cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 12802: Western Diet Impairs Cardiac Systolic and Diastolic Function in the Mouse

Introduction: Western diet (WD), rich in saturated fat and sucrose, has pro-inflammatory properties and promotes cardiovascular disease. Whether WD has direct effects on cardiac function is unknown. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that WD would negatively affect cardiac systolic and diastolic function in the mouse. Methods: CD1 8 week-old male mice were fed with standard chow diet with 17% fat content (N=8) or WD with 42.0% fat content (N=11) for 8 weeks. Food intake was measured daily. Mice underwent transthoracic echocardiography under mild sedation with pentobarbital at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks to measure left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), ejection fraction (LVEF), mass (LVM), myocardial performance index (MPI) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT). Left ventricular catheterization through retrograde right carotid artery approach was performed with a Millar catheter to measure peak systolic pressure (LVPSP) and end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). An additional group of female mice (N=13) ...
Precise ozone measurements using a mass spectrometer beam system

During the last few years a gas expansion system combined with a mass spectrometer has been developed to measure neutral constituents in the stratosphere. Ambient gas particles are formed into a molecular beam by a sequence of orifices and high speed liquid helium pumps. The beam traverses the ion source of the mass spectrometer without wall interactions. The experiment is especially capable of measuring ozone mixing ratios in the upper stratosphere. The highest altitude is limited by the performance of balloons.
Independent component analysis applied to diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy: separating nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of analytes in mixtures

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of a mixture contains the overall peaks of all the analytes. It is impossible to perform structural assignment on the mixture without the knowledge of individual spectra of the components. Spectral separation is thus an important means of teasing out pure components of a mixture before spectral assignment. We propose a strategy called diffusion-ordered independent component analysis (DIFFICA) to achieve this task. This strategy applies independent component analysis algorithms to diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) to extract spectra of pure components in a mixture. DIFFICA was tested in a simulation and experimentally in two three-component systems with and without water suppression, in 1D and 2D DOSY data. Pure spectra were achieved in both cases. The selection of diffusion parameters to guarantee pure spectra is guided by the distance correlation between separated spectra. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Taxing Fracking: The Politics of State Severance Taxes in the Shale Era

States producing gas and oil have long levied severance taxes at the point of extraction, commonly placing most revenues into general funds. These taxes have assumed new meaning in many states amid the expansion of gas and oil production accompanying the advent of hydraulic fracturing. We reviewed all major statutes and constitutional amendments related to severance taxes that were enacted at the state level during the first decade of the “shale era” (2005–14). There have been only modest adjustments in statutory tax rates and some evidence that states have attempted to reduce these rates, possibly in response to growing national production. In turn, there is also evidence that states have begun to pursue more targeted strategies for revenue use, including some expanded focus on responding to the negative externalities linked to drilling, expanded revenue sharing with localities, and increased long-term protection of resources through state trust funds.
Evidence that tumor necrosis factor has an important role in antibacterial resistance.

TNF is produced in the spleens of Listeria-infected mice during the first 3 days of a sublethal immunizing infection. The production of Listeria-induced TNF coincides with the time when peak numbers of bacteria are present in the liver and spleen. Evidence suggesting that TNF produced in Listeria-infected organs functions in a T cell-independent resistance mechanism comes from results showing that listeriosis is exacerbated in both T cell-intact mice and T cell-deficient (athymic nude) mice treated with a monospecific anti-murine TNF IgG. Listeriosis is exacerbated, however, only if the anti-TNF IgG is given during the first 3 days of infection, i.e., at the time when TNF is being produced in the spleen. Anti-TNF IgG administered on the first day of infection neutralized all the cytotoxic activity of endogenously produced TNF in the spleen. Additional evidence that TNF plays an important role in antibacterial defenses was obtained by showing that administration of pure murine rTNF protects mice against a normally lethal Listeria challenge given 1 to 24 h later.
Competitive adsorption of polymer and surfactants on solid substrates

Abstract Polymer and surfactant adsorption on substrates has important applications in a variety of fields such as solid-solid separations, dispersion and flocculation of particulate suspensions, and controlled drug delivery systems. In pharmaceutical applications coating of different molecules in controlled amounts on a given carrier substrate may be desired to achieve the necessary efficacy of the drug molecules. On the other hand, the concept of different substrates (e.g., minerals) competing for a given polymer/surfactant molecule is governing phenomena for physicochemical separation processes such as selective flocculation and flotation. Selective flocculation process involves selective adsorption of flocculant (high molecular weight polymer) on the flocculating component of the mixture. Modifications in the substrate properties (e.g., charge density, wettability), polymer characteristics (e.g., molecular weight, charge density, wettability) and solvent properties (e.g., pH, ionic strength, temp.) may all be employed to achieve the flocculant adsorption only on the desired component of the particulate mixture. Confining the adsorption of a flocculant to the desired complement of the particulate mixture using site blocking agents (SBAs — low molecular weight polymers) is discussed.
Coronary artery venous bypass graft aneurysm with symptomatic coronary artery emboli

A 53 year old man, asymptomatic for 9 years after aortoright coronary artery venous bypass surgery, developed two prolonged episodes of myocardial ischemia during a 7 month interval. Diagnostic exercise tests subsequent to each episode were normal. Coronary angiography demonstrated marked dilation with filling defects of the venous bypass graft. A large thrombus-filled venous by pass graft aneurysm was excised at surgery. Spontaneous coronary artery embolization related to a venous bypass graft aneurysm has not been described previously, but may become more frequent as survival and follow-up after coronary bypass surgery lengthen.
The Economics of Personalization in Prevention and Public Health

Personalized prevention uses family history and predictive genetic testing to identify people at high risk of serious diseases. The availability of predictive genetic tests is a newer and still-developing phenomenon. Many observers see tremendous potential for personalized prevention to improve public health. At the same time, the emergence of these new markets raises familiar health policy concerns about costs, cost-effectiveness, and health disparities. This paper first discusses an economic framework for the analysis of personalized prevention. On the demand side, consumers use personalized prevention as a form of information that allows them to make better choices about prevention, including medical care and health behaviors like diet and exercise. On the supply side, an interplay of complex market forces and regulations will determine the prices, advertising, and insurance coverage of predictive genetic tests. Beyond the question of whether health insurance will cover the costs of predictive genetic tests, there is a great deal of concern about whether consumers' use of genetic tests might place them at risk of genetic discrimination or might lead to adverse selection. The paper also reports descriptive analysis of data from the 2000, 2005, and 2010 National Health Interview Surveys on the use of predictive genetic tests. The empirical analysis documents large socioeconomic status-related disparities in consumers having heard of genetic tests: for example, consumers with less schooling, Blacks, and Hispanics were substantially less likely to have heard of genetic tests. Evidence from other empirical studies provides little evidence that genetic testing leads to genetic discrimination in insurance markets. There is more evidence suggesting adverse selection, where genetic testing leads consumers to purchase long-term care insurance. The paper concludes with some preliminary thoughts about important directions for future research. The goal of the paper is to review relevant research to help develop an economic approach and social science research agenda into the determinants and consequences of genetic tests for prevention.
A readout system for multi-wire proportional chambers☆

Abstract A serial readout system for a 2000-wire proportional chamber array is described. Addresses were processed through a Camac data system into an augmented PDP-8 computer.
uLocate: a ubiquitous location tracking system for people aging with disabilities

Researchers have developed different kinds of location technologies for observing daily activities. However, there are very few systems that are able to ubiquitously monitor an individual's location, especially for people aging with disabilities. In this study, we developed a location tracking system, uLocate, capable of both indoor and outdoor tracking. The system was evaluated in real homes by 11 participants aging with different types of disabilities. Based on our evaluations, we believe uLocate and the findings of this case study will benefit designers and rehabilitation researchers who require location-based tracking technologies for health-related studies.
A Path-Planning Strategy for Overhead Cranes With High Hoisting Speed

This paper proposes a path planning strategy for high-performance anti-swing control of overhead cranes, where the anti-swing control problem is solved as a kinematic problem. First, two anti-swing control laws, one for hoisting up and the other for hoisting down, are proposed based on the Lyapunov stability theorem. Then a new path-planning strategy is proposed based on the concept of minimum-time control and the proposed anti-swing control laws. The proposed path planning is free from the usual constraints of small load swing, slow hoisting speed, and small hoisting distance. The effectiveness of the proposed path planning is shown by computer simulation with high hoisting speed and hoisting ratio.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
86 Highly Sensitized Lung Transplant Recipients Have Equivalent Outcomes as Non-Sensitized Patients in the Post-LAS Era

infiltrates; 9 required mechanical ventilation. All had DSA. Lung biopsies showed acute lung injury (neutrophilic pneumonitis or diffuse alveolar damage) in 8 cases and capillaritis in 8 cases (Figure 1a). All showed C4d deposition in capillary endothelium (Figure 1b). Patients were treated with a combination of rituximab and IVIG; 5 patients were also treated with plasma exchange. 13 patients improved but 3 patients died of refractory AMR. 8 of the 13 survivors developed BOS within 1 year of AMR and 8 of the 16 patients died during the study period.
Cell-cycle regulator cyclin D1 mRNA and protein overexpression occurs in primary malignant gliomas

Gliomas are malignant brain tumors thought to arise through multi-step tumorigenesis, involving both the activation of oncogenes and the loss of tumor suppressor genes. The cyclin D1 gene encodes a proto-oncogenic cell cycle regulator implicated in the pathogenesis of several types of cancer, including gliomas. Northern blot analysis revealed expression of cyclin D1 mRNA in 7 (47%) of 15 primary glioma specimens. Immunohistochemistry using an antibody specific for cyclin D1 showed strong positivity amongst neoplastic glial cells in the same glioma samples. No cyclin D1 mRNA or protein was detected in 5 normal brain specimens. Cyclin B, which has not been linked to tumorigenesis and serves as a marker for cellular proliferation, was expressed in all tumor, but not control, samples. These data provide the first evidence for the overexpression of cyclin D1 mRNA and protein in primary human gliomas, and are consistent with a proposed oncogenic role of cyclin D1 in these tumors. It is suggested that excessive levels of cyclin D1 with or without several other D-type cyclin proteins may lead to deregulation of G(1) control in subsets of human gliomas. These results are further discussed in the context of putative functional redundancy of D-type cyclins and the role of the D-type cyclin/p16-ink4/pRB pathway in tumorigenesis.
Can nutrition affect chemical toxicity

Universally, the general population is exposed to a variety of "toxic" substances. Some of these are from manufactured goods and some from air and water pollution. Toxins are also normally found in many foods; however, unless the exposure is overwhelming, we are many times (even unknowingly) protected by the foods we eat. A judicious choice of food will counteract noxious agents. Therefore, the diet can be a major factor in determining who does and who does not show toxic symptoms following exposure. This review will cover three aspects. The first will be on protectors against metal toxicity. For example, whereas humans can consume fish that have absorbed mercury from contaminated bay water, selenium can act as a natural antagonist for mercury poisoning. (Naturally, too much selenium itself can be detrimental!) Some vegetables can accumulate cadmium from contaminated soil, and zinc from a variety of nuts is an antagonist of cadmium toxicity. Nitrites in preserved meats can be converted into nitroamines by saliva or mild stomach acid. Vitamin C found in oranges and bell peppers can inhibit that conversion. In addition, calcium antagonizes both lead and aluminum toxicity. The second aspect is on oxidants and antioxidants. Oxidative stress can lead to some cancers, atherosclerosis, and adverse effects of aging. Antioxidants are the best protectors of the damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The most effective antioxidants are found in highly colored fruits and vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, and berries, called carotenoids. Flavonoids (polyphenols), another class of effective antioxidants that negate ROS, may or may not be colored. The third aspect is on gaps in current knowledge. Many foods naturally contain chemicals that are, in larger concentrations, quite toxic or carcinogenic. Biotransformations (detoxification mechanisms) involving type I and type II enzymes are known. Some foods do modify these enzymes either positively or negatively. Grapefruit contains a substance that inhibits an isoform of P450, making some cardiac drugs, as substrates, more toxic. There is inadequate information on what specific components are in a variety of foods that are associated with cancer prevention. The experimental carcinogenic compound (and suspected as a human carcinogen) found in overcooked, burnt, and fried meats and fish, namely IQ (2-amino-3-methyl-3H-imidazo[4,5f]quinoline, will be used as a prototype for what needs to be known about foods that will affect toxins.
A Case Study of Students' Motivation in College Algebra Courses.

This paper examines data from a larger study that focused upon students’ experiences and motivations in a college algebra course. The study revealed that students failed this course because of various factors and continued to view this course as a “gatekeeper” class. Through a stepwise multiple regression, the analysis of the ARCS instrument showed that Attention, Relevance, and Confidence were strong predictors of Satisfaction in the course.
The Behavior of Japanese Individual Investors During Bull and Bear Markets

We study Japanese individual investors by contrasting their behavior during a long bull market (1984-1989) to a long bear market (1990-1999). Our main objective is to test whether individuals' attitudes and preferences toward stock risk, book-to-market valuation, and past returns, are different between market conditions. We also assess individuals' investing performance. Overall, we identify some striking differences in investing behavior between the bull and the bear market. These behaviors are associated with poor investment performance. Some of our findings are consistent with existing behavioral theories, but some of our findings are not.
Temporal coupled mode theory for thermal emission from a single emitter

We propose a temporal coupled mode theory for thermal emission from a single emitter. We validate the coupled mode theory formalism by a direct numerical simulation of the emission properties of single emitters.
Patterns of representation in WTO committee chairs: 1995-2012

This paper sets out to examine the pattern of WTO committee chair appointments by nationality since the WTO's founding in 1995. Chairs of the General Council (GC), subsidiary and negotiating committees play important roles in the outcome of trade negotiations and in administrative and implementation issues in Geneva. The GC selects most committee chairs, and must consider the balance of member representation and the quality of the candidates in its choices. Regression results indicate that the selection of a chair by nationality generally reflects the country's mission size in Geneva, the country's years of experience as a WTO member, and its economic interests in trade. The experience of individuals and continuity in committee leadership also appear to play important roles. Among developing countries, emerging markets (EMs) tend to have the largest proportional representation. The GC thus appears to follow a human capital model of chair selection, geographical constraints and especially development status balance considerations. Continued investments among all WTO members, but especially EM and other developing countries, in WTO representation and leadership capacity will be required in order to promote multilateral trade liberalization in the future.
The Human Homologue of Bub3 Is Required for Kinetochore Localization of Bub1 and a Mad3/Bub1-related Protein Kinase

A feedback control mechanism, or cell cycle checkpoint, delays the onset of anaphase until all the chromosomes are correctly aligned on the mitotic spindle. Previously, we showed that the murine homologue of Bub1 is not only required for checkpoint response to spindle damage, but also restrains progression through a normal mitosis (Taylor, S.S., and F. McKeon. 1997. Cell. 89:727-735). Here, we describe the identification of a human homologue of Bub3, a 37-kD protein with four WD repeats. Like Bub1, Bub3 localizes to kinetochores before chromosome alignment. In addition, Bub3 and Bub1 interact in mammalian cells. Deletion mapping was used to identify the domain of Bub1 required for binding Bub3. Significantly, this same domain is required for kinetochore localization of Bub1, suggesting that the role of Bub3 is to localize Bub1 to the kinetochore, thereby activating the checkpoint in response to unattached kinetochores. The identification of a human Mad3/Bub1-related protein kinase, hBubR1, which can also bind Bub3 in mammalian cells, is described. Ectopically expressed hBubR1 also localizes to kinetochores during prometaphase, but only when hBub3 is overexpressed. We discuss the implications of the common interaction between Bub1 and hBubR1 with hBub3 for checkpoint control.
Hydrogen bonding Part 55. IR and thermodynamic study of the lower hydrates of phenylphosphorylcholine and methylphosphorylcholine

Abstract We have prepared phenylphosphorylcholine and methylphosphorylcholine as small, zwitterionic, H 2 O soluble analogs of the head groups of phosphatidylcholine molecules, and carried out IR and equilibrium vapor pressure studies on them. Phenylphosphorylcholine forms hydrates containing 2.5, 1.5 and 0.5 mol H 2 O, and methylphosphorylcholine forms hydrates with 2.5 and 0.5 mol H 2 O. There is some IR evidence for hydrogen bonding from H 2 O to the phenyl or methyl substituted oxygens of the phosphate groups, but the effect is slight. Hydrogen bonds in these hydrates do not differ appreciably from values for H 2 O or ice. Of the five hydrates, only methylphosphorylcholine hemihydrate bonds H 2 O tightly; however, there is no indication of strong hydrogen bonding in this compound. We conclude that the tenacious retention of the last molecule of H 2 O by phosphatidylcholine membranes does not arise from hydrogen bonding between H 2 O and phosphate oxygen.
First ground‐based OI 630 nm optical measurements of daytime cusplike and F‐region auroral precipitation

[1] We have used a high-resolution (0.012 nm at 630 nm) imaging spectrograph to measure auroral emissions in daytime along the magnetic meridian from Sondrestrom Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) facility, at Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (67°N, 51°W; 74.5°N Mag. Lat.). Measured red line (OI 630 nm) brightness during a magnetically disturbed day (January 21, 2001) shows emission enhancements starting at 1330 UT (1130 MLT) and reaching a four-fold enhancement above the normal dayglow brightness about two hours later. The onset enhancement, characterized by a sharp equatorward boundary, was measured concurrently with ISR Ne and Te, whose morphologies are generally indicative of cusplike precipitation. The 630 nm emission enhancements after 1518 UT correspond to a series of post-noon F-region arcs as measured by the ISR. Modeled 630 nm airglow brightness using ISR data, agree well with both the brightness and time history of the daytime optical measurements.
Neue oberflächenmodifizierte Feststoffe durch topochemische Oxidation von Zintl-Anionen

Das vollstandige Manuskript dieser Zuschrift erscheint in: Angew. Chem. Suppl. 1983, 766. DOI: 10.1002/ange.198307660
Genetic characterization of kernel polyphenol oxidases in wheat and related species

Abstract Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity causes undesirable darkening of raw Asian noodles and other wheat products. In this study we investigate the genetic origins and diversity of wheat kernel PPO. PPO was characterized via activity assays, antigenic staining, and Southern blots in Triticum aestivum , Triticum dicoccoides , Triticum durum , Triticum dicoccum , Triticum monococcum , Triticum urartu , Aegilops speltoides , and Aegilops tauschii . Among these species, PPO activity was well-correlated with antigenic staining intensity toward a wheat kernel-type PPO antibody. High PPO activity was observed in all three T. monococcum accessions (A m genome), one Ae. speltoides accession, one T. durum accession, and two hexaploid wheat cultivars. Southern blots suggested the presence of two or more kernel-type PPO genes in diploid progenitors of the hexaploid A, B, and D genomes. Whole-kernel PPO activity was evaluated in disomic substitution lines derived from three T. dicoccoides accessions in the background of T. durum ‘Langdon’. PPO activity was primarily associated with chromosome 2A and to a much lower degree with chromosome 2B. DNA sequence comparisons showed that the intron associated with the high PPO allele on chromosome 2AL of hexaploid wheat had 94% nucleotide identity with the homeologous intron found in T. monococcum , a species with high kernel PPO activity. This implies that the ancestral PPO allele on the A genome is one of the high activity, and the low PPO allele found in hexaploid wheat represents a relatively recent genetic alteration. Results confirm the presence of multiple kernel-type PPO genes in the diploid and tetraploid progenitors and relatives of hexaploid wheat. However, it is likely that relatively few of the many kernel-type PPO genes present in wheat contribute substantially to kernel PPO activity. A single genetic locus on homeologous group 2 chromosomes may be the primary cause of high PPO activity in wheat kernels.
Optical Design Optimization With A Personal Computer

Advances in optical design have been closely related to advances in numerical computation. The microcomputer revolution now taking place promises to open the way for new and innovative optical design. This will take place as optical design becomes easier, more available, and far less costly, as the result of powerful "canned" design programs outfitted on low-cost personal computers. A user-friendly program is described which makes possible low cost "automatic" lens design. Solutions to some typical optical design problems are presented. Prospects for future capabilities are described.
Facilitation and inhibition of nicotinic transmission by eserine in the sympathetic ganglia of the rabbit

Abstract The effects of eserine on neurons and on ganglionic transmission of the isolated superior cervical ganglia of the rabbit were investigated by means of intracellular recording techniques. At the concentration of 10μM or less, eserine reversibly increased the amplitude and duration of the fast excitatory postsynaptic potential (f-epsp) induced by preganglionic nerve stimulation and of the membrane depolarization evoked by iontophorcetically-applied acetylcholine (ACh), but not carbachol. At the concentration of 50 μM or more, eserine consistently and reversibly depressed the fast excitatory postsynaptic potential as well as the depolarization induced by iontophoretic application of either ACh or carbachol. Furthermore, depolarization by ACh evoked in a low Ca/high Mg solution, which blocked the liberation of transmitter was similarly reduced by eserine in greater concentrations. The passive membrane properties of the sympathetic neurons were not significantly altered by eserine in the majority of neurons studied. The results indicate that the facilitatory action of eserine on ganglionic transmission may be explained by its anticholinesterase activity, whereas eserine-induced block of transmission appears to be related to a direct interaction between the compound and the postsynaptic ACh receptor-channel complex.
Partial Perspectives in Astronomy: Gender, Ethnicity, Nationality and Meshworks in Building Images of the Universe and Social Worlds

We present astronomers’ native visualization as techniques for representing and analyzing both the universe and their own social world. From our ongoing study we also present our preliminary ethnographic maps of the bundle of relationships used by women, minorities and foreign-born researchers to build careers in the field of astronomy. We discuss three ways of knowing visually. While the astronomers’ visualizations are based upon discrete entities, ours show a bundle of ties (meshworks) through which astronomers are constituted as such. Our goal is to bridge STS and power analytics from gender, ethnic, and Critical Race Studies.
A hybrid likelihood model for sequence-based disease association studies

In the past few years, case-control studies of common diseases have shifted their focus from single genes to whole exomes. New sequencing technologies now routinely detect hundreds of thousands of sequence variants in a single study, many of which are rare or even novel. The limitation of classical single-marker association analysis for rare variants has been a challenge in such studies. A new generation of statistical methods for case-control association studies has been developed to meet this challenge. A common approach to association analysis of rare variants is the burden-style collapsing methods to combine rare variant data within individuals across or within genes. Here, we propose a new hybrid likelihood model that combines a burden test with a test of the position distribution of variants. In extensive simulations and on empirical data from the Dallas Heart Study, the new model demonstrates consistently good power, in particular when applied to a gene set (e.g., multiple candidate genes with shared biological function or pathway), when rare variants cluster in key functional regions of a gene, and when protective variants are present. When applied to data from an ongoing sequencing study of bipolar disorder (191 cases, 107 controls), the model identifies seven gene sets with nominal p-values0.05, of which one MAPK signaling pathway (KEGG) reaches trend-level significance after correcting for multiple testing.
LATENT LIVER DISEASE IN PERSONS RECOVERED FROM CATARRHAL JAUNDICE AND IN OTHERWISE NORMAL MEDICAL STUDENTS AS REVEALED BY THE BILIRUBIN EXCRETION TEST

The frequency with which chronic non-hemolytic jaundice occurs in otherwise healthy young persons is not commonly recognized, nor 'is it usually appreciated how often an uncomplicated attack of catarrhal jaundice is followed by residual liver dysfunction which persists long after the acute episode. The present study was prompted by the accidental discovery of a relatively large number of medical students with chronic jaundice and a history of a previous attack of catarrhal jaundice in two of them. A group of persons long recovered from catarrhal jaundice was investigated and also a control group of persons presumably normal. The bilirubin excretion test was used in all cases because of its reliability in detecting lesser degrees of liver dysfunction.
Final-state electronic interactions in allowed beta decay

We give a perturbative calculation of the effects of final state electronic interactions on the transition rates in allowed beta decay. The results include a simple relativistic expression for the electron screening correction to the total decay rate for low-Z nuclei which corrects a recent calculation by Drukarev and Strikman, and expressions for the corrections to the decay spectra for transitions to particular final atomic states. We discuss briefly applications to superallowed Fermi transitions and the beta decay of tritium.
Making Instructional Decisions Based on Data: What, How, and Why

A carefully coordinated literacy assessment and instruction framework implemented school-wide can support school teams in making sense of various types of data for instructional planning. Instruction that is data based and goal driven sets the stage for continuous reading and writing improvement.
Fractals as objects with nontrivial structures at all scales

Abstract Toward the middle of 2001, the authors started arguing that fractals are important when discussing the operational resilience of information systems and related computer sciences issues such as artificial intelligence. But in order to argue along these lines it turned out to be indispensable to define fractals so as to let one recognize as fractals some sets that are very far from being self similar in the (usual) metric sense. This paper is devoted to define (in a loose sense at least) fractals in ways that allow for instance all the Cantor sets to be fractals and that permit to recognize fractality (the property of being fractal) in the context of the information technology issues that we had tried to comprehend. Starting from the meta-definition of a fractal as an “object with non-trivial structure at all scales” that we had used for long, we ended up taking these words seriously. Accordingly we define fractals in manners that depend both on the structures that the fractals are endowed with and the chosen sets of structure compatible maps, i.e., we approach fractals in a category-dependent manner. We expect that this new approach to fractals will contribute to the understanding of more of the fractals that appear in exact and other sciences than what can be handled presently.
Removing volatile contaminants from the unsaturated zone by inducing advective air-phase transport

Abstract Organic liquids inadvertently spilled and then distributed in the unsaturated zone can pose a long-term threat to ground water. Many of these substances have significant volatility, and thereby establish a premise for contaminant removal from the unsaturated zone by inducing advective air-phase transport with wells screened in the unsaturated zone. In order to focus attention on the rates of mass transfer from liquid to vapour phases, sand columns were partially saturated with gasoline and vented under steady air-flow conditions. The ability of an equilibrium-based transport model to predict the hydrocarbon vapor flux from the columns implies an efficient rate of local phase transfer for reasonably high air-phase velocities. Thus the success of venting remediations will depend primarily on the ability to induce an air-flow field in a heterogeneous unsaturated zone that will intersect the distributed contaminant. To analyze this aspect of the technique, a mathematical model was developed to predict radially symmetric air flow induced by venting from a single well. This model allows for in-situ determinations of air-phase permeability, which is the fundamental design parameter, and for the analysis of the limitations of a single well design. A successful application of the technique at a site once contaminated by gasoline supports the optimism derived from the experimental and modeliing phases of this study, and illustrates the well construction and field methods used to document the volatile contaminant recovery.
Transient-simulation guided graph sparsification approach to scalable harmonic balance (HB) analysis of post-layout RF circuits leveraging heterogeneous CPU-GPU computing systems

Harmonic Balance (HB) analysis is key to efficient verification of large post-layout RF and microwave integrated circuits (ICs). This paper introduces a novel transient-simulation guided graph sparsification technique, as well as an efficient runtime performance modeling approach tailored for heterogeneous manycore CPU-GPU computing system to build nearly-optimal subgraph preconditioners that can lead to minimum HB simulation runtime. Additionally, we propose a novel heterogeneous parallel sparse block matrix algorithm by taking advantages of the structure of HB Jacobian matrices as well as GPU's streaming multiprocessors to achieve optimal work load balancing during the preconditioning phase of HB analysis. We also show how the proposed preconditioned iterative algorithm can efficiently adapt to heterogeneous computing systems with different CPU and GPU computing capabilities. Extensive experimental results show that our HB solver can achieve up to 20X speedups and 5X memory reduction when compared with the state-of-the-art direct solver highly optimized for eight-core CPUs.
An Alternative to the Use of Patterns in String Processing

SNOBOL4 is best known for its string processing facilities, which are based on patterns as data objects. Despite the demonstrated success of patterns, there are many shortcomings associated with their use. The concept of patterns in SNOBOL4 is examined and problem areas are discussed. An alternative method for high-level string processing is described. This method, implemented in the programming language Icon, employs generators, which are capable of producing alternative values. Generators, coupled with a goal-driven method of expression evaluation, provide the string processing facilities of SNOBOL4 without the disadvantages associated with patterns. Comparisons between SNOBOL4 and Icon are included and the broader implications of the new approach are discussed.
Longitudinal variations in the F region ionosphere and the topside ionosphere‐plasmasphere: Observations and model simulations

[1] Constellation Observing System for Meteorology Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) observations of the total electron content (TEC) above and below 800 km are used to study the local time and seasonal variation of longitude structures in both the F region ionosphere as well as the topside ionosphere and plasmasphere. The COSMIC observations reveal the presence of distinct longitude variations in the topside ionosphere-plasmasphere TEC, and these further exhibit a seasonal and local time dependence. The predominant feature observed at all local times in the topside ionosphere-plasmasphere TEC is a substantial maximum (minimum) during Northern Hemisphere winter (summer) around 300°–360° geographic longitude. Around equinox, at a fixed local time, a wave 4 variation in longitude prevails in the daytime F region TEC as well as the topside ionosphere-plasmasphere TEC. The wave 4 variation in longitude persists into the nighttime in the F region; however, the nighttime topside ionosphere-plasmasphere TEC exhibits two maxima in longitude. The COSMIC observations clearly reveal the presence of substantial longitude variations in the F region and topside ionosphere-plasmasphere, and to elucidate the source of the longitude variations, results are presented based on the coupling between the Global Ionosphere Plasmasphere model and the Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model. The model simulations demonstrate that the orientation of the geomagnetic field plays a fundamental role in generating significant longitude variations in the topside ionosphere-plasmasphere but does not considerably influence longitude variations in the F region ionosphere. The model results further confirm that nonmigrating tides are the primary mechanism for generating longitude variations in the F region ionosphere. The coupled model additionally demonstrates that nonmigrating tides are also of considerable importance for the generation of longitude variations in the topside ionosphere-plasmasphere TEC.
Energy and economic evaluation of cooling, heating, and power systems based on primary energy

Cooling, Heating, and Power (CHP) systems have the potential to make better use of fuels than other technologies because of their ability to increase the overall thermal energy efficiency. Feasibility of CHP systems is generally driven by economic savings. In addition, economic evaluation of CHP systems is based on site energy use and cost, which could lead to misleading conclusions about energy savings. Since energy savings from CHP systems only occurs in primary energy, the objective of this investigation is to demonstrate that feasibility of CHP systems should be performed based on primary energy savings followed by economic considerations. This paper also evaluates the effect of the power generation unit (PGU) efficiency over the primary energy reduction when a CHP system is utilized. The advantages of operating CHP systems under a primary energy operational strategy, such as the proposed Building Primary Energy Ratio (BPER) strategy, are also discussed. Results show that for some cases economic savings are attained without the corresponding primary energy savings. However, the use of the BPER operational strategy guarantees better energy performance regardless of economic savings. Regarding to the PGU efficiency, an increase of the efficiency reduces the primary energy use more than proportionally. For example, increasing the PGU efficiency from 0.25 to 0.35 (increase of 40%) can reduce the primary energy use from 5.4% to 16% (increase of 200%).
Cluster-assembled materials: toward nanomaterials with precise control over properties.

One pathway toward nanomaterials with controllable band gaps is to assemble solids where atomic clusters serve as building blocks, since the electronic structures of clusters vary with size and composition. To study the role of organization in cluster assemblies, we synthesized multiple architectures incorporating As73− clusters through control of the countercations. Optical measurements revealed that the band gaps vary from 1.1−2.1 eV, even though the assemblies are constructed from the identical cluster building block. Theoretical studies explain this variation as being a result of altering the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital levels by changing the countercations. Additional variations in the gap are made by covalently linking the clusters with species of varying electronegativity to alter the degree of charge transfer. These findings offer a general protocol for syntheses of nanoassemblies with tunable electronic properties.
Applications of pseudocanonical covers to tight closure problems

Abstract It is well known that nice conditions on the canonical module of a ring have a strong impact in the study of strong F-regularity and F-purity. For example, in the Gorenstein (or even Q -Gorenstein) case strong F-regularity is equivalent to weak F-regularity, and it is conjectured that this is true in general. In this note, we will show how to use the double cover of a ring to obtain sufficient conditions for strong F-regularity and F-purity. Our results involve a closure operation for a pair of ideals that could be of relevance for the conjecture mentioned above.
Inhibition between flight motoneurons inDrosophila

InDrosophila, the motoneurons to the dorsal longitudinal muscle (DLM) fire in a patterned sequence during flight. This pattern is established, in large part, by reciprocal inhibition exchanged by the motoneurons. In this report inhibitory latencies between DLM motoneurons were measured and found to be very short. These results indicate that inhibition is monosynaptic and mediated directly via motoneuron collaterals.
Ethics in home health: dollars for care.

I have worked as a home care nurse for more than 10 years, most of the time in the field with staff and students. I stay with it because I love the work and I know that the caring relationships I build with my clients helps keep them independent at home. However, if someone were to ask me what I find difficult about working in home care, I would respond that ethical d i lemmas encountered in the home setting sometimes make caring enigmatic and difficult. Many of the more challenging ethical situations I have dealt with as a home care nurse arise f rom health care policies t h a t focus on cos t instead of common sense. Increasing evidence indicates access to health care has gotten to the point that providers (both private and public) are not interested in managing clients or even disease processes but dollars. Something has been lost in this economic definition of "care." Moreover, I am not c e r t a i n we are moving in the right direction by embracing dollars as the final arbiter of care. The following vignette illustrates this problem.
The role of crystalline phase on fracture and microstructure evolution of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Abstract Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a semi-crystalline polymer, which has been employed in a range of engineering applications due to its extremely low coefficient of friction, resistance to corrosion, and excellent electrical insulation properties. Despite failure-sensitive applications such as surgical implants, aerospace components, motor seals, and barriers for hazardous chemicals, the mechanisms of crack propagation in PTFE have received limited coverage in the literature. Moreover, PTFE exhibits complex crystalline phase behavior that includes four well-characterized phases with both local and long range order. Three crystalline structures (phases II, IV, and I) are observed at atmospheric pressure with transitions between them occurring at 19 and 30 °C. This observation provides a unique opportunity for investigation of the effects of a polymers crystalline phase on fracture and microstructure evolution. Moreover, due to the presence of three unique ambient pressure phases near room temperature, it is essential to develop an understanding of the effects of temperature-induced phase transitions on fracture mechanisms of PTFE to prevent failure over the normal range of operating temperatures. In this work, we present values for the J-integral fracture toughness of PTFE for a range of temperatures and loading rates employing the single specimen normalization technique. Crack propagation in PTFE is found to be strongly phase dependent with a brittle-to-ductile transition in the crack propagation behavior associated with the two room temperature phase transitions. Increases in fracture toughness are shown to result from the onset of stable fibril formation bridging the crack plane and increased plastic deformation. The stability of drawing fibrils is primarily determined by temperature and crystalline phase with additional dependence on loading rate and microstructure anisotropy. [LAUR-05-0004]
Bi-directional Optrode for quantitative prediction of neural interface failure

An optical-electrical neural `Optrode' is developed for quantitative optical spectroscopic assessment of cortical tissue damage around a neural implant. In contrast to other Optrodes which illuminate tissue for neural activation, this work uses bi-directional waveguides to obtain spectroscopic information from the tissue. An optical assessment has the potential for providing a real-time histological assessment, by quantifying changes in absorption and scattering properties associated with oxygenation and tissue density around the neural probe, in contrast to impedance spectroscopy which provides limited insight. Optrode performance is characterized in optical tissue phantoms and a proof-of-concept chronic rat model is developed. Optrodes were chronically implanted in rat cerebral cortex. The pilot study demonstrates feasibility for chronic optical assessment. Future Optrodes may lead to high throughput and real-time assessments for studying the dynamic nature of the foreign body response in neural tissue.
Interferon combination therapy for HIV/hepatitis C virus coinfection

IFN-α has been the cornerstone of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment for over a decade. Yet, rates of sustained virologic response of HCV infection to interferon-based therapy, particularly in difficult-to-treat populations, have been disappointingly low. This is particularly true in HIV/HCV coinfection, in which less than a third of patients typically respond to therapy. New HCV protease inhibitors, most of which will need to be administered with pegylated interferon, are in development, but comprehensive, long-term data for their use in coinfected patients is not yet available. Understanding the basis of this population’s poor response to interferon-based therapy is crucial to future exploration of new therapeutic options, immunotherapy and prognosis in HIV/HCV-coinfected population.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ru2(DMBA)4X2 (X = CN, N3, N(CN)2, I): Controlling Structural, Redox, and Magnetic Properties with Axial Ligands

Metathesis reactions between Ru2(DMBA)4Cl2 (DMBA = N,N‘-dimethylbenzamidinate) and MX (M = Na and K) yielded bis-adduct derivatives Ru2(DMBA)4X2 (X = CN (1), N3 (2), N(CN)2 (3)). Metathesis reactions between Ru2(DMBA)4(NO3)2 and KI resulted in Ru2(DMBA)4I2 (4). Compound 1 is diamagnetic, while compounds 2−4 are paramagnetic (S = 1). Both compounds 1 and 2 undergo two reversible one-electron processes, an oxidation and a reduction, while compound 3 features a quasireversible reduction. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the Ru−Ru bond lengths are 2.4508(9), 2.3166(7), 2.304[1], and 2.328(1) A for compounds 1−4, respectively. Structural and electrochemical data clearly indicate that the axial ligands impart a significant influence on the electronic structures of diruthenium species.
Trace metal exchange in solution by the fungicides Ziram and Maneb (dithiocarbamates) and subsequent uptake of lipophilic organic zinc, copper and lead complexes into phytoplankton cells

The fungicides Ziram and Maneb (class dithiocarbamate) are organic Zn and Mn complexes in which the trace metal is chelated to organic dithiocarbamate ligands. The resulting organic metal complex is small, neutrally charged, and lipophilic in character. Short-term uptake experiments using a coastal diatom demonstrated that these lipophilic organic Zn and Mn complexes diffuse across the lipid bilayer that constitutes the plasma membrane. In addition, Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions in seawater solution undergo exchange reactions with Zn and Mn and form lipophilic organic Cu and Pb complexes that also diffuse across the plasma membrane and into the cytosol of the cell. Intracellularly, these trace metals are thought to dissociate from the transport ligand and complex intracellular ligands. Based on these results, the presence of dithiocarbamate fungicides in surface water can inadvertantly enhance the passive uptake of a variety of toxic heavy metals from the water into microorganisms.