cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forecasting emergency department crowding: an external, multicenter evaluation.

Study objective We apply a previously described tool to forecast emergency department (ED) crowding at multiple institutions and assess its generalizability for predicting the near-future waiting count, occupancy level, and boarding count. Methods The ForecastED tool was validated with historical data from 5 institutions external to the development site. A sliding-window design separated the data for parameter estimation and forecast validation. Observations were sampled at consecutive 10-minute intervals during 12 months (n=52,560) at 4 sites and 10 months (n=44,064) at the fifth. Three outcome measures—the waiting count, occupancy level, and boarding count—were forecast 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours beyond each observation, and forecasts were compared with observed data at corresponding times. The reliability and calibration were measured following previously described methods. After linear calibration, the forecasting accuracy was measured with the median absolute error. Results The tool was successfully used for 5 different sites. Its forecasts were more reliable, better calibrated, and more accurate at 2 hours than at 8 hours. The reliability and calibration of the tool were similar between the original development site and external sites; the boarding count was an exception, which was less reliable at 4 of 5 sites. Some variability in accuracy existed among institutions; when forecasting 4 hours into the future, the median absolute error of the waiting count ranged between 0.6 and 3.1 patients, the median absolute error of the occupancy level ranged between 9.0% and 14.5% of beds, and the median absolute error of the boarding count ranged between 0.9 and 2.8 patients. Conclusion The ForecastED tool generated potentially useful forecasts of input and throughput measures of ED crowding at 5 external sites, without modifying the underlying assumptions. Noting the limitation that this was not a real-time validation, ongoing research will focus on integrating the tool with ED information systems.
An explosively actuated reaction vessel for gas injection and high vacuum applications in pulsed energy experiments

Abstract A reaction vessel for studies of the interaction of high energy radiations and particles with materials has been designed for use in the environment of underground nuclear tests.
Physical activity participation related challenges that adolescent Montagnard refugee youth encounter in America

Although research has identified that physical activity enhances the psychosocial, physiological, and the academic well-being of at-risk youth, little information is known about the unique challenges that adolescent Montagnard refugee youth face as they acculturate into the United States of America. Methods: This case study used photovoice methodology (Wang, 1998) to examine the physical activity participation related challenges that adolescent Montagnard immigrant youth encounter upon arrival into the United Stated of America. Sixteen adolescent Montagnard youth (eight male and eight female) participated in this intensive study. They all completed a demographic survey with the use of two bilingual and bicultural interpreters (1 male and 1 female), participated in photovoice training on the use of cameras, took photographs, wrote photo captions, and shared stories about their pictures. A total 356 photographs were developed and analyzed. Results: The results from the photovoice study clearly indicated that the environmental, socio-cultural, and socio-demographic were the main barriers to participating in physical activity as well as accessing community parks and recreation amenities. Conclusion: The findings reaffirmed that collaborations among all stakeholders were invaluable, especially in cross-cultural settings.
Characterization of a Novel Hepadnavirus in the White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii) from the Great Lakes Region of the United States.

The white sucker Catostomus commersonii is a freshwater teleost often utilized as a resident sentinel. Here, we sequenced the full genome of a hepatitis B-like virus that infects white suckers from the Great Lakes Region of the United States. Dideoxy sequencing confirmed that the white sucker hepatitis B virus (WSHBV) has a circular genome (3,542 bp) with the prototypical codon organization of hepadnaviruses. Electron microscopy demonstrated that complete virions of approximately 40 nm were present in the plasma of infected fish. Compared to avi- and orthohepadnaviruses, sequence conservation of the core, polymerase, and surface proteins was low and ranged from 16 to 27% at the amino acid level. An X protein homologue common to the orthohepadnaviruses was not present. The WSHBV genome included an atypical, presumptively noncoding region absent in previously described hepadnaviruses. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed WSHBV as distinct from previously documented hepadnaviruses. The level of divergence in protein sequences between WSHBV and other hepadnaviruses and the identification of an HBV-like sequence in an African cichlid provide evidence that a novel genus of the family Hepadnaviridae may need to be established that includes these hepatitis B-like viruses in fishes. Viral transcription was observed in 9.5% (16 of 169) of white suckers evaluated. The prevalence of hepatic tumors in these fish was 4.9%, and only 2.4% of fish were positive for both virus and hepatic tumors. These results are not sufficient to draw inferences regarding the association of WSHBV and carcinogenesis in white sucker. IMPORTANCE We report the first full-length genome of a hepadnavirus from fishes. Phylogenetic analysis of this genome indicates divergence from genomes of previously described hepadnaviruses from mammalian and avian hosts and supports the creation of a novel genus. The discovery of this novel virus may better our understanding of the evolutionary history of hepatitis B-like viruses of other hosts. In fishes, knowledge of this virus may provide insight regarding possible risk factors associated with hepatic neoplasia in the white sucker. This may also offer another model system for mechanistic research.
The Role of the Federal Statistical System in Evidence-based Policymaking, or How to Make the Statistical System Essential

This article discusses the strained nature of the relationship between the research/analytic world and the policy/political world. The research/analytic world in general and the statistical community in particular are portrayed as not wanting to be pulled into partisan politics. At the same time, the policy makers are portrayed as not seeing that statistical analysis is essential to confronting difficult real-world decisions. The article points out that there is a fundamental pressure pushing the two together: the federal budget. It shows that over the past decade or two, funding for statistical agencies has been under increasing pressure to show the “return on investment” of the taxpayers’ dollars. The article suggests that the way out of this problem is by becoming an essential partner with the policy makers in dealing with the challenging issues that they face by supporting and advancing evidence-based policymaking.
Langmuir Analysis of Nanoparticle Polyvalency in DNA-Mediated Adsorption†

Many nanoparticle adsorption processes are dictated by the collective interactions of surface-bound ligands. These adsorption processes define how nanoparticles interact with biological systems and enable the assembly of nanoparticle- based materials and devices. Herein, we present an approach for quantifying nanoparticle adsorption thermodynamics in a manner that satisfies the assumptions of the Langmuir model. Using this approach, we study the DNA-mediated adsorption of polyvalent anisotropic nanoparticles on surfaces and explore how deviations from model assumptions influence adsorption thermodynamics. Importantly, when combined with a solution-based vant Hoff analysis, we find that poly- valency plays a more important role as the individual interactions become weaker. Furthermore, we find that the free energy of anisotropic nanoparticle adsorption is consistent across multiple shapes and sizes of nanoparticles based on the surface area of the interacting facet. Molecular adsorption models are used to quantify surface coverage of molecular species, to characterize adsorption kinetics, and to evaluate the interaction thermodynamics between a molecular adsorbate and a surface site on an adsorbent. The most common molecular-adsorption model,
Therapeutic ultrasound decreases mechano-growth factor messenger ribonucleic acid expression after muscle contusion injury.

Abstract McBrier NM, Lekan JM, Druhan LJ, Devor ST, Merrick MA. Therapeutic ultrasound decreased mechno-growth factor messenger ribonucleic acid expression after muscle contusion injury. Objective To examine the influence of nonthermal ultrasound on mechano-growth factor (MGF) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression after blunt trauma. Design A 2×4 factorial multivariate analysis of variance design. Setting University research laboratory. Animals Thirty-six 3- to 4-month-old male Wistar rats (mean weight, 280.8±21.5g). Thirty-two received a bilateral contusion injury to the gastrocnemius via a drop mass technique. Four were control animals. Intervention Ultrasound treatment (frequency, 3MHz; intensity, 0.3W/cm 2 ; continuous duty cycle) was started 24 hours postinjury and delivered for 5 minutes daily on 4 consecutive days. Treatment was on the left hindlimb and the contralateral right hindlimb was the nonultrasound control. Main Outcome Measures Muscle mass (in grams) and MGF mRNA expression as measured via real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results Ultrasound had no effect on muscle mass (F 1,28 =2.723, P =.110, 1−β=.357, η 2 =.089). Ultrasound treatments decreased MGF mRNA expression in the treated limb compared with the nontreated hindlimb (F 1,28 =6.605, P =.016, 1−β=.699, η 2 =.191). Conclusions The nonthermal ultrasound treatments resulted in decreased MGF mRNA expression after blunt trauma to the gastrocnemius muscles.
Multivariable Control of a Continuous Culture

Multivariable control of both pH and ammonium levels in an aerobic continuous yeast culture was demonstrated. A buffered glucose feed was used for pH control. This control loop was coupled with ammonium control using an on-line ammonia electrode suspended above a pH-adjusted sample stream from the fermentor. The dilution rate of the culture was the sum of the two individual feed rates. The advantages and implications of multivariable feedback control in continuous fermentation are discussed.
Frictional–collisional equations of motion for granular materials and their application to flow in aerated chutes

Equations of motion and boundary conditions for a flowing granular material, developed in earlier publications, are here extended to allow for drag forces resulting from relative motion of the material and interstitial air. These are solved for fully developed flow down an inclined plane, through which a constant flow of air passes upward. The results are compared with measurements from an experimental aerated chute, in which the inclination of the chute, the flow rate of the granular material, and the flow of air are all varied. Using parameter values from independent measurements, as far as possible, the theory is found to give a good qualitative account of the observed behaviour. With a reasonable assigned value for the one parameter that cannot be determined independently the quantitative agreement is also satisfactory.
GaAs FET physical modeling and optimization

The authors present a modified version of the PHYSGEN model developed by M.A. Khatibzadeh and R.J. Trew (see IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech., vol.36, p.231-238, Feb. 1988). The authors introduce three new parameters into the Khatibzadeh-Trew model. The revised model also includes the effect of the parasitic resistances on the DC characteristics. The modified model accounts for the small signal behavior of actual devices. This improved model is then incorporated into an optimization routine to allow the designer to obtain a better match to measured data. >
Combined IL-15/IL-15Rα Immunotherapy Maximizes IL-15 Activity In Vivo

IL-15 has substantial potential as an immunotherapeutic agent for augmenting immune responses. However, the activity of IL-15 is mediated by a unique mechanism in which the cytokine is transpresented by cell-bound high-affinity IL-15Rα to target cells expressing the IL-15Rβ and the common γ-chain. Thus, the efficacy of administered IL-15 alone may be limited by the availability of free IL-15Rα. We now show that administration of soluble IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes greatly enhanced IL-15 half-life and bioavailability in vivo. Treatment of mice with this complex, but not with IL-15 alone, resulted in robust proliferation of memory CD8 T cells, NK cells, and NK T cells. The activity of the complex required IL-15Rβ, but not IL-15Rα, expression by the responding cells and was IL-7-independent. Interestingly, IL-15/IL-15Rα immunotherapy also caused naive CD8 T cell activation and development into effector cells and long-term memory T cells. Lastly, complexed IL-15, as compared with IL-15 alone, dramatically reduced tumor burden in a model of B16 melanoma. These findings hold significant importance for the use of IL-15 as a potential adjuvant/therapeutic and inducer of homeostatic proliferation, without the necessity for prior immunodepletion.
On the controllability of systems on compact Lie groups and quantum mechanical systems

We develop some general results on the properties of the reachable sets for right invariant bilinear systems with state varying on compact Lie groups. The main results consist of a characterization of the set of states reachable in arbitrary time from the identity of the group. This, under suitable assumptions, is proved to be a Lie subgroup of the underlying Lie group. We apply these results to the analysis of the controllability of particles with spin. For these systems we also obtain estimates of the time after which every state is reachable from the identity. The results are motivated by the problem of controlling a two-level quantum system in implementations of quantum computers.
Carcinogenicity Test of Acetoxime in MRC-Wistar Rats

Acetoxime was tested for carcinogenicity by chronic administration in the drinking water to male and female outbred MRC-Wistar rats. The dose of 1.0 g/liter was administered 5 days/week for 18 months (total dose, 6.2--7.0 g/rat). The test compound induced benign hepatocellular adenomas in 80% of the males but did not produce tumors in the females. This is the first report that oximes, which are fairly widely used in industry, are tumorigenic.
Peasants, Politics, and the Formation of Mexico’s National State: Guerrero, 1800-1857

Abbreviations Introduction 1. Society and politics in colonial Guerrero 2. The War of Independence in Guerrero, 1808-1821 3. State formation in Republican Guerrero 1808-1840 4. National politics and local social movements in Guerrero, 1820-1840 5. Guerrero in the 1840s: peasant rebellions and elite politics 6. The revolution of Ayutla and La Reforma Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index.
Multi-actor Planning for Directable Simulations

There has been growing academic and industry interest in the behavioral animation of autonomous actors in virtual worlds. However, it remains a considerable challenge to automatically generate complicated interactions between multiple actors in a customizable way with minimal user specification. In this paper, we propose a behavior authoring framework which provides the user with complete control over the domain of the system: the state space, action space and cost of executing actions. Actors are specialized using effect and cost modifiers -- which modify existing action definitions, and constraints which prune action choices in a state-dependent manner. Behaviors are used to define goals and objective functions for an actor. Actors having common or conflicting goals are grouped together to form a composite domain, and a multi-agent planner is used to generate complicated interactions between multiple actors. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework by authoring and generating a city simulation involving multiple pedestrians and vehicles that interact with one another to produce complex multi-actor behaviors.
Provisional Guidance on the Use of Hepatitis C Virus Protease Inhibitors for Treatment of Hepatitis C in HIV-Infected Persons

In May 2011, hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitors (PIs) were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat persons with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but not those dually infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although critical safety and efficacy data are lacking, the availability of the drugs and substantial medical need justify the off-label use of HCV PIs in select HIV/HCV-coinfected persons. Pending results of ongoing investigations, this article represents provisional guidance on the use of HCV PIs in HIV-infected persons.
Ferroxidase Hephaestin's Cell-Autonomous Role in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Hephaestin (Heph) is a ferroxidase protein that converts ferrous to ferric iron to facilitate cellular iron export by ferroportin. Many tissues express either Heph or its homologue, ceruloplasmin (Cp), but the retina expresses both. In mice, a combined systemic mutation of Heph and systemic knockout of Cp (Cp−/−, Hephsla/sla) causes retinal iron accumulation and retinal degeneration, with features of human age-related macular degeneration; however, the role of Heph and Cp in the individual retinal cells is unclear. Herein, we used conditional knockout mice to study Heph's role in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and photoreceptor cells. Loss of both Heph and Cp from RPE cells alone results in RPE cell iron accumulation and degeneration. We found, however, that RPE iron accumulation in these conditional knockout mice is not as great as in systemic knockout mice. Photoreceptor-specific Heph knockout indicates that the additional iron in the RPE cells does not result from loss of ferroxidases in the photoreceptors, and Cp and Heph play minor roles in photoreceptors. Instead, loss of ferroxidases in other retinal cells causes retinal iron accumulation and transfer of iron to the RPE cells. Cp and Heph are necessary for iron export from the retina but are not essential for iron import into the retina. Thus, our studies, revise how we think about iron import and export from the retina.
Structure, Function and Evolution of 5-S Ribosomal RNAs

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the structure, function, and evolution of 5-S ribosomal RNAs. The recent culmination of new and corrected nucleotide sequences of 5-S RNAs derived from the eubacteria, archaebacteria, eukaryotes, and the organelles reveals that the 5-S ribosomal RNA has been extremely conserved in nucleotide sequence and chain-length during the course of evolution. Eubacterial and eukaryotic 5-S RNAs differ primarily by the presence of a small number of insertions or deletions that are scattered throughout the molecule. Certain regions of the molecule tend to sustain chain-length changes more readily than other regions, e.g., helix V. The nucleotide sequences from a wide range of organisms conform to a generalized secondary structural model. Probes of the 5-S RNA structure by partial nuclease digestions largely confirm this model. In E. coli 5-S RNA, two double-helical regions (helices I and V) have been detected by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. There is both phylogenetic and experimental evidence for the presence of non-Watson-Crick A–G base-pairing in the stem encompassing helices IV and V of the 5-S RNA. There is phylogenetic evidence also for the presence of A–A and A–C pairing, but as yet no experimental data reveal the presence of these base-pairs in the 5-S RNA.
Stability and fluctuations in black hole thermodynamics

I examine thermodynamic fluctuations for a Kerr-Newman black hole in an extensive, infinite environment. This problem is not strictly solvable because full equilibrium with such an environment cannot be achieved by any black hole with mass M, angular momentum J, and charge Q. However, if we consider one (or two) of M, J, or Q to vary so slowly compared with the others that we can regard it as fixed, instances of stability occur, and thermodynamic fluctuation theory could plausibly apply. I examine seven cases with one, two, or three independent fluctuating variables. No knowledge about the thermodynamic behavior of the environment is needed. The thermodynamics of the black hole is sufficient. Let the fluctuation moment for a thermodynamic quantity X be {radical}( ). Fluctuations at fixed M are stable for all thermodynamic states, including that of a nonrotating and uncharged environment, corresponding to average values J=Q=0. Here, the fluctuation moments for J and Q take on maximum values. That for J is proportional to M. For the Planck mass it is 0.3990({Dirac_h}/2{pi}). That for Q is 3.301e, independent of M. In all cases, fluctuation moments for M, J, and Q go to zero at the limit of the physicalmore » regime, where the temperature goes to zero. With M fluctuating there are no stable cases for average J=Q=0. But, there are transitions to stability marked by infinite fluctuations. For purely M fluctuations, this coincides with a curve which Davies identified as a phase transition.« less
Optimization neural networks for the segmentation of magnetic resonance images

The application of the Hopfield neural network for the multispectral unsupervised classification of MR images is reported. Winner-take-all neurons were used to obtain a crisp classification map using proton density-weighted and T/sub 2/-weighted images in the head. The preliminary studies indicate that the number of iterations needed to reach 'good' solutions was nearly constant with the number of clusters chosen for the problem. >
Impact of the Adenoviral E4 Orf3 Protein on the Activity and Posttranslational Modification of p53

Our previous studies have established that the p53 populations that accumulate in normal human cells exposed to etoposide or infected by an E1B 55-kDa protein-null mutant of human adenovirus type 5 carry a large number of posttranslational modifications at numerous residues (C. J. DeHart, J. S. Chahal, S. J. Flint, and D. H. Perlman, Mol Cell Proteomics 13:1–17, 2014, http://dx.doi.org/10.1074/mcp.M113.030254). In the absence of this E1B protein, the p53 transcriptional program is not induced, and it has been reported that the viral E4 Orf3 protein inactivates p53 (C. Soria, F. E. Estermann, K. C. Espantman, and C. C. O'Shea, Nature 466:1076–1081, 2010, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature09307). As the latter protein disrupts nuclear Pml bodies, sites at which p53 is modified, we used mass spectrometry to catalogue the posttranscriptional modifications of the p53 population that accumulates when neither the E1B 55-kDa nor the E4 Orf3 protein is made in infected cells. Eighty-five residues carrying 163 modifications were identified. The overall patterns of posttranslational modification of this population and p53 present in cells infected by an E1B 55-kDa-null mutant were similar. The efficiencies with which the two forms of p53 bound to a consensus DNA recognition sequence could not be distinguished and were lower than that of transcriptionally active p53. The absence of the E4 Orf3 protein increased expression of several p53-responsive genes when the E1B protein was also absent from infected cells. However, expression of these genes did not attain the levels observed when p53 was activated in response to etoposide treatment and remained lower than those measured in mock-infected cells. IMPORTANCE The tumor suppressor p53, a master regulator of cellular responses to stress, is inactivated and destroyed in cells infected by species C human adenoviruses, such as type 5. It is targeted for proteasomal degradation by the action of a virus-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase that contains the viral E1B 55-kDa and E4 Orf6 proteins, while the E4 Orf3 protein has been reported to block its ability to stimulate expression of p53-dependent genes. The comparisons reported here of the posttranslational modifications and activities of p53 populations that accumulate in infected normal human cells in the absence of both mechanisms of inactivation or of only the E3 ligase revealed little impact of the E4 Orf3 protein. These observations indicate that E4 Orf3-dependent disruption of Pml bodies does not have a major effect on the pattern of p53 posttranslational modifications in adenovirus-infected cells. Furthermore, they suggest that one or more additional viral proteins contribute to blocking p53 activation and the consequences that are deleterious for viral reproduction, such as apoptosis or cell cycle arrest.
Neutral ground resistor monitoring schemes

One distribution industrial/utility company in the Middle East has experienced several neutral ground resistor [NGR] failures during the past few years at its residential substations. These NGR's are installed in the neutral of the distribution power system transformers to limit the ground fault current. The failure of these NGR's caused the distribution system to be ungrounded. The existence of a phase to ground failure in the ungrounded power system leads to phase to ground voltage build-up in the other two healthy phases which can result in insulation breakdown and electrical equipment failures. This work is aimed at the development of two schemes and the evaluation of a third commercial existing scheme to detect NGR's failures.
Intimate Partner Violence: Predictors of Recidivism in a Sample of Arrestees

This article seeks to identify the variables that predict intimate partner violence recidivism. Neither prosecutorial actions, such as case rejection or subsequent dismissal, nor judicial imposition of jail terms or placement in a batterer treatment program demonstrated predictive value. Extralegal variables associated with the defendant, such as cohabitation status, marital status, gender, employment, and substance use at the time of the incident, all failed to attain significance. Victim support for arrest and prosecution were also unrelated to revictimization. Conversely, use of a weapon, the offender’s prior arrest for any offense, and the presence of a protective order at the time of the precipitating incident all predicted rearrest for intimate violence within an 18-month follow-up period. Policy implications are discussed.
Triiodothyronine increases survival in canine hemorrhagic shock.

The euthyroid sick (low T3) syndrome occurs in shock and could influence survival. To evaluate the potential therapeutic value of triiodothyronine (T3) in circulatory collapse, 26 anesthetized, heparinized mongrel dogs were bled rapidly into a reservoir until mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) = 40 mmHg. After 60 min of hypotension, the animals were given 15 μg/kg of T3 i.v. (13 dogs) or an equal volume of normal saline (13 dogs), and the reservoir line was clamped for 30 min (uncompensated shock). The shed blood was then reinfused over 30 min. After 1 h of monitoring the dogs were returned to the kennel and observed for 3 days. T3 (15 μg/kg) or normal saline was administered i.v. on each of the first 3 postshock days. T3 administration caused significant increases during uncompensated shock in cardiac output, stroke volume, mean arterial pressure, right and left ventricular stroke work and systemic vascular resistance, with a decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance. Shortly after reinfusion of shed blood, hemodynamic values were similar in T3 and untreated animals. In the control group, 6 of 13 dogs died. However, only one of 13 T3 dogs died (P < 0.05). Although the mechanism by which T3 enhances shock survival was not clearly identified, T3 might exert beneficial effects via the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis or by acting on cardiovascular receptors to improve hemodynamic function at a critical stage of shock. Additional studies of T3 therapy in clinical shock appear warranted.
Stem Cell Aging

WE summarize here the fruitful discussion that occurred on a wide variety of topics during the session on stem cell aging.
The Eighth Amendment and Juvenile LWOP: Applying the Tison Standard to Juvenile Peripheral Accomplices

This article argues for the application of the Tison v. Arizona capital punishment standard in sentencing juveniles to LWOP. The article follows reasoning of the recent Supreme Court doctrinal trend of reducing the severity of punishments available to juvenile offenders and treating JLWOP and capital punishment equally. In treating JLWOP the same as capital punishment for adult offenders, the Court has established that both punishments should be reserved for only the most heinous offenses and the worst offenders. As a result, this article argues that the Court should apply the Tison standard used in adult felony murder cases to felony murder cases involving juvenile offenders.The article argues that the difference in culpability amongst offenders the Court recognizes in the felony murder context most definitely exists amongst juvenile offenders involved in felony murders. As a result of these variances in culpability, the Court should implement similar safeguards to ensure that only the most involved juvenile accomplices are sentenced to the most severe punishments. The result of implementing the Tison standard is separating highly involved, primary juvenile accomplices from mere peripheral accomplices, and sentencing them accordingly.By establishing a framework for recognizing the twice diminished culpability of a juvenile peripheral accomplice, this article argues that these peripheral accomplices are not amongst the worst offenders, and thus, should not be sentenced the same. By recognizing the twice diminished culpability, and analyzing the constitutional proportionality of JLWOP, it becomes apparent that the sentence is unconstitutionally disproportionate for peripheral accomplices, and as a result, the sentence should not be available to courts sentencing these juvenile peripheral accomplices.
Expression Profiles and RNAi Silencing of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Transcripts in Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae).

Effective mosquito control is vital to curtail the devastating health effects of many vectored diseases. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated control of mosquitoes is an attractive alternative to conventional chemical pesticides. Previous studies have suggested that transcripts for inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs) may be good RNAi targets. To revisit and extend previous reports, we examined the expression of Aedes aegypti (L.) IAPs ( Aae IAPs) 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, and a viral IAP-associated factor (vIAF) as well as Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say and Culex quinquefasciatus Say IAP1 homologs ( Aqu IAP1 and Cqu IAP1) in adult females. Expression profiles of IAPs suggested that some older female mosquitoes had significantly higher IAP mRNA levels when compared to the youngest ones. Minor differences in expression of Aae IAPs were observed in mosquitoes that imbibed a bloodmeal, but the majority of the time points (up to 48 h) were not significantly different. Although in vitro experiments with the Ae. aegypti Aag-2 cell line demonstrated that the various Aae IAPs could be effectively knocked down within one day after dsRNA treatment, only Aag-2 cells treated with dsIAP1 displayed apoptotic morphology. Gene silencing and mortality were also evaluated after topical application and microinjection of the same dsRNAs into female Ae. aegypti. In contrast to previous reports, topical administration of dsRNA against Aae IAP1 did not yield a significant reduction in gene expression or increased mortality. Knockdown of IAP1 and other IAPs by microinjection did not result in significant mortality. In toto , our findings suggest that IAPs may not be suitable RNAi targets for controlling adult mosquito populations.
Toughness enhancement of thermosetting polymers using a novel partially reacted substructure curing protocol: A combined molecular simulation and experimental study

Abstract Curing epoxies with a mixture of low- and high-T g diamines has been proposed as a way to increase thermoset toughness. We seek here to understand the origins of toughness enhancement in systems comprised of the diamines poly(oxypropylene)diamine (POPDA) and diethyltoluenediamine (DETDA) together with the epoxy resin diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) via control of network isomerization. Two curing protocols at constant overall DGEBA/DETDA/POPDA 2:1 amine:epoxy stoichiometric composition are compared: (i) curing a liquid mixture of DGEBA, DETDA and POPDA, and (ii) partially curing DGEBA with POPDA (60% of amines reacted), then adding DETDA and more DGEBA to continue to a fully cured stoichiometric sample; the latter is referred to as the “partially reacted substructure” (PRS) method. PRS samples are 50% tougher than the compositionally-identical mixed samples yet have higher T g 's than the mixed samples. We show here that MD simulations of model systems provide a molecular-level rationale for this observation. First, MD yields reasonably accurate densities and T g 's. Lower T g 's in the mixed systems are correlated to larger thermal fluctuations in positions of monomer centers enabled by more uniform dispersion of the POPDA molecules. Furthermore, the onset of crosslink bond stretching under steady uniaxial tensile strain occurs at lower strains in the mixed samples, which correlates to their lower experimental ductility. This behavior is shown to arise from POPDA molecules in the PRS system more easily deforming from their unstrained conformations than they can in the mixed systems. These findings provide further guidance in the use of control over network isomerization at constant composition to enhance toughness of thermoset systems.
An Analysis of Antibody Response to Australia Antigen in Man

In 1965, Blumberg and co-workers discovered a new antigenic factor in the serum of an Australian aborigine which has since become known as the Australia or hepatitis antigen [1, 2]. This factor has been shown to be specifically associated with viral hepatitis [3-5], and there is mounting evidence that it is intimately related to virus-like particles [5-7]. In addition, the Australia antigen has been linked to infectivity in blood donors [4, 8, 9], and it is found in some cases of chronic hepatitis [10]. Antiserum to Australia antigen has usually been obtained from multiply transfused patients, but little has been reported about the frequency and type of antibody found in man. This article describes the general characteristics of the immune response to Australia antigen in four distinct groups: patients who have received multiple transfusions, random blood donors, patients who are convalescent from viral hepatitis, and recipients of transfusions containing Australia antigen.
Photoelectrochemical Splitting of Water to H2 and O2 at n-Fe2O3 Nanowires and Nanocrystalline Carbon-Modified (CM)-n-Fe2O3 Thin Films

Iron oxide n-Fe2O3 nanowire thin films were synthesized by thermal oxidation of Fe metal sheet (Alfa Co. 0.25 mm thick) in an electric oven then tested for their photoactivity. The photoresponse of the n-Fe2O3 nanowires was evaluated by measuring the rate of water splitting reaction to hydrogen and oxygen, which was found to be proportional to photocurrent density, jp. The optimized electric oven-made n-Fe2O3 photoelectrodes showed photocurrent densities of 1.32 mA cm-2 at measured potential of 0.0 V/SCE with photoconversion efficiency of 1.69 % at applied potential of 0.70 V vs Eaoc (electrode potential at open circuit conditions) under illumination intensity of 100 mW cm-2 from a Solar simulator with a global AM 1.5 filter. The photoactivity was improved upon incorporation of carbon into the lattice of n-Fe2O3 by flame oxidation at 850{degree sign}C. The carbon modified (CM)-n-Fe2O3 showed enhanced photocurrent response to 3.14 mA cm-2 at a measured potential of 0.0 V/SCE with an efficiency of 2.23% at applied potential of 0.52 V vs Eaoc. The nanocrystalline CM-n- Fe2O3 and n-Fe2O3 nanowires thin films were characterized using photocurrent density measurements under monochromatic light illumination, UV-Vis spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
A Perspective on SOI Symmetric Lateral Bipolar Transistors for Ultra-Low-Power Systems

The reasons why state-of-the-art vertical bipolar circuits dissipate very high power are explained. The recent advent of SOI symmetric lateral bipolar transistors invites us to rethink bipolar as a high-speed but low-power technology. Integrated Injection Logic ( $\text{I}^{2}\text{L}$ ) and complementary bipolar (analogous to CMOS) circuits in SOI lateral bipolar offer huge design windows for power versus performance tradeoff, suggesting the possibility of ultra-low-power systems with embedded high-speed cores. $\text{I}^{2}\text{L}$ SRAM cells could be more than twice as dense as CMOS SRAM cells. The SOI substrate offers a fourth device terminal that can be used to induce narrow-gap-base HBT-like I–V characteristics, which should further improve the power-performance of circuits in SOI lateral bipolar. Fin-structure devices enable significant improvement in ${f} _{\max }$ for RF and high-frequency applications. The process technology for SOI lateral bipolar is compatible with CMOS. The Si-OI version is definitely much less complex than CMOS.
Analysis of Linear Operators (Compact Case)

In this chapter we will be concerned with the (spectral) analysis of continuous linear operators on a complex Hilbert space. More precisely, we will be primarily concerned with a special class of continuous linear operators, namely, compact operators.
A THIN LINEAR THERMOMETER ARRAY FOR TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT IN CANCER HYPERTHERMIA

A linear thermometer array using silicon diodes as sensing elements has been developed to measure one-dimensional temperature profiles during hyperthermia treatment of cancer. The array is composed of six diodes on flexible wires, has a cross-section of 0.5mm, and can be introduced into the tumor area via a small puncture wound. Temperature data are extracted from the array using an external electronics system under microprocessor control. Present accuracy of the thermometer array is 0.2C, while future improvements in the calibration procedure should permit 0.05C accuracy. The array has been used in ultrasound, R.F., and microwave heating fields. Future extensions of array fabrication techniques will result in twenty temperature sensing points along a rigid needle with a cross-section less than 1mm.
An In Situ Mechanism for the Optimal Cooling of Oil-Lubricated Rolling Element Bearings and Planetary Gear Systems

A major detriment to reliable and sustainable operation of rotational equipment has been extensively linked to high thermal loads from frictional dissipation. Frictional dissipation in critical tribological components such as bearings and gears results in lubricant degradation and subsequent subpar thermal performance. In this study, a novel in situ lubricant cooling system is used to provide a continuous cooling of these critical tribo-components. Experiments were conducted using rolling element bearing (REB) and planetary gear system (PGS) sets. The stationary outer race of a REB was used to accommodate a cooling coil in a heat exchange-like arrangement. Similarly, the stationary outer ring of the PGS housed a cooling coil in another heat exchanger-like arrangement. Use of the heat exchanger arrangements assured continuous in situ cooling to remove the heat generated in the tribological REB and PGS. Water was used as the coolant while Amsoil 75W-90 Severe Gear® oil was the lubricant used. Highly conductive copper coils surrounded the REB or PGS and the coolant was circulated through the coils to remove the heat from the outer bearing race and ring gear. The hot lubricant rejects heat by convection into the outer race thereby limiting lubricant degradation. The incidence of wear and premature failure are also minimized. So far results from this experimental study show that heat generation is significantly minimized in bearings and gears when cooled in situ. This preliminary study has offered important insight for more rigorous follow-on studies.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Calibration and characterization of a highly efficient spectrometer in von Hamos geometry for 7-10 keV x-rays

We have built an absolutely calibrated, highly efficient, Bragg crystal spectrometer in von Hamos geometry. This zinc von Hamos spectrometer uses a crystal made from highly oriented pyrolytic graphite that is cylindrically bent along the non-dispersive axis. It is tuned to measure x-ray spectra in the 7–10 keV range and has been designed to be used on a Ten Inch Manipulator for the Omega and OmegaEP target chambers at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics in Rochester, USA. Significant shielding strategies and fluorescence mitigation have been implemented in addition to an imaging plate detector making it well suited for experiments in high-intensity environments. Here we present the design and absolute calibration as well as mosaicity and integrated reflectivity measurements.
The meanings of production(s): showbiz and deep plays in finance and DIYbiology

AbstractDrawing on anthropological theories of play, deep play and games, as well as sociological interaction theories of risk, this paper develops a theory of consequential games. This paper suggests that in the United States much expert or entrepreneurial activity can be seen as a competition over creating the rules of games that others must play. In turn, whatever peril lies in these consequential games is the province of the saps that have to play, and whatever reward or prize comes from the game is captured by the expert or entrepreneur. The perspective that this paper advances, in turn, renders domains of life often seen as discrete (say private equity investing and biotechnological tinkering) comparable and in fact similar types of phenomena, all caught up in the crazy apocalyptic vitality that is contemporary capitalism.
Tissue conservation for transplantation

Pathophysiological changes that occur during ischemia and subsequent reperfusion cause damage to tissues procured for transplantation and also affect long-term allograft function and survival. The proper preservation of organs before transplantation is a must to limit these injuries as much as possible. For decades, static cold storage has been the gold standard for organ preservation, with mechanical perfusion developing as a promising alternative only recently. The current literature points to the need of developing dedicated preservation protocols for every organ, which in combination with other interventions such as ischemic preconditioning and therapeutic additives offer the possibility of improving organ preservation and extending it to multiple times its current duration. This review strives to present an overview of the current body of knowledge with regard to the preservation of organs and tissues destined for transplantation.
Toward Equity and Diversity in Literacy Research, Policy, and Practice: A Critical, Global Approach:

Can growing inequities between rich and poor and massive manifestations of hatred and intolerance amid rising tides of global populism inspire a focus on equity and diversity in literacy research, policy, and practice? Can such calls for change be collaborative rather than competitive? Can we envision self-love, wellness, and intercultural understanding as compelling ends of a reimagined literacy pedagogy? Toward these ends, this essay offers demographic, moral, and economic imperatives for fundamentally reconsidering literacy policy and practice. It then presents five “big” ideas. We must ask different questions, we must identify and problematize our notions of success, we must advocate for the equitable distribution of material resources, we must fight for bottom-up accountability practices, and we must envision new literacy practices that reflect our new global reality. Finally it advocates a global postcolonial critical literacies framework where teachers are positioned as intellectuals and agents of ...
PINK BOLLWORM MOTH DISPERSAL IN AND AROUND COTTON, SUGAR BEETS, AND ALFALFA

Huber oil traps baited with gossyplure were used to compare early season pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), moth catches in beets and nearby cotton, and catches throughout the grow...
Diagnostic Decision Support Systems

Since primeval times, mankind has attempted to explain natural phenomena using models. For the past five decades, a new kind of modeler, the healthcare informatician, has developed and proliferated a new kind of model, the clinical Diagnostic Decision Support System (DDSS). This chapter presents a definition of clinical diagnosis and of DDSS; a discussion of how humans accomplish diagnosis; a survey of previous attempts to develop computer-based clinical diagnostic tools; a discussion of the problems encountered in developing, implementing, evaluating, and maintaining clinical diagnostic decision support systems; and a discussion of current and future systems.
Do sanction types affect the duration of economic sanctions? The case of foreign aid:

What effect does the type of economic sanctions have on sanctions duration? Despite extensive research about their effect on sanctions success, little is known about how sanction types affect the d...
Expert reasoning based improvements to the GLRT

This paper builds on the ideas presented in [1] and [2] to create a more robust Space-Time Adaptive Processing (STAP) system. Through the use of extensive knowledge bases, circular SAR registration, and expert reasoning, the system has been shown to increase the detection performance in non-homogeneous environments.
MASS MEASUREMENTS IN A LIQUID SCINTILLATION SPECTROMETER: QUANTITATION OF SULFHYDRYL MOIETIES BY COLOR QUENCHING

Abstract Liquid scintillation instrumentation is used to quantitate sulfhydryl-containing compounds by color quenching. Color produced by a reaction between sulfhydryl groups and 5,5′-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid to form 3-carboxy-4-nitrothiophenol quenches fluorescence of a scintillation source; the colored compound absorbs maximally at 412 nanometers. The scintillation source consists of either a plastic or liquid scintillator mixed with a beta emitter ( 14 C) in a glass tube that is inserted in the center of a scintillation vial containing the colored solution. Quenching is linear over a range of 50–200 nanomoles of glutathione. This quenching technique could be modified for the rapid automated analysis of large numbers of samples.
Gas-Phase Electron Diffraction Applied to Molecules Undergoing Large-Amplitude Motion

The development of gas-phase electron diffraction as a tool for the investigation of molecular vibration is described. The methods used for “stiff” molecules, methods based on harmonic vibration theory, are not adequate for the description of large-amplitude motion. In such cases the motion is represented by a set of “pseudoconformers”, constructions representing the instantaneous conformations of the molecule in question, each pseudoconformer representative of a finite displacement of the large-amplitude coordinate. These pseudoconformers are treated as normal molecules undergoing harmonic vibrations of their frames exclusive of vibration along the large-amplitude coordinate. Each is given a weight determined by a Boltzmann distribution in which the potential for the large-amplitude motion appears as the energy factor. The method is applicable to all types of large-amplitude motion. It is illustrated by several examples of internal rotation and several forms of the potential.