fed animals it was delayed until 5 to 6 weeks of age.
Excretory urographic demonstration of ureteral displacement by sigmoid fecal impaction simulating retroperitoneal tumor.

AbstractTwo cases of curvilinear lateral ureteral displacement in children with abdominal masses are reported. The masses proved to be sigmoid fecal impactions. This possibility must be considered before embarking on radiographic or surgical evaluation of possible retroperitoneal neoplasm.
Going Virtual: Delivering Nanotechnology Safety Education on the Web

The emergence of nanotechnology has created new challenges for the 21 century. Future development of Engineered Nano Materials (ENMs) will soon impact society in ways never imagined before. Most importantly, those who develop and work with ENMs must understand the importance of worker safety. Educators must use creative and innovative ways to educate Generation ‘Y’ to develop a competent nano workforce. We posit that the use of virtual environments in education may be the conduit between Generation ‘Y’s technology connectedness and the teaching of nanotechnology safety education effectively, and cite an example of teaching nanotechnology safety education in a virtual world. In addition, this method of instruction may have implications for engaging higher education students in the STEM area of nanotechnology. Dominick E. Fazarro, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Resource Development & Technology at The University of Texas at Tyler. He can be reached at dfazarro@uttyler.edu. Heshium R. Lawrence, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Resource Development & Technology at The University of Texas at Tyler. He can be reached at hlawrence@uttyler.edu. Rochell R. McWhorter, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Human Resource Development in the Department of Human Resource Development & Technology at The University of Texas at Tyler. She can be reached at rmcwhorter@uttyler.edu Going Virtual: Delivering Nanotechnology Safety Education 39
Using the Internet and Spreadsheets to Teach the Weak Form of the Random Walk Hypothesis

This paper outlines how to collect data and use Microsoft Excel to compare random events with stock price charts.
Question 1 What is the best treatment option for empyema requiring drainage in children

A 4-year-old girl attends with a 3-day history of cough, breathlessness and fever. She is started on antibiotics but fails to improve over the subsequent 48 hours. A chest X-ray and ultrasound of the thorax reveals a large, loculated pleural effusion amenable to drainage. In managing children with a large empyema (patient), does a pleural drain with fibrinolytics or primary video-assisted thorascopic surgery (VATS) (intervention) result in better treatment outcome (outcome)? There are currently no applicable reviews in the Cochrane database. The PubMed Index was searched with the following strategy: ‘(paediatric OR pediatric OR child) AND empyema AND (VATS OR thorascopic) AND (drain OR thoracostomy) AND (urokinase OR fibrinolysis OR fibrinolytics)'. This revealed 36 articles. All abstracts were reviewed; four prospective randomised studies were identified. We did not consider studies that compared VATS with chest drain without fibrinolytics1 or national surveillance studies.2 All references in these papers were reviewed, and no further relevant papers were found. These papers are summarised in table 1. View this table: Table 1 Summary of papers The incidence of empyema in children in the developed world appears to be increasing.3 A simple parapneumonic effusion may progresses from the exudative stage with anechoic non-septated fluid (stage 1), through hyperechoic fluid with fibrinous septation (stage 2) to an organisational stage with hyperechoic loculations with or without thick pleural peel (stage 3). Many treatment options are available, from intravenous antibiotics alone, …
Methylphenidate's Effects on Cognition in Patients with Epilepsy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover, Single-Dose Study (S22.002)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of immediate-release methylphenidate (MPH) for treating cognitive deficits in epilepsy. Background: Epilepsy, interictal epileptiform discharges, and antiepileptic medications have been associated with cognitive impairments. Beyond reducing seizures or altering the number/types of antiepileptic medications, no validated treatment exists for these impairments. MPH is effective in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Since patients with epilepsy suffer attentional problems, we performed a pilot study evaluating the efficacy of MPH for treating cognitive difficulties in epilepsy. Here, we detail the results of the double-blind portion of the study. Methods: This was a double-blind, randomized, 3-period crossover study in patients with epilepsy comparing cognitive effects of placebo vs. MPH at 10mg and 20mg single dosages, given one week apart followed by a one-month open label phase. Measures in the double-blind portion included the Conners Continuous Performance Task (CPT), Symbol-Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and Medical College of Georgia Paragraph Memory Test. Adverse events and seizure frequency were monitored. Repeated measures ANOVAs were performed. Results: 35 adult patients with epilepsy participated, of whom 31 completed the double-blind. Demographics of completers included: mean age=35.3 (range 20-60), 13 men and 18 women, and mean baseline seizure frequency = 2.8 per month. Epilepsy types were focal (n=24), generalized (n=6), or unclassified (n=1). Mean epilepsy duration was 12.5 years. There was significantly better performance on MPH vs. placebo for SDMT (p=.008), and for the following CPT variables: d (p=.037), hits (p=.04) and omissions (p=.034). Seizure frequency was unchanged. Adverse events leading to withdrawal included cognitive problems (n=1 on 20mg), anxiety/agitation (n=1 on 10mg), and tachycardia (n=1 who received higher 40mg dose). One subject was lost to follow up after one 20mg dose without side effect. Conclusions: MPH may be effective in ameliorating some cognitive deficits in patients with epilepsy, without affecting seizure control. Additional studies are required. Disclosure: Dr. Jesse has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alipio-Jocson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Inoyama has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bartlett has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sandhu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Oso has nothing to disclose. Dr. Barry has nothing to disclose. Dr. Loring has received personal compensation for activities with NeuroPace as a consultant. Dr. Meador has received personal compensation for activities with Eisai, GW Pharmaceuticals, Supernus, Upsher-Smith Laboratories, and UCB Pharma as a consultant. Dr. Meador has received research support from UCB Pharma.
Pacific Itineraries: Islands and Oceanic Imaginaries in Contemporary Asian American Art

This essay focuses on the Asia Pacific region and selected works by contemporary US -based Asian American artists that engage shared themes of trans-Pacific journeys, circulation, conflict, and convergence between Asian diasporic, Indigenous, and other groups. The Pacific, with more islands than the world’s other oceans combined, is above all an island realm. Accordingly islands and associated oceanic imaginaries exert a powerful hold on works by artists who trace their ancestral origins to coastal East and Southeast Asia and Oceania. These artists’ endeavours underscore the idea of islands as multi-located historic and affective subjects within global systems of cross-cultural exchange. Through the different levels of focalization they provide, the featured artworks render insights into the formation of complex, multiple points of attachment as contemporary artists cross and re-cross borders: physical, temporal, and psychic.
Custodians of the Divine Unity: A History of the Jewish Interpretation of נרדה and ונבלה in Genesis 11:7

The present paper examines the classic Jewish exposition of the plural verbs in Genesis 11:7 which relate to the divine name in Genesis 11:6. The Jewish interpretation of these plural forms recorded in the Targumim, the Babylonian Talmud, the midrashim, and in the writings of ancient and mediaeval Jewish scholars is situated against the Christian reading prevalent in antiquity and in the Middle Ages. Furthermore, theological presuppositions underlying the Jewish and Christian exegeses are identified and studied.
A prototype detection system for atmospheric monitoring of xenon radioisotopes

Abstract The design of a radioxenon detection system utilizing a CdZeTe crystal and a plastic scintillator coupled to an array of SiPMs to conduct beta-gamma coincidence detection for atmospheric radioxenon monitoring, as well as the measurement of 135Xe and 133∕133m Xe, have been detailed previously. This paper presents recent measurements of 133∕133m Xe and 131m Xe and the observation of conversion electrons in their coincidence spectra, as well as a 48-hour background measurement to calculate the Minimum Detectable Concentration (MDC) of radioxenon isotopes in the system. The identification of Regions of Interest (ROIs) in the coincidence spectra yielded from the radioxenon measurements, and the subsequent calculation of the MDCs of the system for 135Xe, 133∕133m Xe, and 131m Xe, are also discussed. Calculated MDCs show that the detection system preforms respectably when compared to other state of the art radioxenon detection systems and achieved an MDC of less than 1 mBq/m 3 for 131m Xe, 133Xe, and 133m Xe, in accordance with limits set by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBTO). The system also provides the advantage of room temperature operation, compactness, low noise operation and having simple readout electronics.
Time and space resolved current density mapping in three dimensions using magnetic field probe array in a high voltage coaxial gap

We present an experimental analysis of the symmetry of current density in a coaxial geometry, diagnosed using a magnetic field probe array and calculations of the Fowler-Nordheim enhancement factor. Data were collected on the coaxial gap breakdown device (240 A, 25 kV, 150 ns, ∼0.1 Hz), and data from experiments using 2 different gap sizes and different penetration depths are compared over runs comprising 50 shots for each case. The magnetic field probe array quantifies the distribution of current density at three axial locations, on either sides of a vacuum breakdown, and tracks the evolution with time and space. The results show asymmetries in current density, which can be influenced by changes in the gap size and the penetration depth (of the center electrode into the outer electrode). For smaller gap sizes (400 μm), symmetric current profiles were not observed, and the change in the penetration depth changes both the symmetric behavior of the current density and the enhancement factor. For larger gaps...
ASL and English bilingual Shared Book Reading: An exploratory intervention for signing deaf children

ABSTRACTAn exploratory study was implemented with bilingual deaf children using a quasi-experimental pre- and posttest design with a 10-week American Sign Language (ASL) and English bilingual Share...
Properties of the Metaphysical Language

Once it was the custom to speak of metaphysics as a system. and much was said about the nature and structure of systems The years have brought it about that we now speak of language — but the basic notion still remains: metaphysics must be systematic and if it takes the form of a language it will be, of course. After all that has been said in the preceding chapters, it would appear that we ought first to present a series of data and then try to systematize them; or to put the matter in linguistic terminology, to construct a language which will express the data and enable us to do certain other things. But there are a number of matters that need to be considered in order to throw light upon our problem. There is, of course, the problem of the method of obtaining the data, and also that of verification of statements. There is the problem of stating the basic terms and propositions and that of the relation between basic and derived propositions. A consideration of the structure of a language may help us in deciding where our problems lie and how to go about dealing with them.
Dynamic Indirect Production Functions

For consideration of indirect production functions in a dynamic model, it is convenient to modify the function space of vectors of input functions (histories), introduced in [2] for the production correspondences as $${\text{x }}\varepsilon {\text{BM}}_ + ^{\text{n}} \to \mathbb{P}\left( {\text{x}} \right){\text{ }}\varepsilon {\text{ }}{{\text{2}}^{{\text{BM}}_ + ^{\text{m}}}},{\text{u}}\varepsilon {\text{BM}}_ + ^{\text{m}} \to \mathbb{L}\left( {\text{u}} \right)\varepsilon {2^{{\text{BM}}_ + ^{\text{n}}}}$$ in which ℙ(x) represents the set of vectors of output functions (histories) obtainable from the vector x of input functions (histories), and L(u) represents the set of vectors of input functions (histories) yielding at least the vector u of output functions (histories). Each component of x and u is defined on the interval [0,+∞), for pointwise addition of two functions and pointwise multiplication by a scalar. A function f e BM+ is nonnegative, bounded in the sup norm and Lebesgue measurable.
Endoleaks-Types and Management

Since the dawn of the endovascular era, it has been apparent that in a substantial minority of cases, all flow cannot be excluded from the aneurysm sac (at least acutely)—this situation is termed an “endoleak.”
Infectious Causes of 30-Day Unplanned Hospital Encounters and Readmissions After Hysterectomies: A Single Institutional Study

Abstract Objective: There is a paucity of studies identifying causes of unplanned hospital readmissions due to infectious etiology. The aim of this study was to investigate the causes of posthyster...
ExerciseCheck: a scalable platform for remote physical therapy deployed as a hybrid desktop and web application

ExerciseCheck is a scalable, accessible platform designed and developed for the remote monitoring and evaluation of physical therapy. Physical rehabilitation is an important aspect of a patient's recovery from injury and often requires the patient to perform a prescribed set of exercises over medium- to long-term periods. In the absence of a physical therapist, using a low-cost, non-intrusive solution can serve as a complement to in-clinic sessions and provide patients with valuable insights into their exercises. We present the design, implementation, and deployment of ExerciseCheck, a modular system that incorporates machine learning techniques with contemporary web technologies to enable a user-friendly experience for patients and physical therapists. Initially a proof-of-concept, the latest version of ExerciseCheck is now deployed as a hybrid desktop and web application at a Boston University rehabilitation clinic and has been employed by physical therapists in their sessions with individuals with Parkinson's disease. We provide insights into the usability requirements, architecture design, and implementation challenges of the development and deployment of a production-quality platform for remote physical therapy in a clinical setting.
Sensitivity of Biochemical and Imaging Findings for the Diagnosis of Acute Pancreatitis in Children.

Objective To determine the diagnostic sensitivity of serum biomarkers and imaging in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in children. Study design This was a cross-sectional analysis of prospective registry data for children (age Results In total, 112 children met the criteria for acute pancreatitis; 57 (51%) were male with a median age of 13.4 years (IQR 9.3-15.8 years). Serum amylase and lipase levels were obtained in 85 (76%) and 112 (100%) patients, respectively. Imaging was performed in 98 (88%) patients, with abdominal ultrasound (US) performed in 84 (75%) and computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging performed in 46 (41%) patients. Fifty-three (47%) patients met all 3 diagnostic criteria (clinical, biochemical, and imaging) for acute pancreatitis. Laboratory testing had a 5.4% false-negative rate for acute pancreatitis. Serum lipase alone and amylase alone were 95% (95% CI 89%-98%) and 39% (95% CI 28%-50%) sensitive for acute pancreatitis, respectively. Imaging (any modality) was 61% sensitive (95% CI 51%-71%) for acute pancreatitis with a 34% false-negative rate. US alone was 52% (95% CI 41%-63%) sensitive for acute pancreatitis and computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging was 78% (95% CI 63%-89%) sensitive. Combinations of diagnostic criteria performed no better than laboratory testing alone. Conclusions The majority of children coming to medical attention with their first documented occurrence of acute pancreatitis have characteristic symptoms. Serum lipase is highly sensitive for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, and serum amylase is moderately sensitive. Imaging, particularly US, is only moderately sensitive, and cross-sectional imaging provides greater sensitivity for diagnosing acute pancreatitis.
Chapter 9 – Selection of a Suitable Test Procedure

Publisher Summary A food technologist can easily become bewildered when first faced with the problem of developing a suitable procedure for measuring the textural properties of a particular food. Selection of a suitable test procedure is intended as a guide for choosing and establishing a texture measurement, particularly for those who are just entering the field. The kind of material used affects which type of instruments will be selected. Most tests on solid or near-solid foods use some form of uniaxial compression, whereas sophisticated tests for viscosity generally use some form of rotational motion. A number of factors should be considered before setting up a new test procedure, otherwise a good deal of money and time can be wasted. If one already has a universal testing machine, the same procedure can be used to select which test principle is the most appropriate for that particular food and which attachments are needed to perform the test.
Chapter 4 – Posterior Pituitary Hormones

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses posterior pituitary hormone. Two important hormones are secreted from the posterior pituitary in both males and females. These are vasopressin (VP), the antidiuretic hormone, and oxytocin (OT), which in females acts as the milk ejection factor. Both are non-apeptides, closely related in structure and apparently derived from the same ancestral gene. The primary recognized function of VP is to stimulate reabsorption of water from the distal tubular kidney. The release of VP is generated by the need to maintain the blood osmolarity of plasma within strict limits (homeostasis), especially with reference to increased Na+ concentrations in blood produced by ingestion of NaCl. VP secretion is also increased when blood volume or blood pressure is decreased. VP synthesis in the hypothalamus appear to be close to the osmoreceptor sites that sense changes in electrolyte (solute) concentrations in the circulation and signal release of the hormone from the neuronal terminals in the posterior pituitary. The osmoreceptor is close to the thirst center in the hypothalamus and also interacts with the rennin–angiotensin system. In females, OT plays a major role in milk letdown for nourishing the suckling infant.
IGaaS: An IoT Gateway-as-a-Service for On-demand Provisioning of IoT Gateways

The widespread adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices has increased its popularity and usage in diverse dimensions, including smart city, home, healthcare, and vehicles. The pervasiveness of the number of IoT devices that operate in low power and lossy network leads to performance issues. An excessive amount of IoT devices that operate with a fixed number of gateways reduce the quality of service (QoS) due to the increased latency of routing messages between the source and destination sensors. In this paper, we propose an IoT Gateway as a Service (IGaaS) that enables on-demand provisioning of IoT Gateways to maintain and improve QoS in an IoT system with a significant number of sensors. The IGaaS allows both the stationary and mobile gateways to be provisioned on-demand. The mobile devices, such as smartphones and drones, provide gateway services in exchange for incentives. The IGaaS supports both the upscale and downscale of IoT gateways depending on various metrics and requirements. The experimental results show that the IGaaS improves the QoS in terms of latency and power consumption.
Methanol maser emission from galactic center sources with excess 4.5 μm emission

We present a study of signatures of on-going star formation in a sample of protostellar objects with enhanced 4.5 μm emission ("green" sources) near the Galactic center. To understand how star formation in the Galactic center region compares to that of the Galactic disk, we used the Expanded Very Large Array to observe radiatively excited Class II 6.7 GHz CH3OH masers and collisionally excited Class I 44 GHz CH3OH masers, both tracers of high-mass star formation, toward a sample of 34 Galactic center and foreground "green" sources. We find that 33% ± 15% of Galactic center sources are coincident with 6.7 GHz masers, and that 44% ± 17% of foreground sources are coincident with 6.7 GHz masers. For 44 GHz masers, we find correlation rates of 27% ± 13% and 25% ± 13% for Galactic center green sources and foreground green sources, respectively. Based on these CH3OH maser detection rates, as well as correlations of green sources with other tracers of star formation, such as 24 μm emission and infrared dark clouds (IRDCs), we find no significant difference between the green sources in the Galactic center and those foreground to it. This suggests that once the star formation process has begun, the environmental differences between the Galactic center region and the Galactic disk have little effect on its observational signatures. We do find, however, some evidence that may support a recent episode of star formation in the Galactic center region.
Gamma oscillations predict pro-cognitive and clinical response to auditory-based cognitive training in schizophrenia.

Cognitive impairments are pervasive and disabling features of schizophrenia. Targeted cognitive training (TCT) is a "bottom-up" cognitive remediation intervention with efficacy for neurocognitive outcomes in schizophrenia, yet individual responses are variable. Gamma oscillatory measures are leading candidate biomarkers in the development of biologically informed pro-cognitive therapeutics. Forty-two schizophrenia patients were recruited from a long-term residential treatment facility. Participants were randomized to receive either 1 h of cognitive training (TCT, n = 21) or computer games (TAU, n = 21). All participants received standard-of-care treatment; the TCT group additionally completed 30 h of cognitive training. The auditory steady-state response paradigm was used to elicit gamma oscillatory power and synchrony during electroencephalogram recordings. Detailed clinical and cognitive assessments were collected at baseline and after completion of the study. Baseline gamma power predicted cognitive gains after a full course of TCT (MCCB, R2 = 0.31). A change in gamma power after 1-h TCT exposure predicted improvement in both positive (SAPS, R2 = 0.40) and negative (SANS, R2 = 0.30) symptoms. These relationships were not observed in the TAU group (MCCB, SAPS, and SANS, all R2 < 0.06). The results indicate that the capacity to support gamma oscillations, as well as the plasticity of the underlying ASSR circuitry after acute exposure to 1 h of TCT, reflect neural mechanisms underlying the efficacy of TCT, and may be used to predict individualized treatment outcomes. These findings suggest that gamma oscillatory biomarkers applied within the context of experimental medicine designs can be used to personalize individual treatment options for pro-cognitive interventions in patients with schizophrenia.
Appendix: Ambulance Operations

This chapter will discuss various aspects of ambulance operations such as legal considerations, driving maneuvers, maintenance, and route planning. The various types of ambulances will also be overviewed.
Rethinking methane from animal agriculture

As the global community actively works to keep temperatures from rising beyond 1.5 °C, predicting greenhouse gases (GHGs) by how they warm the planet—and not their carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalence—provides information critical to developing short- and long-term climate solutions. Livestock, and in particular cattle, have been broadly branded as major emitters of methane (CH4) and significant drivers of climate change. Livestock production has been growing to meet the global food demand, however, increasing demand for production does not necessarily result in the proportional increase of CH4 production. The present paper intends to evaluate the actual effects of the CH4 emission from U.S. dairy and beef production on temperature and initiate a rethinking of CH4 associated with animal agriculture to clarify long-standing misunderstandings and uncover the potential role of animal agriculture in fighting climate change. Two climate metrics, the standard 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP100) and the recently proposed Global Warming Potential Star (GWP*), were applied to the CH4 emission from the U.S. cattle industry to assess and compare its climate contribution. Using GWP*, the projected climate impacts show that CH4 emissions from the U.S. cattle industry have not contributed additional warming since 1986. Calculations show that the California dairy industry will approach climate neutrality in the next ten years if CH4 emissions can be reduced by 1% per year, with the possibility to induce cooling if there are further reductions of emissions. GWP* should be used in combination with GWP to provide feasible strategies on fighting climate change induced by short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). By continuously improving production efficiency and management practices, animal agriculture can be a short-term solution to fight climate warming that the global community can leverage while developing long-term solutions for fossil fuel carbon emissions.
The transcription factors SIX3 and VAX1 are required for suprachiasmatic nucleus circadian output and fertility in female mice

The homeodomain transcription factors sine oculis homeobox 3 (Six3) and ventral anterior homeobox 1 (Vax1) are required for brain development. Their expression in specific brain areas is maintained in adulthood, where their functions are poorly understood. To identify the roles of Six3 and Vax1 in neurons, we conditionally deleted each gene using Synapsincre , a promoter targeting maturing neurons, and generated Six3syn and Vax1syn mice. Six3syn and Vax1syn females, but not males, had reduced fertility, due to impairment of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge driving ovulation. In nocturnal rodents, the LH surge requires a precise timing signal from the brain's circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), near the time of activity onset. Indeed, both Six3syn and Vax1syn females had impaired rhythmic SCN output, which was associated with weakened Period 2 molecular clock function in both Six3syn and Vax1syn mice. These impairments were associated with a reduction of the SCN neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide in Vax1syn mice and a modest weakening of SCN timekeeping function in both Six3syn and Vax1syn mice. Changes in SCN function were associated with mistimed peak PER2::LUC expression in the SCN and pituitary in both Six3syn and Vax1syn females. Interestingly, Six3syn ovaries presented reduced sensitivity to LH, causing reduced ovulation during superovulation. In conclusion, we have identified novel roles of the homeodomain transcription factors SIX3 and VAX1 in neurons, where they are required for proper molecular circadian clock function, SCN rhythmic output, and female fertility.
Therapeutic Potential of Different Probiotic Foods

Abstract The significant role of probiotics in food is a blooming area of research in the scientific community. Several probiotic foods and beverages are widely available today and are being newly introduced in the market, bringing in a huge market value. Today profiling many microbes with probiotic potential and characteristics has increased, and many in vivo and in vitro approaches are being developed. The gut is the largest immune organ in the body and gut bacteria have a beneficial effect in both animals and human beings. The normal microbial gut flora include members of several genera like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Escherichia coli commonly referred to as lactic acid bacteria and yeasts like Saccharomyces. Traditional probiotics have been a part of food globally among different communities. Fermented foods such as fermented milk, yoghurt, cheese, ice cream, curd, fruit juices, and drinks have been consumed for a long time and increasingly promoted because of their potential health benefits. The scope of this chapter is to give a broad overview of the currently available knowledge of different probiotic foods and to discuss the potential therapeutic characteristics of various microbes found in different food sources that have therapeutic effects on various functional disorders and their nutritional value.
Making Waves: Biocatalysis and Biosorption: Opportunities and Challenges Associated with a New Protein-Based Toolbox for Water and Wastewater Treatment

Abstract New water and wastewater treatment technologies are required to meet the demands created by emerging contaminants and resource recovery needs, yet technology development is a slow and uncertain process. Through evolution, nature has developed highly selective and fast-acting proteins that could help address these issues, but research and application have been limited, often due to assumptions about stability and economic feasibility. Here we highlight the potential advantages of cell-free, protein-based water and wastewater treatment processes (biocatalysis and biosorption), evaluate existing information about their economic feasibility, consider when a protein-based treatment process might be advantageous, and highlight key research needs.
Fine registration of 3D point clouds fusing structural and photometric information using an RGB-D camera

We address the problem of multiview alignment of 3D point clouds from RGB-D cameras.We introduce a new cost function with dynamic weights to improve the ICP algorithm.We include a novel outlier rejection method, based on structural and photometric cue.Experimental results show the effectiveness of our method. We address the problem of accurate and efficient alignment of 3D point clouds captured by an RGB-D (Kinect-style) camera from different viewpoints. While the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm has been widely used for dense point cloud matching, it is limited in its ability to produce accurate results in challenging scenarios involving objects that lack structural features and have significant camera view changes. In this paper, we introduce a new cost function with dynamic weights for the ICP algorithm to tackle this problem. It balances the significance of structural and photometric features with dynamically adjusted weights to improve the error minimization process. Our algorithm also includes a novel outlier rejection method, which adopts adaptive thresholding at each ICP iteration, using both the structural information of the object and the spatial distances of sparse SIFT feature pairs. The effectiveness of our proposed approach is demonstrated by experimental results from various challenging scenarios. We obtained superior registration accuracy than related previous methods, at the same time maintaining low computational requirements.
Pyridine Nucleotide Transhydrogenase from Azotobacter vinelandii SOME ASPECTS OF ITS STRUCTURE

Abstract Pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase has been isolated from Azotobacter vinelandii in an apparent state of homogeneity. The enzyme is a flavoprotein and contains 1 mole of FAD per 64,000 g of protein. The minimal molecular weight of the enzyme determined by electrophoretic techniques is 58,000. The amino acid composition of the enzyme has been determined. The enzyme exists as long helical structures 7 nm in width and 30 to 800 nm in length at pH 6.8. This structure has a sedimentation constant of 33.5 S. The long helical structures are broken into smaller structures 7 nm in width and 10 to 100 nm in length when the pH is increased to 9.0. The enzyme at pH 9.0 has a sedimentation constant of 7.4 S. At intermediate hydrogen ion concentrations, the enzyme sediments at intermediate rates in sucrose density gradients. The dissociated enzyme structure reaggregates when the pH is decreased from 9.0 to 6.8. The enzyme forms found at pH 9.0 and 6.8 have comparable specific activities. An unusual paired rod structure is isolated in the last stage of enzyme purification. The rods in this structure are 7 nm wide and of varying lengths. A less dense structure 10 to 11 nm in width separates the paired rods. The paired rods are completely devoid of catalytic activity but could possibly be derived from the native enzyme.
On modeling for control: a summary

The behavioral approach to exact modeling leads to the concept of the generating system. All models are parametrized by means of a feedback interconnection of the generating system with an arbitrary system. It turns out that the main tool for extending this result to the approximate modeling case is the Hankel-norm approximation, applied to the generating system. In addition this approach provides the right framework for incorporating together with modeling the control aspect. >
Atorvastatin Attenuates Bone Loss and Aortic Valve Atheroma in LDLR Mice.

Atherosclerosis and osteoporosis are the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to test this hypothesis in experimental hypercholesterolemia to determine whether st
Chapter 60 Quantal Response Equilibria: A Brief Synopsis

Publisher Summary The quantal response equilibrium (QRE) is an extension of the standard model of Nash equilibrium which allows for errors in choice. The QRE can be viewed as a generalization of statistical models of discrete choice behavior of individuals to a game theoretic setting. Just like in discrete choice models of individual behavior, individuals are assumed to have an observed and unobserved component of their utility function. However, unlike in models of individual choice, the unobserved part of an individual's utility is unobserved not just to the econometrician, but also to the other players in the game. Thus, the game becomes a game of incomplete information. A QRE is simply a Bayesian equilibrium to this game. In a QRE, individuals do not choose the strategy with the highest (observed) utility for sure, but rather choose it with a probability that is a function of the utility difference between that strategy and other strategies.
Dietary behavior among African Americans: assessing cultural identity and health consciousness.

The present study utilized the African selfconsciousness (ASC) construct as an index of African-American cultural identity, and explored its association with health consciousness and dietary behavior. One hundred ninety- seven African-American adults residing in a Southeastern community participated in the study. Results demonstrated few, but significant, correlations between cultural identity and health consciousness. A similar relationship was observed between cultural identity and dietary behavior. Further, after statistically controlling for health consciousness, cultural identity contributed unique variance to dietary behavior. These ®ndings represent preliminary evidence suggesting the general viability of cultural models in explaining African American health behavior. More importantly, the study offers avenues for additional research on the complex roles played by culture and cultural identity in African-American dietary behavior.
Pricing in dynamic advance reservation games

We analyze the dynamics of advance reservation (AR) games: games in which customers compete for limited resources and can reserve resources for a fee. We introduce and analyze two different learning models. In the first model, called strategylearning, customers are informed of the strategy adopted in the previous iteration, while in the second model, called actionlearning, customers estimate the strategy by observing previous actions. We prove that in the strategy-learning model, convergence to equilibrium is guaranteed. In contrast, in the actionlearning model, the system converges only if an equilibrium in which none of the customers makes AR exists. Based on those results, we show that if the provider is risk-averse and sets the AR fee low enough, action-learning yields on average greater profit than strategy-learning. However, if the provider is risk-taking and sets a high AR fee, action-learning provably yields zero profit in the long term in contrast to strategy-learning.
Strands that Stand: using wire rope to date and identify archaeological sites

The invention of wire rope in the early 19th century and its continuous improvement since then provide a reasonable documentary record that can be used by archaeologists to date and identify submerged and terrestrial sites. The international character of the manufacture of and trade in this product requires a global approach to its application as a research tool.
8 b 75 M sample/s 70 mW parallel pipelined ADC incorporating double sampling

This 8b pipelined analog-to-digital converter (ADC) incorporates double sampling into the residue signal path of a 1.5b-per-stage architecture to effectively double the throughput of the ADC for a given analog power consumption. Residue amplifiers and sub-ADC comparators are shared between two time-interleaved channels and the sampling capacitors in the second stage are scaled in order to reduce power consumption. The ADC presented here achieves 75 MSamples/s while consuming 70 mW. The converter measures 5.5 mm/sup 2/ and is fabricated in a 3.3 V 0.5 /spl mu/m digital CMOS process with four levels of metal and no special mask layers for passive components.
Construing Intellectual Property Rights and Competition Policy Consistently with Facilitating Access to Affordable AIDS Drugs to Low-End Consumers

This article regards the problem of access and affordability of drugs to impoverished consumers. The article first explores the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) consistent possibilities which balances the interests of the pharmaceutical companies and consumers, and is based on the idea that intellectual property rights are a market commodity, but that, in order to be consistent with TRIPS, that commodity can be encumbered to protect the interests of producers and consumers. It also requires assessing intellectual property rights in developing countries and their views of non-obviousness and novelty.The second approach is to analyze the Food and Drug Administration’s regulatory framework as it applies to the pharmaceutical industry. The result of the framework is high barriers of entry into the industry which creates an exclusionary impact, thus creating monopoly. This article proposes a consumer-driven strategy to end market concentration to create more affordable drugs through competition.
FDR’s Ambassadors and the Diplomacy of Crisis: From the Rise of Hitler to the End of World War II, by David Mayers

Ambassadors have a unique role in the structure of the state and thus in their views on the art of statecraft. Neither elected official nor civil servant, diplomats are expected to be both a symbol...
Thrombolytic enhancement with perfluorocarbon-exposed sonicated dextrose albumin microbubbles.

Whereas low-intensity, high-frequency ultrasound (US) alone appears to cause minimal thrombolysis, US combined with air-filled microbubbles does increase the amount of urokinase (UK)-mediated clot lysis (CL). Because this phenomenon may be mediated by cavitation-induced streaming, we hypothesized that perfluorocarbon-exposed sonicated dextrose albumin (PESDA) microbubbles, which are more stable than air-filled microbubbles, may also enhance US-induced thrombolysis. We measured the percentage CL of equally sized thrombi (1.0 ± 0.1 mg) made from freshly drawn blood incubated for 2 hours and then exposed to 20 kHz US (0.846 MPa peak negative pressure). The thrombi were bathed in 4 ml of saline solution, UK alone (20,000 U), PESDA alone, or a combination of PESDA with UK. The percentage CL achieved with PESDA and therapeutic US was also compared with the percentage CL achieved with room air—filled sonicated dextrose albumin (RASDA) microbubbles. When compared with US alone (24% ± 13% CL) or UK alone (17% ± 3% CL), PESDA plus US produced significantly better CL (43% ± 17%; p < 0.05). PESDA combined with US also produced significantly greater CL than RASDA combined with US (28% ± 9%; p < 0.05). The optimal CL was achieved with a combination of PESDA with UK with US (60% ± 14% CL). We conclude that PESDA microbubbles alone may be capable of inducing thrombolysis when insonified with a low-frequency transducer.
Rotation of the Planet Mercury

The equations of motion for the rotation of Mercury are solved for the general case by an asymptotic expansion. The findings of Liu and O9Keefe, obtained by numerical integration of a special case, that it is possible for Mercury9s rotation to be locked into a 2:3 resonance with its revolution, are confirmed in detail. The general solution has further applications.
A DNA vaccine induces SARS coronavirus neutralization and protective immunity in mice

Public health measures have successfully identified and contained outbreaks of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (SARS-CoV), but concerns remain over the possibility of future recurrences. Finding a vaccine for this virus therefore remains a high priority. Here, we show that a DNA vaccine encoding the spike (S) glycoprotein of the SARS-CoV induces T cell and neutralizing antibody responses, as well as protective immunity, in a mouse model. Alternative forms of S were analysed by DNA immunization. These expression vectors induced robust immune responses mediated by CD4 and CD8 cells, as well as significant antibody titres, measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Moreover, antibody responses in mice vaccinated with an expression vector encoding a form of S that includes its transmembrane domain elicited neutralizing antibodies. Viral replication was reduced by more than six orders of magnitude in the lungs of mice vaccinated with these S plasmid DNA expression vectors, and protection was mediated by a humoral but not a T-cell-dependent immune mechanism. Gene-based vaccination for the SARS-CoV elicits effective immune responses that generate protective immunity in an animal model.
Tailored Fluidic Composites for Stiffness or Volume Change

An analytical model of a composite structure consisting of an F2 MC tube embedded in epoxy is used to study the impact of confining structural media on the ability of F2 MC tubes to pump fluid and change stiffness. The surrounding stiff epoxy reduces the performance relative to an isolated F2 MC tube, but this disadvantage can be minimized by tailoring the tube wall thickness and fiber angle. The composite can pump 250 times more fluid than a piston of the same diameter if the F2 MC tube has a thick shell wall and a near-axial fiber orientation. With a moderately thick wall and low fiber angle, the closed valve axial stiffness can be increased by a factor of 2.2 relative to the open valve stiffness. The maximum pumping factor and modulus ratio, however, are 80% and 2.6% of the F2 MC tube without the surrounding epoxy.© 2011 ASME