cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Co-occurrence patterns for abundant marine archaeal and bacterial lineages in the deep chlorophyll maximum of coastal California.

Microorganisms remineralize and respire half of marine primary production, yet the niches occupied by specific microbial groups, and how these different groups may interact, are poorly understood. In this study, we identify co-occurrence patterns for marine Archaea and specific bacterial groups in the chlorophyll maximum of the Southern California Bight. Quantitative PCR time series of marine group 1 (MG1) Crenarchaeota 16S rRNA genes varied substantially over time but were well-correlated (r2=0.94, P<0.001) with ammonia monooxygenase subunit A (amoA) genes, and were more weakly related to 16S rRNA genes for all Archaea (r2=0.39), indicating that other archaeal groups (for example, Euryarchaeota) were numerically important. These data sets were compared with variability in bacterial community composition based on automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA). We found that archaeal amoA gene copies and a SAR11 (or Pelagibacter) group Ib operational taxonomic unit (OTU) displayed strong co-variation through time (r2=0.55, P<0.05), and archaeal amoA and MG1 16S rRNA genes also co-occurred with two SAR86 and two Bacteroidetes OTUs. The relative abundance of these groups increased and decreased in synchrony over the course of the time series, and peaked during periods of seasonal transition. By using a combination of quantitative and relative abundance estimates, our findings show that abundant microbial OTUs—including the marine Crenarchaeota, SAR11, SAR86 and the Bacteroidetes—co-occur non-randomly; they consequently have important implications for our understanding of microbial community ecology in the sea.
Practical Neurology, 4th Edition (Book)

edited by Jose Biller, 748 pp., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2012, $99.99 Similar to prior editions, this is a paperback organized into 2 major sections, devoted to diagnosis and treatment, respectively. The format of the book makes it cumbersome at times to locate desired information, often making the reader dependent on the index in the back. For example, if you want to read about the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, it is not intuitive whether to jump to the chapter on gait disturbances, lower extremity pain, or acute sensory loss in the diagnosis section. It turns out that the entire discussion of peripheral neuropathy diagnosis is in the treatment section.
PHOTOOXIDATION OF TRICHLOROETHYLENE ON PT/TIO2

The gas-phase photooxidation of trichloroethylene (TCE) on Pt/TiO2 has been investigated. The wavelength dependence of this reaction on Pt/TiO2 shows that the addition of small amounts of platinum (≤2%) to TiO2 can enhance the photooxidation of TCE to much longer wavelengths. This result correlates with Maxwell−Garnett calculations and experimental absorption curves for Pt/TiO2 samples. Although the spectral response of Pt/TiO2 extends to longer wavelengths, Pt/TiO2 is found to be less effective in the photooxidation of gas-phase TCE upon broad-band irradiation (λ > 300 nm) compared to TiO2. It is proposed that site blocking by the Pt particles of the most active sites, Ti3+ sites, is the cause of the decreased photoactivity. In addition, it has also been determined that the photoproduct distribution changes as a function of platinum loading. Mechanisms to explain the observed effects of Pt loading on the photooxidation of TCE on Pt/TiO2 are discussed.
The dislocation structures of Ni3(Al, Nb) single crystals fatigued at ambient and elevated temperatures

Abstract In order to support companion studies of the cyclic stress-strain response of Ni3(Al,Nb) crystals, the dislocation structures of crystals cycled at ambient temperature, 400 and 700°C, have been studied by TEM. Unit or dipolar screw dislocations were observed in high density for the two lower temperatures. These results support the theory of the cross-slip-induced friction stress on the dislocations, which explains the anomalous increase of the flow stress with increase of temperature as well as the tension-compression asymmetry notable in the cyclic results. For the crystals tested at 700°C, the character of the dislocation structure was found to change and to include a higher density of edge dislocations, consistent with saturation of the temperature effect on the flow stress and the onset of cube slip.
STATISTICAL FORECAST OF DROUGHTS

Abstract The droughts are analyzed by the third asymptotic distribution of smallest values which contains a shape parameter λ, a location parameter θ and a lower limit, the minimum drought e. If e = 0 the two remaining parameters are estimated from the sample mean [xbar] and the standard deviation s. If the minimum drought e is positive it is postulated that the estimate should be smaller than the smallest observed drought x 1. An estimate for λ is obtained from the quotient ([xbar] −x 1)/s. The estimation for θ and e become linear functions of the mean [xbar] and the smallest drought x 1. Since this theory gives an excellent fit to the observations it can safely be used for forecasting.
Japan's Monetary and Economic Policy

Japan has gone from very successful policies that promoted growth without inflation to a long period of slow growth, recessions and deflation. The Bank of Japanâ€™s policies are a major reason for deflation. Although the Bank has purchased foreign exchange, it counteracts the inflationary effects of its purchases via sterilization. This forces deflation to continue. Currently, there is a â€˜dialogue of the deafâ€™. The government wants faster growth but does not reform the banking system; the Bank makes bank reform a condition for ending deflationary policies.
Stepwise sarcomere shortening: analysis by high-speed cinemicrography

Sarcomere shortening in striated muscle appears to follow a regionally synchronized staircase-like time course not anticipated in some cross-bridge models. The visualization method used has been criticized as subject to Bragg diffraction effects. Two independent optical methods were used to visualize a muscle during contraction; agreement between the stepwise behavior observed with the two methods suggests that the phenomenon is genuine.
Probability of corrosion induced cracking in reinforced concrete

A probabilistic approach to corrosion induced cracking in reinforced concrete was investigated. Hydraulic pressurization at the reinforcement/concrete interface was used to simulate corrosion of reinforcement and cause fracture. The failure pressure data was analysed statistically and found to have right hand skew. Correlation between failure pressure and visual observations of fracture surfaces suggested a possible change in failure mechanism depending on the presence of voids near the reinforcement. The failure pressure distributions were analysed to determine whether Weibull statistics could provide an adequate description. The effects of variables such as toughness, flaw size, corrosion products and corrosion rate on the shape of failure probability-time relationships were predicted.
Immunochemical studies on the FAD-dependent NADPH-cytochrome c reductase from Trypanosoma cruzi.

Abstract The cytosolic flavin enzyme from Trypanosoma cruzi was isolated by a modification of the previously reported method ( T. Kuwahara, R. A. White, Jr., and M. Agosin (1985) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 239 , 18–28) . In the present study, rabbits were innoculated with the purified enzyme and antibodies were purified from the sera. Ouchterlony doublediffusion analysis indicated that the antibodies reacted specifically with the flavoenzyme and not with other T. cruzi proteins. At the equivalence point, 1 ml of antibody neutralized about 4 nmol of enzyme. The IgG fraction had a small inhibitory effect on the catalytic activity of the enzyme as measured by cytochrome c reduction but only at IgG concentrations well above the equivalence point. Immunotitration of the enzyme in T, cruzi cultures showed that the enzyme corresponds to about 1% of the total protein during the logarithmic phase of growth, but this value decreases to about 0.6% during the stationary phase. Among various trypanosomatids tested, T. cruzi had the highest enzyme concentration; whereas, in other species it ranged from 0.25 to 2.4 μg/mg protein. These marked differences suggest that the antibody may be suitable for taxonomic purposes. The presence of the enzyme in amastigotes maintained in tissue culture cells was demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence. The enzyme was found localized in the periphery of the cell, just beneath the subpellicular microtubules. However, distribution of the enzyme in epimastigotes was more diffuse. As immunofluorescence could be detected only in amastigotes and not in the tissue culture cells, it is suggested that the antibody may be suitable for histopathological diagnosis of Chagas' disease.
Relaxation Time of Surface States on Germanium

Two types of state exist at the surface of single crystal germanium; the first type, which is assumed to be at the semiconductor-oxide interface, is chiefly responsible for the carrier recombination process, while the second type, associated with the oxide structure and adsorbed ions, is believed to control the position of the Fermi level at the surface with respect to the electron band energy. The latter type of state has been studied by means of the "field-effect," or change in conductance with an applied field perpendicular to the surface. The results indicate that the relaxation or capture time of these states is much longer than that of the interface states, and is also extremely sensitive to surface treatment and ambient gas. In addition, some surface treatments lead to a distribution of time constants on the same surface over a range as large as six decades. Possible physical models for this behavior are discussed as well as its connection with excess or $\frac{1}{f}$ noise.
A Griffith crack shielded by a dislocation pile-up

The dislocation free zone at the tip of a mode III shear crack is analyzed. A pile-up of screw dislocations parallel to the crack front, in anti-plane shear, in the stress field of a crack has been solved using a continuous distribution of dislocations. The crack tip remains sharp and is assumed to satisfy Griffith's fracture criteria using the local crack tip stress intensity factor. The dislocation pile-up shield the sharp crack tip from the applied stress intensity factor by simple addition of each dislocation's negative contribution to the applied stress intensity value. The analysis differs substantially from the well known BCS theory in that the local crack tip fracture criteria enters into the dislocation distributions found.
Infrared Polariscope For Photoelastic Measurement of Semiconductors

An infrared polariscope was constructed for photoelastic stress analysis of semiconductor materials transmitting in the 0.7 μ to 1.2 μ spectral region. The instrument which functions as either a plane or circular polariscope permits specimens up to 40-mm diam to be studied in collimated radiation. Glan–Thompson prisms are used for the polarizer and analyzer, and the associated quarter-wave plates are made of quartz. An infrared image-converter tube is used to observe the stress patterns produced by induced and frozenin stresses of specimens. A mechanical stage provides for rotary motion and lateral displacement of the specimen in two mutually perpendicular directions in a plane normal to the optical axis of the polariscope, and also allows the specimen to be stressed by a calibrated mechanical load. A material fringe value of 27 kg-cm−1 fringe−1 was determined for silicon and used to estimate residual stresses in a boule of silicon. Photographs of isoclinic and isochromatic fringe patterns at a wavelength of 1.1 μ are presented.
A model to project loss of earnings from impaired or destroyed capacity

Attempts have been made for many years to place a monetary value on human life. Rather than becoming easier over time, determination of a value has become more difficult, especially within the past 25 years. Accuracy of estimates is reduced because of uncertainties associated with changing economic and social conditions.
Bridging the “Two Cultures” divide in medicine and the academy

Abstract This article discusses the contemporary validity of C. P. Snow's concept of a sharp division between the sciences and the humanities, with particular attention given to academia, medical education, and biomedical research. Believing that today the social sciences must be included as a third culture, the author views ethics, especially bioethics, as integral to all three cultures and forming vital links among them. The author examines the teaching of ethics in medical schools as well as the role of cultures and cultural values in contemporary bioethics, using the embryonic stem cell debate as an example. The author concludes that the three cultures are capable of bridging the gaps between them in increasingly productive ways.
Techniques for texturing ceramic superconductors from an amorphous precursor

Amorphous Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 (Bi-2212) was crystallized under a uniaxial load of 1500 N at temperatures up to 880°C without Ag and 850°C with Ag to induce texture. Well textured samples (19 mm in diameter and 0.15 mm thick) were obtained for samples heated to within 99% of the melting temperature and quenched for samples with and without Ag. The rate limiting step for formation of the Bi-2212 from the amorphous precursor is a diffusion limited intercalation of (SrCa)CuO2 into Bi2Sr2CuO6 (Bi-2201) at T>600°C. Samples rapidly heated to within a few degrees of the melting temperature and quenched show 20 to 30% Bi-2201 layers within the Bi-2212 structure. Annealing these samples at 850°C for >60 h eliminates most of the Bi-2201 layers resulting in sharper superconducting transitions and higher intracrystalline critical currents with no adverse effects on grain size or texture. It is more difficult to remove the intercalations in the Ag added material.
Digital Passage: The Rhizomatic Frontiers of the ZKM

Now filling the cavernous space of a renovated, turn-of-the-century munitions factory, the ZKM (Zentrum fur Kunst und Medientechnologie, Karlsruhe, Germany, www.zkm.de), has quickly established itself as Europe’s premier digital design and exhibition space. Launched in 1989 as the European center of new media research and production, the ZKM moved into its permanent home, in October, 1997, as a nationally sanctioned site for the production and exhibition of digital and electronic arts. The ZKM houses an extensive media library, a media theatre, the Institute for Visual Media, the Institute for Music and Acoustics, as well as two expansive exhibition spaces, the Media Museum and the Museum for Contemporary Art. These various institutes and spaces collaborate to bring together artists, performers, designers, programmers, scientists, and media specialists for the development of new interactive art projects. The ZKM has produced a wide array of complex, interactive installations by international artists-in-residence, an exciting series of artistic CD-Roms and critical commentaries, an innovative series of intermedia acoustic performances, and cutting-edge exhibitions that combine the most recent developments in digital art with historical corollaries from the collection of the Museum for Contemporary Art.
Predicting native plant landscaping preferences in urban areas

The rapidly growing physical footprint of cities makes understanding residential landscaping preferences increasingly important for water quality, biodiversity conservation, and addressing climate change. In this paper we answer four interrelated questions about residential landscaping preferences with a case study in Raleigh, NC: (1) How are residents’ landscaping preferences influenced by what residents believe their neighbors prefer? (2) Do residents accurately assess their neighbors’ landscaping preferences? (3) How does ethnicity influence landscaping preferences? and (4) Do the socio-demographic and neighborhood norm based correlates of landscaping preferences persist when both are accounted for in multivariate models? Respondents (n = 179) in this study preferred a 50% native plant garden design over 100% turf grass or the 75% and 100% native plant garden designs, and inaccurately assumed that their neighbors preferred turf over the native plant garden based landscaping designs. These results suggest that correcting erroneous assumptions about neighborhood preferences may alleviate normative pressure against adopting alternatives to turf grass landscaping. Although landscaping choices were best predicted by what residents perceived their neighbors preferred, ethnicity, income, and home ownership were also related to landscape preferences. African American ethnicity and income were positively related to preference for turf grass coverage. Environmental justice concerns linked to urban vegetation should be considered in light of the finding that African Americans appeared to prefer turf grass dominated landscaping. Results from this study indicate that middle income neighborhoods with high levels of home ownership may prove most receptive to initiatives aimed at increasing the use of more sustainable landscaping.
cis-Acting Elements Involved in the Regulation of Mouse Clara Cell-specific 10-kDa Protein Gene IN VITRO AND IN VIVO ANALYSIS

Transient transfection and murine germ line gene transfer analysis was used to determine the regions of DNA necessary to confer the appropriate level and cell specificity of the expression of the gene coding for the murine Clara cell 10-kDa protein, mCC10. To identify the cis-acting elements involved in the regulation of mCC10 gene, different lengths of the 5′-flanking sequence were ligated to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene for transient transfection to H441 cells (human lung adenocarcinoma cell line). The corresponding sequences were also fused to the human growth hormone gene and transferred to the murine genome for an in vivo analysis of mCC10 promoter activity. The results of the transient transfection analysis identified the region from −166 to −124 of the 5′-flanking region of the mCC10 gene as necessary for the expression of this gene in H441 cells. The transgenic mouse analysis confirmed that the 166 base pairs of 5′-flanking DNA was sufficient to confer cell-specific expression. However, the transgenic mouse analysis also showed that, to achieve the full quantitative level of transgene (human growth hormone) expression, regions between −803 and −166 base pairs of the 5′-flanking sequences are required for maximum expression of mCC10 gene promoter activity.
Is depression associated with immune activation

Abstract Background: Some research immunologists have suggested that major depression amd chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are characterized by immune activation. To test this hypothesis, we compared immunological function in patients with major depression and in patients with CFS who developed major depression after the onset of CFS to that of sedentary healthy controls. Methods: Subjects completed the Centers for Epidemiological Study–Depression (CES-D) questionnaire and allowed venisection. We performed flow cytometric analysis on 13 groups of white blood cells and used a reverse transcriptase PCR method to assay m-RNA of eight cytokines. Results: CES-D scores were high in both patient groups and did not differ significantly. We found no evidence for immune activation in either patient group. Instead the data suggested immunological downregulation in depression. Limitations: Not all the subjects in the two patient groups were off antidepressants. Conclusions: The data indicate that immune activation is not necessary in depression—either alone or with CFS.
Functional morphology and evolution of tail autotomy in salamanders.

Basal tail constriction occurs in about two-thirds of the species of plethodontid salamanders. The constriction, which marks the site of tail autotomy, is a result of a reduction in length and diameter of the first caudal segment. Gross and microscopic anatomical studies reveal that many structural specializations are associated with basal constriction, and these are considered in detail. Areas of weakness in the skin at the posterior end of the first caudal segment, at the attachment of the musculature to the intermyotomal septum at the anterior end of the same segment, and between the last caudosacral and first caudal vertebrae precisely define the route of tail breakage. During autotomy the entire tail is shed, and a cylinder of skin one segment long closes over the wound at the end of the body. It is suggested that specializations described in this paper have evolved independently in three different groups of salamanders. Experiments and field observations reveal that, contrary to expectations, frequency of tail breakage is less in species with apparent provisions for tail autotomy than in less specialized species. The tail is a very important, highly functional organ in salamanders and it is suggested that selection has been for behavioral and structural adaptations for control of tail loss, rather than for tail loss per se.
The Content of Help Screens: Users versus Developers

Following a training course where 15 entry operators received hands-on experience with a software application package and its help screens, questionnaires which included 34 help screen features to be rated as to their importance, was administered. Examining the ratings in terms of features which were included in the current help screens indicated that users were reasonably satisfied with the help screens except in two unimplemented areas: intelligent help and the ability to access all help screens from anywhere in the system. The same items were then rated by a sample of 15 software developers. Results showed that the two sets of ratings differed significantly. Examinations of individual items suggested that developers tended to place more emphasis on technical implementation of help systems, while users tended to be more concerned with items directly related to their jobs, such as the existence of step-by-step instructions and the ability to restore the entry screen.
Divergent regulation of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in tissues of the rat.

: Investigating the possibility that acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) are regulated in a coordinated manner, we have examined the natural variation in activity of these two enzymes in several tissues of adult male Sprague-Dawley, Fischer-344, and Wistar-Furth rats. Both enzymes varied greatly in mean activity among brain, diaphragm, atria, serum, superior cervical ganglia, and liver. In Sprague-Dawley rats there were also large individual variations with up to a fivefold range of AChE activities and up to a 100-fold range of BuChE activities in a given tissue. Individual variations in cholinesterase activities appeared to be smaller in the inbred Fischer-344 or Wistar-Furth rats. Experiments with internal standards of partially purified AChE and BuChE indicated that the individual variations probably reflected differences in the intrinsic content or specific activity of the tissue enzymes. Comparison of the AChE activities in different tissues of a given group of rats failed to reveal statistically significant correlations in any strain (i.e., the relative activity of any one tissue was no guide to the relative activity of any other tissue in the same rat). This result indicates that the regulation of AChE is tissue-specific. By contrast, BuChE activity showed highly significant correlations among the majority of the tissues examined in the Sprague-Dawley rats, implying that widely dispersed factors can affect the regulation of this enzyme. Body-wide regulation is not necessarily the rule, however, since only a single tissue pair in the inbred Fischer rats and none of the pairs in the Wistar-Furth rats showed significant correlations of BuChE activity. In general, AChE and BuChE activities were not correlated with each other to a statistically significant degree. We conclude that the control of these enzymes normally involves different mechanisms and is strongly affected by the genetic background of the sample population.
Dihydropyridine receptor of L-type Ca2+ channels: identification of binding domains for [3H](+)-PN200-110 and [3H]azidopine within the alpha 1 subunit

To identify the binding domain for dihydropyridine Ca2+ antagonists, skeletal muscle Ca2+ channels were photolabeled with [3H](+)-PN200-110 and [3H]azidopine. Regions of alpha 1 photolabeled by these ligands were then identified by antibody mapping of proteolytic fragments. Approximately 50% of the specific labeling by both ligands was incorporated in domain III. [3H]Azidopine labeled peptide Gln-989-Arg-1022, which contains a portion of the connecting loop between transmembrane segments IIIS5 and IIIS6 (IIIS5/S6), and peptide Ala-1023-Lys-1077, which contains IIIS6 itself and some adjacent amino acid residues. In contrast, [3H](+)-PN200-110 labeling occurred almost exclusively in the fragment containing IIIS6. A second site labeled by both ligands was identified in transmembrane segment S6 of domain IV and adjacent residues. In contrast to azidopine, the photoreactive benzofurazane group of (+)-PN200-110 is located in close proximity to the essential dihydropyridine ring. Therefore, the regions photolabeled by [3H](+)-PN200-110 within or adjacent to transmembrane segments IIIS6 and IVS6 must participate in the formation of the dihydropyridine binding site. As IIIS5/S6 is preferentially labeled by [3H]azidopine, it may contribute to drug binding by interaction with the long side chain of some dihydropyridines like azidopine. It is proposed, based on physiological studies, that these three peptide segments interact to form a receptor site accessible from the extracellular surface of the Ca2+ channel.
Digital tunable filter for optical communication

A new technology invented at JPL of active wavelength filtering on electro-optical switching of internal-reflection states have been proposed for use in DWDM, as add/drop multiplexers.
Third Annual World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome Mediators, antecedents, and measurement

This is the first of three articles reviewing presentations at the 3rd Annual World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome, San Francisco, California, 17–19 November 2005. Yehuda Handelsman (Tarzana, CA) introduced the 3rd Annual World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome and discussed the state of the insulin resistance syndrome, recalling its beginning in 1988 with Gerald Reaven’s proposal that “Syndrome X” comprises a group of risk factors linked by insulin resistance, with the World Health Organization definition of metabolic syndrome in 1999, the modified definition proposed by the European Group on Insulin Resistance in 2001/20022, and the widely used Adult Treatment Panel (ATP)-III metabolic syndrome definition given by National Cholesterol Education Panel in 2001. Handelsman pointed out that the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) helped to gain the ICD-9 code of 277.7 for the constellation of conditions also termed the “metabolic” or the “dysmetabolic” syndrome, and he noted that the AACE definition of the syndrome adds the concept of differently assessing persons who belong to high-risk groups. The insulin resistance syndrome represents a continuum of risk, he stated, showing the use of the AACE-defined insulin resistance syndrome in predicting diabetes independently of glucose levels. Handelsman further reviewed what he termed the “war of the syndromes,” which followed the International Diabetes Federation proposal for another definition in April 2005, placing central obesity as the defining characteristic of the syndrome and pointing out the need for ethnic group–specific criteria. The American Diabetes Association/European Association for the Study of Diabetes position statement in September 2005 said, in effect, that “there is no syndrome” and questioned whether the syndrome is actually useful in predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD). This was followed in the same month by the American Heart Association position statement insisting “yes, there is a syndrome,” including central obesity as one …
Purification and properties of hepatic glutamine synthetases from the ureotelic gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta

Abstract The cytoplasmic and mitochondrial forms of glutamine synthetase (GSase) were purified from the liver of the gulf toadfish Opsanus beta by modifications of methods previously applied to dogfish shark to examine their kinetic and structural properties. Both isozymes have subunit molecular weights of approximately 42 kDa (by SDS-PAGE) and native molecular weights of approximately 365 kDa (by gel filtration chromatography), suggesting an octomeric arrangement of the native enzymes. Identity of the purified proteins as GSase was further confirmed by western blot analysis using rabbit anti-chicken GSase antibodies. The requirement for MgCl2 and several kinetic properties (e.g.,Kms for glutamate, ATP and ammonia) of the two isozymes were very similar. Also notable was that both isozymes had Kms for ammonia in the micromolar range (like the dogfish enzyme). These results suggest that the enzymes are probably easily saturated with ammonia under physiological conditions. The two GSase isozymes differed substantially in terms of inhibition by methionine sulfoximine, pH optima, specific activity and ratios of transferase to biosynthetic activities. Given the similarities in size, these results suggest that the molecular model of a single gene coding for both isozymes as has been demonstrated in the dogfish shark may not apply to the toadfish GSases.
Thermodynamics-Based Optimization and Control of Vapor-Compression Cycle Operation: Control Synthesis

This paper considers the implementation of an exergy-based multiple degree of freedom (MDOF) optimization and control methodology for the operation of VCC systems. The optimization problem for the standard VCC is characterized in terms of 4 thermodynamic variables and 1 fluid-dynamic variable. The resulting control problem is then analyzed, and a design variable, Λ, is introduced which allows the user to choose how the optimization variables are projected onto a control space of lower dimension. The potential of this approach to improve operational efficiency, with respect to both first and second law efficiency metrics, is demonstrated on an experimental VCC system through implementation of the proposed optimization using a feedforward plus feedback control architecture.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Acute and chronic hormone and metabolite changes in lambs fed the beta-agonist, cimaterol.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if acute and chronic changes in circulating metabolic hormone and metabolite concentrations are associated with β-agonist-induced nutrient repartitioning in young growing lambs. Two groups of 12 Dorset and Dorset-Finn cross ram lambs weighing 36 or 33 kg live weight were assigned to 3- or 6-week treatment intervals, respectively, to achieve similar slaughter weights. Six lambs within each treatment interval were fed ad libitum a complete mixed high-concentrate diet containing either 0 or 10 ppm cimaterol. During the first 12 hr of cimaterol administration plasma somatotropin (ST), thyroxine (T 4 ), and triiodothyronine (T 3 ) concentrations were not altered by treatment, but plasma insulin, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and glycerol concentrations were elevated 2 hr after ingestion. These acute responses suggest direct stimulation of glycogenolysis and lipolysis by cimaterol, which is characteristic of β-adrenergic alteration of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Chronic administration of cimaterol significantly decreased insulin concentrations by 36% and 52% at 3 and 6 weeks, respectively, while glucose concentrations remained unchanged. Serum IGF-I concentrations were not significantly altered by cimaterol. T 4 levels were reduced 22.1% after 3 weeks of cimaterol treatment. Although plasma NEFA concentrations were chronically elevated 56% to 65% in lambs fed cimaterol, plasma glycerol concentrations remained at baseline levels. The relative changes in plasma NEFA and glycerol concentrations are consistent with a decreased rate of lipogenesis, rather than an increase in lipolysis.
The Historiography of the Medieval in South Asia

Colonial scholars and administrators in the latter half of the nineteenth century were the first to subject South Asia to modern historicist scrutiny. Using coins, inscriptions, and chronicles, they determined the dates and identities of numerous kings and dynasties within an apparently scrupulous empiricist framework. From the 1930s, with the widespread rise of nationalist sentiment, South Asian scholars began to write about their own past. The particular configurations of colonial and early nationalist historiography of South Asia have proved immensely consequential for subsequent generations of historians. Not only did this historiography value certain types of evidence, particularly Indic language epigraphy, Persian chronicles, and archaeology (while at the same time devaluing others like literature and religious texts), it set some of the enduring thematic and topical parameters which have shaped the course of the field. The initial focus was on the careers and personalities of rulers or the genius of races as the key causative forces in history, but eventually dynastic history became the dominant mode of writing about the past.
Impacts of seasonal stock mixing on the assessment of Atlantic cod in the Gulf of Maine

Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in the Northwest Atlantic off New England and southern Atlantic Canada exhibit a complex population structure. This region has three independently assessed stocks [Georges Bank, Gulf of Maine (GOM), and the 4X stock], all of which are known to mix with each other. Assessments of these stocks, however, assume no interpopulation mixing. Using simulations, we evaluated impacts of ignoring mixing resulting from seasonal migrations on the GOM assessment. The dynamics of the three stocks were simulated according to different scenarios of interstock mixing, and a statistical catch-at-age stock assessment model was fitted to the simulated GOM data with and without mixing. The results suggest that, while mixing causes measurable bias in the assessment, under the conditions tested, this model still performed well. Of the bias that does exist, spawning-stock biomass estimates are relatively sensitive to mixing compared with estimates of recruitment and exploitation rate. The relative timing of seasonal migration of the three stocks plays a critical role in determining the magnitude of bias. The scale and trends among years in the bias were driven by how representative the catch and survey data were for the GOM stock; this representation changed with the mixing rates.
Silicon Solar Cell Light-Trapping Using Defect Mode Photonic Crystals

Nanostructured active or absorbing layers of solar cells, including photonic crystals and wire arrays, have been increasingly explored as potential options to enhance performance of thin film solar cells because of their unique ability to control light. We show that 2D photonic crystals can improve light trapping by an enhanced density of optical states and improved incoupling, and demonstrate, using FDTD simulation, absorption enhancements in 200nm thick crystalline silicon solar cells of up to 205% from λ = 300nm to 1100nm compared to a planar cell with an optimized two-layer antireflection coating. We report here a method to further enhance absorption by introducing a lattice of coupled defect modes into the photonic crystal, which modify the available optical states in the absorber. Our results show that 2D photonic crystals are a viable and rich research option for light trapping in thin film photovoltaics.
Guest Editorial: Public health informatics

After reading this chapter you should know the answers to these questions: What are the three core functions of public health, and how do they help to shape the different foci of public health and medicine? What are the current and potential effects on public health informatics from a) the use of electronic health records and b) global disease outbreaks? What are the potential value and benefits for patients and clinicians to exchange data with public health agencies? What factors influence the use of immunization information systems (IIS) and how can this model apply to other areas of the health system?
The influence of an asymmetric air gap on the vibration characteristics of quartz trapped energy resonators

An analysis of the influence of an asymmetric air gap on transversely varying thickness modes in quartz trapped energy resonators is performed. The thickness-dependent coupled electrostatic-piezoelectric problem that transforms the inhomogeneities from the electrodes into the equation for transversely varying thickness modes is identified and solved. It turns out that the asymmetry of the gap has no influence on any of the coefficients in the thickness solution that influence either the resonant frequencies or motional and static capacitances and only the mean value of the gap does. The equation for transversely varying thickness modes modified to account for the gap is presented. The solution for the harmonics and anharmonics of a contoured resonator when a gap is present is given along with the expression for the associated resonant frequencies.
Library 2.011 World‐wide Virtual Conference, “The Future of Libraries in the Digital Age”, November 2‐4, 2011

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a conference report on the unique organizational features and the common themes found among the three keynote speeches of the Library 2.011 World Wide Virtual Conference held on the internet on November 2‐4, 2011.Design/methodology/approach – This report was generated based on the author’s personal participation and observation of a virtual conference and a descriptive method was used to report on and summarize the major subjects of three keynote presentations.Findings – The paper finds that Library 2.0 is still a live practice among libraries, and the concept itself has become an inspiring theoretical starting point for re‐examining information profession, information literacy, and information management behaviours.Originality/value – This article sorts out the theoretical directions of Library 2.0’s research, which will provide a reflective and guiding tool for evaluating current library practice and designing future innovative library services.
Structure and mechanical properties of (Mo, Re)Si2 alloys

Abstract Hot hardness tests have been performed on arc-melted (Mo, Re)Si2 alloys at temperatures from ambient to 1300°C. Re is found to be a potent solution hardening addition to MoSi2 over the entire temperature range, much more than would be expected from their atomic size mismatch or modulus mismatch. In addition ReSi2–x has about twice the hardness of pure MoSi2 at all temperatures. This may be related to the structure of ReSi2–x which nominally has the same tetragonal C11b structure as MoSi2 but is Si-deficient (x=0.25, i.e. the composition is Re4Si7). The Si deficiency is accompanied by some unusual incommensurate periodicities in the structure which themselves give rise to orthorhombic and monoclinic distortions. The resulting microstructure probably explains the high strength of Re4Si7 and the potent hardening effect of Re in MoSi2 may be due to the accompanying Si vacancies.
Effects of the removal of large herbivores on fleas of small mammals

The removal of large herbivorous mammals can cause dramatic increases in the densities of small mammals. These small mammals are hosts for a variety of ectoparasites, many of which are important pathogens of human diseases such as plague and murine typhus. It is thus valuable from a human health perspective to understand if large herbivore removals can indirectly affect ectoparasite numbers and thus potentially alter disease risk. To make this determination, we experimentally excluded large herbivores and measured the number of fleas present on the numerically dominant small mammal, the pouched mouse, Saccostomus mearnsi. Removing large herbivores nearly doubled S. mearnsi density, while the percentage of mice infested with fleas (prevalence) and the average number of fleas per sampled mouse (intensity) remained constant. The net effect of doubling the number of mice via the removal of large herbivores was a near doubling in the number of fleas present in the study habitat. Because these fleas also parasitize humans and can serve as disease vectors, this work empirically demonstrates a potential mechanism by which ecosystem alterations could affect human risk for zoonotic diseases.
The T Cell Response to IL-10 Alters Cellular Dynamics and Paradoxically Promotes Central Nervous System Autoimmunity

IL-10 is a critical anti-inflammatory cytokine, the deficiency of which leads to spontaneous autoimmunity. However, therapeutically administered or ectopically expressed IL-10 can either suppress or promote disease. Distinct lineage-specific activities may explain the contradictory effects of IL-10. To dissect the T cell-specific response to IL-10 during organ-specific autoimmunity, we generated mice with a selective deletion of IL-10Rα in T cells and analyzed its effects in an autoimmune model, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). Surprisingly, the T cell response to IL-10 increased EAE severity. This did not result from altered T cell functional potential; T cell cytokine profile was preserved. IL-10 also diminished the proliferation of T cells in situ within the target organ, an effect that would be expected to restrain disease. However, IL-10 acted cell autonomously to sustain the autoreactive T cells essential for immunopathogenesis, promoting their accumulation and distorting the regulatory and effector T cell balance. Indeed, in chimeric mice and after adoptive transfer, wild type T cells showed a competitive advantage over cells deficient in IL-10Rα. Therefore, T cell specific actions of IL-10 can support autoimmune inflammation, and this appears to result from an overall increase in the long term fitness of pathologic T cells. Lineage-restricted, disease-promoting activities of IL-10 should be considered in the therapeutic manipulation of the IL-10 pathway.
A comparison of selected evidence reviews and recommendations on interventions to prevent dental caries, oral and pharyngeal cancers, and sports-related craniofacial injuries.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): cariostatic agents, community dentistry, community health planning, community health services, decision making, dental caries, evidencebased medicine, facial injuries, fluoridation, intervention studies, meta-analysis, mouth protectors, oral health, pharyngeal neoplasms, pit and fissure sealants, practice guidelines, preventive dentistry, preventive health services, public health dentistry, public health practice, review literature, tooth injuries
Double renal transplants from marginal donors : 2-year results

Purpose: Marginal cadaveric renal transplant donors represent a potential source for expansion of the donor pool but these kidneys have generally demonstrated significantly poorer survival compared to those from conventional donors. A strategy to provide sufficient renal mass for adequate nephron dosing and subsequent improved survival is the use of both kidneys for a single recipient. We present our 2-year experience with double renal transplants from marginal donors.Materials and Methods: During an 8-year period 28 patients received double renal transplants (group 1) and 31 received a single transplant (group 2) from marginal donors. Donors were older than 55 years, or had diabetes mellitus, hypertension, greater than 15% glomerulosclerosis on biopsy, increasing creatinine or intrinsic renal parenchymal disease.Results: Both groups were of similar age and the number of rejection episodes per year was similar but followup time differed (22.4 ± 14.6 months for group 1 versus 43.7 ± 20.5 for group 2). Male...
Ethnic Ties in Trade Relationships and the Impact on Economic Performance: The Case of Small-Scale Producers in the Handloom Sector in Ethiopia

Abstract This article analyses the importance of ethnic ties in trade relationships of small-scale producers in the handloom sector in Ethiopia using both a non-parametric and a parametric statistical method. It is shown how various socio-economic characteristics of producers lead to ethnic ties with traders. It is also shown that ethnic ties affect the performance of producers negatively. Apparently the positive effect of ethnic ties, through the reduction of transaction costs arising from market imperfections, does not outweigh the negative effects of closed social networks.
Length bias correction for RNA-seq data in gene set analyses

Motivation: Next-generation sequencing technologies are being rapidly applied to quantifying transcripts (RNA-seq). However, due to the unique properties of the RNA-seq data, the differential expression of longer transcripts is more likely to be identified than that of shorter transcripts with the same effect size. This bias complicates the downstream gene set analysis (GSA) because the methods for GSA previously developed for microarray data are based on the assumption that genes with same effect size have equal probability (power) to be identified as significantly differentially expressed. Since transcript length is not related to gene expression, adjusting for such length dependency in GSA becomes necessary. Results: In this article, we proposed two approaches for transcript-length adjustment for analyses based on Poisson models: (i) At individual gene level, we adjusted each gene's test statistic using the square root of transcript length followed by testing for gene set using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. (ii) At gene set level, we adjusted the null distribution for the Fisher's exact test by weighting the identification probability of each gene using the square root of its transcript length. We evaluated these two approaches using simulations and a real dataset, and showed that these methods can effectively reduce the transcript-length biases. The top-ranked GO terms obtained from the proposed adjustments show more overlaps with the microarray results. Availability: R scripts are at http://www.soph.uab.edu/Statgenetics/People/XCui/r-codes/. Contact: [email protected] Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Variable taper CMOS buffer design

A variable taper (VT) approach is proposed for the design of CMOS buffers. The minimum propagation delay obtained by using a VT buffer is approximately 12% higher than the minimum propagation delays obtained by using a conventional fixed taper (FT) approach. A modification to the initial stages of a VT buffer reduces this difference to within 2% of a FT buffer. For buffer designs with similar propagation delays, a VT buffer design usually takes significantly less silicon area and dissipates less power. >
Reliability Modeling for the Advanced Electric Power Grid: A Proposal for Doctoral Research

The advanced electric power grid is a cyber-physical system comprised of physical components such as power generators and transmission lines, and cyber components that control the operation of the grid. The objective of the proposed doctoral research is to develop a reliability model for the grid that reflects interdependencies among cyber and physical failures, through capturing the semantics of the system operation. We investigate several failure modes for devices that carry out cyber control of the grid, and examine the effect of their failure in terms of physical power flow in the grid. We propose the use of fault injection into the software of the cyber layer to refine the model, as well as the development of statistical methods to determine confidence levels for our model.